First, I want to say that I'm a fan of Nancy Pelosi. But, I didn't know a lot about her early life, before the House, so thought this would be a good read. I did learn a lot about her early history, and that was very nice. But, it's clear that the author is Pelosi's #1 fan and white=washes her story quite a bit. For example, it was Harry Reid who developed the successful bailout bill after 2008 crash, yet this book says Pelosi saved George W. Bush with this bill. She didn't even want that bill, as she thought it was too generous to Wall Street. But she was forced to go along with it because her version had no chance of passing (or being signed by the President). So, I think this book gives her a bit too much credit. It's also a bit tedious--very lengthy and detailed. Be prepared for a long read. But, it's definitely important to tell her story--especially how she broke through that old boys' club environment to become Speaker. It also shows time and again how assertive women are not regarded in the same way as men who do the same thing.

I am a tough crowd for this book. I’m a constituent of Nancy Pelosi’s, and have worked with her as a political organizer and a volunteer. So I know firsthand how amazing she is. This book lived up to my high expectations. It chronicles her amazing life from childhood to the present, and explains how trailblazing she was to be elected when women had very few such opportunities, even in liberal San Francisco. I learned so much about her life and work through this book - from her childhood to her first appointment in SF, to the 70s, the Clinton and Obama years, and finally the Trump era. This book is favorable but very fair, and reminds us of all the significant events in America’s recent political history that were all orchestrated by Speaker Pelosi. It’s a very strong addition to your political bookshelf and is a great, compulsively readable account of her character, idealism and accomplishments. I plan to by a hard copy of this book for my shelf.

Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Co. and Molly Ball for the preview of this excellent book in exchange for my honest review.

"Pelosi" by Molly Ball details the story of Nancy Pelosi's life, from her childhood to her current role as speaker of the House. It is a really well-researched book that highlights the strengths of Pelosi's skills as a politician and a leader. There are many Pelosi quotes in the book that made me chuckle about the way she refuses to concede to anyone in her path at any point in her life. While this book does highlight what has made Pelosi such a successful politician, which I learned is a field she did not enter until later in life, Ball does not shy away from situations in Pelosi's political career that have earned her much criticism. That being said, Pelosi shows that it is impossible, and even unnecessary, to please everyone. What matters is that you stand firm in your beliefs and balance competing interests to get the job done. "Pelosi" is definitely on the lengthier side but an interesting read for those who want to learn more about Nancy Pelosi and the inner workings of American politics.

PELOSI is an exciting new biography by award-winning author Molly Ball, TIME magazine's national political correspondent, a political analyst for CNN and a regular commentator on political shows like PBS's Washington Week, CBS's Face the Nation, and ABC's This Week. I knew a bit about Pelosi's background (her father was heavily involved in Democratic Party politics), but I was fascinated to learn how her elected Congressional role is really a second career for her, after motherhood (5 children in 6 years) and many fundraising efforts connected to the Democratic Party. Ball also focuses on some surprising parallels with today's issues like Pelosi's early efforts (she was first elected in 1987) to raise awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS research and her attempts to stand up for human rights in China. I would like to know even more about Pelosi's moral convictions and true values so as to better wade through the "hype" that often surrounds her today. As the first (and only) female Speaker of the House of Representatives, she has certainly made history while also ensuring passage of varied landmark legislation like the Affordable Care Act, the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act, and very recently, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. In addition, she is the first to return to the Speaker's post since Sam Rayburn in 1955 and one of only a few Speakers to have led Impeachment proceedings (the point where Ball's work ends).

As Ball chronicles, Nancy Pelosi is an ambitious woman who has made a difference despite repeatedly battling misogyny and sexist stereotypes. Yes, there are negative reviews for this book; The Wall Street Journal complains that it lacks complexity and is overly fawning, but that iconic image on the cover of Pelosi in her red coat is inspiring not only for those sharing her gender. PELOSI by Molly Ball received starred reviews from Booklist ("recommended for teens … [an] accessible account") and Kirkus ("top-notch political biography").

When Nancy Pelosi was a young girl she was groomed to be a nun, not a politician, politics was meant for the boys in her family. She wanted to be a priest. Her family told her that only men could be priests, so she resolved on that day to go against what was expected of her, she decided to go into politics. No one knew back then that she would become the Speaker of the House (not once but twice) and third in line of presidential succession making her the most powerful woman in America, as of this date. Molly Ball’s political biography of Pelosi tells the story of how one figure attained political power and rose up the ranks to become the first woman Speaker of the House.

Ball’s biography of Pelosi begins in her childhood and ends with the beginning stages of the impeachment inquiry of President Trump. Ball tells a compelling story of how both of her parents were political animals in their own right who taught Pelosi important political lessons. Her father was mayor of Baltimore, MD and her mother was his chief strategist. Pelosi later learned how to managed a group of people with different agendas and personalities when she became a mother of 5 children, Ball effectively makes a comparison that the Members of Congress she would later lead sometimes acted like children.

If you are looking for a one sided, positive portrayal of Pelosi then this book is not it. Ball provides examples in Pelosi’s career that were positive and not so flatteringly. There were a few instances where she lashed out at fellow colleagues calling them “insignificant”. As a leader, Ball recounts time and time again when she was able to make deals and broker agreements between members of her own party and with Republicans.

Readers may find Pelosi’s relationship with presidents of her party interesting. She had differences of opinion with both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama on policy and tactics. But it will be her relationships with George W. Bush and Donald Trump that may become the most memorable, especially as it relates to the Iraq War and 2008 financial crisis with Bush and budget negotiations and impeachment with Trump.

Ball also does a great job explaining the delicate balance Pelosi had to play as a female politician when she first came to Congress. Pelosi made it a habit to not discuss about her kids with male colleagues and she made an effort to be placed on “hard” congressional committees such as those that dealt with foreign policy and money, all of this was done in an effort to not be perceived as soft. It was in this section of the book that I think Ball essentially gets into Pelosi’s head and makes her more relatable to the reader.

Pelosi is not without her faults. Ball explains how she was turned into a boogeyman by Republicans in campaigns especially in 2010. Midterm elections are essentially referendums on the president’s party, this was definitely true in 2010, but rhetorically the GOP made it a referendum on Pelosi when they ran more anti-Pelosi ads tying her to Democrats running for Congress and in non-congressional races. Ball also mentions that Pelosi was mentioned more times than Obama in the last week of that election.

Finally, the period between 2011–2018 when Democrats were in the minority, should have been a time where Pelosi’s star faded but Ball tells a story of the leverage she maintained especially during instances when Speaker Boehner had trouble leading his caucus or when Chuck Schumer and Pelosi were able to gain budget concessions from President Trump in his first two years in office.

When the Democrats regained control of the House in 2018, many prognosticators did not believe Pelosi could become Speaker again because she had become such a divisive figure, thanks to effective Republican ads, that swing district Democrats had campaigned that they would not support her Speakership bid. She again proved them wrong by picking off potential challengers one by one.

Ball’s book ends prematurely because Pelosi is currently in power and is still an important force alongside McConnell and Trump in deciding how to solve the current public health and economic crisis that we are now faced with. This is not the last book that will be written on Pelosi but it will be an important first draft of this leader, how she attained power, how she kept it, and how she used it. Pelosi may not be a universally likeable figure but once you read Ball’s book you will definitely come to respect and appreciate her more.

Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Molly Ball for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

‘Pelosi” (2020) written by Time Magazine Correspondent Molly Ball, tells the incredible story of Nancy (D’Alesandro) Pelosi, the Italian wife and mother from Baltimore, that joined politics to represent Democracy, her constituents, and to champion for the rights of social and economic justice for the American people. Nancy Pelosi, as Speaker of the House is the highest ranking female politician in the history of the United States, the second in line for the U.S. Presidency (May 2020).

The San Francisco Chronicle noted on June 6, 1975, Nancy Pelosi’s appointment to the San Francisco public library commission by S.F. Mayor Joseph Alioto. As the wife of Paul, (m. 1963) and mother of five, Pelosi loved books and the public library was a constant part of family life and civic engagement. Pelosi would always be recognized and praised for her organizational, management, strategist, and fundraising skills. Following the deathbed endorsement of Sala Burton, Pelosi won a seat in the House of Representatives of California in 1987.

In 1998, Pelosi would run against her popular colleague Steny Hoyer for a leadership position he assumed was rightful his. Hoyer was stunned as were other male colleagues who voiced their displeasure behind Pelosi’s back—did she need their permission or approval to run? It never occurred to Pelosi to ask: she would always hold her own in the male dominated political arena.
The 1998 vote to impeach President Bill Clinton for an affair with a white house intern followed the extended over-zealous watch dog report of Ken Starr that began after his appointment as independent council (1994). Newt Gingrich would cast his last vote before his indignant resignation.. The Republican congress blamed the loud outspoken (self-righteous) Gingrich for their “dismal” election results. The majority of American’s did not favor impeachment proceedings against the popular president. Pelosi was right on when she observed: “The president’s actions are cause for embarrassment, but not impeachment.”
Pelosi would block impeachment proceedings against President George W. Bush for instigating the War in Iraq with false claims of: “weapons of mass destruction (WMD)” additional war crimes would surface later in the Bush administration. When interviewed, Pelosi explained that impeachment proceedings against two American presidents in a row would be unacceptable. Pelosi would also resist the same proceedings against President Donald Trump, knowing the Republican controlled senate would always back Trump, no matter how outrageous and irrational his statements and actions appeared to the American public. Pelosi rarely hesitated to courageously rebuke or lead in acts of defiance and resistance against Trump, while others noticeably cowed and catered to his agenda fearing unfair retaliations, leading to loss of stature, position and/or livelihoods.
Pelosi would be a strong supporter of tolerance for LGBT rights and AIDS/HIV education and research, the preservation of voting rights for all American citizens regardless of race or ethnic origin. Pelosi championed Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (2010) which provided healthcare for millions of uninsured Americans, and prevented the insurance industry from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Pelosi also denounced Donald Trump’s ($1.5 Trillion USD) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 with generous permanent provisions for wealthy and corporate interests at the expense of average American working families. Pelosi blasted this act as the worst bill in American history!

It was interesting to note that Ball claimed to have no political affiliation, yet her admiration and respect for Pelosi was undeniable. “The Attack of the 50 ft. Pelosi” wasn’t actually funny either, and seemed more like a bizarre act of desperation from the Republicans that aired $70 million USD of attack ads in political campaigns (2010).
When Pelosi first entered the political arena, women couldn’t wear pants, nor were female restrooms provided. Then, Pelosi was the only woman in the room, highly successful in a man’s political world. Today, Pelosi works under the grave catastrophic conditions of Covid19, seeking support above all else for the American people, politically mentoring others, and always continuing in her customary ability to lead by example. **With thanks to Henry Holt and Company for the DDC for the purpose of review.

She is one tough cookie. She raised 5 children and taught them to fold their own clothes and form an assembly line to make school lunches. She volunteered in Democratic organizations but did not run for Congress until her youngest was a high school senior. Her other four were all in college. When she first ran for a house seat in 1987, she was one of only 23 women in the House. When she first ran for Speaker of the House in 2007, the world really wasn’t ready for a hard-charging woman who also was a fiercely devoted mother, but I think times have finally caught up with this 80-year-old who can outmaneuver Trump. Lots of necessary details fill the pages of this book showing it wasn’t just Tony Bennett who “did it my way.” I was only vaguely aware of all the background work that goes in in politics until I read this book. I wonder how she and LBJ would have locked horns. Many of their goals were the same, but if they’d been in Congress at the same time would they have been friends or only political allies.

This was a fascinating portrait of someone who didn't set out to become one of the most powerful political leaders in the nation, but did so anyway. For anyone who is interested in how a career
in politics is built in the midst of tremendous odds, this is a must read to understand how power is accrued and
wielded in Washington. It's also a revealing look at how this Speaker of the House has been able to survive amid opposition and low expectations. An excellent political biography.

When I first saw this biography while browsing through the depths of Net Galley, I was drawn in by it’s quite iconic cover of Madam Speaker Pelosi, in her rustic red coat and tortoiseshell glasses. I requested to read the book, and, while waiting on my approval, I reflected on how little I knew about Madam Speaker Pelosi.

This review isn’t aiming to be political, and I am going to try to write this review with minimal political bias. Regardless of what side of the line you are on, Nancy Pelosi is an iconic legislator who rightly deserves being recognized for her historical accomplishments, one of which is being the first female Speaker of the House in the history of the United States.

Pelosi by Molly Ball provides a fresh perspective of various presidential administrations, with her entrance into Congress being during the Reagan administration--but her love affair with politics began years before that. Growing up, Nancy D'Alesandro Pelosi was raised by a father who was a Congressman and a mother who was his political spine. While the book opens with context on Madam Speaker Pelosi with her upbringing and her own navigating of motherhood and how it equipped her with the skills to become an eventual master legislator in the House of Representatives, the main focus is on her legislative life, after her children were raised and husband established in his career.

Throughout this biography, the reader witnesses the ebbs and flows of Pelosi’s life in Congress--we see the rise of Pelosi as a political force to be reckoned with, to her fall from power after being branded as “shrill” and uncooperative by Republicans, to her rise again as one of the only people who dares to call Trump out, a democratic party unifier. The book closes with her decision and announcement to begin the impeachment process of Donald Trump, her future and status in the House being left to the unknown of the future.

More than a simple narration of her political life, readers get a fresh view into various Presidents administrations, through the lens of the legislative branch rather than just what the general population tends to see. This book makes clear, and is exemplified in the actions of Madam Speaker Pelosi that politics is about the art of the deal, the power of compromise, and the importance of networking and I-owe-yous in political life more than personal political ideologies.

Nancy Pelosi is more than a politician--she is a master strategizer, knowing just when to play her cards and who to pick up the phone to call. What I really appreciated about this book was that it was not just focused on all of the good Nancy Pelosi has done while in power--it also notes at her shortcomings and flaws as a political figure as well. This book, especially near the end, pegs the question if it is time for her to step aside as Speaker and allow fresh faces to take control. There is never any hiding of the importance of big money in politics and how Pelosi has not been immune to the money talks mindset either--she is no perfect politician, and the author does not hesitate to point this out.

I will say, for being less than 400 pages this book is dense with content. I found myself blazing through administrations, with each chapter structured as a different major accomplishment/legislative obstacle that Nancy Pelosi has fought for (or against). This book, while a good read when reading cover to cover, will also act as an excellent reference book to have in your personal library collection as well. I would have loved to be able to slow down and read this book as a physical version, really taking the time that this book needs to absorb all of its content and take some notes in the margins.

I’m going to end this review saying that I really loved the fresh perspective that this book provided both on Nancy Pelosi and the legislative branch of the United States government. As a former political science student and someone who would go so far as to call herself an activist, I found a realistic analysis of Nancy Pelosi that I loved way more than I would have if this book mindlessly and ignorantly praised just her accomplishments without acknowledging personal shortcomings. As someone who personally always strives for progress and action, this book does a wonderful job at highlighting the importance of the skill of compromise. Four stars because I didn’t always find myself jumping for joy to pick this book up--at times it felt like a summation rather than a narration.

I didn't pay a wit of attention to politics until 2016. My life was busy - kids, work, making a living - and I felt like my voice was too small to be heard. I knew the basics, voted, then politely tuned out. Then came 2016. Molly Ball writes about the day after the 2016 election in Pelosi, "...women woke up furious." "...they were mortified, devastated - but mostly they were mad. And they wanted to do something about it." That was me. I started to pay attention.

Molly Ball, a Time Magazine national political correspondent, has done excellent research and countless interviews to create Pelosi, the book I needed to educate me on everything I didn't know. Nancy Pelosi's career reads like the history of women in politics. From raising her children, to local fundraising, to the Chair of the California Democratic Party, to the US House of Representatives, to the 52nd Speaker of the US House of Representatives in 2019, Nancy Pelosi has proven that women can have an important place at the table and be more prepared to create change than any man there. She has faced challenges of every kind yet concerned herself with following her conscience, her faith and the Constitution.

Reading about her fighting to have the AIDS quilt project displayed on the National Mall, unfurling the hidden sign to honor the courage and sacrifice of students and others in Tiananmen Square, or fighting for the Affordable Care Act this book brought a new understanding to me about Nancy Pelosi. She stood up for what was right. As Ball writes, "She would fight forevery scrap, she would always stick up for her people and she was impervious to personal threats." She began her political life when it was a man's world and has stayed in the fight long after people throught she would retire - or give up. She continues to be the driving force for the people she represents and truly has become what women in the 70's only dreamed could ever be.

Thank you, Netgalley and Henry Holt and Company for a copy of this book for review.

Conflicted on this one. On one hand, it's a well-written account of an interesting and impactful life. On the other, it feels like coverage this sweeping (indeed titled and presented as though it should be considered the foremost account of Nancy Pelosi's life) should have been saved until Pelosi had at least retired from politics.

So, I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend that anyone who's interested do so, but I don't necessarily love that it was published right now.

Thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt Publishing for sharing this upcoming political biography. What a great book. And that is coming from someone who does not care much for politics, so it says a lot. I found the author to be very objective which added so much to the credibility of the reporting (no fake news here). I came away with not only a great appreciation for the service Speaker Pelosi has provided our country and an admiration for her political skills, but also a greater understanding of how our process works (and doesn’t). Overall a great book, and you definitely don’t have to be a political junkie to enjoy it.

I found this book to be both informative and interesting, a rarely-seen look at the methodology, life, and career of Nancy Pelosi. Going from her childhood to now, this biography was a testament to how competent and smart Pelosi is. I would recommend this read for anyone interested in learning more about Democratic politics through the years, as this was an insight to both a female politician and the institution of the House of Representatives.

Today I finished Molly Ball's fantastic biography of Nancy Pelosi then watched the Speaker of the House being interviewed about the Senate hashing out the COVID-19 stimulus package. I kinda had chills watching.

Pelosi covers the life and career of the Speaker, set against the tumultuous series of challenges and division America has endured. I always appreciate a book that offers perspective and insight into events I have lived through, which Ball accomplishes.

I love a good biography, especially of remarkable women.

But perhaps what I appreciated most from Ball's book is an understanding of how power works in Washington.

Sometimes--rarely, anymore--there is compromise. Other times a party digs in its heels and won't budge. How does anything get done, especially in the hostile political climate of the last several decades?

Pelosi is a study in the use of power. How one gains it and loses or keeps it. Pelosi has endured while others have failed, given up, faded away. Pelosi is pragmatic, determined, organized, and workaholic, with a hefty dose of Mom-sense and faith.

Pelosi was a volunteer for Democrats in San Francisco and a mother and wife. How she became a force who could stand up to Washington's most powerful men is a riveting story. Pelosi learned from her failures, only becoming stronger.

Ball's respect for Pelosi is evident, but she has no political slant. She isn't afraid to show the weaknesses of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Trump, well, he gets the treatment he deserves.

"If this book has a thesis, it is that you needn't agree with Nancy Pelosi's politics to respect her accomplishments and appreciate her historic career," Ball writes in the "Afterward". "I didn't expect to find her particularly compelling," she admits. In a compelling narrative, Ball's book achieves making Pelosi an iconic heroine.

I was given access to a free ebook by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

I've always enjoyed Molly Ball's reporting and she did a terrific job with this biography of Nancy Pelosi. Meticulous research melds with entertaining vignettes ("when people heard the click-click of her four inch heels in the walls of Congress, it reminded them of the theme music from Jaws." She did an amazing job of bringing this fascinating, complex woman to the page. Highly recommend.

I literally did a happy dance when I got the NetGalley approval to download this book. AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Nancy Pelosi has been a longtime hero of mine, and this exhaustively researched, impeccably written biography of Madam Speaker is worthy of her. I learned so much about Speaker Pelosi in this book - how her relationship with each of her parents helped define her own political skills, her incredible productivity as a legislator and Congressional leader, and more about her incredibly close family life. I took a number of parenting tips from her in this book as well - getting Rho to set the table for breakfast the night before, for him to help me fold his laundry, and to perfect the motherly glare that stops rebellious behavior in its tracks (I hope). I stayed up far too late for 3 nights to read this book, and I have no regrets. It’s superb.

Pelosi by Molly Ball is an excellent, well-researched, and fascinating biography into the life of Nancy Pelosi.

I have always been a fan of Ms. Pelosi, however I have learned so much more about her and her endless fight to overcome all of the obstacles she has hurdled to end up where she is today. Her passion, drive, intelligence, loyalty, and concern for what she feels is “just the right thing to do” makes me admire her even more.

Ms. Ball has written the best biography I have seen thus far on Ms. Pelosi, and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

An insightful novel that gives a look into an important political figure. Beautifully written. This is an absorbing and poignant novel. A great look into a powerful woman's life.

Nancy Pelosi is in the headlines almost daily .She is fascinating woman and leader.I was so happy to learn more about her background ,family all the things that helped shape &forms her persona.So well written so interesting .about this strong smart woman,#netgalley#henryholt

This is solid biography of one of the 21st Century's most important political players. Very in depth and interesting about her early years, her process of thought and effectiveness as a leader.