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Straight from the Heart: My Life in Politics and Other Places
The author, Texas state treasurer and the keynote speaker at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, recounts her life and political career
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1989
About the author
Ann Richards
59 books19 followersAnn Richards was the 45th governor of Texas who appointed record numbers of women and minorities to state boards and agencies. She was a strong feminist and believed a lot in education. Richards also served on numerous boards of philanthropic, educational and public interest organizations. After her death in 2006, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders was opened in Austin, TX to continue her legacy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 5, 2019
Decided to read more about Ann Richards after seeing the play Ann at Arena Stage in Washington. She was an intelligent woman, quite a character.
This book was written up to the point she was the Treasurer of Texas.
We could use you now, Ann, because you said what you thought.
And you cared about people.
RIP
This book was written up to the point she was the Treasurer of Texas.
We could use you now, Ann, because you said what you thought.
And you cared about people.
RIP
January 11, 2013
Ann Richards is one of my political heroes.
To my surprise, this book ends before she runs for Governor of Texas.
It takes place in an era when women were just starting to taken seriously in politics and I suspect in Texan politics in particular. It also brings a real clarity to what it was like to be a wife, mother and aspiring activist.
And Ann was an activist and a great advocate for women's issues.
She was rising star in Texas politics during the end of the Halcyon years for the Democratic Party in Texas.
Lloyd Benston, Mark White, Bill Hobby, Jim Mattox, and the one of a kind, Jim Hightower (yellow stripe and dead armadillos. Look it up. It's a great quote).
Someone needs to write a book called, WHAT IN HELL HAPPENED TO TEXAS!!?? THE DEMISE OF REASON AND SANITY IN THE LONE STAR STATE.
I can say the Ann is way too self-effacing. Seemed like everything just fell her way in politics. Of course her husband was a behind the scenes Democratic heavyweight. I think he did much of the blocking on the line and Ann carried the ball for yardage. I must add that was not unusual for the times. But what she did for Texas as State Treasurer was very very impressive. When she made a mark for herselfas Treasurer, I can see why she had the bonafides to run for Governor. But still too self-effacing.
The book reads conversational. It is actually quite pleasant. Very much Ann Richards.
I really miss that lady.
To my surprise, this book ends before she runs for Governor of Texas.
It takes place in an era when women were just starting to taken seriously in politics and I suspect in Texan politics in particular. It also brings a real clarity to what it was like to be a wife, mother and aspiring activist.
And Ann was an activist and a great advocate for women's issues.
She was rising star in Texas politics during the end of the Halcyon years for the Democratic Party in Texas.
Lloyd Benston, Mark White, Bill Hobby, Jim Mattox, and the one of a kind, Jim Hightower (yellow stripe and dead armadillos. Look it up. It's a great quote).
Someone needs to write a book called, WHAT IN HELL HAPPENED TO TEXAS!!?? THE DEMISE OF REASON AND SANITY IN THE LONE STAR STATE.
I can say the Ann is way too self-effacing. Seemed like everything just fell her way in politics. Of course her husband was a behind the scenes Democratic heavyweight. I think he did much of the blocking on the line and Ann carried the ball for yardage. I must add that was not unusual for the times. But what she did for Texas as State Treasurer was very very impressive. When she made a mark for herselfas Treasurer, I can see why she had the bonafides to run for Governor. But still too self-effacing.
The book reads conversational. It is actually quite pleasant. Very much Ann Richards.
I really miss that lady.
September 18, 2020
Loved this book, I am a Republican but she wrote such a great story and her life and her days in politics. Holland Taylor Did a one woman show playing Ann on PBS and it was outstanding. If you are a fan of Ann, Holland or just curious check it out.
January 1, 2014
Well worth reading if you are interested in Texas politics, the making of a remarkable (female) politician, and women's rights in general. Ann Richards was one amazing woman.
January 4, 2014
What an inspiration. Anne Richards makes me proud to be a Texas woman!
August 3, 2022
The book ended before she became governor but was a fascinating read about her journey to become a leader in Texas politics. From her humble beginnings to her work as a trailblazer in Texas politics, she is honest about it all, from her shortcomings and stumbles along the way, to her unexpected rise to the top of the heap. Really enjoyed learning more about the woman that I have always admired. Wish she were still here.
August 12, 2019
I would give this 7 stars if I could
January 10, 2022
I absolutely love Ann Richards. She’s an inspiration and someone I admire, both for her big personality and for being a remarkable politician in a era when Texas just simply didn’t have female politicians.
Like all political autobiographies, there’s a bit too much of name-dropping and this person did this and that person did that. Ann’s wit manages to shine through the list of names at least. Unfortunately, this book was written in the late 80s and that is quite apparent in some of the opinions she voices. But reminding yourself that this was actually quite progressive for the 80s, I’d like to think that the Ann Richards of today would be even more wonderful than she was then. And she was a forerunner to modern feminism and it is still hugely inspirational to see her refusing to back down and excelling in a man’s field.
Like all political autobiographies, there’s a bit too much of name-dropping and this person did this and that person did that. Ann’s wit manages to shine through the list of names at least. Unfortunately, this book was written in the late 80s and that is quite apparent in some of the opinions she voices. But reminding yourself that this was actually quite progressive for the 80s, I’d like to think that the Ann Richards of today would be even more wonderful than she was then. And she was a forerunner to modern feminism and it is still hugely inspirational to see her refusing to back down and excelling in a man’s field.
April 25, 2008
Must read autobiography. ITS A MUST!
I read this book back in 2005 and it was a fun look into a woman whose life was full of energy and excitement. Her rise as a young woman, mother, educator, wife and politician.
Its a journey through Ann Richards life in a way that lets you connect with a woman that was admired by many.
I read this book back in 2005 and it was a fun look into a woman whose life was full of energy and excitement. Her rise as a young woman, mother, educator, wife and politician.
Its a journey through Ann Richards life in a way that lets you connect with a woman that was admired by many.
March 8, 2010
Governor Richards was an incredible politician, and although I generally think that political autobiographies are little more than pro-candidate propoganda, I still enjoyed learning more about this amazing woman.
August 23, 2012
Tears of poignancy and tears of laughter. Longer than 8 pgs.
May 30, 2008
This was a funny and life learning lessons book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews