Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate

Their stories range from surprising to shocking to illuminating. Included are Dianne Feinstein's account of the assassination of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and her unexpected rise to power, and the string of deaths that shaped Olympia Snowe into the independent person she is. The senators also share how they have balanced family with work, and in the process brought issues to the Senate floor not previously considered, such as child care, domestic violence, and homemaker retirement accounts (as well as the refreshing sight of small children). What is most impressive is their collaborative spirit, drawn from the traditional female training ground of local grass-roots endeavors and an emphasis on relationship and negotiation. When 64-year-old Barbara Boxer was born, becoming a senator was practically an unthinkable idea. Now, as the senior female senator, she welcomes each new woman who joins the ranks, whether Democrat or Republican, and teaches her the ropes. As partisan squabbles in Congress stymie any real progress, this book makes a strong case for the need for more women in positions of power and demonstrates that getting there is no longer a fantasy. --Lesley Reed

Product Description

The Women of the United States Senate have forever changed the political landscape.  Their backgrounds, personal styles, and political ideals may be as diverse as the nation they serve.  Yet they share a commonality that runs deeper than politics or geography -- they desire to give a voice to all their constituents while serving as role models for women young and old.

Once every month, these distinguished women for an informal dinner to share their knowledge, their hearts, and a good meal.  Leaving behind partisanship and rhetoric, they discuss and debate the issues, both political and personal, affecting their lives. And following the 2000 election of four women to the Senate, the table is now set for thirteen.  Weaving together their individual stories of triumph, adversity, adaptability, and leadership, Nine and Counting gives voice to these charismatic women as never before, offering a rare, insider's glimpse into Washington and sending the powerful message that membership in the "world's most exclusive club" is open to every woman in America.

Buy this book -- and one for your daughter, mother or granddaughter! You won't regret it!


Nine and Counting   September 22, 2001
An 11-year old reader (Kent, WA United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This book is extremely inspirational! It has excellent experiences and stories in it. This has become my favorite book. It was very well thought-out and written. In fact, I'm rereading it over and over. You just never get bored with a book like that!It is the most encouraging book for girls who don't think they amount to much. It shows you that anyone can become somebody. I highly recommend Nine and Counting to everyone, but especially to girls.


An Inspiration to all Women!   August 4, 2002
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book is proof that women can accomplish anything regardless of the odds against them. Infiltrating the biggest boys' club in this country, the women in this book have struggled against seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn the right to call themselves United States Senators. Read this book if you aspire to political office, if you are interested in politics or if you believe that the American dream really does apply to all Americans, not just all male Americans!