Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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127 of 173 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sarah Palin: An American Woman, September 10, 2008
As a foreigner to this country, I have been able to observe the American political process dispassionately, and yet with a very interested eye.
We can all safely say, now, that the Presidential Election campaign of 2008 has been the most singular, topsy-turvy presidential run in American history. Only 1912 comes close, for remarkably similar reasons -- a clash of ideologies and personalities which finally coincided one very special year.
What makes this election so very different, is that we have had not one, but now two women running for the highest positions in the land: something few people in the world would've imagined a scant 4 years ago. Combined with the intricate life story of Senator Barack Obama, the first black American to be nominated by a major political Party, and a war hero of the stature of Senator John McCain, it all makes for a potent message of change and diversity, no matter which side you favour.
I have bought this book twice. Once at Barnes & Noble, after learning that Amazon had sold out all its paperback copies. And now in Kindle format.
(If you have bought the Kindle format, you'll be happy to know that even the photographs are included, in the "Photo Insert" section in the Table of Contents. Of course, they are in the usual e-Ink, black and white version)
Since author Kaylene Johnson has been much in the news, notably interviewed by Greta van Susteren for a Fox News special on Palin, and of course, so has Governor Sarah Palin herself, one would think that this thin (145 pp) book might not be of use in learning about the Alaskan maverick.
Perhaps it might be thin, but it has some poignant revelations not just about her upbringing, but about her character.
Some points I can bring out, to whet your whistle:
- She is a voracious newspaper reader, and in fact, this contributed to her very early myopia and glasses-wearing. Her younger sister remembers Sarah Heath, as she was then, devouring books as well. She was a straight-A student, both in high school and in University.
- Her father, Chuck, was a legendary figure in her school, and taught all 4 of his children to enjoy the outdoors, to hunt, fish, and run even in negative 40 degree Fahrenheit weather. Her mother, also Sarah (known as Sally), was a happy, approachable woman, in many ways who her namesake resembles.
- She attended 4 not 6 Universities, as several rumour sites had it. University of Hawaii in Hilo (she and her 3 gal pals left due to incessant rain); Hawaii Pacific University (where she and 1 of the girls who remained, shared a flat, sometimes visiting the set of Magnum PI); North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene (where she did something naughty, requiring a visit to her Dean's Office); and finally, the University of Idaho, where she was graduated with a major in journalism, and a minor in political science.
- Her husband, a standout basketball player, is from native Alaskan stock and extremely hearty. Once when salmon fishing in bad weather, her fingers were crushed, but after Todd Palin deposited her in the mainland to be stitched up, she returned later and continued fishing.
- She has made a fair amount of enemies within her OWN Party, running as a reformer since the very beginning in the political cycle of PTA committee member, in the city council, as mayor and as Governor. One gets the sense that Alaskan politics, at once so exotic to so many of us, is full of the same entrenched power politics and corruption that plagues so many places.
There are many reasons to buy this book. It is neither a hagiography, nor does it portray a negative picture of Governor Palin either.
Unfortunately, the rumours which have surrounded this woman (in one site I saw over 71 of them, and even Snopes and Politifacts.com haven't been able to target all of them) since her candidacy was announced, make for a very confused portrait.
If you come to this book wanting dirt on her, I'd say it's a waste of your time. But if you come with genuine interest, and an open mind, I definitely recommend it to all.
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235 of 324 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sarah Palin is a phenom. Alas, the book...., April 13, 2008
Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, is what Donald Trump would call "A Phenom." Frequently mentioned as a potential Vice President for the Republican ticket, she has energy, youth, and principle on her side. Her grass-roots effort to upset the entrenched and corrupt Alaskan political establishment is nothing short of amazing. She is a no-apologies conservative Republican intent on bringing accountability to government. Efforts to label her as a lightweight have backfired as she has out-maneuvered, out-talked, out-flanked, and soundly beaten her political opponents at every turn, much to their dismay that she doesn't play by their self-serving rules. Immensely popular, she is, in short, a breath of fresh Alaskan air blowing from the North.
This biography details Sarah's early life and upbringing and family and covers her early political career up to the time she is elected to the office of Governor. It's an interesting read, almost breathlessly optimistic. For those who savor details of Sarah Palin's life, this is a first step. However, it is painful to say, but though Sarah Palin has proven beyond doubt that she is no lightweight, this book, at less than 150 pages of actual text, is. It lacks any critical depth and leaves wide gaps in background information on the campaigns and issues involved. We learn about government-Big Oil collusion and corruption, but in only a few sentences. The chapter on former governor Frank Murkowski's downfall is a shy two pages long. In many ways the book serves as a pretty good hors d'oeuvre, but we are left starving for the main course, for analysis, critique, and depth of field. One gets the impression it may have been rushed to print in time for the election.
Frankly, I would be happy to support Sarah Palin for Vice President on a McCain/Palin ticket. I think she's up for the job, though Alaskans would be loathe to lose her. But she deserves a more in-depth biography than this happy-talk effort. I still recommend this book. It's all we have, and the color pictures are really good!
Update: August 29th. Well ain't that sweet. I wrote this review in April and here we are: Sarah Palin for Vice President. It's a great day!
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95 of 130 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Character Sketch, September 7, 2008
This is a review of the book, not of Sarah Palin as a candidate. I felt I needed to get my hands on this in order to learn more about the person who has been thrust into the national spotlight and may soon hold an extremely high position in the U.S. Government. Her selection came as a surprise and I had to try and understand why John McCain chose her, other than because she brings excitement and intrigue to the ticket.
This brief book, a character sketch with many photos, is written in a straightforward style. It holds Sarah Palin in a very positive light. (Initially published before her selection as the GOP running mate, this version has been renamed and scooped up by people like me as an attempt to get to know her.) She is portrayed as an ordinary mom (a hockey mom) who, according to her father, has had an impenetrable stubborn streak since childhood.
The family came to Alaska from Idaho in 1969. She is the daughter of a teacher (and part time hunting/fishing guide) and a school secretary. They lived modestly. Her highlight reel in public life includes a captain's position on the high school JV basketball team, the beauty queen title "Miss Wasilla," and stint on the city council. This was her introduction to the good old boys network, which she has spent the rest of her career pushing aside. She was elected president of the Alaska Council of Mayors, chaired the gas and oil conservation commission and gained a reputation as a reformer. Next step: the Governor's office, which she's held for two years.
Does this brief introduction to this head-turning politician enable the reader to decide whether or not she's qualified to be a heartbeat away from the highest elected office in the land? No. Is it an interesting read? Yes. All party politics aside, she's a fascinating woman. And right now, this slim book provided more information than I could get anywhere else.
Michele Cozzens is the author of It's Not Your Mother's Bridge Club.
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