The Art of Power, Nancy Pelosi
The Art of Power, Nancy Pelosi
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The Art of Power
My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

Bestseller

Author: Nancy Pelosi

Narrator: Nancy Pelosi

Unabridged: 10 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/06/2024


Synopsis

The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker—how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance

At age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress. Alexandra Pelosi answered: “Mother, get a life!” And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history—not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in our nation, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to the transformation of health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America and the world change for the better.

Among the best-prepared and hardest working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden.

Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehavior. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his tumultuous presidency. Pelosi gives us her personal account of January 6th, and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.

The woman who has been lauded by her opposition as the “most powerful Speaker” ever shows us why she is not afraid of a good fight. The Art of Power is about the fighting spirit that has always animated her, and the historic legacy that spirit has produced.

About Nancy Pelosi

Nancy Pelosi was elected the 52nd Speaker of the House in 2007—and served as the first woman Speaker for eight years, off and on until 2023. She came to Congress in 1987 for the children and to fight HIV/AIDS. Under Pelosi’s leadership, Congress enacted transformative legislation, most notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A defender of democracy, she directed House efforts to investigate the January 6th insurrection and has spoken out forcefully for human rights globally. Pelosi continues to represent San Francisco in the House, a privilege she has treasured for thirty-seven years. Pelosi and her husband, Paul, have five children and ten grandchildren. They live in San Francisco, which they consider heaven on earth.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Meike on September 30, 2024

We need more women in politics kicking ass, so I'm super interested in how Nancy Pelosi broke the glass ceiling and developed her own style of power politics- which, let's face it, is of course necessary to play the game successfully, and which is particularly difficult for women as in vast parts of......more

Goodreads review by LaShanda on August 10, 2024

Nancy Pelosi's memoir offers an engaging and richly detailed look behind the scenes of major political events, unveiling insights often missed in the news. As the first woman Speaker of the House, Pelosi's leadership and finesse cemented her as one of the most powerful women in American history. The......more

Goodreads review by Summer on September 11, 2024

No matter what side of the political spectrum they are on, women in government have always fascinated me. Nancy’s story of how she went from a 46-year-old mother of five to the most powerful legislative role in the United States, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Nancy details working with Preside......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on August 11, 2024

Nancy Pelosi is a model of leadership. She is not interested in getting her flowers—she is interested in getting 👏🏻 shit 👏🏻 done.......more

Goodreads review by Ian on November 21, 2024

CRITIQUE: "What I Saw and Heard" For almost half of this book, I thought Nancy Pelosi made a better speaker than a writer. My problem was that I didn't appreciate exactly what I was supposed to be reading. Only in the acknowledgments at the end of the book, does Pelosi declare: "...I want to conve......more


Quotes

"Listeners hear Nancy Pelosi describe herself as a dedicated patriot with an unwavering code of ethics demonstrated by years of focus on the American people, especially their children, and a fierce protection of the Constitution. As described in her own words, Pelosi’s tenacity spans decades of maneuvering through political ups and downs, especially as the first Lady Speaker of the House. Her political savvy shines through, and the listener cannot help but be inspired by her ability to strategize her way through complicated issues, bills, political quagmires, international and domestic intelligence, and dealing with those across the aisle and in the Executive Office. This is a remarkable historical account of an authentic politician who is dedicated to her country and its people."