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A Voice Like Mine
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100 copies available
U.S. only
New Mexico 2026 gubernatorial frontrunner, organizer, congresswoman, and former cabinet secretary Deb Haaland shares her story, offering a powerful and personal look at what it means to be “the first.”
Nothing about Deb Haaland’s upbringing or family history set her up for a life of the first Native American woman elected to chair a state political party in the United States; one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress; the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Yet Haaland has embraced every opportunity, knowing that each step forward lifts up those who are too often left out of the conversation.
A 35th-generation New Mexican and member of the Pueblo of Laguna, Haaland has lived a remarkable life shaped by poverty, alcoholism, and single parenthood. After a late but meteoric rise in politics, she stepped down from her cabinet position as Secretary of the Interior in January 2025 and is now running for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election.
In A Voice Like Mine—titled after Haaland’s congressional campaign slogan, “Congress has never heard a voice like mine”—she shares the personal history that shaped her courage to organize, run for office, and lead. She tells the stories that have defined her life in politics and beyond, from her grandfather’s cornfield, where she learned the importance of hard work and care for the earth, to the oak-paneled halls of Washington, D.C. Throughout her journey, Haaland has drawn on her heritage in her activism and service, leading with humility, purpose, and a commitment to “leave the ladder down” for those who follow.
Nothing about Deb Haaland’s upbringing or family history set her up for a life of the first Native American woman elected to chair a state political party in the United States; one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress; the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Yet Haaland has embraced every opportunity, knowing that each step forward lifts up those who are too often left out of the conversation.
A 35th-generation New Mexican and member of the Pueblo of Laguna, Haaland has lived a remarkable life shaped by poverty, alcoholism, and single parenthood. After a late but meteoric rise in politics, she stepped down from her cabinet position as Secretary of the Interior in January 2025 and is now running for Governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election.
In A Voice Like Mine—titled after Haaland’s congressional campaign slogan, “Congress has never heard a voice like mine”—she shares the personal history that shaped her courage to organize, run for office, and lead. She tells the stories that have defined her life in politics and beyond, from her grandfather’s cornfield, where she learned the importance of hard work and care for the earth, to the oak-paneled halls of Washington, D.C. Throughout her journey, Haaland has drawn on her heritage in her activism and service, leading with humility, purpose, and a commitment to “leave the ladder down” for those who follow.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 27, 2026
I was extremely excited to receive an ARC of “A Voice Like Mine.” When I saw that Deb Haaland had written a memoir, I immediately requested the copy. I had not followed her career up until she was working in the Biden administration, but I remember being incredibly excited to see her be nominated to head the Department of the Interior.
I loved reading about her years growing up, and hearing the stories of the foods her family would make together and all of the lessons that she learned in sustainability. The chapter “Soul Food” was undoubtedly my favorite. She brought life to the Puebla recipes of her youth, and even scattered a few recipes throughout the book as well. Also enjoyable to read was the story of her relationship with sobriety, and learning about what made her work to get sober and maintain it.
My only complaint about this book is that I wish it was divided into three separate books. I would have loved to see a memoir of growing up in Puebla culture, a memoir of her sober journey, and a memoir of her life as Secretary of the Interior. She has lived such a complex life that I think having plenty of time to delve into each of her experiences would have been so fascinating to read. As it was, I enjoyed reading all that she did write, and I just wish there had been more space for deep introspection in her experiences.
This is without a doubt a story worth reading, and I recommend checking it out from the library to anybody who loves memoirs.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for a free ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
I loved reading about her years growing up, and hearing the stories of the foods her family would make together and all of the lessons that she learned in sustainability. The chapter “Soul Food” was undoubtedly my favorite. She brought life to the Puebla recipes of her youth, and even scattered a few recipes throughout the book as well. Also enjoyable to read was the story of her relationship with sobriety, and learning about what made her work to get sober and maintain it.
My only complaint about this book is that I wish it was divided into three separate books. I would have loved to see a memoir of growing up in Puebla culture, a memoir of her sober journey, and a memoir of her life as Secretary of the Interior. She has lived such a complex life that I think having plenty of time to delve into each of her experiences would have been so fascinating to read. As it was, I enjoyed reading all that she did write, and I just wish there had been more space for deep introspection in her experiences.
This is without a doubt a story worth reading, and I recommend checking it out from the library to anybody who loves memoirs.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for a free ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
I received this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. I was excited to read it because I attend a function in which she was the speaker while she was secretary of the interior and I found her history fascinating. Good, quick read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed this autobiography because it was a relaxing, easy read, not a narrative that gave too much detail about specific jobs or one that tried to hide but didn’t succeed at bragging on a regular basis. I really enjoyed learning about tribal customs in New Mexico because they were introduced in a storytelling manner rather than in an instructional way. Instead of reading someone else’s interpretation of who Deb Haaland was, I really liked knowing everything described was genuine because it was told in the first person. After finishing the book, I was left with some worthwhile takeaways. I was impressed with Deb making it clear that you don’t have to born with a silver spoon in your mouth to be successful in life and that experiencing difficult years also does not mean you can’t have a successful life.
Although I admired the fact that Deb Holland was the first Native American to be chair of a state political party as well as the first Native American to serve in a Presidential Cabinet, I most admired her being unaffected by her successes. She continued to be the Deb Haaland that her friends and co-workers had always known. I REALLY admired the goals she set for herself when she served in Congress. There was no gloating about how far she had come, only full time focusing on how she could spend every minute of her day to help others – introducing legislation to combat the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, and successfully getting a law passed that would help with economic growth in tribal communities. And what can I say about her life as a single mother? She was simply amazing! Putting this book in the hands of young women would be a gift to them since Deb Haaland is such a role model who quietly took on challenges and became successful. For those who have never visited New Mexico, learning something new about another culture (Native American) Mexico) would be one reason to read the book. If you want a break from listening to bombastic conversations in the world of government, this is the book for you. (Thank you to Henry Holt and Company publishers for sending me this book.) (I would give a rating of 4.5 if I could.)
Although I admired the fact that Deb Holland was the first Native American to be chair of a state political party as well as the first Native American to serve in a Presidential Cabinet, I most admired her being unaffected by her successes. She continued to be the Deb Haaland that her friends and co-workers had always known. I REALLY admired the goals she set for herself when she served in Congress. There was no gloating about how far she had come, only full time focusing on how she could spend every minute of her day to help others – introducing legislation to combat the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, and successfully getting a law passed that would help with economic growth in tribal communities. And what can I say about her life as a single mother? She was simply amazing! Putting this book in the hands of young women would be a gift to them since Deb Haaland is such a role model who quietly took on challenges and became successful. For those who have never visited New Mexico, learning something new about another culture (Native American) Mexico) would be one reason to read the book. If you want a break from listening to bombastic conversations in the world of government, this is the book for you. (Thank you to Henry Holt and Company publishers for sending me this book.) (I would give a rating of 4.5 if I could.)
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A Voice Like Mine 🌾📖
by Deb Haaland
4 thoughtful stars
Thank you to Henry Holt for the ARC 💛
There’s something very steady and intentional about A Voice Like Mine, like sitting across from someone who is telling you their story not to impress you, but to make sure you understand where they come from. 🌾
This didn’t feel like a typical political memoir to me. It felt more personal, more rooted in identity, family, and place. The early sections especially stood out. The way Haaland writes about her upbringing, her grandparents, and her connection to land and culture felt vivid and grounded. You can almost feel the warmth of those moments, the food, the history, the sense of belonging. 🍲
Here’s what stayed with me:
🌾 Her connection to her heritage feels like the backbone of the entire story, not just a detail but the reason behind everything she does
💪 There’s a quiet determination in her journey, not flashy or overdone, just consistent and deeply rooted
🪶 The storytelling is accessible and personal, making it easy to connect with her experiences
🍽️ The inclusion of food as part of her story adds a layer of culture and intimacy that I really appreciated
That said, some parts of the book felt a little abrupt. Big life moments, things like struggles, relationships, and transitions, come and go quickly without a lot of time to sit with them. I found myself wanting more depth in those areas, especially around her time in politics and her personal challenges.
The structure almost feels like snapshots instead of a fully continuous narrative. You see the moments, you understand their importance, but sometimes you want to linger a little longer.
Even with that, what comes through clearly is her resilience. Her path is not polished or perfect, and that’s part of what makes it feel honest. It’s less about a dramatic rise and more about persistence, identity, and showing up again and again.
A thoughtful, grounded memoir that centers voice, heritage, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. ✨
by Deb Haaland
4 thoughtful stars
Thank you to Henry Holt for the ARC 💛
There’s something very steady and intentional about A Voice Like Mine, like sitting across from someone who is telling you their story not to impress you, but to make sure you understand where they come from. 🌾
This didn’t feel like a typical political memoir to me. It felt more personal, more rooted in identity, family, and place. The early sections especially stood out. The way Haaland writes about her upbringing, her grandparents, and her connection to land and culture felt vivid and grounded. You can almost feel the warmth of those moments, the food, the history, the sense of belonging. 🍲
Here’s what stayed with me:
🌾 Her connection to her heritage feels like the backbone of the entire story, not just a detail but the reason behind everything she does
💪 There’s a quiet determination in her journey, not flashy or overdone, just consistent and deeply rooted
🪶 The storytelling is accessible and personal, making it easy to connect with her experiences
🍽️ The inclusion of food as part of her story adds a layer of culture and intimacy that I really appreciated
That said, some parts of the book felt a little abrupt. Big life moments, things like struggles, relationships, and transitions, come and go quickly without a lot of time to sit with them. I found myself wanting more depth in those areas, especially around her time in politics and her personal challenges.
The structure almost feels like snapshots instead of a fully continuous narrative. You see the moments, you understand their importance, but sometimes you want to linger a little longer.
Even with that, what comes through clearly is her resilience. Her path is not polished or perfect, and that’s part of what makes it feel honest. It’s less about a dramatic rise and more about persistence, identity, and showing up again and again.
A thoughtful, grounded memoir that centers voice, heritage, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward. ✨
Review of advance copy
From the start, I knew this is not just any political memoir. Deb Haaland comes from a unique background as an Indigenous person, and she definitely makes that identity a core part of her career, and by extension, this book. I always recommend first-person narratives written by people who have many things to teach us about the place they're from, the experiences they've been through and the features that make them unique, and this memoir is no exception. I really liked the storytelling, the detailed and selfless focus on members of her family and people important in her life and the reflections about how the world around her works from a Native American perspective. The book also has a big (and relatively unexpected) focus on food, which I understand is an important part of many cultures and lives including hers, although I personally got a bit disengaged after the second or third recipe, although I understand they're there to further her claims and storytelling. The writing style is very good, simple enough to be very accessible while also being detailed and informative, as it should, and it was very easy to get to know Haaland on a much more personal level through her memoir, which in my opinion is almost impossible through most other storytelling means or just by watching her on the media.
But what I probably appreciate the most about this book is that it highlights Haaland's hard work and achievements while not being an eccentric, over the top, cliche, zero-to-hero kind of memoir — there are too many of those out there already. Of course I'm always very wary of political memoirs, especially when they're published right before an election where the author is running; the information on the pages must always be taken with a grain of salt regardless of how progressive the candidate is. But I don't know, this one felt pretty honest.
But what I probably appreciate the most about this book is that it highlights Haaland's hard work and achievements while not being an eccentric, over the top, cliche, zero-to-hero kind of memoir — there are too many of those out there already. Of course I'm always very wary of political memoirs, especially when they're published right before an election where the author is running; the information on the pages must always be taken with a grain of salt regardless of how progressive the candidate is. But I don't know, this one felt pretty honest.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was pleasantly surprised to receive an ARC from Henry Holt, and it came at the perfect time. This week, I will be attending a gubernatorial forum with the candidates for governor here in New Mexico.
Deb Haaland is not your typical politician. She is not loud or showy. She is a strong Native American woman who keeps with the traditions of her heritage. Listening, feeding, nurturing, strengthening, in tune with nature and the wisdom of indigenous people.
She talks a lot about visiting the reservations to encourage the people there to register to vote, while listening to their concerns. She feeds people throughout her life, whether it is a job, volunteer work, or social gathering, she knows food brings people together. And she includes traditional recipes! She knows the value of keeping those she loves and cares for close, including raising her daughter with the help of those people. She goes back to her connection with the earth often, including stories of the marathons she ran. There are poems.
She doesn't shy away from disappointments in her life. She is resilient and able to pivot to something new.
Some of the chapters ended abruptly and were not chronological or referred back to previous times in a way that didn't flow for me.
Her husband tells her she is an alcoholic after getting two dwis. It hadn't occurred to her. Then she stopped drinking. End of story. She is pregnant and gives birth days after graduating from college. No discussion about that either. She got married and divorced with very little discussion.
These days, politicians are not very popular figures. It is gratifying to know that there are folks who are willing to fight for what they believe in, not for accolades, but because they believe it's the right thing to do. Haaland's quiet resolve is refreshing.
Deb Haaland is not your typical politician. She is not loud or showy. She is a strong Native American woman who keeps with the traditions of her heritage. Listening, feeding, nurturing, strengthening, in tune with nature and the wisdom of indigenous people.
She talks a lot about visiting the reservations to encourage the people there to register to vote, while listening to their concerns. She feeds people throughout her life, whether it is a job, volunteer work, or social gathering, she knows food brings people together. And she includes traditional recipes! She knows the value of keeping those she loves and cares for close, including raising her daughter with the help of those people. She goes back to her connection with the earth often, including stories of the marathons she ran. There are poems.
She doesn't shy away from disappointments in her life. She is resilient and able to pivot to something new.
Some of the chapters ended abruptly and were not chronological or referred back to previous times in a way that didn't flow for me.
Her husband tells her she is an alcoholic after getting two dwis. It hadn't occurred to her. Then she stopped drinking. End of story. She is pregnant and gives birth days after graduating from college. No discussion about that either. She got married and divorced with very little discussion.
These days, politicians are not very popular figures. It is gratifying to know that there are folks who are willing to fight for what they believe in, not for accolades, but because they believe it's the right thing to do. Haaland's quiet resolve is refreshing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Deb Haaland is a many generation native New Mexican. Her heritage and family identity are strongly tied the Pueblo of Laguna, located near Albuquerque, a community dating back to about 1699. She has also been in New Mexico and national politics for many years. She is, most notably, the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet as Secretary of the Interior in the Biden administration. In this new book, Haaland relates the stories that have defined her family life and her activism in American politics. She also writes of grinding poverty, of facing and overcoming significant personal, social, and family problems, and of the genuine accomplishment upon reaching these national offices. This book is really both memoir and autobiography. Throughout her journey, Haaland has drawn on her family heritage in defining her social activism and service. She finds her values, her perspective and her whole work a major benefit coming from her Pueblo life. She also learned to lead with humility, purpose, and a real commitment to “leave the ladder down” for those who follow. And, finally, her strong attachment to the land encouraged her commitment to succeed as Secretary of the Interior. Haaland is a generally progressive Democrat. She represented much of Albuquerque and its suburbs in the Congress. She is presently campaigning for governor of New Mexico in the 2026 election cycle. This book is a testament to the ability of one individual to accomplish great things. Highly recommended for the reader interested in learning more of the personalities who seek to serve America in national and state leadership roles.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I began this memoir by reflecting on my Laguna Pueblo grandparents’ powerful influence on my everyday life. Each day, I strive to emulate their values, perspectives, and indelible work ethic. from A Voice Like Mine by Deb Haaland
Deb Haaland has been a unique voice in government. Her journey to serve as President Biden’s Secretary of the Interior was hard won. She overcame alcohol addiction and contended with poverty as a single mother while getting her education. She was a master cake decorator before she became a political organizer and office holder.
Her father was Norwegian and her mother Laguna Pueblo. Her Pueblo grandparents taught her their traditional way of life. This memoir lovingly recalls that life, complete with recipes.
Unlike any previous interior secretary, I had inherited trauma caused by the very institution I led. from A Voice Like Mine
Haaland’s people carried immense trauma, including the infamous boarding schools that removed Native children from their families. She also inherited her people’s reverent attitude toward the land and environment.
…I am not like a lot of politicians. I do not come from people who were born into the political echelons of our country. I didn’t graduate from an Ivy League school. I didn’t even start college until I was twenty-eight. from A Voice Like Mine
Haaland’s political career in Washington is quickly covered, leaving her earlier life stories in foremost in my mind.
What comes across is Haaland’s love of family and nation, her determination, and exceptional work ethic.
Thanks to Henry Holt for a free book.
Deb Haaland has been a unique voice in government. Her journey to serve as President Biden’s Secretary of the Interior was hard won. She overcame alcohol addiction and contended with poverty as a single mother while getting her education. She was a master cake decorator before she became a political organizer and office holder.
Her father was Norwegian and her mother Laguna Pueblo. Her Pueblo grandparents taught her their traditional way of life. This memoir lovingly recalls that life, complete with recipes.
Unlike any previous interior secretary, I had inherited trauma caused by the very institution I led. from A Voice Like Mine
Haaland’s people carried immense trauma, including the infamous boarding schools that removed Native children from their families. She also inherited her people’s reverent attitude toward the land and environment.
…I am not like a lot of politicians. I do not come from people who were born into the political echelons of our country. I didn’t graduate from an Ivy League school. I didn’t even start college until I was twenty-eight. from A Voice Like Mine
Haaland’s political career in Washington is quickly covered, leaving her earlier life stories in foremost in my mind.
What comes across is Haaland’s love of family and nation, her determination, and exceptional work ethic.
Thanks to Henry Holt for a free book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book felt like 3 distinct sections, early life, education, and running.
I loved the first part of the book. I could almost feel the heat from the clay ovens her grandmother used. The author was so descriptive of growing up in Winslow, her grandparents and her parents, Queenie, the foods.
Then she was an alcoholic. WHAT?! It came out of left field. Then she was married. I felt that this was so rushed. Then she was in college. Then graduate school, then law school. Bringing her daughter with her to colleges.
She began running at age 40 and became passionate about it. She ended the book with running.
Her running for governmental offices was interspersed throughout the book.
I admired her tenacious drive and determination.
I also loved how she used food for comfort and networking.
The drawback to this book was the abruptness of certain things, alcoholism, politics, childbirth, her parents divorce, and then the disappearance of those things.
I wanted to know more about her politics and what she did as Secretary of the Interior, how she copes with alcohol now, how her family is doing now.
Overall a brief book about a courageous woman.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.
I loved the first part of the book. I could almost feel the heat from the clay ovens her grandmother used. The author was so descriptive of growing up in Winslow, her grandparents and her parents, Queenie, the foods.
Then she was an alcoholic. WHAT?! It came out of left field. Then she was married. I felt that this was so rushed. Then she was in college. Then graduate school, then law school. Bringing her daughter with her to colleges.
She began running at age 40 and became passionate about it. She ended the book with running.
Her running for governmental offices was interspersed throughout the book.
I admired her tenacious drive and determination.
I also loved how she used food for comfort and networking.
The drawback to this book was the abruptness of certain things, alcoholism, politics, childbirth, her parents divorce, and then the disappearance of those things.
I wanted to know more about her politics and what she did as Secretary of the Interior, how she copes with alcohol now, how her family is doing now.
Overall a brief book about a courageous woman.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I don't read a lot of books by politicians because I think of them as an extended commercial advertising them, but I like Deb Haaland and she's done and tried to do important things. This book was not uninteresting, and I was impressed with her.
I found it to be honest and straightforward.
She is the opposite of me in that she is always doing something, and I feel like I never do anything. I studied Political Science and Sociology and have an MPA. I am not naive, but I honestly believe in this woman's values and her commitment to them. That doesn't mean I will be surprised if she makes a disappointing vote or something, our government is messed up and she may need to make difficult compromises, but I would vote for her if I were in New Mexico.
I also support #LandBack, so the more Native people in office, the better! (I am Italian-American.)
I found it to be honest and straightforward.
She is the opposite of me in that she is always doing something, and I feel like I never do anything. I studied Political Science and Sociology and have an MPA. I am not naive, but I honestly believe in this woman's values and her commitment to them. That doesn't mean I will be surprised if she makes a disappointing vote or something, our government is messed up and she may need to make difficult compromises, but I would vote for her if I were in New Mexico.
I also support #LandBack, so the more Native people in office, the better! (I am Italian-American.)
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received an Advanced Reader’s Edition paperback from a Goodreads giveaway. Former secretary of the interior under President Biden, and one of the first two Native American congresswomen prior to that, the author is now running for governor of New Mexico. Knowing very little about Deb Haaland personally prior to reading this book, I found her memoir quite interesting. I especially liked the first part about her family history. We share a lot of the same values. I wish her luck running for governor of New Mexico. Traditional New Mexican recipes included.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Voice Like Mine is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir about resilience, identity, and finding the courage to lead, telling an honest and powerful story about perseverance, representation, and the importance of using your voice... even when it's hard.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I’m quite impressed by Deb Haaland. I knew who she was, but not her background. I’m glad I read this book. She’s my new favorite person in the political realm. I looked into her further and she is the real deal and for the people and the land. She doesn’t serve corporate interests. 5 Star person. There’s recipes and poems too.
April 9, 2026
The original poetry, the recipes, and the straightforward prose all contributed to my appreciation of this book. Definitely will be recommending this to folks into politics, memoirs, or just a good read.
April 25, 2026
This memoir will make a wonderful addition to our library.
*Thank you to Holt and Goodreads for the ARC!*
*Thank you to Holt and Goodreads for the ARC!*
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews