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Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right
How and why right-wing Christian women have risen to the forefront of American politics.
For decades, conservative Christian women have been dismissed as naive and brainwashed, victims of political coercion by the men in their lives. Yet that narrative doesn’t explain how they have also become some of the most influential political organizers of our the backbone of the modern conservative movement whose strategic efforts over the past six decades have culminated in the 2024 election of Donald Trump.
To understand this unique and growing political force, sociologist Katie Gaddini conducted over ten years of ethnographic research, interviewing key players in the field and joining them across the country as they organized, rallied, and celebrated. As a former evangelical, Gaddini speaks the language of the Christian Right fluently and in Esther’s Army, she profiles six distinct college idealists, (anti)feminist powerhouses, Black conservatives, MAHA social media influencers, white suburbanites, and “Mama Bears” marching on state capitols to ban books and gender initiatives.
Observing Christian women’s activism from grassroots networks to conservative universities to public politics and jobs at the White House―as they borrow feminist rhetoric to “lean in” to their executive skills while rejecting liberal feminism―Gaddini reveals how these women have turned being underestimated into a strategic force. The result is a sweeping portrait of the women shaping the political future of the United States.
For decades, conservative Christian women have been dismissed as naive and brainwashed, victims of political coercion by the men in their lives. Yet that narrative doesn’t explain how they have also become some of the most influential political organizers of our the backbone of the modern conservative movement whose strategic efforts over the past six decades have culminated in the 2024 election of Donald Trump.
To understand this unique and growing political force, sociologist Katie Gaddini conducted over ten years of ethnographic research, interviewing key players in the field and joining them across the country as they organized, rallied, and celebrated. As a former evangelical, Gaddini speaks the language of the Christian Right fluently and in Esther’s Army, she profiles six distinct college idealists, (anti)feminist powerhouses, Black conservatives, MAHA social media influencers, white suburbanites, and “Mama Bears” marching on state capitols to ban books and gender initiatives.
Observing Christian women’s activism from grassroots networks to conservative universities to public politics and jobs at the White House―as they borrow feminist rhetoric to “lean in” to their executive skills while rejecting liberal feminism―Gaddini reveals how these women have turned being underestimated into a strategic force. The result is a sweeping portrait of the women shaping the political future of the United States.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Katie Gaddini
2 books26 followersKatie Gaddini is a sociologist at the Social Research Institute, University College London. She is also a visiting scholar at Stanford University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading fiction, and visiting Italy, preferably at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 27, 2026
Spectacular! Katie is a fantastic writer and clearly put so much effort and care into this book. I learned a lot about the coalitions of Christian conservative women who power our current moment. I’m walking out with a lot of questions (in a good way) and a lot more to learn!!
July 4, 2026
We are told this is a chance to understand the mindsets of women who staunchly support our current President because he stands for a way of life they prefer.
So they are given full opportunity to talk about their philosophies, relatively free from dissenting points of view.
Fair enough. It is also fair to respect the author's wishes not to challenge what is said, although there are times when you get the sense she'd like to call bullshit on them.
But what cannot be stomached are the points of view espoused here. There is a greater understanding of what these folks support, but they are all for a certain view of society that gives them what they want, and to hell with everyone else.
So there's the usual whining and self-pity about how oppressed and ignored they are, while spouting the familiar rants against immigrants and gays and Haitians eating cats and the deep state and being woke. Since our current President speaks out about these things, he is worthy of their support, no matter what.
At the end, the reader is left with the idea that the people covered here are worthy of our respect.
It is fair to say in return that they are worthy of the same level of respect they choose to show those who disagree with them.
So they are given full opportunity to talk about their philosophies, relatively free from dissenting points of view.
Fair enough. It is also fair to respect the author's wishes not to challenge what is said, although there are times when you get the sense she'd like to call bullshit on them.
But what cannot be stomached are the points of view espoused here. There is a greater understanding of what these folks support, but they are all for a certain view of society that gives them what they want, and to hell with everyone else.
So there's the usual whining and self-pity about how oppressed and ignored they are, while spouting the familiar rants against immigrants and gays and Haitians eating cats and the deep state and being woke. Since our current President speaks out about these things, he is worthy of their support, no matter what.
At the end, the reader is left with the idea that the people covered here are worthy of our respect.
It is fair to say in return that they are worthy of the same level of respect they choose to show those who disagree with them.
July 28, 2026
Picked this up because it was on the front shelf of my local bookstore.
An interesting deep dive into case studies of women in the MAGA movement interlaced with their historical forebearers. I wasn't as familiar with the historical right wing women (except for Phyllis Schlafly- I learned a lot about from the show Mrs. America) I think that was my favorite part of the book.
I wish this book went a little bit deeper into the "why this" portion of the MAGA women. The historical parallels give some context but the shift from fighting the ERA to fighting immigration seems like two unconnected dots. The author gives examples of several women who were radicalized during the pandemic and end up moving from fighting for homeschooling rights to anti-vaccine rhetoric. The book also doesn't follow the very purposeful manipulations that coaxed these movements along. We only encounter these bylines with the radicalized women. I guess this book is trying to take more of a stance of helping us "meet" these women rather than try to diagnose any top-down political movements in motion.
It also sets these women's stories in an odd context because they also benefit from feminism. The feminist fight for female news anchors did lead to Ann Coulter after all. It's an interesting example of whether there is a "correct feminism" or simply just feminist readings of things. The book could have done a bit more to explain the dichotomy here, even if just posing it is interesting on its own.
I did appreciate this author's point of view because I come from a similar background. How do you come to terms with a religion and a suburbia that you grew up in and drove you toward your modern self but also produced radical right wing podcasters? There's a very tangible sense of "what went wrong in my world" that the author brings to the surface here that I like.
Generally enjoyed this as a quick, easy commute read and a way to learn more about the stories of some right wing women.
An interesting deep dive into case studies of women in the MAGA movement interlaced with their historical forebearers. I wasn't as familiar with the historical right wing women (except for Phyllis Schlafly- I learned a lot about from the show Mrs. America) I think that was my favorite part of the book.
I wish this book went a little bit deeper into the "why this" portion of the MAGA women. The historical parallels give some context but the shift from fighting the ERA to fighting immigration seems like two unconnected dots. The author gives examples of several women who were radicalized during the pandemic and end up moving from fighting for homeschooling rights to anti-vaccine rhetoric. The book also doesn't follow the very purposeful manipulations that coaxed these movements along. We only encounter these bylines with the radicalized women. I guess this book is trying to take more of a stance of helping us "meet" these women rather than try to diagnose any top-down political movements in motion.
It also sets these women's stories in an odd context because they also benefit from feminism. The feminist fight for female news anchors did lead to Ann Coulter after all. It's an interesting example of whether there is a "correct feminism" or simply just feminist readings of things. The book could have done a bit more to explain the dichotomy here, even if just posing it is interesting on its own.
I did appreciate this author's point of view because I come from a similar background. How do you come to terms with a religion and a suburbia that you grew up in and drove you toward your modern self but also produced radical right wing podcasters? There's a very tangible sense of "what went wrong in my world" that the author brings to the surface here that I like.
Generally enjoyed this as a quick, easy commute read and a way to learn more about the stories of some right wing women.
August 2, 2026
Biggest takeaway: if my grievance with conservatives is their lack of empathy and compassion for experiences other than their own, then I owe Trump supporters empathy and compassion.
I gained new understanding for how difficult it is to sit with someone’s experience that is so radically different than your own perspective.
It was interesting to see feminist principles in misogynistic spaces. It also prompted thoughts of what inclusion means.
After this book I am still (if not more so) woefully disappointed and saddened by Christian’s choice to align with Trump. Yes, it did encourage me to humanize the right and seek to listen more. However, the right has not created a climate where being a peace maker is safe for everyone. Many individuals are not in a position to seek understanding with republicans as their very existence has been threatened in the name of accommodating Christian’s comfort.
The book was well researched, concise, and depressing.
I gained new understanding for how difficult it is to sit with someone’s experience that is so radically different than your own perspective.
It was interesting to see feminist principles in misogynistic spaces. It also prompted thoughts of what inclusion means.
After this book I am still (if not more so) woefully disappointed and saddened by Christian’s choice to align with Trump. Yes, it did encourage me to humanize the right and seek to listen more. However, the right has not created a climate where being a peace maker is safe for everyone. Many individuals are not in a position to seek understanding with republicans as their very existence has been threatened in the name of accommodating Christian’s comfort.
The book was well researched, concise, and depressing.
June 20, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I was excited to dive into it! Political spectrums shift and social constructs change overtime, and I was curious about these women.
I especially enjoyed the included history of right-wing Christian women, and how we started in one place in the 1940s-1950s, 1960s-1980s, to now. I love that the author chose to split up chapters into different kinds of folks and circumstances, but also wove them together.
Overall I do love narrative nonfiction, and if you’re interested in this topic then I would give this a read!
I especially enjoyed the included history of right-wing Christian women, and how we started in one place in the 1940s-1950s, 1960s-1980s, to now. I love that the author chose to split up chapters into different kinds of folks and circumstances, but also wove them together.
Overall I do love narrative nonfiction, and if you’re interested in this topic then I would give this a read!
August 31, 2026
4.5 stars. I liked the organization and that it is succinct and well-researched.
July 26, 2026
I read this as a companion piece to Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. That book explains how American evangelicalism rose in the twentieth century, Gaddini takes the same movement in its current duration, MAGA, and asks how the women in it flourish.
I read it to understand how those women understand the ideology themselves. Here in Europe there is only one narrative: it is illogical to be female and MAGA. What this book does well is give them a voice and show them as complete people. It sincerely tries to understand their motivation. Gaddini says in her conclusion that she still doesn't fully understand them, even after ten years of interviews. Still, this is the first time I feel I have a better understanding of American conservative culture.
I read it to understand how those women understand the ideology themselves. Here in Europe there is only one narrative: it is illogical to be female and MAGA. What this book does well is give them a voice and show them as complete people. It sincerely tries to understand their motivation. Gaddini says in her conclusion that she still doesn't fully understand them, even after ten years of interviews. Still, this is the first time I feel I have a better understanding of American conservative culture.
July 28, 2026
basically religious women vote for a rapist so other women can’t have abortions
May 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Esther’s Army” is a comprehensive analysis of conservative/right-wing Christian women and their relationship with politics and power. Gaddini explicates the various motivations and contradictions of conservative women through analysing several archetypes, including parallels with historical figures of the movement. One particular observation I found particularly astute was of conservative women as laying claim to a sort of feminism.
As someone with a deep interest in this topic, there was not a plethora of new information for me in this book. As a regular listener of podcasts and books about Christian nationalism and right wing culture I’m quite familiar with the various influencers and political figures introduced in the book and their impact. However, I do think this book fills an important gap and is very accessible for readers who have less knowledge on the topic and are curious about this incredibly complex and dynamic group.
“Esther’s Army” is a comprehensive analysis of conservative/right-wing Christian women and their relationship with politics and power. Gaddini explicates the various motivations and contradictions of conservative women through analysing several archetypes, including parallels with historical figures of the movement. One particular observation I found particularly astute was of conservative women as laying claim to a sort of feminism.
As someone with a deep interest in this topic, there was not a plethora of new information for me in this book. As a regular listener of podcasts and books about Christian nationalism and right wing culture I’m quite familiar with the various influencers and political figures introduced in the book and their impact. However, I do think this book fills an important gap and is very accessible for readers who have less knowledge on the topic and are curious about this incredibly complex and dynamic group.
Review of advance copy
despite my best efforts, i am forced to admit that ann coulter is probably a person too. 5/5 stars
potential triggers: it’s a book about conservative and right-wing women. so.
was it entertaining?
insofar as a non-fiction book about the role of conservative women in the rise of populism and fascism can be “entertaining,” i would say yes. it’s a short read, but it’s a compelling one. gaddini is less interested in the usual “don’t these women understand that they’re working against themselves,” castigation and chooses to spend her time figuring out why these women believe that right-wing politics are, in fact, in their interest. there’s a fair bit of exploration of the historical conservative leadership like phyllis schlafly and onalee mcgraw, and how they laid the groundwork for the current pundits and activists like carrie prejean boller, candace owens, and alex clark. if i’m being honest, i didn’t know most of the names mentioned in this book, so i have to give it full marks for being incredibly well-researched. it’s also a well-grounded and realistic book that doesn’t try to make excuses for the subjects. these women honestly and earnestly believe that these policies are in their best interests. gaddini is not looking to make excuses for them or explain away their attitudes and beliefs as indoctrination — this is who they are and they’re proud of it. 5/5 stars
was it enjoyable?
in the sense that it’s a book about an interesting subject? yes. gaddini is a great writer, who takes a subject that makes my hair stand on end, and makes it compelling. the subject matter is not enjoyable, in the least, but the book does important work. at the risk of being hyperbolic, know thy enemy is a popular slogan for a reason. opening the book by refuting the old standard, “these women are just doing what men tell them to,” really lays the groundwork for everything to come. these are women that are more invested in maintaining their own comfort, at all costs, over all other so-called “christian” values. understanding this is the key to understanding them, and esther’s army is fantastic first step in doing so. 4/5 stars
was it well-written?
i read an uncorrected proof/ARC, but i feel comfortable saying the final copy will be well-written. 5/5 stars
potential triggers: it’s a book about conservative and right-wing women. so.
was it entertaining?
insofar as a non-fiction book about the role of conservative women in the rise of populism and fascism can be “entertaining,” i would say yes. it’s a short read, but it’s a compelling one. gaddini is less interested in the usual “don’t these women understand that they’re working against themselves,” castigation and chooses to spend her time figuring out why these women believe that right-wing politics are, in fact, in their interest. there’s a fair bit of exploration of the historical conservative leadership like phyllis schlafly and onalee mcgraw, and how they laid the groundwork for the current pundits and activists like carrie prejean boller, candace owens, and alex clark. if i’m being honest, i didn’t know most of the names mentioned in this book, so i have to give it full marks for being incredibly well-researched. it’s also a well-grounded and realistic book that doesn’t try to make excuses for the subjects. these women honestly and earnestly believe that these policies are in their best interests. gaddini is not looking to make excuses for them or explain away their attitudes and beliefs as indoctrination — this is who they are and they’re proud of it. 5/5 stars
was it enjoyable?
in the sense that it’s a book about an interesting subject? yes. gaddini is a great writer, who takes a subject that makes my hair stand on end, and makes it compelling. the subject matter is not enjoyable, in the least, but the book does important work. at the risk of being hyperbolic, know thy enemy is a popular slogan for a reason. opening the book by refuting the old standard, “these women are just doing what men tell them to,” really lays the groundwork for everything to come. these are women that are more invested in maintaining their own comfort, at all costs, over all other so-called “christian” values. understanding this is the key to understanding them, and esther’s army is fantastic first step in doing so. 4/5 stars
was it well-written?
i read an uncorrected proof/ARC, but i feel comfortable saying the final copy will be well-written. 5/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Women are not a voting block. That’s the sentence that kept running through my head as I read this book. It was a lesson learned almost as soon as women got the vote. They did not all care about the same things, at the same level. “Esther’s Army” follows many different Christian woman who all fall under the title “Conservative.” Some may think, how can women truly follow a party that constantly seems to denigrate them? Well, that’s not how these women see themselves.
The author, a self described feminist and a former evangelical who grew up in these circles, seeks to help the reader understand the pull of the Conservative movements over the last couple decades. Though, by the end of the book, I’m not sure she has come to an understanding herself. She followed some college students, “momma bears”, influencers, “Blexiters”, and a few other groups. While the author usually let the women speak for themselves without much input, she will occasionally call out the hypocrisy, especially of the women who were political powerhouses in the 80’s. Leaders like Phyllis Schlafly talked the anti-feminist talk but walked the walk of a feminist. It is pointed out that many of today’s political powerhouses are trying to claim the title of feminist that their predecessors fought so hard against. I am glad of this as it always irritated me how truly feminist the antis were back then.
I thought this was a really fascinating look at conservative Christian groups of women who want to fight for what they believe is true just as much as the rest of us. If we take a good enough look, we can also realize that extremism on both sides of the political parties run similar and neither will lead to the healing of this country or the unity of Christian sisters who fall on both sides. I lament that Christianity in the U.S. has been co-opted by the Conservative party. I am reminded of Joshua 5:13-14, when Joshua asks the commander of the Lord’s army, “are you for us or for our enemies?” The angel responds “Neither.”
The author, a self described feminist and a former evangelical who grew up in these circles, seeks to help the reader understand the pull of the Conservative movements over the last couple decades. Though, by the end of the book, I’m not sure she has come to an understanding herself. She followed some college students, “momma bears”, influencers, “Blexiters”, and a few other groups. While the author usually let the women speak for themselves without much input, she will occasionally call out the hypocrisy, especially of the women who were political powerhouses in the 80’s. Leaders like Phyllis Schlafly talked the anti-feminist talk but walked the walk of a feminist. It is pointed out that many of today’s political powerhouses are trying to claim the title of feminist that their predecessors fought so hard against. I am glad of this as it always irritated me how truly feminist the antis were back then.
I thought this was a really fascinating look at conservative Christian groups of women who want to fight for what they believe is true just as much as the rest of us. If we take a good enough look, we can also realize that extremism on both sides of the political parties run similar and neither will lead to the healing of this country or the unity of Christian sisters who fall on both sides. I lament that Christianity in the U.S. has been co-opted by the Conservative party. I am reminded of Joshua 5:13-14, when Joshua asks the commander of the Lord’s army, “are you for us or for our enemies?” The angel responds “Neither.”
October 3, 2026
I wanted more... More analysis, more detail, and more exploration of the MAHA movement and how it overlaps with the overall MAGA movment especially... There's good reporting here, and I did learn some new things, but I felt less able to grasp anything particularly revelatory about Christian conservative women writ large. There was barely any focus on Alley Beth Stucky, and how MAGA influencers have made conservatives appear to be the "cool kids" (think "mean girls"). However, it's still a decent read and may even be worth a reread in some parts, or a combing of the footnotes...
I also think the author may have been hampered by not wanting to call these women sexists, and racists. I can totally understand why. MAGA conservatives have successfully made those accusations ring hollow, so any such accusation feels like it's just liberals and leftists whining about nothing. But here's the the thing. That's not true. They're not whining about nothing. One can call these MAGA women what they are (racists and sexists) while simultaneously presenting a nuanced picture where these women are making autonomous decisions. Racism and sexism are at the heart of this "Esther's Army." Gaddini has mainly uncovered how these women rationalize their own hateful bigotry.
I think this book needed to pick a focus. It seems like it wanted to do more indepth reporting on current/prominent MAGA women while also connecting these women to the larger conservative movement going back to Phyllis Schlafly. For me, the focus needed to be on the current day.
I feel like I am being much harsher than usual, but I really was expecting a lot from this book and was left with a feeling of "and?...." It is still a good book, just bot qyite what I was looking for upon seeing Kristen Kobes Du Mez's endorsement of the book.
I also think the author may have been hampered by not wanting to call these women sexists, and racists. I can totally understand why. MAGA conservatives have successfully made those accusations ring hollow, so any such accusation feels like it's just liberals and leftists whining about nothing. But here's the the thing. That's not true. They're not whining about nothing. One can call these MAGA women what they are (racists and sexists) while simultaneously presenting a nuanced picture where these women are making autonomous decisions. Racism and sexism are at the heart of this "Esther's Army." Gaddini has mainly uncovered how these women rationalize their own hateful bigotry.
I think this book needed to pick a focus. It seems like it wanted to do more indepth reporting on current/prominent MAGA women while also connecting these women to the larger conservative movement going back to Phyllis Schlafly. For me, the focus needed to be on the current day.
I feel like I am being much harsher than usual, but I really was expecting a lot from this book and was left with a feeling of "and?...." It is still a good book, just bot qyite what I was looking for upon seeing Kristen Kobes Du Mez's endorsement of the book.
Review of advance copy
A family member recently described to me the "political awakening" she went through when Donald Trump took office. I found the phrasing interesting; I, too, have had to reckon with my political identity because of Donald Trump, but I landed in a liberal space whereas she's staunchly MAGA. I know she is not alone; I live in a red state and my Christian community consistently has voted for Trump and other extreme Republican candidates. For years, this has baffled me, especially considering how Trump seems to defy so many Christian values (kindness, fidelity to spouse, etc.).
This book follows individual women in various demographics -- young adults, mothers, Black voters, influencers -- in an effort to truly understand why they chose their political path. And after hearing their stories, I do feel like I understand better; so many describe the resentment of being misunderstood and the unkind comments they endured for having opposing political views.
I'm impressed with this author for being upfront with her bias (she grew up a Christian who voted Republican now no longer identified as either) while allowing these women to speak for themselves in her pages. I felt that she was truly seeking to understand their point of view, though she still stands in wonder how so many of her own community have ended up where they are (which is so far from her own political path!). She does insert a mildly snarky comment a few times, but it's rare; I was left with more empathy for "the other side" than I've felt in a long time. I recommend this for readers of "I've Never Thought of It That Way" and anyone on the left seeking to bridge the political divide.
I think there might have been an f-bomb in a quote, but not really any other profanity.
Thanks to libro.fm for the ALC.
This book follows individual women in various demographics -- young adults, mothers, Black voters, influencers -- in an effort to truly understand why they chose their political path. And after hearing their stories, I do feel like I understand better; so many describe the resentment of being misunderstood and the unkind comments they endured for having opposing political views.
I'm impressed with this author for being upfront with her bias (she grew up a Christian who voted Republican now no longer identified as either) while allowing these women to speak for themselves in her pages. I felt that she was truly seeking to understand their point of view, though she still stands in wonder how so many of her own community have ended up where they are (which is so far from her own political path!). She does insert a mildly snarky comment a few times, but it's rare; I was left with more empathy for "the other side" than I've felt in a long time. I recommend this for readers of "I've Never Thought of It That Way" and anyone on the left seeking to bridge the political divide.
I think there might have been an f-bomb in a quote, but not really any other profanity.
Thanks to libro.fm for the ALC.
July 17, 2026
Our country is so divided that many of us live in echo chambers, surrounded by voices just like our own. That’s why I loved “Esther’s Army,” by Katie Gaddini, a visiting scholar at Stanford University. Gaddini’s book looks at the Christian women who power America’s conservative right, from historical figures like Beverly LaHaye to contemporary podcasters and influencers. I'm a liberal in the SF Bay Area, and this is a group I don’t know a lot about, so I found the book fascinating and compelling.
Gaddini, who was raised in an evangelistic family, traveled throughout the U.S. and conducted more than 85 interviews with women across the country. She attended political rallies and town hall meetings. Through her meticulous research and beautiful writing, she brings these women alive. But more than anything, she treats them with respect, which is why I like this book so much. It’s so easy to demonize people who hold different beliefs. But what if we were curious instead?
Gaddini writes, “As a scholar — but, more so, as an evangelical pastor’s daughter — I hope that grappling honestly with who these women are lets them spill out beyond caricature and emerge as fully realized individuals, rich in contradictions and in truth.” This is a complex, fascinating book, and definitely worth a read.
Gaddini, who was raised in an evangelistic family, traveled throughout the U.S. and conducted more than 85 interviews with women across the country. She attended political rallies and town hall meetings. Through her meticulous research and beautiful writing, she brings these women alive. But more than anything, she treats them with respect, which is why I like this book so much. It’s so easy to demonize people who hold different beliefs. But what if we were curious instead?
Gaddini writes, “As a scholar — but, more so, as an evangelical pastor’s daughter — I hope that grappling honestly with who these women are lets them spill out beyond caricature and emerge as fully realized individuals, rich in contradictions and in truth.” This is a complex, fascinating book, and definitely worth a read.
August 8, 2026
3.5 stars. Does a better job of explaining how women became such a powerful force in Trump's ascendance, than why so many of them support him. Gaddini, a former conservative Republican, even admits that she is still mystified in many ways, despite interviewing hundreds of these women over the past ten years. But she is adamant that they're not deranged, delusional, dare I say deplorables who are forced by their husbands to vote red. They are looking for many of the same things we all are - safety, belonging, recognition, and transformation (they're also seeking tradition and power, which we're less comfortable accepting).
Gaddini describes without irony how many of these women excoriate liberals for preaching tolerance and acceptance but demonizing conservative Christian beliefs, letting the reader fill in the blanks ("but....their so-called tolerance and acceptance includes hatred and cruelty to people different from themselves"). If you want a critique that connects the dots for you about the problems in their beliefs, you'll be disappointed. But if you want at least a partial answer to the question of how good women can support a lying, cheating, violent, amoral man, this is a good place to start.
Gaddini describes without irony how many of these women excoriate liberals for preaching tolerance and acceptance but demonizing conservative Christian beliefs, letting the reader fill in the blanks ("but....their so-called tolerance and acceptance includes hatred and cruelty to people different from themselves"). If you want a critique that connects the dots for you about the problems in their beliefs, you'll be disappointed. But if you want at least a partial answer to the question of how good women can support a lying, cheating, violent, amoral man, this is a good place to start.
August 16, 2026
I picked this book up at my local library. I thought it would be an interesting, insightful and informative book about the women in my world.
I was wrong. Dr.Gaddini writes in an easy to read style. She presents he data in a logical, professional and equitable manner. However, I am disappointed because quite frankly she does not answer the one troubling question i have had since Donald Trump left the image sensitive tv arena ( i. e. The Apprentice) and entered the world of politics. How could any woman support this man given what we now know about his personal lack of integrity and/or ethical conduct?
So when I read the title of her book, I actually was pretty excited to get into it and hopefully learn the”what and why of Trump and the Christian community. “.
So … I won’t spoil the book for you but I just wish I had read her Epilogue prior to the expenditure of energy devoted to this work.
At least she is an honest academician.
I was wrong. Dr.Gaddini writes in an easy to read style. She presents he data in a logical, professional and equitable manner. However, I am disappointed because quite frankly she does not answer the one troubling question i have had since Donald Trump left the image sensitive tv arena ( i. e. The Apprentice) and entered the world of politics. How could any woman support this man given what we now know about his personal lack of integrity and/or ethical conduct?
So when I read the title of her book, I actually was pretty excited to get into it and hopefully learn the”what and why of Trump and the Christian community. “.
So … I won’t spoil the book for you but I just wish I had read her Epilogue prior to the expenditure of energy devoted to this work.
At least she is an honest academician.
August 28, 2026
I wanted a teensy bit more from this book, particularly more analysis. The book offers a prolonged glimpse into the lives and thoughts of (Christian) right-wing women in the US, past and present. While this approach certainly topples the popular caricatures of right-wing women in the popular imagination, I wanted more than just hearing about their thought processes. Gaddini did a great job situating contemporary right-wing women within broader genealogies. Still, I wanted more analysis. I suppose the audience of this book is not academic readers but rather lay audiences. That’s fine. But as an academic, I was chomping at the bit. I wanted more. The writing, however, is brilliant, engaging, and foremost, accessible.
July 18, 2026
Really well done, Gaddinis main argument remains "complexity." She shows how conservative women felt betrayed by the democratic left in the Obama and Clinton Era, yet felt that the Bush Administration did not do enough. For them Trump seemed the next best explanation, as the pendelum swung some women continued to approve of the admins choices, others expressed a sense of betrayal as "radical," recognizing the different strides from Christian women. I think I will write a book review for a scholarly journal on this book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
As a reader, I could tell the author was left leaning by how she worded some of her arguments/interviews/experiences. I am glad that she pointed out that she is a former evangelical and former Republican.
Overall, a nice book to read to learn about some Christian Conservative women throughout history. The book is well organized and easy to read. However, I probably won’t recommend it to my Christian Conservative friends.
Overall, a nice book to read to learn about some Christian Conservative women throughout history. The book is well organized and easy to read. However, I probably won’t recommend it to my Christian Conservative friends.
July 18, 2026
I had so much hope for this book. I thought this would trace the far-right women who are popular and how their message has been spread out and around to the point it has connected to Trump. Like for the 40's to now. She mentions some of these women but not in great detail. There is so much more to this topic. I feel like I got the cliff notes option. 2 stars
July 20, 2026
Quick impressions: Overall, I think this is a good solid read. We often hear of conservative men and Christian right wing men. The women are not just at the side of those men. As this book shows, they are often ahead of the men, even if the men don't quite realize it.
Full review with additional reading notes will be available on my blog soon.
Full review with additional reading notes will be available on my blog soon.
July 26, 2026
3.5
The author was brought up in a conservative Baptist Republican home but as an adult changed her conservative views to be more liberal. She was curious about women especially, but any group (Blacks, immigrants...) who seemed to choose politics that seemed contrary to their wants and beliefs.
She does not come to any conclusions. She just writes her observations.
The author was brought up in a conservative Baptist Republican home but as an adult changed her conservative views to be more liberal. She was curious about women especially, but any group (Blacks, immigrants...) who seemed to choose politics that seemed contrary to their wants and beliefs.
She does not come to any conclusions. She just writes her observations.
July 31, 2026
A very interesting and quick read; an insightful deep dive into the MAGA movement and the women at the core of it, driving the movement. The author interviewed a variety of women, delving into their backgrounds and how they got to this point. She also interviewed women and communities of color, which helped provide different lenses to understand the MAGA movement. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A good primer on a very broad topic. I think this book could have easily been fifty pages longer, in fact I was surprised it was so short. Gaddini is an engaging writer, it felt conversational while still being factual. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
July 7, 2026
3.5 rounded down. It’s sold sociological reporting, but I still don’t understand how these women reach these conclusions. And it certainly didn’t make me see them as any less racist or deliberately obtuse about the Bible’s teachings.
August 11, 2026
I just love a sociologist. Super interesting research puzzle and clearly very thorough analysis. The book was also very succinct which is not the case for a lot of nonfiction. I do wish there was more theory development. Fantastic book.
August 27, 2026
Appreciated this taxonomy, and examining these women not just as their relationship to the men in their lives - as wives and daughters, but as fully formed humans with a distinct (although sometimes contradicting (but who amongst us!)) worldviews.
September 8, 2026
I am very impressed with this author's ability to write this in a very unbiased way. I thought this was really informative and educational around 'Esther's Army' without leaning towards either side. Bit of a wild, eye opening book showing a glimpse inside the minds of these women.
September 17, 2026
more questions, no answers
There are some great discussions here but still no real answers. The left lost their way but that doesn’t excuse bizarre decisions to vote against their interests and morals for someone like Trump. I just makes no sense.
There are some great discussions here but still no real answers. The left lost their way but that doesn’t excuse bizarre decisions to vote against their interests and morals for someone like Trump. I just makes no sense.
Review of advance copy
A great blend of history and contemporary reporting. FASCINATED by the reveal that the majority of right-wing women are not following tradwives online.
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