When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories

by Ruth Harkin, Dale Liebach (foreword)

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2024

Reviews

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of attending Harkin's book launch, where she read excerpts from this. Having gotten to hear her voice, when I read the book, it felt like the whole book was being read out loud. Her writer's voice permeates through this, to the point where you feel invited into the tales, like she's telling them to you from nearby. Harkin is funny, relatable, rueful at times, and one of the most fascinating people to read a collection of short stories about. The ones she's selected are some of the most inspiring, that encapsulate the strange turns her life has taken best. My personal favorites were the job interview where she agreed to go to Korea, the spur-of-the-moment plane trip, and the title's namesake. Throughout the book, patterns also emerge about Harkin's life — she talks to strangers, she's impulsive in travel — that make these stories even more out there.
Harkin is also well-aware of her legacy, which makes it interesting that a lot of these books aren't about the resume-listers. While she includes details about her first office race and the Harkin Center, most of these stories center on her early career and short anecdotes. I appreciated that, as it felt like she was telling stories that she hadn't already told.
This was an incredibly fun and warm read, with a great writer's voice and excellent story choice. I hope she releases another collection!

[Jenni V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an Iowan and I have a sister with Down Syndrome so Tom Harkin's impact on my life, especially through his work on the ADA, can't be overstated. As I grew up the teamwork/counterbalance of Senators Harkin and Grassley was comforting.

But this book focuses on his wife, whom I wasn't as familiar with but has many accomplishments in her own right. I picked up a signed copy of this book at Prairie Lights in Iowa City.

It's a niche book that was fine to read but not something I would recommend to a wide audience. She jumps into stories without backstory, leaving the reader to have to make assumptions and glean details. I was able to do so because of my familiarity but even I was looking some things up as I read to try and put a timeframe on events that were happening.

I think it's really cool they found a vacation spot so randomly and have been able to make family traditions out of continued visits there. I also didn't realize Tom Harkin won the caucuses of 3 states and not just Iowa.

Find all my reviews at: https://readingatrandom.blogspot.com

[Kathleen Till Stange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a birthday gift, and it was a fun, easy read. Each chapter was a different story. The stories were entertaining and easy to read. I read the entire book during a two and a half hour flight. What a great way to pass the time.

[Lesley Squire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, quick, and delightful read! It’s not a complete autobiography, just a collection of stories Ruth Harkin has written about specific events or themes in her life. It is a fun glimpse into her and her husband’s busy, meaningful lives.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this book at all. It’s very simply written and too full of silly jokes and stories. It might be fine for junior high or high school readers.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Ruth Harkin and her writings. She has led an adventurous, forward-looking life and broken down barriers for women, especially in the fields of law, government, and business. She has also been a source of inspiration and support for her husband, Tom Harkin-- her favorite subject to write about. All of this done while raising two amazing daughters.

The stories in this book give a sampling of her busy, inspiring life. The centerpiece story tells what it was like to support Tom in his bid for the United States presidency from 1991 to 1992.

The pacing and timing of Ruth's sentences and "punch lines" blends drama and humor in a variety of stories from Ruth's life up to her serendipitous meeting with Tom and their wonderful, adventurous life together, plus children.

This was my second reading of Ruth's book, and enjoyment continued.