Where We Keep the Light: Stories from a Life of Service

by Josh Shapiro

A grounded and intimate portrait of life by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

Where We Keep the Light is the story of public service and personal faith. From an early age, Josh Shapiro learned and practiced the power of showing up, listening, and executing, to make people’s lives a little better. In the pages of this account of his life, Shapiro relates powerful stories about his family, his faith, and what matters to Americans tired of all the divisiveness and distrust in our leaders.

Reflecting on what he’s learned by knocking on doors, serving his community, and tackling the tough problems that no one wanted to touch in new and different ways, Shapiro reminds us that government can be a force for good, that conventional wisdom is rarely wise, and there’s more that unites Americans than divides us.

Shapiro is answering a call to service at a time when we need leaders like him to step up. Where We Keep the Light is a must-read account of his life and what lies ahead.

Genres: Memoir, Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Biography Memoir, History

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Ken Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known Josh since 1999 when he was Chief of Staff to my political mentor, Joe Hoeffel and attending Georgetown Law School at night. Two things I’ve always known about Josh since the day we met, he loved Lori and he was dedicated to public service (this was before he became a father). This book shows both and also his commitment and love for his children. Among Josh’s super powers is his empathy and ability to listen and connect with people. But he doesn’t just listens, he gets stuff done. I’ve proudly voted for Josh in every race he’s run since 2011 because he’s a great public servant but an even better person. His family is his North Star and this book shows that.

Shapiro for America!

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the writing: A little clunky at first, but he found his rhythm, and I found it super enjoyable. Some political books can just be look at how awesome I am, while this had genuinely interesting stories.

On the content: I actually got so emotional. I do not align with many of Shapiro's views, but you can tell he genuinely cares about his constituents, and I firmly believe we need more people like him in politics. I also loved how he explained his evolving thoughts on issues and policies and was not scared to admit when he was wrong. At the end he also had a great PA pride moment which I am always a sucker for.

[Jan McAdams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where we keep the light

I loved this book! So refreshing to read in these sad times in our country "leadership". What a wonderful example of how humanity should look. Josh Shapiro for president - PLEASE!

I have already recommended this read to everyone I know. I wish the book had more pages to read. I will re-read this daily as sort of a daily devotional.

[Nina Krasnoff]

Read so I could talk to my dad about it. This is very much an “I want to run for president” book, and so every story is twisted in order to present another reason he would be a good president. This does not make for the most enjoyable reading experience. But, if he does run for president, I’m glad I’ll have a clear understanding of his stances.

[Josh Nisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is clearly a get-to-know-me memoir in advance of a presidential run and at times reads like a stump speech, but Shapiro seems like a genuine mensch despite the politician’s politician persona. I was especially impressed by the obvious depth and sincerity of his Jewish faith.

[Moira · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of Shapiro in general and believe he has a lot to offer as a public official. I went into this knowing this book is just the standard run up to a presidential campaign release, but it honestly put a damper on my stance.

Most things in this book are surface level, it written in a way that is clearly just checking boxes of the political issues that will be present in a campaign. Showing his stance and experience with each one.

I really struggled with the tone. The writing came off as pompous with a bit of self-deprecating to try to bring it back down, but it didn't work for me. This is very different from other ways I have heard him speak and my overall view of him, so it made the entire book a struggle for me.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning more about Josh Shapiro. He seems like a decent human being who actually cares about his constituents. Such a rare trait in our leaders from both parties who seem to spend more time fighting with each other than taking care of the American people.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Unfettered and it made me like John Fetterman even more. I read 107 Days and it helped me to like Kamala Harris. I was expecting the same for this book. It did not! Shapiro came across as a very conceited and pompous person. Give me the ball! Give me the ball! I am the smartest in the room, listen to me. When he told stories that appeared to be him trying to be like the Everyman he was running into Glass or climbing ladders upside down. I think he thinks to relate to the common person you must be an idiot. I could not relate to the man who traded his car in to avoid cleaning it. I felt like this book was full of him whining and bragging. All that being said at the end of the book when he talks about the woman in the church and he helped and linked that to his present circumstance after the fire, I did get choked up. What happened to him and his family was terrible and heartbreaking. I wish him a long life that is absent of anti-Semitism. I just prefer that life to not be as my Governor or President.

[Bonnie Edelenbos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a Josh Shapiro fan. I think he is a great person. This book gave me more insight into his life. Interesting and informative!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty standard get to know the politician before he runs for another office book. Shapiro comes across as genuine, hard working, family focused and profoundly and proudly Jewish. He’s done much good for the people of Pennsylvania. Could he do the same for the nation?

[Bonny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Where We Keep the Light, Josh Shapiro offers a thoughtful, measured reflection on public service, faith, and what it means to “show up” for your community. Part memoir, part governing philosophy, the book traces his path from knocking on doors as a young volunteer to leading the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through complicated and often contentious moments.

I’ll admit whenever a prominent politician releases a memoir, especially one still relatively early in their national trajectory, it’s hard not to view it through a presidential lens. Writing a book can feel like a box that gets checked when someone is considering a future run for higher office. That said, even with that awareness, this was still a genuinely solid and engaging read.

What works best here is Shapiro’s emphasis on practical governance. He returns again and again to the idea that government can function well if leaders are willing to listen carefully, build coalitions, and tackle unglamorous problems head-on. His stories from the campaign trail and from his time in office feel grounded rather than grandiose. There’s a steady through-line of faith and family, but it’s presented in a way that feels personal rather than preachy.

As someone who doesn’t live in Pennsylvania but just next door in New Jersey, I found it interesting to read about issues that ripple across state lines, economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and the constant effort to restore trust in institutions. Even from a neighboring state, it’s clear that Shapiro takes the mechanics of governing seriously.

Is it a bit polished? Of course. Is there careful positioning? Absolutely. But that’s to be expected in political memoir. What elevates it to four stars for me is the tone: pragmatic, optimistic without being naive, and focused on the idea that more unites Americans than divides us.

If this book is part of laying the groundwork for a presidential run, it’s an effective introduction. Based on what I read here and in the news about his governorship, I think Mr. Shapiro would do a fine job as president. Here’s hoping that that happens.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this compelling memoir, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro shares stories about his childhood and political rise and the faith that drives his devotion to public service. He begins by telling the story of surviving an arsonist’s 2025 attack on the Governor’s Residence while he and his family slept after celebrating Passover, culminating with a strong condemnation of political violence. Knocking on doors in his race for Pennsylvania State Representative taught him the value of listening to voters’ problems. As Pennsylvania Attorney General, he sought justice for victims of the Catholic Church’s decades of child abuse and fought monopolistic healthcare company practices.

A pragmatist, Shapiro focuses on four issues that he hopes can unite voters: decent jobs, good schools, safe communities, and rights and freedoms. It remains to be seen whether he will run for president in 2028; he may have a hard time in the Democratic primary given leftwing distrust of his moderate positions on the environment and the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, among other issues. Regardless, Where We Keep the Light is an inspiring political memoir and an exciting page-turner.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great memoir by the current governor of Pennsylvania, as he talks about his life and his family, and his long career as a public servant. I really enjoyed it on audio, listening to him tell his story in his own voice.

If you are feeling depressed and cynical about the current state of politics in the US - this might be the antidote. Shapiro comes across as so authentic and someone who genuinely has spent his whole life in public service in a variety of roles, because he truly believes in helping people and making the world a better place. He is passionate and has strong and genuine beliefs, but also seems always open to listening to people and even changing his stance on issues. I also love that he doesn’t shy away from his Judaism or discussing antisemitism.

I know memoirs like this are often just a precursor to a presidential run and if so - count me fully on board for Shapiro ’28.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book about the life of the Governor, and hopefully future Presidential candidate, written in his own words with warmth and candor. While some of it reads like a politician's memoir, with detailed positions and policy decisions, much of it is very engrossing, like his account of the days in July/August 2024 when he was vetted for VP.  We could certainly use more national leaders like Josh Shapiro, smart and practical, with a moral compass, strong convictions, and empathy.

[Jonathan Karron · Rating 4 out of 5]

What i know about Josh from his interviews and media appearances, I like, and this was a chance to learn more about him. He’s always come across as very articulate and poised to me.

This book reinforces all of that. He comes across as a bit of a goody-two-shoes, which is fine. And also a devoted family man and a man of faith. He outlines a bit about his life, his career and how he arrived at some of the big decisions in his personal and political life.

This to me feels very much like a book someone writes before running for President. I’ll definitely give him some consideration as I evaluate him and whatever other candidates decide to run.

3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.

[Nicole]

Josh Shapiro writes of many situations where it was key to hear all sides, and speak to people on the other side of the aisle. I didn't know too much about him before reading this book, and appreciate knowing more. I'm much more interested in the possibilities and potential for the 2028 presidential race!!

It was very interesting to read about how the vetting process went for VP in 2024.

I listened to the audio, which was read by Josh Shapiro, which probably made the book more personalized.

[Steve Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where we Keep the Light (Shapiro)

I knew I like this guy from the little snippets I had seen and read, but his book is 10 times the inspiration I had before and all the inspiration I hoped for. I desperately hope he runs for President in 2028 and so does Chris Sununu. I would love to finally be able to vote again knowing I could be happy with either choice, instead of voting against the evil of two lessers. RUN JOSH!

[Evelyn Petschek · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and heartwarming memoir. A politician and public servant who takes the public trust seriously, so refreshing to hear of bipartisanship in our increasingly divided world. A politician with charity and kindness at the forefront. Wonderfully narrated by the author.

[Stephanie]

what to say, what to say.....

he's a great storyteller and an even better politician (I mean that genuinely)

[Bill H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Shapiro

An extraordinary and inspirational biography of faith in action ! A candid and powerful portrayal by this courageous ,compassionate and dedicated man.

[Rachel Mattis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Mensch. Shapiro is one of the most logical, nuanced, and levelheaded politician I’ve ever heard.

[Shirley JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so appreciative of this book and the heartfelt sincerity and transparency shared by the Governor.

…This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man…

– William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3.

[Louise DeMatteo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life of faith and service to others and an all around decent human being,… and also a politician! A combination we see so seldomly these days. Here’s hoping our children look at Josh Shapiro and see what a leader should be and be inspired to follow in his footsteps.

[Joe Kraus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Josh Shapiro the politician. He’s my governor, and he used to be my state treasurer, and I have voted for him every chance I’ve had. I had the chance to meet him a couple months ago, and I was stunned by how charismatic he is in person. If he decides to run for President – and, face it, writing this book is a soft declaration of his intent – I’ll continue to be a fan and a supporter. I want to see the other candidates, but he’s a favorite son at the start of the race.

But I’m not reviewing Shapiro the politician here. Instead, I’m reviewing a book for which I had fairly low expectations. At one point, early, I had the not-nice thought that, while some books are now composed using AI, this is the sort of book that you should read with AI. He’s writing it for his candidacy, and the bigger aspect of it is how people review and react to it.

This turns out to be better than that low bar, but not dramatically so.

For long stretches, we get vague discussions of the way he’s committed to serving community. I’ve certainly seen worse, but it’s predictable and necessary to the form even as it doesn’t tell us too much.

There’s also an understandable commitment to ‘safe’ topics. He does confront his sometimes being out of step with other Democrats, but that’s largely to set him up for talking about how important it is to cross the aisle on issues. That’s his lane – a centrist Democrat who’s still there for all the key party priorities – and he’s not going to veer out of it.

And I’ll add that the title metaphor is…lacking. He implies the idea that “light” is a good thing, but he never quite tells us who keeps it or how. Every so often there’ll be a reference, but it feels as if as editor tried to weave it in after the fact.

So, I think it’s fair to say that close to two-thirds of this is stuff you’re better reading about than reading.

Still, there are some highlights.

Lots of news stories have talked about the surprising, and troubling, account of the Kamala Harris campaign focusing on his Jewishness as a potentially disqualifying element. He soft-steps up to and beyond the parts that most news stories have quoted, but those quotes are here. He’s not critical of Harris overall, but he makes it clear that he thinks she’d have been a hard President to serve as Vice-President to, and he implies that she might have won Pennsylvania – and maybe the country – if she’d gone with him.

But no real finger pointing even there. It’s a whisper, not a shout, and he makes clear that he’s still on Team Blue all the way.

He talks as well about his Jewishness – a lot – but it’s usually in the spirit of flashing his faith credentials. That’s a solid political move – it lets him appeal to evangelicals who might be tiring of Trump – but it’s not that compelling. (And I say that as a fellow Jew.)

He does organize the book around an opening depiction of the arson at the Governor’s mansion on Passover, and then he returns to it at the very end. It’s a troubling story, but the included color pictures do a better job than the text of showing it.

The strongest section here, though, is the chapter he dedicates to talking about his work on the Catholic child abuse scandal. I thought then, and I think now, that it was an act of real political courage. He tells us that he thought it would end his career, having pissed off too many Catholics ever to get elected again.

He handled it brilliantly, though, and it’s really what made him a national figure. As he relives it here, he goes into more detail than in most other chapters. He names names, and he talks about the challenge of keeping some much of it secret while it was still in the grand jury’s hands.

A key there is that he couldn’t even tell his wife about the case, and another highlight is the way he talks about their partnership. She seems to have a great sense of humor, and he gives several examples of how she cuts him down to size when his ego starts getting out of control. Their relationship feels authentic in the context of a book where it could easily have come across as a word-photo-op.

As far as I’m concerned, the next Presidential election can’t come soon enough. Shapiro should be part of it, and, even if we collectively select someone else as the candidate, we’re doing OK to have him as part of our bench.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a Josh Shapiro fan at least since he was running for AG of PA. Not sure if I knew about him before then or not.

The book had a little bit of slowness getting started and I thought it was going to end up being a bit dry and merely factual, but then he got going and told lots of great stories that show you who he is as a person and a professional and not just tell you.

He loves his wife and she is his sounding board and gives him a lot of great ideas too. He loves his family. He loves being of service to others. He loves listening, truly listening, and then helping. He loves finding ways to make things better. He is a go getter. He wants to lead. He is a great public speaker. He is honest. He stands his ground on his faith, his principles, and his opinions. He’s willing to evolve and change his mind when he learns new information. He wants to work across the aisle, for everyone not just people who vote for him. He believes we all deserve a chance.

His faith and his family are definitely what drives him but a close second in there truly is the need to give back and be of service to others. He lived and worked in Washington DC for a few years but the call to come back to his family, to his roots in PA, was always there. I think it would be hard for him to be a Senator or Representative in DC. Because of having to be in DC and because I think he enjoys being the one in charge, while working with others in those roles it’s much harder to have the kind of impact that he has as governor or Attorney General or county commissioner.

I found the section about where he was being vetted to be Kamala Harris’ VP very interesting. It didn’t leave the best taste in my mouth about Kamala or maybe just her staff. Turns out he actually withdrew his name from the race near the end. He chose not to put out a public statement, saying it was her race and if she wanted to she should be the one to do it, which I’m pretty sure she never did. He supported her and Walz. He just felt it wasn’t the best fit for him and he loves being the Governor of PA.

I do wonder what the future holds for Shapiro. There isn’t much more upward he can go other than President of the US and I could see him running in the future, but maybe not until his kids are more grown and all out of the house. I guess we shall have to wait and see.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book mostly because I was interested in Shapiro’s accounts of Josh Shapiro’s two most consequential accomplishments as Pennsylvania/s Attorney General. They were (1) release of the Grand Jury findings about abuse of children in the Catholic Church, and (2) negotiating with UPMC (my health plan, my doctors, my insurance!) to persuade them to accept Highmark Insurace. UPMC, the biggest guy in town, was moving to make itself even more dominant in Western Pennsylvania. The rest of the world might notice the dramatic episode with the revelations about abuse by priests, but I also think about the health insurance issue often. Shapiro did a good thing for the health care consumer in Western Pennsylvania, and I have thought kindly of him ever since.

These two chapters were my focus, not surprisingly. Since Shapiro is still governor, he cannot write about that time in office until he actually leaves office. So why did he write the memoir now? Well, maybe he is contemplating a run for higher office. Duh.

Shapiro is aggressive and very hard working, useful qualities for a politician. He was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature to begin his career in elective office, but he came to realize that he preferred the executive branch. First that meant being a Commissioner in Montgomery County, an experience that confirmed for him that he had made the right move. From there he ran for AG, and then for Governor, his fourth elective office in Pennsylvania.

The narrative is frequently overwritten, especially in the early, slightly verbose chapters, when he describes and reflects on the arson attempt in the Governor’s residence. It was certainly a harrowing experience. The narrative began to flow better in later chapters. Perhaps the up side is that it sounds like an authentic voice.

Shapiro is both Jewish and ecumenical, an ethos he emphasizes at numerous points in the book. He is also both a serious parent and a frequently absent parent. This conflict is another topic that the reader will hear a lot about.

We’ll be hearing more from him.

[Robby Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot to unpack here.

1) If he announced that he plans to run for President tomorrow, he'd likely be my first choice. He understands Pennsylvanians deeply. He is extremely pro-worker/pro-union to the degree where almost everyone who works for a Union has met or shaken hands with him. I'm assuming he'll understand the student debt crisis, given Pennsylvania is one of the worse states for it.
2) I would've liked to have seen more about what he would do if he would run for president or policies he's in favor of, but it's more a snapshot of his career up to that point and statements against political violence, his ability to work across the aisle, and different victories against big powerful interests that work to take advantage of those who have less of a voice.
3) I do appreciate that he sticks to his conventions, but at the same time is willing to have his views evolves, as he is introduced to more information, such as his stance regarding the death penalty.
4) I haven't read Kamala Harris' 107 Days, but I heard that there was some critical stuff towards Shapiro in there. His viewpoints in the book run with what I have heard within the months after he withdrew his name from consideration. The questions he was asked may have been offensive, but I believe that it could be a way to gauge how he'd answer those questions on the trail. In his book, it made it seem like he was being asked to abandon PA if he was running as VP on the trail. It seemed like he had received pushback for having different viewpoints than Kamala at different times. It also seemed like how the vetting process went, he was being discouraged from continuing on.

[Matt Lowy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I choose to read your token politician memoir for a few reasons. First as a political nerd, I just enjoy hearing people’s motivations, non-negotiables of life, routines and lessons learned. Second, when you spend 4-10 hours with someone, you really walk away with a pretty good sense of their character and are they a good person at heart to look up to. In the case of Gov. Shapiro, the letter is a resounding yes. From keeping his heart with the first woman to have it to how he treats his staff, you want to learn more and want to be in his direct world. He demonstrates leadership through and through and his care and concern for every citizen of the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania showcase the common good for all.

From a literary perspective, opening up with the tragic nature of the attack on his home and the resilience shown and circling back to that at the end was effective. He only had a little under two years of holding the Governorship so the majority of the inside politics was spent on his time as AG and other roles within the state. All still speak to his character and how he became his full form we see today but I would have liked to see more on the weight that his current position holds and how he had to transform his rituals/routines.

At only 52 years, his future is bright and the value that he can add to the country and world is through the roof.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I read a lot of memoirs and autobiographies, and I find that sometimes those written by politicians feel a little too stilted and performative. They read more as though the politician is trying to earn the reader's vote rather than reveal an inner truth. I found Shapiro's book refreshingly free of such artifice. I enjoyed reading about his early life and what drew him to politics. He shares how deeply devoted he is to his family and faith without ever offering up that devotion as evidence of his own worthiness.

I appreciated learning both about his work on behalf of the victims of Catholic church abuse and his experience being vetted for the VP slot for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Throughout the narrative, it's clear that Josh Shapiro knows who he is and has a quiet confidence rooted in the strength of his faith and family. I enjoyed every moment I spent with him in this book.

[Noah Vinogradov · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by Governor Shapiro at clearly the right time to prime himself for an upcoming presidential run, reads much more as a memoir than a political treatise. Yet interwoven through the various personal vignettes of Shapiro’s life exists a consistent moral framework that he applies to all sorts of situations, political or not. Where the book sometimes lacks in depth, authenticity abounds, and Shapiro isn’t afraid to share his moral values, identity formation, and problem solving process. The way he presents his political life makes it seem like he consistently enters spaces that were previously neglected by individuals in the positions he comes to hold. Whether or not he can sway the average American voter that he is “different than other politicians” is yet to be seen in a presidential election; yet he certainly makes the case for himself as a competent, somewhat humble, honest, and hardworking person with deep convictions, who practices a politics aimed at service.