Run Like A Girl: A Memoir of Ambition, Resilience, and Fighting for Change

by Catherine McKenna

An inspiring feminist memoir.

From Olympic dreams to the frontlines of politics and climate action, Run Like a Girl is a bold, unfiltered memoir from Catherine McKenna, Canada's former Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Known for leading the charge on Canada's carbon pricing plan and enduring sexist attacks as "Climate Barbie," McKenna shares an inspiring journey of reinvention, resilience, and defiance in the face of expectations.

With a unique scrapbook-style format, this book blends personal anecdotes, political battles, and reflections on balancing ambition, motherhood, and activism. McKenna recounts her fight for climate policy, the ups and downs of her public service, the tough decision to leave politics, and her new mission to empower women in leadership.

For fans of Becoming by Michelle Obama and No Logo by Naomi Klein, Run Like a Girl is an urgent, deeply personal story about finding your own path, breaking the rules, and fighting for the future—on your own terms.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Politics, Canadian Literature

312 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[MJ Beauchamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to think that my first book of the month sets the tone, so I try to pick wisely…

February started with Run Like A Girl; a memoir by Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and a success - hooked me in right from the introduction, referencing an early Nike Women ad campaign:

“You became significant to yourself. Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it’s time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete. Because you know it’s never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one. Just do it.”

Catherine McKenna grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada’s steel city. A competitive swimmer from a young age, she became a lawyer and settled in Ottawa with her family, where she later decided to run for office. Her chances of winning were slim at first, but that didn’t stop her. She built a dream team, gave it her all, and led them to victory.

Though McKenna’s determination and accomplishments may seem to come naturally, her story is not all roses and rainbows.

“I struggled with imposter syndrome in my 20s and 30s. I often felt like I didn’t belong in the room or, if I did, I wasn’t smart enough to speak up. I’d sit quietly, convinced that others had better things to say.”

Overcoming personal challenges, misogyny and harassment as a member of parliament, she never backed down. Her vulnerability and resilience sure struck a chord with me.

No matter your level of political interest or support, this read is eye-opening, empowering, and full of light.

Most importantly, it’s a message of acceptance and self-belief. Because, the only thing that truly matters is “being significant to yourself.”

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.

[Al Kruzins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding
Followed her career a bit also living in Hamilton
Loved the personal stories and nice book layout with photos postcards etc
Few have done this
So proud of what she has done for climate change
Leaving politics without a cushy pension
Quite admirable
Going off on new career with climate women
Awesome
Go Catherine Go!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

We recently read Run Like a Girl by former Canadian MP, Catherine McKenna, for book club, and it led to such a thoughtful and engaging discussion.
Run Like a Girl is a memoir from Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change, where she reflects on her path from Olympic aspirations to political leadership, her work on climate policy, and the realities of navigating public life as a women in politics. The scrapbook-style format makes the story feel accessible, even for those without a strong background in Canadian politics.
One of the most interesting parts of our discussion was how politicians are treated – both by the public (Catherine experienced harassment as a result of her work on climate change policy) and within political spaces by other politicians, like in Question Period – and how this environment can discourage more women from entering politics. Many women feel they can create change in other ways, outside of formal political roles.
We also talked about what “running like a girl” really means. For McKenna, it’s about leading on your own terms – she ran her (successful) campaign her way, even when it went against the advice of more traditional “old boys club” expectations.
Overall, this book sparked a meaningful conversation about the barriers that still exist for women in politics, while remaining approachable and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
Definitely a book club success.

[Aidan Bonner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very digestible read that feels more like an intimate scrapbook than a conventional memoir. It’s refreshing to read a memoir from a Canadian politician rather than one from south of the border. I’d followed McKenna’s career loosely and knew she’d been a target of partisanship, but her reflections on the intersectionality of being a woman in politics, especially as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, were eye-opening and at times, difficult to read. The behind-the-scenes look at the Trudeau government and its shortcomings was interesting but ultimately made McKenna’s eventual decision to return to NGO work, where she seems to make the most impact, understandable.

[Kelly Samuels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I read it for a political book club and didn’t expect to enjoy it. As someone who does not know that much about politics (yet), I found Catherine McKenna’s account of running for office and working as an MP and cabinet minister to be an accessible and interesting way to learn how these processes work. That said, for someone who knows a lot about this area, this account may seem more basic than insightful. I was inspired by Catherine’s bravery in taking on new challenges and facing such criticism while remaining authentic to her personality and beliefs.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book’s mixture of political memoir and just plain life advice. I think every woman should read it. I wasn’t surprised by some of the discouraging descriptions of the misogyny Catherine experienced-I observed it from afar while it happened. As a woman who believes that women shouldn’t just be allowed to sit at the table, but who should be encouraged to speak, I sincerely hope Catherine’s reflections bring about positive change.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2; then saw Catherine today talk about her book and her story up to date. She is a practical go getter. She told her story to 200 young gals from McMaster University in Hamilton, her home town as they are celebrating International Women's Day.

[brayden macmillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I obtained this signed copy from Catherine herself when she presented a panel discussion at my University. I was inspired after hearing her talk, and am even more so now after having read her memoir, whose scrapbook-style layout makes for an enjoyable read.

[Sophia Navarro Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

a grounded and inspiring memoir from a badass Canadian

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the scrapbook style and I found it very inspiring