The Rough Side of the Mountain

by Keisha Lance Bottoms (Author, Narrator)

**Narrated by the Author!**

A poignant and inspiring memoir from the former mayor of Atlanta about her modest, hardscrabble upbringing, and fully appreciating the selfless, loving, fierce, and altogether Southern-twinged lessons her family taught her.

Long before Keisha Lance Bottoms rose to prominence in politics, she was a daddy’s girl from the west side of Atlanta—the baby of her family, who did well in school, though she talked too much in class; an outgoing kid who dreamed of growing up to be elegant and charismatic like her parents, cool like her older siblings and big cousins, and the pride of her very large Southern family.

After law school, Bottoms worked as an attorney, served as a judge, and was elected to City Council and the mayorship, where she garnered national attention for her leadership during the pandemic and George Floyd protests. Later, she was appointed senior advisor in President Joe Biden’s administration.

Yet Bottoms felt disquieted internally. She was in her early fifties and approaching the age her beloved father was when he died. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something in her life was missing, like she’d forgotten to bring an essential element of herself along for her ascension. Stepping away from the daily political grind, Bottoms realized how much she’d sanded down parts of herself on her path to professional success. She’d tucked away the fuller details about her dad’s drug abuse and prison stint for dealing; the sexual abuse she endured; the eating disorder she developed; the close-knit, utterly unpolished family who doted on her and gave her an incredible foundation of love and confidence but whose influence she’d smoothed to a sleek, charming, campaign-ready sheen. She thought that was the price of upward mobility. Then she realized she was wrong.

The Rough Side of the Mountain is about this excavation. It’s Bottoms’s deeply affecting journey to rescue a version of herself that she thought she had to leave behind to succeed. An homage to the lessons from kinfolk plainly told, hers is a timely and heartfelt memoir about unmasking oneself, the joys of authenticity, embracing what you see, and spreading that powerful message.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

11 pages, Audible Audio

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Chick!

I was immediately drawn to Keisha Lance Bottoms as soon as she became the mayor of Atlanta. There was something about her that felt so down home and relatable. She was able to exhibit that in this book. Her childhood stories, family secrets, and drama sounded like the upbringing of so many people that I know. I loved learning about her collegiate journey, the courtship with her husband, and her challenging path to motherhood. She is a remarkable woman. I couldn’t vote for her during her mayoral race because of residency restrictions. I still proudly proclaimed, “Atlanta got a mayor named Keisha”. I cannot wait to pull up to my polling place three generations deep to cast our votes for Keisha Lance Bottoms to become the next governor of Georgia. When I say representation matters, I’m talking about the impact of women like Keisha showing my daughters that they can become anything they have the audacity to believe they can be.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was greatly anticipating this book and two days before release I read several negative reviews of how they felt it lagged for over halfway through and on. I thought ah oh, I might not enjoy it after buying a presale copy. So glad I purchased this and I guess it’s not for everyone but black women will definitely enjoy as we relate to Keisha’s life from cultural events to her family life, this resonated with me and I appreciated the behind the scenes of her political career as I love history and politics. Worthy of your time 🤎

[Topeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait for the release of this book and REALLY enjoyed reading it! Though I’m not from Georgia, I still thought throughout the book, “Atlanta's got a mayor named Keisha.” 😊

Immersive reading has become a staple for me, so I especially enjoyed audibly reading it in her voice while visually reading her words alongside her. The entire experience really showed her down-to-earth personality, intelligence, hard-working nature and deep love for family and for uplifting others.

I truly enjoyed reading about her family, background, college years, support system, concerns and the many triumphs and challenges she experienced throughout her personal life and political journey. She was so honest and relatable. And I appreciated the various tips, advice and encouragement she included in the book. So inspiring!!

I’ll definitely be recommending this book to others.

[DesReadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about Atlantas forever mayor, KLB. I first learned of her in 2020 when Atlanta was seemingly the epicenter of the COVID -19 pandemic. Keisha interested me and I saw her as this fierce, energetic, empowering black woman, knocking down glass ceilings in the political world. After reading her memoir, I learned so much more about her life, her struggles and her background to Atlanta. My only object to the book is that this is her memoir. I believe after reading this that there is so much more to come of her and her family. It could’ve been a who is KLB story.

[Jenn]

DNF. I grabbed this one because she's probably running for Governor and I wanted to know more about her, but I'm bored at over 20%, so I'm out.

[Codi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book not knowing much about Keisha Lance Bottoms. I remember as mayor of Atlanta she was in the news a decent amount during COVID and BLM so it was an interesting read! I definitely think the first half was pretty slow and I had trouble getting into it fully but the chapter about her time as mayor were fascinating and engaging. It was interesting to read how she navigated through those difficult times and why she eventually did not seek reelection. Overall I would recommend for people from Atlanta or those interested in politics!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Self-awareness is saving grace." ~ 76%

Before Keisha Lance Bottoms rose to prominence in politics, she was a daddy's girl from the Westside of Atlanta. Beginning with the memory of her father being arrested and taken to prison, going through law school, serving as a judge, elected to City Council and eventually becoming Mayor of Atlanta is quite the story to tell. She could have easily fallen victim to unfortunate circumstances. Instead she held true to self, pursued higher education and excelled. Who knew that little girl sitting on a couch afraid would be appointed to advise the former President of the United States?

"Whatever anybody else thought of me, I had shared my fullest truth and I was good with it." ~ 65%

This memoir is not all about her professional success. After stepping away from politics, she faced the details of a campaign-ready life. Addressed what the public didn't see: her dad's drug abuse, the sexual abuse she endured, an eating disorder she developed and an unpolished Southern family. Keisha took the mask off!

The Rough Side of the Mountain is an inspiration to young girls and professional women. Pursue your dream. Stand firm. Do not let your surroundings dictate your future. The rough side of the mountain leads to an authentic life. The originator of "One Atlanta" is proof.

Happy Pub Day to Keisha Lance Bottoms! The Rough Side of the Mountain is officially on shelves.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Comes out April 21, 2026.

I was aware of Keisha Lance Bottoms as an Atlanta politician, but didn’t know anything about her as a person. I love a memoir, and I really wanted to like this. I can’t put my finger on what made it boring, because her story is interesting. For long periods of time it just felt like “the begats” in the Bible. I think if she had honed in on specific stories and people instead of covering lots of people at a superficial level I might have been more engaged. By the end, I wanted to be listening to it so I could increase the speed. I did finish it, but I put it down for long chunks of time.

[Corky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read as much more autobiography than memoir. It felt a little bit like reading a list as she moved from one time period of her life to the next - touching on this or that but never diving real deep. For example the chapter about her undegrad years read like promotion material - lots of generalizations rather than a look at her unique, specific experiences.
Overall a boring but alright read - perhaps better suited for readers who are familiar who her political career.

[Blue Ant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rough Side of the Mountain is a deeply personal and emotionally candid memoir that explores identity, family, ambition, trauma, and the cost of success. Through reflections on her upbringing, political rise, and private struggles, Keisha Lance Bottoms presents a story not only about achievement but about reclaiming authenticity and confronting the parts of oneself hidden in pursuit of acceptance and professional advancement.

One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its honesty. Bottoms appears willing to confront painful and deeply personal experiences—including family struggles, abuse, grief, and disordered eating—with openness and vulnerability. That emotional transparency gives the memoir both credibility and emotional weight.

The portrayal of family also seems central to the book’s impact. Rather than presenting her background as something polished or idealized, Bottoms honors the complexity, warmth, resilience, and imperfections of the people who shaped her. The “Southern-twinged” lessons and fierce love within her family provide the memoir with emotional grounding and humanity.

Another compelling aspect is the exploration of identity within public life. The memoir examines the pressure to curate oneself for political and professional success, and the emotional consequences of suppressing parts of one’s history to fit expectations of respectability and upward mobility. That theme likely resonates far beyond politics alone.

The reflections on leadership during moments of national crisis—including the pandemic and the George Floyd protests—also add historical and social context to her personal journey, showing how public responsibility can intersect with private emotional reckoning.

Readers interested in memoirs about resilience, identity, politics, family, and personal transformation will likely find this book thoughtful and inspiring. What stands out most is the memoir’s message that true success is not simply professional achievement, but the courage to reclaim and fully embrace one’s authentic self.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this memoir, I only knew Keisha Lance Bottoms through her public role, but this book truly introduced me to the woman behind the title. From the beginning, her honesty pulled me in, especially as she shares the story of her father’s arrest and the lasting impact it had on her family. Learning that she is the daughter of a well-known musician was surprising, but what moved me most was the loving, close-knit network of relatives who helped raise her and supported her every step of the way.

As someone who also grew up in the South, that part of her story really resonated with me. When my parents divorced, our extended family stepped in to support my mother and help raise my sisters and me. Seeing that same sense of community reflected in her story made it feel deeply personal and familiar. Even without a background in politics, I found her journey very relatable. She speaks honestly about what leadership requires—the rewards, the sacrifices, and the emotional weight of responsibility. From her first day in office as mayor, she knew there were people who did not want her there, so she committed to initiatives centered on transparency and accountability. That decision clearly set the tone for her entire term. She governed during deeply complex and challenging times for the city, the state, and the country, and she does not shy away from acknowledging that reality.

This memoir is thoughtful, heartfelt, and deeply moving, and it gave me a new appreciation for Keisha Lance Bottoms not just as a leader, but as a person. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in leadership, public service, or meaningful stories of resilience, family, and personal growth.

A huge thanks to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!!

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rough Side of the Mountain by Keesha Bottoms is a powerful and deeply personal memoir that blends resilience, faith, and determination into a narrative that stays with you long after the final chapter. Bottoms writes with a voice that feels both intimate and steady, guiding readers through the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments that shaped her journey. What stood out most to me was how candidly she shares the obstacles she faced the unexpected setbacks, the quiet moments of doubt, and the hard‑won victories that ultimately strengthened her resolve. Her reflections never feel performative; instead, they read like wisdom earned through lived experience.
The memoir shines brightest when Bottoms explores the intersection of personal identity, public service, and purpose. Her storytelling is grounded, honest, and often inspiring, especially when she opens up about the emotional weight of leadership and the responsibility of showing up for others even when the path is steep. If you enjoy memoirs that balance vulnerability with strength, this one delivers. It’s a thoughtful, motivating read that reminds you that climbing the “rough side of the mountain” can shape you in ways smooth paths never could. #netgalley #theroughsideofthemountain

[Raven]

I find it hard to rate memoirs because they are so very personal, and anyone willing to open themselves to the scrutiny of the public are a special brand of courageous (in my opinion). In Rough Side of the Mountain, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms shares an honest, raw, and often vulnerable look into her professional and personal life. As someone unfamiliar with Bottoms until the pandemic thrust her into the national spotlight, this was a great way to learn more about her political journey.

There were several things I enjoyed while reading this, like learning how her father’s incarceration affected her at such a young age or swooning over the relationship between her and her husband. I especially appreciated how she candidly shared her unconventional journey to motherhood. I will say that there were times where the book dragged or started feeling a little redundant, and I found myself skimming during certain parts. Overall though, the candor and the down-to-earth tone of the book made for a nice reading experience. I’m sure this memoir signals that higher political aspirations are on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in Bottoms’ future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this ARC. Expected publication date is April 21.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley. Thank you Tavia for providing the opportunity to learn and understand Keisha Lance Bottoms.

In this biography Keisha shares her family history from slavery all the way through Joe Biden’s presidency. Reading this made me feel as if this was written especially for me. I needed the words of wisdom from othermama, her grandma, mom, and dad.

The fears that she has as a mother to black boys are my own fears. The conversations we must have with our children about police stops. I could see myself in so many pages of this book.

There were many highlights made but the one that stood out to me had to do with ambition. The way society paints this word has different meaning for men and women

Ambition is often weaponized and used as a dirty word, causing women and girls to believe that somehow wanting more for ourselves is something to be ashamed of. Unlike with men, in whom it is hyped and rewarded, ambition is sometimes treated like a stain in us—something to be cleaned up or toned down, or worse, it is rejected as tacky and unbecoming behavior.

This book will be released on April 26th. Please add this to your library.

[Amy Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a resident of Georgia, I was curious to learn more about the author, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. I remember her strong leadership in 2020, as the streets of Atlanta were plagued with protests in response to the murder of George Floyd, and the ensuing looting, rioting and police brutality.
In her memoir, Bottoms shares candidly about her upbringing in Atlanta, including challenges she faced. She speaks honestly about her journey, and you feel her strong sense of family, community and faith ... as well as her fierce love of her city. I admire these things, as well as her hard work and dedication, and her ability to face challenges. She speaks openly about learning to trust her true self and to honor her values.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Read.

[Lorra_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with an amazing message.

"...all things work together for our good. All things included all the best moments and all the worst. If we run from the fullness of our own experiences and how they have changed us, if we cling to the masks that hide our disappointment and shame but that also hide our truest selves, then we will never get to stand in the liberated glory of our own authenticity or to become all that we are destined to be."

I knew about Keisha Lance-Bottom as the Major of Atlanta, but reading about her life, her struggles as a black woman, and how she always pressed forward and persevered was so inspiring and uplifting.

This book read as a celebration of her younger self and her family. With the good, thr bad and thr ugly.

[Abby Aguilera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley!

I was not familiar with Keisha Lance Bottoms when I picked up this book but stayed for the story and the Southern vibes. I found the way she wrote about her past to be very engaging, I was sitting on the edge of my seat during her first story, honestly. I felt like the pace could've been better at points, but overall, I enjoyed the read and getting to know the author better.

I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[TBos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful memoir and "come full circle" kind of life story. Each chapter is better than the last, filled with gratitude for the help from others and too many quotes to mention, all from leaders and others who have influenced her greatly (including Bible passages). From happy-family little girl whose father is hauled off to jail in handcuffs to her single mother's struggles to her own struggles along the way to becoming a mother, mayor, and then member of the White House West Wing - very straightforward writing and truth-telling about her experiences. Inspiring! Enjoyed it.

[Georgiacyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read about candidates before an election so, I was excited to read this book. While there is no way this author could write a book free of politics, the book is so much more. The good, the bad, and the ugly….Keisha Lance Bottoms puts it all out there with the vulnerability that makes a memoir great. She has experienced, done, and accomplished a lot in her life, and she shares both the insiders view of the well known and the personal details that most probably do not. A very worth while read by a current gubernatorial candidate.

[Kwana Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 19:14 (KJV) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Mrs. Lance Bottoms, my mayor, truly took the verse and laid it all out, The strength of her family, her love for her city and country, but most of all her love for her children. Truly an inspiration story. I received this book as an ARC.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible memoir by an incredible and well-respected political figure. Ms. Lance Bottoms has been an impressive city councilor, mayor, and Senior Advisor to the president, and this book is hard-hitting at telling her story. It is timely, too, with her current campaign for Governor of Georgia. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ I didn’t know this woman at all and never heard of her before but this book came recommended and I gave it a whirl. I really enjoyed her story and loved the audio. Famous Dad, mayor, love, loss, family dynamics. All covered ✅

[Grace Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible glimpse into Mrs. Keisha’s life. I was excited to learn more about her in general, but to get a behind-the-scenes look at her mayoral time was awesome. Thankful to have her as an example of godly leadership as a fellow Georgian.

[Phoebe L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Significant insight into the life of a 21st Century political figure

Delightfully captures elements of how confronting and conquering challenges of “the rough side of the mountain” contributed to moving her beyond strength to power.

[Viviana]

I received a NetGalley widget from Tavia Kowalchuk at Mariner Books today.

[Karen Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good political memoir.