The art of power My story as America's first woman Speaker of the House

Former House speaker Pelosi (Know Your Power) recalls in this uneven memoir how her values both guided her through momentous decisions and made her and her family a target. In a narrative largely focused on newsworthy episodes from her more than three decades in Congress--among them her opposition to the Iraq War, the hard-won passage of the Affordable Care Act, and the chaos of January 6--Pelosi shines when discussing "issues of conscience," such as her longtime outspoken criticism of China's human rights abuses. But this palpable passion fizzles during extended, eye-glazing recaps of wonky negotiations over legislation. Eschewing chronological order for a thematic greatest hits is partially to blame for the pacing problems. It also buries less consequential stories that humanize Pelosi, like how she sewed two panels of the AIDS quilt for friends (including one who "couldn't wait to go to heaven to see John F. Kennedy"). For those looking for juicy political red meat, there's enough here to satisfy (her disgust at Donald Trump leaps off the page--she was prepared to "punch him out" on January 6). But, despite some exceptions, including a harrowing account of the 2022 attack on her husband, Paul, this is short on insight into the private person behind the historic figure. Readers will be left wanting. (Aug.)

The former Speaker of the House offers a front-row perspective on landmark legislation, showcasing her pivotal role across decades in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi frames her bracing yet keenly instructive political memoir around key tenets of leadership, illustrating how she has effectively navigated global, domestic, and career challenges throughout her extensive tenure in the U.S. House. Setting the stage, Pelosi recounts the harrowing ordeal when an intruder, targeting her, brutally attacked her husband Paul in their San Francisco home. This incident starkly exemplifies the violent polarization that has intensified under Donald Trump's influence. And Pelosi has much to say about Trump, addressing not only his erratic and disreputable behavior during his presidency and the events surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, but perhaps most consequentially his role in undermining constructive bipartisan legislation within both congressional chambers. She writes, "While some of us may have frequently disagreed over the years, there's generally far more mutual respect in our chamber than the public is aware of. That is, there was until recently, when Trump eroded that spirit and diminished bipartisanship." Distinguishing her narrative from typical political memoirs, Pelosi illuminates the intricacies of lawmaking and the diplomatic leadership required for legislative success. She details her experiences under six presidential administrations, from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden, as one of the most powerful women holding government office, bravely confronting misogyny and Republican demonization throughout her career. She reflects on various seminal moments, from her opposition to the Iraq War--"the most destabilizing mistake in recent American history"--to her instrumental role in passing landmark reforms like the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, tenaciously asserting, "I have won nearly all of the legislative battles that I started--and those that I haven't I characterize simply as 'not yet achieved.'" A shrewd portrait of political leadership, offering invaluable insights into wielding power effectively in Congress. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.