Going Rogue: An American Life |  | Author: Sarah Palin
Brand: Harper Collins Publishers
Category: Book
List Price: $28.99
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Seller: springtrailbooks
Rating:  1288 reviews
Sales Rank: 1038
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1st
Pages: 432
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 8.7 x 6.2 x 1.5
MPN: 9780061939891
ISBN: 0061939897
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.931092
EAN: 9780061939891
ASIN: 0061939897
Publication Date: November 17, 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
On September 3, 2008 Alaska Governor Sarah Palin gave a speech at the Republican National Convention that electrified the nation and instantly made her one of the most recognizable women in the world. As chief executive of America′s largest state, she had built a record as a reformer who cast aside politics-as-usual and pushed through changes other politicians only talked about: Energy independence. Ethics reform. And the biggest private sector infrastructure project in U.S. history. While revitalizing public school funding and ensuring the state met its responsibilities to seniors and Alaska Native populations, Palin also beat the political "good ol′ boys club" at their own game and brought Big Oil to heel. Like her GOP running mate, John McCain, Palin wasn′t a packaged and over-produced "candidate." She was a Main Street American woman: a working mom, wife of a blue collar union man, and mother of five children, the eldest of whom was serving his country in a yearlong deployment in Iraq and the youngest, an infant with special needs. Palin′s hometown story touched a populist nerve, rallying hundreds of thousands of ordinary Americans to the GOP ticket. But as the campaign unfolded, Palin became a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Supporters called her "refreshing," "honest," a kitchen-table public servant they felt would fight for their interests. Opponents derided her as a wide-eyed Pollyanna unprepared for national leadership. But none of them knew the real Sarah Palin. In this eagerly anticipated memoir, Palin paints an intimate portrait of growing up in the wilds of Alaska; meeting her lifelong love; her decision to enter politics; the importance of faith and family; and the unique joys and trials of life as a high-profile working mother. She also opens up for the first time about the 2008 presidential race, providing a rare, mom′s-eye view of high-stakes national politics - from patriots dedicated to "Country First" to slick politicos bent on winning at any cost. Going Rogue traces one ordinary citizen′s extraordinary journey, and imparts Palin′s vision of a way forward for America and her unfailing hope in the greatest nation on earth.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 1288
 A British perspective on a controversial American December 26, 2009
Peter Durward Harris (Leicester England)
284 out of 408 found this review helpful
Prior to reading this book, I knew little about either Sarah Palin or Alaska and I was interested to learn more about both, especially the book's author. Although famous in America, Sarah Palin could go just about anywhere in Britain completely anonymously as long as she didn't meet any Americans along the way. Frankly, Brits normally only take any notice of American politicians if they become president. There are exceptions such as Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, but they are rare. Contrast the number of reviews of this book posted in Amazon USA with the number posted in Amazon UK for confirmation of the lack of British interest.
I realized early on in this book that I was going to enjoy reading it because Mrs Palin's story is both interesting and well-written. She makes summer in Alaska sound wonderful, although acknowledging that the winters are long and harsh. She discusses many aspects of her life and it is clear that she has strong views on a number of issues.
Although not directly relevant to her political career, perhaps the most intriguing question about her beliefs concerns her stance on the origin of species. At first glance, Mrs Palin appears to be a full-blooded creationist, but she denies this. Apparently, she accepts what she calls microevolution, in which species change and evolve over time, but not that people are related to apes or monkeys. Her stance is interesting, but I prefer to accept Darwin's theory, despite the proof of it still being incomplete.
Not having studied the American political scene closely, I'll leave others to judge the accuracy of the main story, but the politics as described here is explosive stuff. Corruption in Alaska, tales of in-fighting within the Republican party and dirty tricks played by some Democrats - all rather sad, but I'll say straight away that similar things happen elsewhere in the world including Britain. Hey, the summer of 2009 was dominated by the expenses scandal at Westminster, while all British political parties of any significance have had their internal fights at one time or another, in between playing dirty tricks on each other. So in one form or another, most of the political stuff here doesn't surprise me, but some of it is shocking nevertheless.
An unconventional politician in many ways, Mrs Palin nevertheless appears to have brought about significant changes in a number of areas in her home state of Alaska, which may seem to many people (especially in my country) like a frozen wasteland, but which is rich in natural resources and occupies a vast land area, approximately equivalent to France, Spain, Italy and the UK combined. So being governor of Alaska is not equivalent to running a small local council in Britain even though it is sparsely populated (fewer people live there than in the county of Leicestershire in which I live). I suspect that the position of state governor may be equivalent to being leader of the Welsh assembly. The biggest Alaskan story by far in my adult lifetime was the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which Mrs Palin covers briefly; she later had plenty of political fights with the oil companies (including BP as well as ExxonMobil and others) in her time as state governor.
Mrs Palin has drawn plenty of criticism from a variety of sources and uses the opportunity that this book affords to hit back at those critics, often explaining how things have been distorted by the media. Having had my own relatively minor experience of being in British national newspapers, I have sympathy with victims of media distortion, so I don't blame Mrs Palin for hitting back via this book, but I can see that others will react badly. At least my story was a one-day wonder with no lasting consequences, but things are different for those who go into politics, sport or showbiz.
Mrs Palin clearly isn't impressed by the way the Republican presidential campaign was handled, and clearly feels that she wasn't able to contribute effectively to the campaign, but the aftermath was even worse. While some Republicans were happy to cast her as the scapegoat, some Democrats launched a sustained campaign against her that exploited freedom of information laws. Ultimately, this created problems for the legislative process as well as personal difficulties for the Palin family, all described in detail, causing Mrs Palin to decide that she had to quit as governor with a year still to run, even though she was never found guilty of anything. As she acknowledges, that decision to quit may kill her political career, but Mrs Palin says that she did what she felt was right for Alaska. Inevitably in such situations, people will believe whatever they choose to.
I expect Mrs Palin will return to public life in some capacity eventually. That might be as a presidential candidate, but it might alternatively be as champion of a cause dear to her heart. Her vice-presidential campaign generated enormous hope among disabled people, while her love of Alaska makes her passionate about environmental issues. So there's two obvious issues, but I'm sure there are others.
Would I vote for Mrs Palin, given the chance? I don't know because I'd need to know more about issues not discussed in this book, but I'd like the option.
I can see why this book - and the author - are so controversial. Fans of Mrs Palin will love this book, while critics will be furious. Both are likely to have their opinions reinforced by reading this book. Coming from a position of ignorance, I'll just say that I found this book to be compulsive reading.
Skeptical at first, but genuinely impressed December 12, 2009
Iowegain (Iowa)
87 out of 130 found this review helpful
Fan or not of Sarah Palin, this is a good book. I was honestly a little skeptical about her, and about this book, but I picked it up and then could not put it down. It kept my attention, I learned many new things about her personally, her experience, the 2008 election, and her views. It's nice to hear it directly from her mouth so you know exactly where she stands.
Know what you're getting when you buy this book. It's part personal story, part politics, and I'm sure part Sarah wanting the truth to get out on all the things you've heard about her and her family.
The book was much better than I expected and I truly enjoyed it.
Well writen and gives you an insight of Gov. Palin's life December 28, 2009
Chuck (Washington, D.C.)
44 out of 66 found this review helpful
I am a big fan of politicians who are, well, for the lack of a better phrase, not born with a silver spoon in her/his mouth. When you have to work to pay for little things others take for granted, e.g. your own education, you have a true sense of what it takes to reach your goals in life. For this reason, I admire people like Pres. Clinton and Gov. Palin greatly. Clinton's "My Life" is one of my all-time favorite autobiographies.
As I read through this book, it became clear to me, much like Pres. Clinton, Mrs. Palin is far from a perfect human being and she has not been without fault. To her credit, she did not try to hide everything in the book. She admitted to many of the mistakes she made during the campaign and her life in general, and she tried to give a hindsight review of what went wrong and how she should/would have done differently, although I wish she had played less of the blame game in the book overall. As a political moderate, I can't say I always agree with Gov. Palin's opinions and stances on different issues, but I respect her because she formed them based on her own personal beliefs and experiences and did not blindedly follow "party leaders". The book also was Gov. Palin's first fair chance to explain some of the controversies that plagued her VP campaign, including the Troopergate, the Couric interview, the pregnancies (both herself and Bristol) and many more stories we never heard. Whether or not you want to take her words with a grain of salt, it at least is her side of the story that the media never presented us.
All in all, a very good read that took us from her childhood days in Alaska as a tomboy who loved sports and outdoors, to her struggles in early adulthood with her husband and children, and eventually to her glamorous appearance along side Sen. McCain on the campaign trails. Whether you agree with her politics, I think this book presents much we could learn from her life.
This is my honest review of the book and how much I enjoyed it, not the person or her political positions. I pre-ordered on Kindle and finished in a little less than two days.
Integrity, intellect, patriotism, energy, sense of humor January 2, 2010
16 out of 24 found this review helpful
If I had to list Sarah Palin's best qualities, I would say: "integrity, intellect, patriotism, energy, and a good sense of humor." She is a breath of fresh air in our national politics, an honest person who loves this country passionately and truly serves the people rather than special interest groups.
The book has answered many of the questions that I had about the 2008 presidential campaign, the supposedly weak interviews that Sarah Palin gave to some reporters, about her post-election fight with frivolous ethics complaints and her retirements from the Governor of Alaska office. Most importantly, Going Rogue, has given me confidence that we have a brilliant candidate for president in 2012.
Going Rogue is full of fun facts about the Palin family, Alaska politics, and the 2008 campaign. If you are a conservative, you'll love this book. If you are an "independent", then you should definitely read Going Rogue to form your own opinion of Sarah Palin. If you are a liberal who hates her guts and doesn't know why, then what are you even doing reading my five-star review?!
Palin: Unabashedly American December 27, 2009
Paula J. Keltner
43 out of 65 found this review helpful
As of today, Sarah Palin's official Facebook page has over 1.1 million "fans." She was just another American face in the political crowd days prior to her infamous 03 September 2008 Vice Presidential nominee speech delivered at the Republican National Convention. Over a year later, she is viewed as one of the most pivotal--and controversial--figures in American politics. She identifies herself as a Christian and a Republican, though as the title of her book indicates, she has many times gone "rogue" from the GOP in her positions and actions throughout her career.
At 413 pages, Going Rogue: An American Life is a thoughtful and insightful description of Palin's life and of the principles upon which the greatest nation is history was founded. The book opens with her annual visit to the Alaska State Fair. Palin is playing the role of Mom and Political Figure concurrently. She is enjoying the day with her children and visiting comfortably with Alaskans as their governor and fellow statesman. This is the day she received the call from Senator McCain, asking her if she "wanted to help him change history."
Palin's book dives into a brief history of the state of Alaska and the values upon which it was founded and continues to prosper. She is candid in the tenor of local and state politics and her vision for Alaska in the both national and international arenas.
Going Rogue starts with this brief, recent history and then retreats to Palin's childhood and family life. Her childhood framework offers great insight into her adult persona. Though born in Idaho, Palin's family relocated to Alaska when she was just three months old. Her tales of childhood adventures and family lessons resonated with me. My husband started the book after I was finished it and commented how much Sarah Palin's childhood sounded like the stories from my own upbringing. Only after he made that comment did I realize why so many Americans (including me) are drawn to her and her story--she IS an American Life, "unpackaged" and not "overproduced" (taken from the book jacket). The majority of hard-working, middle class Americans identify with her story, because her story is also theirs.
Going Rogue has a collection of personal photos that include Palin's family, friends and political adventures. In her book, she describes the Elite 6, her group of lifelong girlfriends. She emphasizes their importance in her life and in keeping her grounded. Interestingly, she describes them as a mix of Republicans, Democrats and one "who still hasn't said what she is."
Whether one agrees with her politics or not, one has to appreciate the dedication and focus Sarah Palin has for doing what she believes to be right. She does not sugar coat anything, and she is respectful of opinions different from her own. Known for working with Democrats, Republicans and Independents while in office, she walks her talk by embracing a myriad of minds and views in the political decision-making process. Her demeanor and delivery are crisp, down-to-earth and authentic, and it is for these reasons that the political and media elite despise her. She does not attempt to bedazzle and awe by using political jargon, predetermined delivery lines and buzzwords, and it is for these additional reasons that she has been demonized and mocked by the political and media elite. She is known for speaking with few notes (if any), candidly and electrically; and for that reason criticism is created because the political and media elite cannot legitimately condemn such talent. Sarah Palin addresses how she was treated by the political and media elite throughout Going Rogue and has not let it shake her belief in the founding values of America. This is refreshing in a political climate of backroom, shady deals that change daily with the flow of our tax dollars.
Without exception, Sarah Palin is complimentary and respectful of Senator John McCain and Cindy McCain throughout her book. She is forthcoming in her frustrations with how she was handled as the VP candidate within the campaign, as well as some decisions made, but even her assessments of the shortcomings are done respectfully. Rightfully, she uses the campaign experience as a life lesson.
Carrying Going Rogue around in public is a great way to get attention and start an electrifying discussion. Single guys and gals should consider this strategy, to start a conversation with an attractive stranger. Why does Sarah Palin get so much attention? The answer is simple: She is arguably the most controversial current political figure on American soil. I am curious why, when Sarah Palin is mentioned in a conversation I am having with someone "less conservative" than me, people respond with such hatred for her. I am MORE curious why these same friends cannot answer this simple question I ask them: What is it about her that you dislike so much? Inevitably there is a long pause, and strained facial expression, and I get this response (or one very much like it): I just think she's an idiot. OK, I think the same thing about some people, so tell me WHY. (Laugh)... (Pause)... She just is. This lack of logic and reasoning is frightening. On the other hand, I believe Sarah Palin has helped ignite a political movement among those who embrace Conservative principles, a movement that has helped fuel Tea Parties and the like.
What the book does not have are scandalous tales and misplaced blame for her failures.
Regardless of one's political leanings, I whole-heartedly believe every woman (and man) in America should read her book. Simply, she is a leading example of the founding principles of our country and all that we are capable of accomplishing. She demonstrates that faith in God, hard work, strong family values and perseverance are the core ingredients to becoming whatever, and whoever, one believes one can be. Sarah Palin is unabashedly American.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 1288
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