Living a Political Life [Paperback]

Madeleine May Kunin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 14, 1995

The first time Madeleine M. Kunin ran for office it was because she thought there ought to be more women in politics. In time she fulfilled that belief by becoming the first woman governor of Vermont. Throughout her career, Kunin found that the rules for women politicians were different: she would not be forgiven (nor would she forgive herself) for neglecting her family. She could not afford to display emotion at the wrong times lest she be thought "weak." And she would have to learn to play political hardball with the best of them while keeping her integrity.

In Living a Political Life, Kunin-who is now Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education-takes a frank look at the challenges that confronted her as she tried not just to succeed in politics but to set a precedent for other women. In doing so, she illuminates both what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a public servant and gives us a memoir as thoughtful and revealing as any to emerge from the corridors of power.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The first female governor of Vermont and current deputy secretary of the department of education, Kunin writes a thoughtful memoir of her political career and the role of women in public office.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

As the first female governor of Vermont, Kunin tells a story that illustrates the unique experiences of women in politics over the last 20 years. This memoir of her life in the Vermont state legislature and eventually the governor's office, where she served three terms, is full of insights into both her own personal journey and that of women politicians in general. Kunin's book is much more revealing and much more down to earth than another recent political autobiography, Barbara Boxer's Strangers in the Senate ( LJ 12/93). Proud of her successes, Kunin is also honest in describing her difficulties in dealing with the male power structure. A good choice for women's studies and political science collections and libraries with a regional interest. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/93.
- Pamela R. Daubenspeck, Warren-Trumbull Cty. P.L., Warren, Ohio
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (March 14, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679740082
• ISBN-13: 978-0679740087
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,773,593 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Madeleine M. Kunin was the first woman governor of Vermont, and served as the Deputy Secretary of Education and Ambassador to Switzerland under President Bill Clinton. She is the author of Living a Political Life and is currently a Marsh Scholar Professor-at-Large at the University of Vermont and lectures on history and women's studies. She also serves as president of the board of the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), a nongovernmental organization that she founded in 1991. She lives in Burlington, Vermont.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great political book, April 5, 2001

By 

John B. Maggiore (Buffalo, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Living a Political Life (Paperback)

Kunin was a state legislator for many years, lt. governor and governor of Vermont. I enjoyed her book very much. It is perhaps the best memoir of a career in state government I have read.

Kunin's book is mostly about her ascent to the top of Vermont politics, not what she did once she got there. More of the book is devoted to her career as a legislator and ver various campaigns than her tenure as Governor. She tells her story very much as that of a woman in politics, not just a political player. All this, I think, gives the book a more universal appeal than a Vermont-centered book would.

Kunin is an excellent storyteller, but what makes the book truly special is its degree of frankness. Contemporary politicians generally don't write good books. Too often their books are pieces of revisionist history, extended press releases, or platforms. Kunin's book is nothing like that. She names names, she explores her doubts, she even commits the ultimate political taboo of expressing frustration with constituents. Beyond all that this is a flat out interesting, well-written book.

Kunin is an interesting character. She does a good job of conveying her sense of wonder at the improbability of it all. Kunin was not only the first woman governor of Vermont, she is also a Jewish immigrant who fled Nazi occupied Europe as a child and whose father committed suicide. Interestingly, she doesn't much discuss her parents and their generation, and her story of fleeing Europe until near the end of the book, when she mounts the podium for the first time as Governor. This is an excellent device. Kunin plunges right into her political journey rather than the traditional, "When I was a child" By the time she tells us about her parents, we have reason to be interested in them. And their story is so unusual that it could make for an interesting book in itself. All that adds up to convey the point that her arrival was not at all anticipated by her past. This is a great way to end a book about politics.

State politicians seldom produce books. This is a welcome exception. The book seems to have staying power and should be read by anyone interested either in state politics, or women in politics. I enjoyed it immensely.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, March 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Living A Political Life (Hardcover)

This book really makes a lot of sense. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about Governor Kunin. Being from Vermont, I can relate to everything that she has done for this state, and she in turn became (in my opinion) one of our greatest governors. I highly recomend this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, March 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Living a Political Life (Paperback)

I had to read this book for a college course in "Woman in Politics." I am so glad I did. I still list it as one of my all time favorite books and Ms. Kunin as a role model.

I found Ms. Kunin's road to a political life a very interesting and inspiring one. Though it's been 3 years since I've read "Living a Political Life," I am reminded of Ms. Kunin's journey to be true to herself as I travel my own journey as a wife, mother of three boys, secretary for our own business, a full-time outside career in politics and local voluteerism. I believe she tried to portray a women who could do it all and have it all if you believe in something and have a passion for it.

Any women, young or old, working, stay-at-home mom, student, etc. would benefit from reading this book. This book also makes a great gift.