True Gretch, Gretchen Whitmer
True Gretch, Gretchen Whitmer
2 Rating(s)
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True Gretch
What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between

Bestseller

Author: Gretchen Whitmer

Narrator: Gretchen Whitmer

Unabridged: 3 hr 21 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/09/2024

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

From trailblazing Michigan governor, Democratic leader, and national advocate for women’s rights, Gretchen Whitmer, comes an unconventional and deeply personal account of her life and career—“Not your nana’s ponderous political memoir” (New York magazine)—offering insights into her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, her fight against domestic terrorism threats, and her resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.

When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. “Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes,” she would say. Nino’s words persuaded Whitmer to look for the good in any person or situation—just one of many colorful personal experiences that have shaped her political vision. (And, as Whitmer writes, one that resonated more than another piece of advice her grandmother offered, to “never part your hair in the middle.”)

In this candid and inspiring book, Whitmer reveals the principles and instincts that have shaped her extraordinary career, from her early days as a lawyer and legislator and her 2018 election as governor of Michigan, to her bold and innovative actions as she led the state through a series of unprecedented crises. Her motto in politics, she writes, is to “get shit done.”

Whitmer shares the lessons in resilience that steered her through some of the most challenging events in Michigan’s history, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, a five-hundred-year flood, the rise of domestic terrorism, and the fierce fight to protect reproductive rights.

Along the way, she tells stories about the outsize characters in her family, her lifelong clumsy streak, the wild comments she’s heard on the campaign trail, her self-deprecating social media campaigns (including her star turn as a talking potato with lipstick), and the slyly funny tactics she deploys to neutralize her opponents.

Written with Whitmer’s trademark sense of humor and straight-shooting style, True Gretch is not only a compelling account of her remarkable journey, but also “welcome reassurance that someone might be courageous and capable enough to run toward the fire” (The Washington Post)—a blueprint for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community, their country, or the world. It is a testament to the power of humor, perseverance, and compassion in the face of darkness.

About Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan and a rising figure in US politics. Known for her bold and plainspoken style, Whitmer is a national voice on the rights of women, voters, and the LGBTQ+ community. She rose to national prominence for her leadership in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her efforts to save lives in the state earned her the nickname “That Woman from Michigan” from the president. Later that year, a domestic terrorist cell began planning to kidnap and kill her, a plot that was foiled by the FBI and state police. Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who first ran for office at age twenty-nine, has served in both state houses, and has never lost an election. She is the proud mother of two daughters, a huge Detroit Lions fan, and the subject of the song “Big Gretch” by rapper GMac Cash.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Lisa of Troy on July 29, 2024

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Gretchen Whitmer on several occasions while I was a student at Michigan State. Michigan State is located in East Lansing, and the capital of Michigan is Lansing. The two cities literally kiss each other—that’s how close they are. Gretchen Whitmer seemed to attend all e......more

Goodreads review by Datschneids on July 06, 2024

Quick read. Nothing wrong with it, but it's written for voters and not anyone looking for dry political insight. Still, Gretch 2028.......more

Goodreads review by Victoria on July 08, 2024

I LOVE BIG GRETCH I knew I would enjoy this, but it truly was so humanizing. I already held the utmost respect for this powerhouse of a woman and this brief but impactful and entertaining read solidified that. When I was younger, I followed the typical narrative of “I can’t wait to get out of this st......more

Goodreads review by Clif on July 28, 2024

Listening to this book is equivalent to spending an afternoon (3.5 hrs, 160 pages) with Michigan's governor while she tells stories from her life in politics. She starts off by embracing Trump's decisive intended slight when he referred to her as "that woman from Michigan." She goes on to say, "I re......more

Goodreads review by Brooke on July 28, 2024

So so good but very political. I know you’re probably sitting there thinking “Brooke no shit it’s going to be political”. But hey— I thought it was going to be more of her lore and personal lore. I am YEARNING for a deeper understanding of her life - not just political career. Overall great though d......more