The Art of Power: My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

by Nancy Pelosi

The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.

When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: ';Mother, get a life!' And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

InThe Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in America, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest-working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden.

She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.

Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government's long record of misbehaviour. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress.

Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi's own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Memoir, Biography, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

About the author

Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi is the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Before being elected Speaker in the 110th Congress, she was the House Minority Leader from 2003 to 2007, holding the post during the 108th and 109th Congresses.

Since 1987, she has represented the 8th Congressional District of California, which consists of four-fifths of the City and County of San Francisco. The district was numbered as the 5th during Pelosi's first three terms in the House.

Nancy Pelosi is the first female Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. She is also the first Italian-American and first Californian to serve as Speaker. She is the second Speaker from a state west of the Rocky Mountains, with the first being Washington's Tom Foley, who was the last Democrat to hold the post before Pelosi. As Speaker of the House, Pelosi is second in the line of presidential succession, following Vice President Joe Biden, which makes her the highest-ranking female politician in United States history.

Reviews

[Kaitlyn Jackson]

ready for this to be some level 700 Machiavelli shit

[Meike · Rating 3 out of 5]

We need more women in politics kicking ass, so I'm super interested in how Nancy Pelosi broke the glass ceiling and developed her own style of power politics- which, let's face it, is of course necessary to play the game successfully, and which is particularly difficult for women as in vast parts of the court of public opinion, the "assertive" male equals the female "bitch". And Pelosi gives us some captivating behind-the-curtain info on, e.g., the Iraq war, the Affordable Care Act, and the attempted coup encouraged by Trump. She also adds some personal aspects, for instance, the book opens with the attack on Pelosi's husband and the repercussions.

But all in all, a political memoir gets intriguing when a politician allows themselves to be messy or openly ponder failure. I will never forget the scene in which Madeleine K. Albright descends the stairs shortly before her divorce in Madam Secretary: A Memoir - everything around it was highly enlightening regarding the expectations for women in the past and present. Pelosi is still a member of the House, and maybe she should have waited until after her retirement and then write a "I have no fucks left to give" text that also includes more things that went wrong and interpersonal stories about her feelings and experiences beyond what's fit to print in an election pamphlet. Not because I like tea (okay, I DO like to hear the tea), but because these personal aspects are crucial to understand a person and the political system.

A memoir is the chance to be relatable because of one's complicated humanity, and Pelosi hasn't yet taken the chance to tell her story with little constraint. But maybe one day, we'll get her A Promised Land. I'd read it. Until then, "The Art of Power" certainly is an interesting book about American politics.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Pelosi's memoir offers an engaging and richly detailed look behind the scenes of major political events, unveiling insights often missed in the news. As the first woman Speaker of the House, Pelosi's leadership and finesse cemented her as one of the most powerful women in American history.

The memoir covers her remarkable rise in Congress, navigating the Bush administration, the tumultuous Iraq War, and the transformative Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. It particularly shines in its vivid portrayal of Trump's presidency, highlighting Pelosi's efforts to counter his divisive and impulsive leadership. She faced unprecedented challenges during Trump's tenure, from election disputes to contentious relations with Russia, all while steering her party through unexpected defeats and ensuring the passage of historic Democratic legislation.

Pelosi also shares her journey from housewife to House Speaker, detailing her legislative achievements and her joy in witnessing America's progress. The memoir is filled with personal anecdotes and reflections, painting a clear picture of a leader determined to guide her party through some of the most consequential moments in American history. Her influence is particularly highlighted during critical episodes like the January 6 insurrection and Trump's impeachments.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Nancy Pelosi, America’s First Woman Speaker of the House, is one of the greatest political leaders of our time. Her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her principles and her country shine through in this memoir. Pelosi's story is not just a political account; it's a testament to her dedication and the significant impact she has had on American politics. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of political leadership and the challenges faced by one of the most influential figures in recent history.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear.

I started this book excited to read the story of a woman I’ve long admired—intrigued by the blurb’s tease that I’d learn how Pelosi achieved all she has.

But it’s not about HOW she did all she did. Instead, it reads more like a resume, or a eulogy. She moves from historic moment to historic moment without much reflection or context. There’s very little about her strategy or even feelings. There’s just an awkwardly defensive litany of events where she was always right, always did the right thing, never made any mistakes.

Really?

Never?

Never thought hey, I could have handled that interaction better.

Never hmm, I wonder what would have happened if.

It lacks the heart of, say, Clinton’s What Happened, where she acknowledges her failings as a human and, somehow, this makes her more superhuman.

I wanted more about the process of running a campaign every two years while legislating. I wanted more on her upbringing, her early life in politics balancing motherhood and civic duty. I wanted more on how she managed to be heard in a sea of suits.

I wanted more… Nancy and less Speaker Pelosi.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter what side of the political spectrum they are on, women in government have always fascinated me. Nancy’s story of how she went from a 46-year-old mother of five to the most powerful legislative role in the United States, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Nancy details working with Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump and how she found common ground and respect for those who opposed her. She spoke about her fight for the American people and how she always kept the people’s best interest in mind while making decisions.

The Art of Power is also a behind-the-scenes glance at American history including her fight for those affected by the Aids crisis, her global human rights work, the Iraq war, the economic crisis of 2008, the passing of the Affordable Care Act, and her personal account of the January 6 insurrection. She also speaks about the horrifying violence that erupted in her own home when her husband was attacked and how that traumatic event affected her entire family.

I alternated between reading the bookshelf and listening to the audiobook which is also read by Nancy Pelosi. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend the audiobook!

The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi was published on August 6 so it's available now! Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook and Simon Books for the gifted book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Pelosi is a model of leadership. She is not interested in getting her flowers—she is interested in getting 👏🏻 shit 👏🏻 done.

[Peyton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected partisanship, but the title fooled me into thinking it would have more nitty gritty power plays. There was too much blah blah blah about how great the Democrats are and how if only everyone would do things her way the world would be a better place. She writes about the need for respect and compromise but very little how those skills actually made a bill or law better. Okay, I get it, she fiercely loves and defends the House of Representatives especially the Democrats, and her historic place in it. The title and blurb are deceptive.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, solid and a fantastic human being.

[Ian "Marvin" Graye · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRITIQUE:

"What I Saw and Heard"

For almost half of this book, I thought Nancy Pelosi made a better speaker than a writer.

My problem was that I didn't appreciate exactly what I was supposed to be reading. Only in the acknowledgments at the end of the book, does Pelosi declare:

"...I want to convey what this book is not. It is not a memoir; nor do I tell the entire story of how I went from housewife to House member to House Speaker. It is not an account of every challenge we face."

In the Author's Note, she adds:

"This is my story of what I saw and what I heard at some of the most momentous events of the last four decades..."

"The Seven Basic Plots"

There are more or less seven substantive chapters, which means she focuses on seven non-chronological challenges, events or stories:

1) the violent attack on her husband, Paul (the price of leadership);

2) her election as Speaker;

3) 9/11 to the Iraq War;

4) Tiananmen Square to Hong Kong and Taiwan;

5) the Global Financial Meltdown;

6) the Affordable Care Act; and

7) the January 6 insurrection and the impeachment proceedings.


How to look good in orange.

"The Spark of Divinity"

As a practising Catholic, Pelosi claims to be guided by the desire to honor "the spark of divinity" in every person.

Her core values (which she describes as her "why") are shaped by a passage in the Gospel of Matthew 25:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you clothed me,
I was sick and you visited me,
I was in prison and you came to me."

These values are the foundation of a philosophy of compassion and empathy, which recognises the dignity, need and deservedness of others. Other people are the people for whom we do what we do (not ourselves).

It's demeaning and offensive to call this philosophy "woke". I don't understand how people who claim to be Christians and Evangelicals can embrace this term, when they claim to be "born again".

"Know Your Power and Use It"

Elected office is a vehicle to help achieve these goals for others (for the people and, most of all, for children).

One of the pieces of advice she originally received was to "know thy/your power and use it".

Pelosi doesn't expressly call these values "the art of power", but she implies that they are the "spark" of the quasi-divine power that legislators and the executive wield, well at least those who are Democrats.

The power that Pelosi refers to is the voice and power of the representatives whom she harnesses and manages, in order to get things done, in the face of opposition:

"The Republicans are our opposition, but the Senate is our enemy."

"Outside Mobilisation"

Sometimes, this power is not enough and must be supplemented by the power of the people:

"...When legislating in Congress, our inside maneuvering can only take us so far. Always...it is the outside mobilisation that makes all the difference.

"On every issue - from health care to climate to LGBTQ+ eqality and more - the relentless, persistent advocacy of everyday Americans has made change possible."

Formidable Advocacy and Leadership

I don't agree with everything Pelosi advocates (especially with respect to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, where she prioritises human rights over sovereignty), but I respect that she has been a formidable and effective leader against the GOP that has been remade in the image of Donald J. Trump.

America would be worse off if it lacked her or her kind. All political parties need a numbers man (or woman), to make things happen, and they are rarely popular with the opposition.


SOUNDTRACK:

The Mountain Goats - "Matthew 25:21"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFpQQ...

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obligated to inflate her ratings with five stars

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Art of Power” by Nancy Pelosi is a memoir and overview of recent political events. I was somewhat disappointed because from the title and an interview with her about the book, I thought the book would be about how a woman executes power in the halls of Washington. I noted in a comment near the end of the book she said if she had known that by being in office she risked the lives of her family, she would not have run for office. That situation could have profound effect upon our country. If men and women stop running for local, state and federal office, what happens to our democracy?

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and forty-five minutes. Nancy Pelosi narrated the book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the timing of this memoir’s release, I should have known better than to expect a truly compelling and rich narrative from one of America’s most powerful female politicians.

It’s not that it was particularly bad. It just wasn’t particularly good, either. Pelosi definitely delivers some excellent political history with chapters dedicated to Pelosi’s initial attraction to and subsequent ascent through the political sphere, the utterly unnecessary destruction of Afghanistan and Iraq by our government in an overreaction to punish whomever they could for 9/11, her work with helping to keep the Taiwanese people free from PRC oppression, as well as the 2008 economic recession, finally making universal healthcare a reality for tens of millions of Americans, and of course, the January 6th insurrection.

What it seeks to be lacking, in my opinion, is a genuine reflection on the entirety of her career, and a deeper outlook and explanation of the decisions she made and why she made them to the readers of this book. At times she got into very personal subjects, especially when she kicked the story off with the assault on her poor husband by a lunatic with a hammer.

The fact that MAGA would joke about this is truly sickening, but then again, it’s not as if we don’t all already know that many of them will say the most vile things ever, without any sense of compassion for a human being who, as his older age, is still recovering years after the attack. I appreciated hearing the story from Nancy on this horrendous incident from her life, and her heartfelt concern and worry was legitimate during this part of her story.

However, there are way too many other sections of the book where she repeatedly stresses how much she loves democracy and America, how she puts the children first above all else, and other kinds of mostly meaningless platitudes which all politicians will say to appeal to the American people - although I don’t question her sincerity, it just gets to be too much and doesn’t add any real depth to the material in the way someone in power would clearly hope for it to do.

Overall, I don’t *regret* reading it… but I do wish she’d perhaps waited until her retirement and published a more comprehensive, more honest account of her life story, one where she doesn’t need to worry about positive and negative implications on politics.

It does sound like she’s working on a follow up to this book, and I’ll definitely check it out… I just hope it stays on track a bit better with the emotional presentation of her career, rather than vacillating between tiresome positive quotes to serious retellings of historically groundbreaking events. It goes from a bit too over the top (while not sounding entirely genuine) to describing events very well yet with seemingly little mention of the personal importance of this events to her.

I suppose what I’m really trying to say here, is that the memoir seems very rushed, and I know she can do better. And as mentioned previously, I’m eagerly awaiting that day. 3 stars; rather average but a good read nonetheless.

[Caden Suplita · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful recount of recent history from a woman who led one branch of the legislative body for many years. She describes many of her successes that will end up underlying the rest of my life. Her description of the January 6th riots on the capital was particularly good, as I was somewhat disengaged with that moment in history, and hearing from the woman who was the main target elucidated the gravity of the riots. She has a penchant for melodrama here and there throughout the book, but overall it was a good read. If there is one moral to take from the book, it's to hold conviction to your beliefs.

[Kyra Whitelaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a super interesting book. It was very different than I expected, less a memoir about Nancy Pelosi’s life and more a series of somewhat independent chapters about major issues she has worked on during her time in Congress (ACA, human rights in China…). The chapters about the attack on Paul Pelosi and Jan 6 were emotional and a very interesting read. The book wasn’t particularly well-written but did feel like it was actually written by Pelosi in her voice.

[Meg MacLaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Nancy pelosi !! Found some of the parts about foreign policy a bit hard to follow but loved the domestic policy stuff about ACA, post 9/11 Congress, her relationship with Republican presidents etc
Also House>Senate always

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The author gives her take on being Speaker and on various historic events such as the Iraq War, passing the ACA, 9/11, January 6. She touches on working with Trump and the disintegration of the Republican Party. Although there were some interesting insights, I felt disappointed at the end. I guess my expectations were that there would be more insights and food for thought for the future.

[angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

more of a what happened during nancy pelosi’s speakership than a how, which imo is too bad because i think most of what’s in here could have been gleaned from just following the news. i was hoping to gain some insight on how pelosi was such an effective speaker (e.g., knowing where her caucus members stood on a particular bill, persuading people to vote a certain way), but that’s not really in here other than the portion on the ACA (which tbf should probably be nicknamed “pelosicare”).

maybe the stuff i want to learn about pelosi just isn’t going to be put into a book like this or is just hard to explain. like there’s a part where she said she knew that republicans weren’t going to vote for the defense authorization bill that repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” because she could “see it in [their] eyes” (p. 49). lol

[Maggie Meymandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started listening after she announced her retirement 🥺 what a boss a*s b*tch. I already miss her in House leadership and am gonna miss her even more when she retires

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing.

[Sherrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

You have to know the enemy to the USA. And that is why I torture myself to get through this book.

Nancy sure isn't going to heaven. This book is just more of her propaganda. Her hate for American's is very prevalent in this book. She keeps repeating all her lies in hopes to convince American's that it is true. Just because you repeat a lie, it doesn't make it true. Nancy has even admitted in an interview that if you tell a lie enough and repeat it enough, the news will start stating it as true fact. Nancy stated this is one of her many political tactics. Nancy Pelosi is pure evil.

When Nancy talked about Jan 6th, she left out that Trump authorized the National Guard to her before Jan 6th and Nancy Pelosi kept turning them down. She had FBI agents planted in the crowd in order to persuade the crowd to do crime. She impeached Trump with a FALSE narrative twice. And she destroyed all the evidence they used in the impeachment. Then she hid the video footage from the American people for over 4 years. She has twisted the justice department in order to kept herself in power. The Democrat elites are very sick people who want to destroy everything that stands in their path.

When Democrats talk about this climate change, it's always to fundraise so they can get money. They actually do cloud seeding to control the weather. Look up cloud seeding! They can actually start floods wherever they want. That is a fact! Again, the elites are causing these issues not mother nature.

So sad that all these sick democrat elites have been able to rule for such a long time. It's time to get these chaotic people out of office. They are truly trying to turn the USA into communism.

[Quinby6696 Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Pelosi is a remarkable woman. The first and only female Speaker of the House she is arguably the most powerful political figure of this century. She comes from a long line of politicians and politics is in her DNA. Her legislative know- how is second to none and she was able to pass Obamacare amidst almost universal Republican opposition. The book is a fascinating personal look at her long career starting when she was forty-six and ran for Congress and won. She arrived in 1987 - the beginning of a long and successful career.

The book begins with a harrowing description of the attack on her husband, Paul. Paul was at their home in San Francisco when a man broke into their home demanding to see Nancy. She was in Washington, DC at the time. The attacker hit Paul Pelosi with a hammer and fractured his skull. He is lucky to be alive, but still suffers from the attack. The whole family was and remains traumatized.

"The Art of Power" covers Nancy Pelosi's role in some of the most important events of our time including the AIDs crisis, the 2008 economic crisis, the fight over Obamacare, the January 6th insurrection and much more. The description of the insurrection was truly hair-raising.

This is an important look at the events of our time through the eyes of a woman who was at the center of them all..

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is just plain awful! I was excited to get inspired by Nancy Pelosi’s story of how she got into politics and what it was like to be one of the most powerful women in America - but this book was literally a dull recounting of the biggest events in her tenure - 9/11, 2008, Iran, Jan 6th - with literally no new insights. So disappointing, not sure why she wrote this except to earn some money after the tragedy of her husbands beating

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admire her and enjoyed reading this first hand account by the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, refreshing book. Nancy Pelosi embraces the advice she was given on entering politics: be yourself. Her candor and straightforward communication make the book entertaining and authentic; her commitment to public service and to her faith that underpins everything she does make it inspiring. She also describes a pragmatism and willingness to compromise that is sorely lacking in today’s Washington. It is amazing how much the rhetoric and function of the government have degraded over the years since she first entered the House. Some highlights:

At the end of nearly all of the conversations with Trump, Pelosi writes that she thinks "either you are stupid or you think the rest of us are ." 67
Her extensive experience in intelligence over 30 years and
her knowledge of China, second to none in Congress; her support of freedom there and in Tibet and Hong Kong 9, 143
Saying to Hank Paulson during the financial crisis rescue negotiations “getting warmer is how I speak with my grandchildren, That is not how the secretary of the Treasury speaks…” 159
“Embrace the suck!” 291
The moral imperative of healthcare 238
The two times she was moved to a secure location: 9/11 and January 6
She excoriates Rep Jim Jordan and Sen Mitch McConnell openly and by name (“how sad for Mitch. What was he afraid of?”)
When calling Mike Pence’s office to urge him to invoke the 25th Amendment, and was kept on hold for twenty minutes: “Thankfully, I was at home , so I could also empty the dishwasher and put in a load of laundry.” 277 (He never got on the phone, or returned the call.)
She came to Congress in order to fight HIV/AIDS and when called out for saying so during her maiden speech because it would not make a good first impression, she responded “I said I was here to fight HIV/AIDS because that’s why I am here.” 299
She views “tolerant” as a condescending word, and prefers respect, or pride, to tolerance 300
She loves the House of Representatives (“more rambunctious and more collaborative when necessary”), the Presidio Park, and San Francisco (and its patron saint), and the ACA.
Her motivating force, her “Why:” For the Children. It is a good one, from a good woman.

[Christian Schultheiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a remarkable memoir and recounting of I’d say not only an amazing but greatly under-appreciated political career that’s made leaps and bounds but also been more than an essential safeguard in the dire times and her beautiful way of truly looking at it in a political point of view and leaning with and against both parties depending on the issues as the system truly should when properly functioning and in balance. I don’t want to say we need more woman like her in the house and the government, because we need more people like her in general in the house, the senate and beyond because not only do I truly believe she believes and supports Americas hopefully long standing democracy but she also has one of the best ending stances I’ve ever closed with. We all should and need to do it for the children!

[Maureen Sepulveda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Pelosi is a boss and she has so much knowledge and wisdom to share from her many years as a public servant in the House of Representatives. This book isn’t so much a memoir but more her recollections sharing her many accomplishments in the House especially as Speaker. She was certainly a highly effective speaker and proudly shares the work she and her colleagues accomplished. She writes about working to pass ACA-Obamacare, to pass financial rescue package during 2008 financial crisis, January 6, Trump impeachments, her work pointing out human rights abuses in China and serving in the House during and after 9/11 and during war in Iraq. She also discusses the brutal attack on her husband at their San Francisco home. She has worked with multiple presidents and many Congress representatives.

[Sanjida · Rating 3 out of 5]

But for real, now that we no longer live in a country that cares about democratic norms, I nominate Nancy for Queen. She wouldn't accept though, because as she reminds us on every page of this book, she really loves the struggle of legislative lawmaking.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been way too long since I last finished a book, but started reading this as soon as it arrived after pre-order. An excellent read on the best politician that the Democratic party has had in my lifetime. Great insights into critical points and legislation in modern US history.

[Inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There is no such thing as trickle down liberty”

[Enzo Miguel De Borja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy's story as the first woman Speaker of the US House of Representatives clearly showed her power - she knew how to count, how to encourage, cajole, and threaten, and how to win.

Her stories speak volumes to me as I work for two lawmakers in separate local government units. I've had the honor of drafting one landmark ordinance after another in less than a year. Some we have passed, others we are still fighting for. I have seen firsthand how, even with all the sound data and compelling testimony in the world, a good piece of legislation will never pass if you don't have the numbers.

From the first day I was given the chance to draft local laws, I understood that what I was writing were not mere words on paper; I was dealing with people's lives. Any legislator worth their salt would know how important their job really is. Nancy Pelosi is one such legislator.

Indeed, her House was in order.