Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics

by Carol Moseley Braun

A memoir from Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun detailing her remarkable childhood and political career on the Hill, including her tenure as the first Black female US senator

The first Black woman ever elected to the Senate. The first woman to represent the state of Illinois. The first Black woman to serve as a US ambassador to New Zealand. These are just a few of the “firsts” that Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun can lay claim to since entering politics in the 1970s. Since then, the self-professed “Black girl from the south side of Chicago” has been shattering ceilings and making history.

Yet her journey to Congress and to international renown was not an easy one, rife with obstacles, controversies, and lessons learned. In Trailblazer, Moseley Braun shares the full story of her extraordinary life in a fascinating narrative filled with poignant, powerful, and sometimes funny stories. Born into a family with a history of civil rights activism and military service dating back to the Civil War, Moseley Braun talks about her childhood in racially segregated Chicago to the present, including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., running for president as the lone woman in a field of men, and fostering surprising friendships throughout her storied career, from Joe Biden to Hillary Clinton.

Trailblazer is a story of perseverance, a moving narrative from a once-in-a-generation icon, steeped in the civic and civil rights history of our nation. Carol Moseley Braun offers readers a measure of hope and an optimistic letter to future generations on the work we have done and have yet to do to ensure that our country lives up to the promise of liberty and justice for all.

Genres: Memoir, Politics, Nonfiction, History, Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, what an incredibly inspiring story. It is hard to listen to how much difficulty someone goes through, and understanding how much of that could have been avoided if people were kinder. Carol truly is a trailblazer and I am honored to have been able to read about their life.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always admired Carol Moseley Braun and was delighted to be able to read her memoir.

While I truly enjoyed this book and reading about her amazing life and all she overcame to accomplish all she has and to get to where she is today, there were parts that really dragged [thankfully there was not too much of this] and there was some repetition [unfortunately, there was more of this] that was, overall, mildly annoying [if there had been any more, it would have really affected the overall effect of the book; thankfully it seemed to be nipped in by the third part of the book].

This was a really good book about a remarkable woman that everyone really should be reading. Her life and accomplishments deserve all the praise.

Thank you to NetGalley, Carol Moseley Braun, Donna M. Owens, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jarrett Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senator Braun is without a doubt a trailblazer, being the first black woman elected to the United States Senate. This memoir gives us a full look into the many difficulties she faced in her political and professional career. I can’t imagine writing about losing her Senate seat, as well as her unsuccessful campaigns for President and Mayor of Chicago, was easy and I admire her for devoting time to discussing the effects this had on her. Ultimately, a great read from a underrated political figure.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY LOL!!! I loved this book— I saw the snippet and thought, “I must know more!” I’m glad I stuck with it cause it’s worth hearing stories and having someone that went before you. Bless you Madam CMB.

[Shannan Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a woman of many firsts, Carol Mosely Braun overcame childhood trauma from a dysfunctional family and dyslexia to become the first black female Senator of the United States. She was the daughter of a World War II veteran and a nurse. Throughout her life, she faced challenges that she overcame. These experiences shaped her into the woman she would become. Her policies focused on women's rights and social justice, drawing on the successes of her predecessors such as Shirley Chisholm and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This is her autobiography, written in her own words, showing the raw emotions she expressed and all she had to overcome. She is a strong orator who uses her faith to express her drive to help all of America. When learning from her past, you see the struggles she went through to be an effective leader. From a local politician to a senator to her final job in public service as an Ambassador to New Zealand, she is a testament that neither gender nor race can hinder you from achieving your goals. Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for allowing me to review this book for free.

[Karen Johnson-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about politics, politicians whose names I remember but had no idea what type of person they were. Carol shared the good, bad, and ugly which made it a great read. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Erin Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics

by Carol Moseley Braun

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

(Received a copy from Harlequin Trade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)



Carol Moseley Braun’s memoir is a thoughtful, candid reflection on a career defined by milestones, controversy, and quiet resilience. From her childhood in segregated Chicago to her years as a senator and ambassador, she writes with clarity and conviction about the personal and political forces that shaped her path. This is a story that needed to be told, not just because of its historic importance, but because of its unflinching honesty.



The writing feels conversational and often personal, with moments of humor, frustration, pride, and vulnerability. Braun doesn’t shy away from the difficult chapters of her life, including political setbacks and personal losses, but she doesn’t let those moments define her either. What emerges is a portrait of someone who knew what she stood for and fought for it, often alone.



This isn’t a glossy political memoir. It’s grounded and sincere, full of specific detail and lived experience. Braun gives insight into the challenges she faced as a Black woman in politics without turning her story into a checklist of firsts. She’s fully aware of her place in history, but she’s more interested in sharing what it cost to get there and what still needs to be done.



TROPES / THEMES:

• Political memoir rooted in civil rights history

• Public service from a personal lens

• Perseverance and identity in politics

• Leadership through adversity



Minor Drawbacks:

• At times, the narrative pacing slows due to chronological detail

• A few moments feel more guarded than reflective



Trailblazer is a necessary read for anyone interested in American politics, civil rights, or the lived reality behind public achievement. Braun’s legacy is well earned, and this memoir gives it the clarity and dignity it deserves.

[DC_Shellz · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Her to Us

I was anxious to read this book. I like it from her perspective of course. She takes not only on her political journey, but her personal trials as well.

I gave it 4 stars but really feel like its just 3.5 .

It could be I have read too many memoirs of late. Too much of some stuff, not enough of the other.

I know to make a book it has to have certain amount of pages, or be in multiples of some number,. For me the book was too long and repetitive for what's in it.
She starts a story or recollection, veers away, maybe comes back to it. In other parts she goes chronologically then jumps to give a prequel synopsis, then wanders.
Almost like talking to an old person between cat nods.
However, I did enjoy learning from her voice all of the things she has done. I learned a lot more about her.
It took me a while to read, only because it bored me often.

[HTP Books]

American Government, Political Biographies & Autobiographies

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring and impressive memoir by an awesome person. would definitely recommend this book. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Krista Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally a random pick up to meet my NF goal this year. Holy cow, what a story and life of service Carol Mosley Braun has lived so far. I couldn’t wait to read this every time I was in the car.

[Anna]

J & A read this a few times. It was the last book in their heavy read-and-reread phase.