The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High

by Jocelyn Benson, Amanda Seyfried (Narrator)

From Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a road map for shattering the status quo and standing up for ourselves, our communities, and our country.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER!

AN OPEN FIELD BOOK FROM MARIA SHRIVER

As Michigan’s Secretary of State and chief election official, Jocelyn Benson has overseen several of the highest turnout, most secure elections in the state’s history. But her life changed one snowy evening in December 2020 when armed protesters descended onto her doorstep, threatening her family. Her only certifying a fair and accurate Presidential election in which the protesters’ preferred candidate – Donald Trump – did not win. Benson refused to back down. She stood her ground, spoke out louder, and helped expose and defeat a coordinated national effort to overturn the election.

In The Purposeful Warrior, Benson shows us how to turn fear and frustration into a fight for integrity and truth. She shares powerful stories from her rise in politics—investigating domestic terrorist cells, becoming the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top 100 law school, and running the Boston Marathon while more than eight months pregnant—as well as those of paradigm-shifters throughout history, to demonstrate how we can be warriors for ourselves and for each other. It starts when we stand up for others, call out bullies, raise our voices, and work with grace and grit to ensure truth, integrity, fairness and justice prevail – even when it is difficult, risky, and the stakes are high.

In times of intense conflict and anxiety it’s easy to believe we are powerless to make a difference. But we’re not. We are purposeful warriors. And we all have the power to define a better world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Memoir, Leadership, History, Government, Biography Memoir

Audible Audio

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Dana Nessel, I'm going to need you to write a book now so that I can say that I've read the “those women from Michigan” trifecta. Please and thank you.

Anyway, I have no idea how to rate this book. I generally despise self-help books, but I went into this one knowing that it was a self-help book so I can't really fault the author for that, I suppose. I mainly wanted to read the stories about the author's life that are wedged in between the instructional bits, because I am fascinated by the three women who are currently leading Michigan (Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson). Benson was thrust into the spotlight in 2020, when President Trump called her a “rogue Secretary of State” on Twitter (sorry not sorry, Elon, it'll never be “X” to me) for legally having mailed out absentee ballot applications to her constituents during the pandemic. Well, technically Trump said she mailed out the actual absentee ballots and not the applications, but I'm sure he was just misinformed and not intentionally attempting to mislead anyone. 🙄 (<- This is heavy sarcasm, just in case the eye roll emoji didn't make it clear.)

And speaking of Trump 🤮🤮, I initially worried that I might have to DNF this book. One of the initial chapters extensively discusses Trump's 2020 election and pandemic-related shenanigans, and it was just about more than I could handle. Things were bad enough then, but reading about that period while actively going through another Trump-related whatever-in-the-fark-this-is we have going on right now *gesticulates wildly at the US government* was too much. Luckily, while Trump does come back into the conversation later, this book is about much more than just the 2020 election.

Each chapter discusses ways that you too can become a “purposeful warrior” and stand up for what's right. I'll admit that I frequently skimmed the preachy self-help parts, but I did enjoy the stories from Benson's life that were used as examples. Well, mostly … she's one of those overachievers that makes me wonder what the heck I've done with my life. I mean, she's only two years older than I am and does more before breakfast on any given day than I manage in, well … years. She went to Harvard and Oxford and has started various nonprofits and won elections and run a trillion marathons and just announced a run for governor of Michigan, and meanwhile I've, uh, attended a school that was 175 kilometers (and worlds away) from Oxford, run one 5k (very, very slowly and with lots of gasping), and maybe lots of days manage to actually get out of my pajamas? I did find it a little weird that she constantly uses herself as inspiration, but I guess when you're basically Wonder Woman you're allowed to be a little braggy.

So, yeah, I have no idea how to rate this book. I enjoyed the memoir-ish parts of it quite a bit but the self-help stuff was a little lost on me. I guess let's just say two stars for the preachy bits, four stars for the personal stories, and five stars because Benson really has managed to make going to the Michigan SOS (DMV) much, much less unpleasant than it used to be. 3.66 (averaged) stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Open Field for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is May 6, 2025.

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Part memoir, part self-help, part call-to-action. Jocelyn is a model of ambition and championing for those on the margins. I am particularly inspired by her question, “whose life have you made better this month?” And the high standards we need to have for each other. Why does someone feel a calling to be Secretary of State? How do you measure the impact you’ve had on others?

Everyone seems super impressed with her running the Boston marathon while 8 months pregnant; which is wild, or standing up to armed protestors coming to her home, but I was particularly impressed by the story of going undercover in a white supremacy movement.

Michigan you have a great candidate for governor!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan’s Secretary of State (& gubernatorial candidate for 2026), shares her story of standing up for what is right in her memoir, The Purposeful Warrior.

Jocelyn shares stories of what inspired her to follow her path, including her time with the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she worked undercover, investigating hate groups & hate crimes. She broke barriers Wayne State, becoming the Dean of Wayne Law. Despite being a leader, she was still subjected to sexual harassment by a colleague, & when her voice wasn’t heard by her team, she continued to speak out and empowered other women in her community to be heard.

After that, Benson worked for Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality in New York, earning a 6 figure salary in a dream job, but the calling to serve the public became louder and louder, and she listened.

Jocelyn Benson was elected as Secretary of State in 2018. She became a target of Donald Trump, for mailing out absentee ballot APPLICATIONS in 2020, during a global pandemic, giving constituents the opportunity to have the choice of how to vote while practicing social distancing.

I enjoyed reading about what lead & motivated her to become a powerful force in the state of Michigan.

I found her personal story inspirational enough that the “self-help” parts of the book could have been omitted. Benson’s example has re-ignited the passion within to navigate life with purpose and righteousness.

The Purposeful Warrior is a reminder to keep pushing through and stand up for our rights during this turbulent season in America.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and insightful. Benson is an incredibly effective Secretary of State for Michigan, the improvements to the Department of Motor Vehicles alone are astounding and directly affect so many lives in positive ways, and I really enjoyed learning about her approach and philosophies to political processes and life in general. That said, the book does feel like a piece of a campaign for governor which some readers might not connect with.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying that I really like Jocelyn Benson and think she has done an amazing job as Secretary of State in Michigan.

And while she has a lot of great stories in this book and her successes are more than admirable, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this book felt too much like it was written with political consultants with an eye for poll-tested messaging rather than with heart and soul. Even the title feels way too “on message” rather than definitive to who Jocelyn Benson is.

I felt like I was listening to an extended gubernatorial campaign rally speech rather than a memoir and my cynicism for politicians publishing books right as they announce political campaigns is clearly growing.

Read or listen for the stories but don’t be surprised if you find your own form of cynicism creeping into your reading or listening experience.

[Courtney Brinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I ordered this because I know Jocelyn Benson is running for MI Governor in our next election, and it occurred to me that I don’t know anything about her other than the fact that she’s MI’s current Secretary of State. I bought this book assuming it would give me a better understanding of her political background and maybe some of her future goals or running platform. I was completely wrong. This is a leadership book through-and-through. I was immediately extremely impressed with Jocelyn’s leadership background and career achievements. Her book didn’t just touch on her accomplishments, but it walked through how YOU can achieve your big, hairy, audacious goals. She talked about finding your “why” or your purpose, building your personal board of directors, creating big goals and seeing them through, etc. I expected this book to be pretty mundane but as someone who is excited by people leading and improving my leadership skillset, I found this book to be very motivating, inspiring, and exciting!

[Jess Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration for people sad about Trump’s second term

I have admired Jocelyn Benson for a long time. It was interesting to read about her world view and what she was thinking when it must have felt as though the entire world was on her shoulders as she was on the front lines of the fight against the big lie. This was very well written and gave a lot of insight into her journey into Democratic politics. It amazes me how she remains so steadfast and positive in the face of so much divisiveness and misinformation. She bravely fought for what was right even when it brought an angry mob to her door. I have given this book as a gift to my friends who are working to remain hopeful during Trump’s second term. I wish I lived in Michigan so I could vote for her to be Governor. She is such a wonderful role model and leader that our country needs badly.

[Ryan Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling exploration of leadership, resilience, and dedication in the face of adversity. Benson offers thoughtful insights drawn from her extensive experience, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice that resonates well beyond the battlefield metaphor. The book’s strength lies in its clear, purposeful message that encourages readers to find meaning and resolve in their own challenges.

While the narrative occasionally leans heavily on military terminology that may feel less accessible to some readers, the overall themes of courage, commitment, and intentional action are universally powerful. This book is a valuable read for anyone seeking inspiration to lead with purpose and navigate life’s obstacles with determination.

[Shannan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Benson gives you the keys to being a purposeful warrior using stories of heroes. In these stories heroes changed the status quo to makes changes in inequality and other issues she explains ways to be a change leader. Throughout she gives examples of her own personal stories of how she fought the establishment in the matter of civil rights reform.

In a climate of injustice, she motivates readers to stand up for what is right. She stresses that you should not be silent against injustice but use your rage constructively for a purpose. This book is excellent for people wanting to make change in the world of injustice.

[Jeff Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious if this would be interesting to read or insightful, given most political memoirs rarely offer the reader something new or challenging. I was surprised to find that Benson’s work offers a framework for understanding your own agency in turbulent times. The stories she selects in support of this framework are fascinating both when they are her own and when they clearly are historical stories that have impacted her own life. While the introduction is a slog, the core of the book is a breeze to read and quite meaningful.

[valerie whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration Jocelyn Benson is to all of us! It was fun to learn so much about her that I didn’t know. When she was just 19 she went undercover for the Southern Poverty Law Center investigating neo-Nazi and white supremacist activities in Alabama. She was the youngest female Dean of any law school in the United States. Then she became the CEO of RISE which is a nonprofit aimed at tackling racial discrimination in sports. Kinda bad ass.

[William E. Kail · Rating 5 out of 5]

She Brings the Receipts!

In the first hundred pages I thought her a self centered political blowhard. But I kept reading and learned that she believes in a great deal more than herself. Her values- centered-life has led to the success achieved not for herself but for others who need her example. I wish my deceased daughter's life and Jocelyn Benson's example might guide my blossoming granddaughter's life!

[Lauren Wittenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocelyn Benson is a true powerhouse who stands up at every turn. I was SO excited for this book, and it doesn't disappoint. Secretary Benson's epic tweet response ("Hi! 👋 I also have a name, it's Jocelyn Benson....") inspired my young daughter to channel the powerful woman she saw and stand up for herself. Amazing, inspirational, and just a great read overall.

[Khiett · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was impressed with the strength Jocelyn showed during the election fiasco created by Trump, I am now solidly in her court after learning more about her background, her education and the choices she has made for the benefit of democracy in our country. I hope to see her as the next Governor of Michigan.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about how Jocelyn Benson found her place in this world. A bit sad she didn't talk about more about her time as Secretary of State, but at least there's some mention of her cunning reforms and strong integrity herein. But a book serving to introduce Jocelyn Benson to the world as she starts to run for Michigan Governor, good. Also lots of good quote material to inspire other activists.

[Mary Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michigan's secretary of state, who was targeted by Trump during the 2020 election, tells readers how to harness anger and frustration and fight back. This is more of a self-help book than a memoir, although Benson does bring in some of her experiences, both personal and career-related, as she makes her points about doing the right thing.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about advocacy

Good book about advocacy and autobiography by Jocelyn Benson. However this book does little to go behind the scenes of her struggle to maintain election integrity. But one does get tips to build their own courage through pieces of Jocelyn’s life story.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for many things. It's about :fear and frustration" in the story. The book gives us something almost all the time on a unusual story. The book takes us things that what others woulod not know about the problems.

[R.Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jocelyn Benson has a lot of good advice that will resonate with extroverted go-getters. For the rest of us, it's a bit over-the-top. I finished the book, but I admit to skimming a lot. I admire her grit, though.

[Kayla Lauzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jocelyn has lead a remarkable life

[Kayla Calkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely Wellesley energy ❤️ she’s a badass, can’t wait for her to be Governor and President

[Beckie Hinze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good leadership book that reminds of the need to never forget all we learned with the #metoo movement- and the need for all of us to stand up to evil authority.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every progressive seeking the motivation to endure. If I was in Michigan I would be volunteering tomorrow for her gubernatorial campaign.

[Dail Sams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggle to read nonfiction, but this semi-biographical and challenging book by Jocelyn Benson, Michigan secretary of state, was worth the effort.

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! super inspiring! I also love learning more about public officials.

[Chidimma Ozor Commer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title + Author: The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High — Jocelyn Benson
Format: Audiobook

Why I picked this up:
Jocelyn Benson is running for Governor of Michigan so I was interested to learn more about her.

What it’s really about:
Jocelyn uses the book to describe a purposeful warrior while telling readers that she is also a purposeful warrior.

What stood out:
Admittedly, I was impressed that she qualified for the Boston Marathon and ended up running it eight months pregnant. Another thing that stood out to me was her firsthand account of how terrified she felt when uninvited visitors from another political party came to her home that she shares with her husband and son. To be clear, she experienced political violence long before people were calling it that. I can only imagine how that felt for her and her family.

Who this is for / not for:
I did not feel like I knew Jocelyn that much more by reading her book.

Bottom line:
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It didn't provide the depth and weight that I appreciate in memoirs.