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Far from Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C.
A voice of reason in a polarized U.S. Senate, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska tells the story of how she learned to adapt to the harsh climate of Washington, D.C., and issues a fervent appeal for a politics grounded in compromise and compassion.
“Two paths diverged—Lisa Murkowski took the one less traveled. In Far from Home, we see how the solitary course she chose has made all the difference.”—Senator Mitt Romney
Lisa Murkowski has repeatedly stood at the center of our nation’s most challenging issues, serving as a swing vote and a voice willing to challenge the president, regardless of who holds the office. In this candid memoir that offers hope for a functional Washington, she guides readers through the defining events of her more than twenty-year her beginnings in Alaska and appointment to the U.S. Senate, the rise of the Tea Party and her historic 2010 write-in reelection campaign, and the pivotal events of the Trump era, including her vote against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 2020 election, January 6, the impeachment trials, the overturning of Roe, and Trump’s second election.
Written at a time when Americans’ trust in their institutions is in crisis, Far from Home is a candid account of how things get done in Washington. It is an uplifting narrative for anyone seeking reassurance that our political system can still work.
“Two paths diverged—Lisa Murkowski took the one less traveled. In Far from Home, we see how the solitary course she chose has made all the difference.”—Senator Mitt Romney
Lisa Murkowski has repeatedly stood at the center of our nation’s most challenging issues, serving as a swing vote and a voice willing to challenge the president, regardless of who holds the office. In this candid memoir that offers hope for a functional Washington, she guides readers through the defining events of her more than twenty-year her beginnings in Alaska and appointment to the U.S. Senate, the rise of the Tea Party and her historic 2010 write-in reelection campaign, and the pivotal events of the Trump era, including her vote against Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 2020 election, January 6, the impeachment trials, the overturning of Roe, and Trump’s second election.
Written at a time when Americans’ trust in their institutions is in crisis, Far from Home is a candid account of how things get done in Washington. It is an uplifting narrative for anyone seeking reassurance that our political system can still work.
464 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
47 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 8, 2025
Some confessions first. I live in Alaska. I have met with Sen. Murkowski and her staff professionally multiple times, have attended fundraisers for her, and was at her rally in 2010 announcing her independent candidacy. I have always respected her thoughtful manner, her dedication to our state, and her independence, even when we disagree on policy.
With that confession out of the way, I found her book utterly engrossing. I am a political junkie and have read countless books like this over the years. Hers is unique in how deeply, deeply personal it is. She does not shy away from controversies over the years and the challenges she has faced. She even describes powerfully traumatic and personal moments that are unexpected. And her pick of longtime Alaska journalist Charles Wohlforth as her writing companion is a perfect combination for those tales.
I found the book engrossing for two primary reasons. First, I have followed Alaska and national politics closely for many, many years. This book provides a very clear window into the behind the scenes of how policy was made and decisions were reached by multiple parties. Why did she vote no on the first Trump impeachment but yes on the second? She tells you. Why did she vote no on Brett Kavanaugh but yes on Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court? She describes her thought process. How did she come to her decision to run as an independent in 2010 and pull off one of the most unlikely comebacks in Senate history? She runs you through the entire election cycle step-by-step. How did her father reach his decision to appoint her to his Senate seat when he became governor and what was the fallout? She goes through all the painful details.
Second, and this was the best part for me, she gets into the weeds of Alaska politics. She describes names that would be familiar to anyone who pays attention to how our state is governed and how her relationships with those folks have evolved. With a state as small as ours, everything is local, and everyone is basically two or three levels of connection away from everyone else. I have no idea if this kind of granular detail would be interesting to someone in the Lower 48, but I loved it.
For those who don’t like Lisa or just hate her votes, would this book be worth your time? I would tend to think yes. You may still disagree with her but you will at least get a view into what makes her move in the directions she has taken. This is unlike most political biographies in that it is absolutely not a hagiography lauding the conquering political hero and setting them up for the next stage in their career. Instead, it is more a retrospective from someone nearer to the sunset of her career rather than new horizons.
With that confession out of the way, I found her book utterly engrossing. I am a political junkie and have read countless books like this over the years. Hers is unique in how deeply, deeply personal it is. She does not shy away from controversies over the years and the challenges she has faced. She even describes powerfully traumatic and personal moments that are unexpected. And her pick of longtime Alaska journalist Charles Wohlforth as her writing companion is a perfect combination for those tales.
I found the book engrossing for two primary reasons. First, I have followed Alaska and national politics closely for many, many years. This book provides a very clear window into the behind the scenes of how policy was made and decisions were reached by multiple parties. Why did she vote no on the first Trump impeachment but yes on the second? She tells you. Why did she vote no on Brett Kavanaugh but yes on Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court? She describes her thought process. How did she come to her decision to run as an independent in 2010 and pull off one of the most unlikely comebacks in Senate history? She runs you through the entire election cycle step-by-step. How did her father reach his decision to appoint her to his Senate seat when he became governor and what was the fallout? She goes through all the painful details.
Second, and this was the best part for me, she gets into the weeds of Alaska politics. She describes names that would be familiar to anyone who pays attention to how our state is governed and how her relationships with those folks have evolved. With a state as small as ours, everything is local, and everyone is basically two or three levels of connection away from everyone else. I have no idea if this kind of granular detail would be interesting to someone in the Lower 48, but I loved it.
For those who don’t like Lisa or just hate her votes, would this book be worth your time? I would tend to think yes. You may still disagree with her but you will at least get a view into what makes her move in the directions she has taken. This is unlike most political biographies in that it is absolutely not a hagiography lauding the conquering political hero and setting them up for the next stage in their career. Instead, it is more a retrospective from someone nearer to the sunset of her career rather than new horizons.
July 4, 2025
This was one of my favorite political reads in quite a while. Let me tell you why.
As somewhat of a political junkie I have always been intrigued by Senator Murkowski. She’s one of only a handful of people to ever win a write in campaign for national office. She has staked a claim for herself as someone who cares deeply about their state and the institution of the senate. She keeps winning elections even though things are getting more and more partisan.
I really enjoyed getting some in depth looks at how she came to certain votes and decisions in Congress.
Like her or hate her she’s been quite consistent in how she views issues. She does her homework. She isn’t a reflexively partisan individual. And that shows in the book.
I disagree with a fair amount of her votes but this book made me respect her more as someone who cares and wants America and Alaska to succeed.
As somewhat of a political junkie I have always been intrigued by Senator Murkowski. She’s one of only a handful of people to ever win a write in campaign for national office. She has staked a claim for herself as someone who cares deeply about their state and the institution of the senate. She keeps winning elections even though things are getting more and more partisan.
I really enjoyed getting some in depth looks at how she came to certain votes and decisions in Congress.
Like her or hate her she’s been quite consistent in how she views issues. She does her homework. She isn’t a reflexively partisan individual. And that shows in the book.
I disagree with a fair amount of her votes but this book made me respect her more as someone who cares and wants America and Alaska to succeed.
September 25, 2025
Senator Murkowski has a well deserved reputation for moderation, bipartisanship, and accomplishing impressive legislation, all of which are quite admirable.
Highlights include her truly remarkable and historic 2010 write in reelection campaign. Adding in her stories from the senate since then as well as unique traits of rural Alaska make this a solid read.
“I am not transactional-I don’t trade my vote for unconnected issues.” She writes with pride what we find being potentially a major impediment to bipartisan success. Why not combine your top priority with another members top priority in the same bill? Compromises need not to be limited to one issue- as they can be hard to find a majority. I believe we’d find more success in combining competing priorities into one vote.
Shockingly, she admits that her own husband, after the 2020 election, said “yeah, but we really don’t know who won.” I’ll let that bombshell stand on its own.
At the end of the day, she’s a politician who thinks quite highly of herself. The book gushes over her liberal victories and her sorrows of left-wing setbacks, and makes remarkably fewer mentions of classic conservative victories-either because she had fewer of them or that’s not who the book was written for. She’d probably respond that she doesn’t care about left or right, she just cares about Alaska! But this memoir definitely has a preference.
Highlights include her truly remarkable and historic 2010 write in reelection campaign. Adding in her stories from the senate since then as well as unique traits of rural Alaska make this a solid read.
“I am not transactional-I don’t trade my vote for unconnected issues.” She writes with pride what we find being potentially a major impediment to bipartisan success. Why not combine your top priority with another members top priority in the same bill? Compromises need not to be limited to one issue- as they can be hard to find a majority. I believe we’d find more success in combining competing priorities into one vote.
Shockingly, she admits that her own husband, after the 2020 election, said “yeah, but we really don’t know who won.” I’ll let that bombshell stand on its own.
At the end of the day, she’s a politician who thinks quite highly of herself. The book gushes over her liberal victories and her sorrows of left-wing setbacks, and makes remarkably fewer mentions of classic conservative victories-either because she had fewer of them or that’s not who the book was written for. She’d probably respond that she doesn’t care about left or right, she just cares about Alaska! But this memoir definitely has a preference.
July 21, 2025
DNF at 25%. I was originally interested in reading this because I saw her interview on Nightly News when she said she didn’t vote for Trump, and I was intrigued. However, I was immediately bored and couldn’t relate to how out of touch with reality she was. She talked about how, during her childhood, she convinced her siblings to pool all of their money together so she could get a horse. Really? Then she talks about how disappointed her friends and family were in her for how far to the right she had slipped during the Tea Party era. Again, really? She talks about wanting to maintain her dignity and integrity but then votes for the “Big, Beautiful Bill” a few weeks ago, stripping her constituents of much needed food and healthcare? Nah, I’m done with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 5, 2026You should read this
September 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this. It was neat seeing behind the scenes of some legislation and of the experience being a senator. I didn’t know much about the author before reading this, other than that she’s moderate and a frequent swing vote. I came away with a lot of respect for her. I don’t agree with all her choices and some of the values we hold aren’t the same, but that’s true of me and literally any other human. I wish that we had more political leaders like her. She’s rationale. She can be persuaded by evidence. She cares more about getting good things done than the games in politics. Recommended.
Heard on NYTimed Interview podcast.
Heard on NYTimed Interview podcast.
June 30, 2025
What an interesting book. Many political books are dry and tedious. Not so this memoir. I gained insight into her political life and reasons for votes that I don't always agree with. She comes across as genuine with her heart in the right place, her state and country. Nice to read about a legislator who collaborates and isn't totally self serving boot lickers. I wish more politicians were like her. The narrator did a great job and had the right tone.
December 25, 2025
I think that Alaska politics is sort of a last hold out of old school booty grabbers. There was a time that a lot of states didn't have much vested interest in the working of the federal government, but would go along with a party's plan based on what federal projects they could bring home to there state. In Oregon, Sen. Hatfield was a great booty grabber that brought home lots of federally financed projects to Oregon. But that became pork barrel spending and went away.
Anyway, I believe that Lisa Murkowski really want to be a senator that puts Alaska first. The issue is that what she is trying to do is go to Washington and get laws passed that help her state. But then there are times that she is voting clearly against her principles to no benefit of her state due to political pressure. This usually means that she is most interested in keeping her job and is a part of a party that is hostile towards her.
To me this is billed as a tell all book, but there are several times that she is mostly just trying to justify something that was ultimately against he moral position and even against her states benefit when the real answer was there was huge political pressure and she wanted to keep her job.
Honestly, she'd likely be better off at keeping her morals in take and do better for her state if he ran as an independent. She'd still likely beat a Republican challenger anyway. Though there is a bit of the hard accounting in this book there is also quite a bit of evasive justification.
Cheers!
Anyway, I believe that Lisa Murkowski really want to be a senator that puts Alaska first. The issue is that what she is trying to do is go to Washington and get laws passed that help her state. But then there are times that she is voting clearly against her principles to no benefit of her state due to political pressure. This usually means that she is most interested in keeping her job and is a part of a party that is hostile towards her.
To me this is billed as a tell all book, but there are several times that she is mostly just trying to justify something that was ultimately against he moral position and even against her states benefit when the real answer was there was huge political pressure and she wanted to keep her job.
Honestly, she'd likely be better off at keeping her morals in take and do better for her state if he ran as an independent. She'd still likely beat a Republican challenger anyway. Though there is a bit of the hard accounting in this book there is also quite a bit of evasive justification.
Cheers!
November 28, 2025
Excellent. This memoir, unlike most, did not excel as an audiobook but was a fantastic read. I loved hearing about politics from Lisa's perspective and enjoyed the "inside scoop" on many Alaska things and elections. I appreciate her efforts to vote her conscience even when that is seemingly antithetical to her party line. I definitely enjoyed this book
August 12, 2025
A humbling read that nevertheless provided timely insights with sometimes less than fulfilling answers.
June 28, 2025
Great book from Murkowski, who represents one of the least understood U.S. states in the Senate. I enjoyed reading about her efforts to produce bipartisan legislation and her emphasis on serving her state first.
July 3, 2025
Audible version narrated by Lisa Murkoski and January LaVoy
Rated 4.5 rounded up because of how much I enjoyed the familiarity of it all
I don’t typically post reviews that I think people will actually read, especially ones that might stir up strong feelings, but this book deserves the effort. I didn’t read Far from Home because of politics. I read (well, listened to) it because I’ve lived in Alaska for nearly 40 years, and I knew Lisa Murkowski’s story would feel familiar… and it did.
I listened to the Audible version, which was exceptional. Lisa reads the introduction and the epilogue herself, and the chapters are narrated by January LaVoy (one of my all-time favorite narrators), who somehow managed to sound like a younger Lisa. Her tone and cadence were spot-on. I devoured this book. It made me laugh out loud, tear up more than once, and shake my head vigorously in recognition countless times.
The old Alaska stories were, hands down, my favorite. The chapters about Senator Ted Stevens and Representative Don Young brought back so many memories. I still have the “F the Feds, Vote for Ted” shirt Lisa mentions in the book...bought during the 2008 campaign when Stevens was battling those now-infamous (and ridiculous) federal charges. Her reflections on Senator Stevens were particularly moving and heartfelt.
Lisa names a lot of people throughout the book, from national and state politics to her staff and community members. While I don’t know any of them personally, I know people who do. That’s just how it is in Alaska. It made the stories feel all the more real and connected. I especially appreciated her candid takes on political figures like Sarah Palin, Joe Miller, and Donald Trump. I didn’t expect to find myself agreeing with everything she said, but I did.
One part that hit me personally was her account of the 2010 primary loss to Joe Miller and the historic write-in campaign that followed. I’ve told my own version of that story many times, mostly to admit how ashamed I felt for not voting absentee because of a work trip. I assumed Lisa had it in the bag. But she didn’t. And then Alaska did something remarkable. We rallied. We learned how to spell Mur-kow-ski. And she won. It was unforgettable...and the right outcome.
If you’re from Alaska, this book will feel like home. If you’re not, it might help you understand why we’re so fiercely independent and why Lisa Murkowski has remained such a uniquely Alaskan figure. Regardless of where you land politically, Far from Home offers a deeply human, often funny, and sometimes sobering account of public service, family legacy, and staying grounded in a place like D.C.… which couldn’t be more different than Alaska.
Rated 4.5 rounded up because of how much I enjoyed the familiarity of it all
I don’t typically post reviews that I think people will actually read, especially ones that might stir up strong feelings, but this book deserves the effort. I didn’t read Far from Home because of politics. I read (well, listened to) it because I’ve lived in Alaska for nearly 40 years, and I knew Lisa Murkowski’s story would feel familiar… and it did.
I listened to the Audible version, which was exceptional. Lisa reads the introduction and the epilogue herself, and the chapters are narrated by January LaVoy (one of my all-time favorite narrators), who somehow managed to sound like a younger Lisa. Her tone and cadence were spot-on. I devoured this book. It made me laugh out loud, tear up more than once, and shake my head vigorously in recognition countless times.
The old Alaska stories were, hands down, my favorite. The chapters about Senator Ted Stevens and Representative Don Young brought back so many memories. I still have the “F the Feds, Vote for Ted” shirt Lisa mentions in the book...bought during the 2008 campaign when Stevens was battling those now-infamous (and ridiculous) federal charges. Her reflections on Senator Stevens were particularly moving and heartfelt.
Lisa names a lot of people throughout the book, from national and state politics to her staff and community members. While I don’t know any of them personally, I know people who do. That’s just how it is in Alaska. It made the stories feel all the more real and connected. I especially appreciated her candid takes on political figures like Sarah Palin, Joe Miller, and Donald Trump. I didn’t expect to find myself agreeing with everything she said, but I did.
One part that hit me personally was her account of the 2010 primary loss to Joe Miller and the historic write-in campaign that followed. I’ve told my own version of that story many times, mostly to admit how ashamed I felt for not voting absentee because of a work trip. I assumed Lisa had it in the bag. But she didn’t. And then Alaska did something remarkable. We rallied. We learned how to spell Mur-kow-ski. And she won. It was unforgettable...and the right outcome.
If you’re from Alaska, this book will feel like home. If you’re not, it might help you understand why we’re so fiercely independent and why Lisa Murkowski has remained such a uniquely Alaskan figure. Regardless of where you land politically, Far from Home offers a deeply human, often funny, and sometimes sobering account of public service, family legacy, and staying grounded in a place like D.C.… which couldn’t be more different than Alaska.
July 21, 2025
Few American politicians invite as much conversation as Lisa Murkowski, the l0w-key, thoughtful, and polarizing senior senator from Alaska. The book is fascinating not because it doesn't have frustrations (you will find that if you disagreed with Murkowski at the time about one of her major decisions, you'll leave the book with the same perspective), but because it's quite raw. You get Murkowski's unvarnished opinions not just of Donald Trump, but of figures as diverse as Elizabeth Warren & Jim DeMint (hint: she's not a fan of either of them). She's also quite thorough-I've followed her career for her entire time in the Senate as a political nerd, and she hits every single time she made national headlines from the nepotism of her appointment to the upset victories she scored in 2004/10 to her rise as the Senate's most powerful swing vote. She sometimes bends a bit and makes herself a bit too above-the-fray, scoffing at her own ambitions (but what politician doesn't?), but this is better than your average political memoir because it feels like you're learning things you didn't know, and she's not afraid of saying things that might get her into trouble. Worth it if you're interested in learning the behind-the-scenes mechanics of DC first-hand from one of the most powerful figures in America today.
August 29, 2025
Consider my four star review of senator murkowski’s book the absolute highest of compliments. (It’s a political memoir after all)
It has become pretty much impossible for me to agree with, let alone respect and like a republican politician of Christian faith over the last several years, but Lisa is the exception. AK republicans are just different.
I thought the book was well written, fun to read, and even moving. It gave me hope in an otherwise very bleak time in history. I wish all politicians acted in a way more similar to her. Dont agree with all her politics (still mad about the bbb), but I respect her respect for the law, constitution, and her commitment to protecting her constituents.
It’s funny because I want to recommend this to the most crazy maga trumpie I know AND the most bleeding heart, blue haired liberal I know because I think they would both benefit from it equally. That says a lot!
It has become pretty much impossible for me to agree with, let alone respect and like a republican politician of Christian faith over the last several years, but Lisa is the exception. AK republicans are just different.
I thought the book was well written, fun to read, and even moving. It gave me hope in an otherwise very bleak time in history. I wish all politicians acted in a way more similar to her. Dont agree with all her politics (still mad about the bbb), but I respect her respect for the law, constitution, and her commitment to protecting her constituents.
It’s funny because I want to recommend this to the most crazy maga trumpie I know AND the most bleeding heart, blue haired liberal I know because I think they would both benefit from it equally. That says a lot!
November 21, 2025
Growing up, I remember my dad ranting about that “RINO Lisa Murkowski up in Alaska.” I’m sure I agreed with him. It wasn’t unusual for 12 to 21 year old me to listen to 3 hours of Rush Limbaugh, followed by 3 hours of Sean Hannity, which was sometimes followed by an hour or 2 of Glenn Beck.
When we moved to Alaska in 2017, I started noting that Murkowski was probably not as bad as I had been taught from various sources. In fact she seemed to have a true heart for the Alaskan people and I began watching her much more closely. In 2020, my husband had a federal issue (truly of no fault of his own) that had stalled during COVID causing a lapse in our paycheck. After 3 months of hitting government bureaucracy (it was truly just a red tape issue) that kept income from flowing into our home, my husband and I decided to reach out to the two Alaska senators and sole representative. Murkowski’s office replied within 12 hours. Within 48 hours the problem was solved and the office who had constantly told us that there was nothing they could do suddenly apologized for the misunderstanding and my husband’s income was flowing again.
Since 2020, I’ve sent dozens (probably hundreds) of letters to representatives and senators. The only office who reliably replies with actual substance is Murkowski. A few others might send a template letter, but most simply ignore it completely - but of course they do take the time to be sure their computer systems are programmed to sign me up for their newsletters while ignoring my actual inquiry. While I’m under no fantastical premise where I think Murkowski actually saw the email and took care of it individually, I do think that it shows the way she has set her office up - to serve the Alaskan people.
This book increased my respect for Lisa Murkowski more than I thought possible. While I disagree with her on a few subjects, I really appreciated the way she outlined her decisions in the book. I can respect her decision making process and truly appreciate her consistency, reasoning, and transparency. She outlines her reasoning for voting for certain Supreme Court Justices (and against others), her beliefs on energy jobs balanced with care for the environment, as well as federal help packages…among many other key issues. I admire her for having a backbone to be bipartisan and work across the aisle…standing up to Democrats and Republicans alike as need be. I applaud her talking about how in politics (and everyday life) we need to begin to treat one another as humans, be respectful even when we disagree, and work to find common ground. I also agree that we should not vote for Republicans and Democrats simply because they have an R or a D next to their name. We should take our votes seriously and in a principled manner…and if that means voting for the other party, or (gasp!) a third party….then we should do it.
I hope more people read this book - including the people who disagree with her. What can it hurt? Even if you disagree with her on various topics and decisions, there’s no reason not to learn more about politics and what is happening in Congress. This is even more poignant for those living in Alaska…or those who are curious about the different world that Alaska resides in (because, yes, it IS different up here).
Well done to Lisa Murkowski. It’s good to know at least a few politicians are good humans.
When we moved to Alaska in 2017, I started noting that Murkowski was probably not as bad as I had been taught from various sources. In fact she seemed to have a true heart for the Alaskan people and I began watching her much more closely. In 2020, my husband had a federal issue (truly of no fault of his own) that had stalled during COVID causing a lapse in our paycheck. After 3 months of hitting government bureaucracy (it was truly just a red tape issue) that kept income from flowing into our home, my husband and I decided to reach out to the two Alaska senators and sole representative. Murkowski’s office replied within 12 hours. Within 48 hours the problem was solved and the office who had constantly told us that there was nothing they could do suddenly apologized for the misunderstanding and my husband’s income was flowing again.
Since 2020, I’ve sent dozens (probably hundreds) of letters to representatives and senators. The only office who reliably replies with actual substance is Murkowski. A few others might send a template letter, but most simply ignore it completely - but of course they do take the time to be sure their computer systems are programmed to sign me up for their newsletters while ignoring my actual inquiry. While I’m under no fantastical premise where I think Murkowski actually saw the email and took care of it individually, I do think that it shows the way she has set her office up - to serve the Alaskan people.
This book increased my respect for Lisa Murkowski more than I thought possible. While I disagree with her on a few subjects, I really appreciated the way she outlined her decisions in the book. I can respect her decision making process and truly appreciate her consistency, reasoning, and transparency. She outlines her reasoning for voting for certain Supreme Court Justices (and against others), her beliefs on energy jobs balanced with care for the environment, as well as federal help packages…among many other key issues. I admire her for having a backbone to be bipartisan and work across the aisle…standing up to Democrats and Republicans alike as need be. I applaud her talking about how in politics (and everyday life) we need to begin to treat one another as humans, be respectful even when we disagree, and work to find common ground. I also agree that we should not vote for Republicans and Democrats simply because they have an R or a D next to their name. We should take our votes seriously and in a principled manner…and if that means voting for the other party, or (gasp!) a third party….then we should do it.
I hope more people read this book - including the people who disagree with her. What can it hurt? Even if you disagree with her on various topics and decisions, there’s no reason not to learn more about politics and what is happening in Congress. This is even more poignant for those living in Alaska…or those who are curious about the different world that Alaska resides in (because, yes, it IS different up here).
Well done to Lisa Murkowski. It’s good to know at least a few politicians are good humans.
July 14, 2025
2.5 to 3 stars for "Far from Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C." by Lisa Murkowski. The book presents somewhat of a dilemma for me. Lisa Murkowski is the senior senator from Alaska. She is now a very rare species: a moderate Republican and I have always viewed her as another rare breed: a principled politician. Full disclosure, I am an independent centrist decades-long Alaskan voter, but several notches more progressive than the author. But in short, I have admired her and have voted for her.
This book is exactly what you would expect from a politician. She attempts to paint an accurate picture, but it definitely shades all of her major career events in a light that reflect well on her. No problem, I would have been surprised if it had been otherwise. My problem is her claim that she never sells her vote and pays no attention to the immense pressure she receives from the far right and President Trump's MAGA movement.Her recent vote on HR-1, the "Big Beautiful Bill", speaks otherwise. Murkowski was the deciding vote for the bill in the Senate. She received a laundry list of goodies for Alaska for her vote. That's fine, but this bill is a tragedy for America and will ultimately hurt millions of people, including Alaskans. It further divides the rich from the poor, America's disastrous health care system will further deteriorate, and our mountain of debt will grow even faster. I could go on. This one vote of her's completely undermines all the high platitudes and noble intentions expressed in this book. So very, very sad.
This book is exactly what you would expect from a politician. She attempts to paint an accurate picture, but it definitely shades all of her major career events in a light that reflect well on her. No problem, I would have been surprised if it had been otherwise. My problem is her claim that she never sells her vote and pays no attention to the immense pressure she receives from the far right and President Trump's MAGA movement.Her recent vote on HR-1, the "Big Beautiful Bill", speaks otherwise. Murkowski was the deciding vote for the bill in the Senate. She received a laundry list of goodies for Alaska for her vote. That's fine, but this bill is a tragedy for America and will ultimately hurt millions of people, including Alaskans. It further divides the rich from the poor, America's disastrous health care system will further deteriorate, and our mountain of debt will grow even faster. I could go on. This one vote of her's completely undermines all the high platitudes and noble intentions expressed in this book. So very, very sad.
January 25, 2026
This book is really three stars plus. I would recommend anyone interested in our government and how it is functioning to read this memoir. The reader must remember that the author is stating her point of view, but she often also tells of her mistakes. I like the way Senator Murkowski tries to represent her state and her conscience rather than follow party lines. It reminds me of past times when statesmanlike senators of both parties worked to a compromise on issues. Although I don't agree with all of her views, I like the way she describes her thinking through each subject so that I understand her views. She has visited almost every Native American village in remote corners of Alaska which is admirable. An amusing part of the book was when she describes how they arranged for almost everyone in Alaska to have a bracelet with her name on it for her write-in vote when her party deserted her. Murkowski had to be spelled accurately for the write-in vote to count. All in all, I thought this book worth reading, and it gave me hope for more senators to put the interests of their constituents and country above their party.
October 12, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
This reads less like a genuine memoir and more like a carefully managed public relations exercise. The senator works hard to frame herself as a “different kind” of Republican — reasonable, independent, and above the partisan fray — but the effort feels overly calculated.
While there are glimpses of interesting personal history and moments that could have offered real insight into the challenges of representing Alaska, these are often overshadowed by the book’s self-congratulatory tone. Murkowski repeatedly emphasizes her “moderation” in a way that feels designed to distance herself from the more controversial corners of her party rather than to reveal anything truly introspective or vulnerable.
For readers hoping for an honest, unvarnished look at political life or the forces shaping today’s GOP, this may disappoint. Far From Home feels polished to the point of phoniness — more about managing image than sharing truth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
This reads less like a genuine memoir and more like a carefully managed public relations exercise. The senator works hard to frame herself as a “different kind” of Republican — reasonable, independent, and above the partisan fray — but the effort feels overly calculated.
While there are glimpses of interesting personal history and moments that could have offered real insight into the challenges of representing Alaska, these are often overshadowed by the book’s self-congratulatory tone. Murkowski repeatedly emphasizes her “moderation” in a way that feels designed to distance herself from the more controversial corners of her party rather than to reveal anything truly introspective or vulnerable.
For readers hoping for an honest, unvarnished look at political life or the forces shaping today’s GOP, this may disappoint. Far From Home feels polished to the point of phoniness — more about managing image than sharing truth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.
October 14, 2025
In this era where politicians lie and cheat without shame, it is refreshing to find someone with integrity. While I don't always agree with her -- and am a registered Democrat -- I found Murkowski's memoir refreshing, enlightening and definitely a good read. Murkowski tells the truth -- good and bad. She is candid about her thoughts on Trump, with whom she's had a very interesting relationship, and is generally fair about members of both parties. No real surprises there. I was bothered by how hard she tried to find a reason to affirm Kavanaugh (but didn't) or to vote against Trump's impeachment (again she didn't) -- but despite her integrity and vow to be true to herself, in the end she's still a member of the Republican party. It's also a good read about Alaska --particularly the bush communities largely unknown. I highly recommend it, especially for those who dismayed and disheartened by what we are experiencing today.
January 4, 2026
Simply said, I cannot recommend this book enough.
Less simply: Lisa created an incredible blend of book that is both a love story to Alaska, a promise to serve to the best of her abilities with integrity and honoring the trust placed in her, and a recap of the past few decades of her personal experiences and insights, and, finally, a call on all Americans to serve their communities however they may. She explains her mental processes when pondering difficult votes and challenges, the study she conducts and government law she refers to when current precedent is lacking, the teams she works with collaboratively in order to achieve progress - regardless of political party. I truly appreciate that Lisa has never been one to let a party line sway her decision; she votes for what is best for Alaska and our country, and follows her integrity.
Less simply: Lisa created an incredible blend of book that is both a love story to Alaska, a promise to serve to the best of her abilities with integrity and honoring the trust placed in her, and a recap of the past few decades of her personal experiences and insights, and, finally, a call on all Americans to serve their communities however they may. She explains her mental processes when pondering difficult votes and challenges, the study she conducts and government law she refers to when current precedent is lacking, the teams she works with collaboratively in order to achieve progress - regardless of political party. I truly appreciate that Lisa has never been one to let a party line sway her decision; she votes for what is best for Alaska and our country, and follows her integrity.
August 19, 2025
The book deserves 5 stars as the life that Senator Murkowski epitomizes the “Warrior” Senator. The love of Country but especially the love of Alaska is truly what the Senator has fought for. I can equate her to LBJ as a deal maker with her constituency first but as well as helping others with similar beliefs to help the people they represent. An interesting life keeping close to her third generation roots while ardently carrying the torch for those who need the basic things in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
August 4, 2025
I truly enjoyed reading this book, as I have often found Murkowski's career remarkable, especially in light of her centrism. If you don't like her politics, you will hate her book. There are definitely votes that she has made that I have disagreed with, but the honest writing that she uses in this book made me understand why she chose a particular path. If nothing else, understanding the way a bill gets built was very enlightening.
September 7, 2025
I really enjoyed reading about this Alaskan polician as she begins by being appointed to office by her prominent father and manages to win in a write-in vote to go to Washington DC. She makes her voice known and is not afraid to go against her party if she believes that she has determined a truth.
Her family is very important and she seems to make time for her marriage and her sons and sisters.
Her family is very important and she seems to make time for her marriage and her sons and sisters.
October 28, 2025
understanding politics
Lisa Murkowski does a great job of explaining her role in politics and how Alaska is her number one priority. I wish all our elected officials had her attitude and put the people first. I am sick of Political Party that work to get reelected instead of working for the good of the country . I vote for representatives who put country and people first. Thanks for a great book
Lisa Murkowski does a great job of explaining her role in politics and how Alaska is her number one priority. I wish all our elected officials had her attitude and put the people first. I am sick of Political Party that work to get reelected instead of working for the good of the country . I vote for representatives who put country and people first. Thanks for a great book
January 22, 2026
Really great book! Recommend for all Alaskans and anyone interested in politics. She covers her life up to 2023-ish with a short epilogue of 2024. It’s wild to re-live the 2010 write-in campaign, 2016 elections, 2020 Covid pandemic, the Jan 6 insurrection, etc. There is some cognitive dissonance around D vs R and why she believes it’s better for R to be in control of congress, but I really appreciate her dedication and service to the state of AK.
June 30, 2025
I don’t agree with Lisa Murkowski on every issue, but I’ve voted for her time and time again because I trust her judgment and I respect her deeply. Far From Home is a reflection of the same qualities that have always set her apart: honesty, independence, and an unwavering commitment to Alaska.
The book is personal without being performative. It gives real insight into what drives her, and why she so often chooses principle over party. Whether she’s writing about tough votes, tribal sovereignty, climate issues, or standing up to political pressure, she reminds me why I continue to support her even when we differ.
If you want to understand the kind of leadership that puts people over politics, this memoir is well worth reading.
The book is personal without being performative. It gives real insight into what drives her, and why she so often chooses principle over party. Whether she’s writing about tough votes, tribal sovereignty, climate issues, or standing up to political pressure, she reminds me why I continue to support her even when we differ.
If you want to understand the kind of leadership that puts people over politics, this memoir is well worth reading.
July 24, 2025
the memoir is definitely interesting as a read and she's an interesting figure. the memoir is very self-aggrandizing and at points the reasoning for crucial votes is very frail, though. for example, the Big Beautiful Bill, justice Amy Coney Barrett, and so on. still, she's an interesting political figure and this memoir shows some of the behind the scenes. 3.5 stars, tysm for the arc.
August 14, 2025
Real life and real work
I know how much it takes to build an organization from the ground up. Lisa describes what it takes to serve in the Senate. A far more difficult task. This book helped me appreciate those who represent the citizens of America. Impressive and inspiring. We all need to serve to keep America strong and true to our governing principles. 5 stars!
I know how much it takes to build an organization from the ground up. Lisa describes what it takes to serve in the Senate. A far more difficult task. This book helped me appreciate those who represent the citizens of America. Impressive and inspiring. We all need to serve to keep America strong and true to our governing principles. 5 stars!
August 14, 2025
She is so cool. Such an inspiration and a great book about bipartisan work in the Senate and sticking true to her guts while representing Alaska. The book marries my two loves of politics and the west in an amazing way. Really interesting how she discusses the importance of preserving Alaskan jobs while also combatting environmental degradation. What a woman.
August 21, 2025
A thoughtful and well written book. Murkowski’s openness is admirable and the book gives true insight into seemingly contradictory actions. A very unusual book by a political figure in that it is explanatory vs bragging. Brava to a politician working to get it done for her constituents rather than seek partisan safety for herself.
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