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The Art of Tough: Fearless Facing Politics and Life
"One goal of this memoir is to inspire people to fight for change. It takes what I call the Art of Tough and I've had to do it all my life." -- Senator Barbara Boxer
Barbara Boxer has made her mark, combining compassionate advocacy with scrappiness in a political career spanning more than three decades. Now, retiring from the Senate, she continues the work to which she's dedicated 30 years in Congress. Her memoir, The Art of Tough , shares her provocative and touching recollections of service, and cements her commitment to the fight for women, families, quality, environmental protection, all in a peaceful world.
Sometimes lauded, sometimes vilified, but always standing tough, Boxer has fought for what is right even when her personal convictions conflicted with her party or the majority rule.
Barbara Boxer has made her mark, combining compassionate advocacy with scrappiness in a political career spanning more than three decades. Now, retiring from the Senate, she continues the work to which she's dedicated 30 years in Congress. Her memoir, The Art of Tough , shares her provocative and touching recollections of service, and cements her commitment to the fight for women, families, quality, environmental protection, all in a peaceful world.
Sometimes lauded, sometimes vilified, but always standing tough, Boxer has fought for what is right even when her personal convictions conflicted with her party or the majority rule.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
35 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Boxer
16 books11 followersBarbara Levy Boxer is an American Democratic politician and the current junior U.S. Senator from the State of California. She holds the record for the most popular votes in a statewide contested election in California, having received 6,955,728 votes in her 2004 re-election over former Republican Secretary of State Bill Jones.
Boxer was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, becoming one of the first of two female Jewish senators, along with Dianne Feinstein. Throughout her career, Boxer has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues, abortion rights, gun control, and medical research. She is generally classified as liberal and is often in conflict with conservative groups.
With the convening of the 110th Congress, Boxer became the first female chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee and, following the resignation of Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) from the post, she was also chosen as chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics. This made her the only senator to preside over two committees at the same time.
She holds the position of Chief Deputy Whip in Majority.
Boxer was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, becoming one of the first of two female Jewish senators, along with Dianne Feinstein. Throughout her career, Boxer has been a vocal advocate for environmental issues, abortion rights, gun control, and medical research. She is generally classified as liberal and is often in conflict with conservative groups.
With the convening of the 110th Congress, Boxer became the first female chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee and, following the resignation of Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) from the post, she was also chosen as chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics. This made her the only senator to preside over two committees at the same time.
She holds the position of Chief Deputy Whip in Majority.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 6, 2016
What I enjoyed most about Senator Boxer's book is the history review she provides (she's been in there a long time), her sense of humor (she's quite funny), and the behind the scenes picture she paints of life in Congress (we're in there with her). At different points throughout the book, she notes that coalition building is key. And she means it: after a nasty knock-down drag out over one crucial issue or another, her nemesis will then become a pal--that is, until the next battle. If I could take her to coffee, I would ask her how the hell they make that work, year after year. It's quite remarkable, really, given the stakes and emotional nature of some of the issues each side has had to stand up for/against.
She shares personal stories of the players who've influenced and encouraged her, as well as those who have done everything in their power to see that she fails. She's not one to waver, and you just can't knock her down. This woman is definitely fearless and tough--and might toot her horn a bit much about it from time to time...
This book is written from Senator Boxer's unique political perspective (which at times left me hungry for what the other side would have to say about it), but she definitely educates the reader on many things, taking us deep inside her political world in California and Washington D.C. She also includes an appendix containing a brief history of the senators who came before her, her poetry/lyrics, and a list of some of her biggest accomplishments in office.
All in all, I thought this was a worthwhile read and walked away with more insight as to the happenings in Washington D.C. and in our recent political history--from a woman's point of view. It definitely gave me a lot to chew on as we get ready for the big election. The book deals with very serious issues, but humor is injected for relief throughout. Even if she's not your gal (or Hillary, for that matter--she's definitely slanted for a HRC presidency), it's an entertaining read that makes you think about who you might want representing you.
She shares personal stories of the players who've influenced and encouraged her, as well as those who have done everything in their power to see that she fails. She's not one to waver, and you just can't knock her down. This woman is definitely fearless and tough--and might toot her horn a bit much about it from time to time...
This book is written from Senator Boxer's unique political perspective (which at times left me hungry for what the other side would have to say about it), but she definitely educates the reader on many things, taking us deep inside her political world in California and Washington D.C. She also includes an appendix containing a brief history of the senators who came before her, her poetry/lyrics, and a list of some of her biggest accomplishments in office.
All in all, I thought this was a worthwhile read and walked away with more insight as to the happenings in Washington D.C. and in our recent political history--from a woman's point of view. It definitely gave me a lot to chew on as we get ready for the big election. The book deals with very serious issues, but humor is injected for relief throughout. Even if she's not your gal (or Hillary, for that matter--she's definitely slanted for a HRC presidency), it's an entertaining read that makes you think about who you might want representing you.
June 15, 2016
Barbara Boxer has represented California both in the Congress and the Senate for the past thirty-three years. She has championed women’s issues and environmental protection all these years. She is a charismatic leader and I noticed people either love her or hate her. I have been impressed by her over the years because she never falters from her basic beliefs on an issue. If she believes she is right she never compromises. I might not agree with her on every issue but I do respect her. Politics is a tough hard business and they take more unpleasantness flung at them than most of us would tolerate.
Boxer states the two reasons she wrote the book are to reveal what it is like to deal up close with issues which define what kind of country we are and the other to emphasize that individual voters must elect the leader most likely to tackle those issues. She also encourages young people to run for office and do something to improve their community and country. Later in the book Boxer spends some time emphasizing the importance of voting as well as learning all you can about the issues before voting. I just finished reading “Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet” by Jeffrey Rosen. Brandeis had said that democracy depends on an educated electorate and involved voters. He said voter ignorance and apathy will destroy the democracy. Boxer said the same thing in different words.
I enjoyed listening to Boxer tell of hearings, various political figures, events and issues I remember from the past, some I had almost forgot as well as politicians from the past. Boxer did a good job narrating the book.
The past two years I have read a number of memoirs of political figures and I have enjoyed them as well as learning something. I have found it helpful to learn more about the public figures’ as well as understanding their viewpoints. I have read about people I agree with and those I do not; I think this later group to be the most important to read. In this process, I have developed a pet peeve regarding the reviews I have read about current political figures memoirs. It is obvious that some people submitting reviews have not read the book. They make negative or sometimes positive remarks based on their personal prejudice about the person not about the contents of the book. I am not sure what Goodreads and other sites can do about policing these types of reviews; therefore, I hesitated to bring up the subject, but they annoy me. I normally read reviews before deciding to read a book and most often find them helpful in the decision process.
Boxer states the two reasons she wrote the book are to reveal what it is like to deal up close with issues which define what kind of country we are and the other to emphasize that individual voters must elect the leader most likely to tackle those issues. She also encourages young people to run for office and do something to improve their community and country. Later in the book Boxer spends some time emphasizing the importance of voting as well as learning all you can about the issues before voting. I just finished reading “Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet” by Jeffrey Rosen. Brandeis had said that democracy depends on an educated electorate and involved voters. He said voter ignorance and apathy will destroy the democracy. Boxer said the same thing in different words.
I enjoyed listening to Boxer tell of hearings, various political figures, events and issues I remember from the past, some I had almost forgot as well as politicians from the past. Boxer did a good job narrating the book.
The past two years I have read a number of memoirs of political figures and I have enjoyed them as well as learning something. I have found it helpful to learn more about the public figures’ as well as understanding their viewpoints. I have read about people I agree with and those I do not; I think this later group to be the most important to read. In this process, I have developed a pet peeve regarding the reviews I have read about current political figures memoirs. It is obvious that some people submitting reviews have not read the book. They make negative or sometimes positive remarks based on their personal prejudice about the person not about the contents of the book. I am not sure what Goodreads and other sites can do about policing these types of reviews; therefore, I hesitated to bring up the subject, but they annoy me. I normally read reviews before deciding to read a book and most often find them helpful in the decision process.
July 10, 2016
The haters can go home. Depending on where you are on the US political spectrum, it wouldn't be surprising if you fell squarely into one of two camps: those who hate Sen. Boxer of California and those who love her. Sure, there might be in-betweeners but I'd bet those are probably fewer and/or just don't know enough about her to have an opinion either way. As she is now retiring at the end of her term, it's book time!
It's a book mostly about her political career (with some of the personal). Most of it focuses on her triumphs and successes but we see the downsides too: she relates stories of dealing with an predominantly male colleagues in the House and then Senate, dealing with "frenemies" (I guess?) such as John McCain where she and the colleague are often at best wary of each other but must work together due to circumstances. It was nice reading stories of times she worked across the aisle as well as within her own party.
Most of the book is told in chronological order as arranged by events, particular issues or bills, etc. Topics covered range from her early life to her time in the House (and why she left to run for the Senate), the 2008 election, issues such as sexual assault, violence against women, healthcare and more. She does occasionally jump back and forth but if you're familiar with her career or at least have a general knowledge of events then it shouldn't be too confusing. Thankfully she doesn't get too bogged down with the minute details.
One thing that surprised me is that she's occasionally outright HILARIOUS. There are occasional one-liners dropped that made me throw back my head and laugh. So it's not all tedious bill discussions or governmental procedures nor is it always narcissistic self-praise. Sometimes she can get a little name-drop-y but I would imagine when you've been in Congress that long you're bound to meet people.
If you couldn't tell, I enjoyed the book. I found her voice interesting (or she had a good ghostwriter). I've read one of her fictional books and found it...not as good. So either she really worked on this or had a lot of help. Either way I liked it. It's really interesting to see the reviews on Amazon really pillage her and/or the book. It's odd because she's a retiring Senator so I didn't think she'd generate THAT much attention. I have my own thoughts as to why but it's not really relevant here.
Anyway, I'd recommend it. I'd say it's really a 3.5 but it was nice to read a book that was mostly upbeat overall after what has been a few really terrible weeks. That said, there is a description of Boxer meeting a professor who gave her a bad grade. It's not graphic or highly detailed (and it seems she escaped before it could possibly escalate) but I just thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
As I wrote, most people probably love her or hate her. If you don't know much about her but want to read about: a woman in the Senate, to learn more about Boxer herself, about particular issues (although she obviously doesn't and can't cover her entire career in huge detail) or bills, etc. then it's not a bad read. That said, I got this from the library and would recommend the same unless you're a fan.
It's a book mostly about her political career (with some of the personal). Most of it focuses on her triumphs and successes but we see the downsides too: she relates stories of dealing with an predominantly male colleagues in the House and then Senate, dealing with "frenemies" (I guess?) such as John McCain where she and the colleague are often at best wary of each other but must work together due to circumstances. It was nice reading stories of times she worked across the aisle as well as within her own party.
Most of the book is told in chronological order as arranged by events, particular issues or bills, etc. Topics covered range from her early life to her time in the House (and why she left to run for the Senate), the 2008 election, issues such as sexual assault, violence against women, healthcare and more. She does occasionally jump back and forth but if you're familiar with her career or at least have a general knowledge of events then it shouldn't be too confusing. Thankfully she doesn't get too bogged down with the minute details.
One thing that surprised me is that she's occasionally outright HILARIOUS. There are occasional one-liners dropped that made me throw back my head and laugh. So it's not all tedious bill discussions or governmental procedures nor is it always narcissistic self-praise. Sometimes she can get a little name-drop-y but I would imagine when you've been in Congress that long you're bound to meet people.
If you couldn't tell, I enjoyed the book. I found her voice interesting (or she had a good ghostwriter). I've read one of her fictional books and found it...not as good. So either she really worked on this or had a lot of help. Either way I liked it. It's really interesting to see the reviews on Amazon really pillage her and/or the book. It's odd because she's a retiring Senator so I didn't think she'd generate THAT much attention. I have my own thoughts as to why but it's not really relevant here.
Anyway, I'd recommend it. I'd say it's really a 3.5 but it was nice to read a book that was mostly upbeat overall after what has been a few really terrible weeks. That said, there is a description of Boxer meeting a professor who gave her a bad grade. It's not graphic or highly detailed (and it seems she escaped before it could possibly escalate) but I just thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
As I wrote, most people probably love her or hate her. If you don't know much about her but want to read about: a woman in the Senate, to learn more about Boxer herself, about particular issues (although she obviously doesn't and can't cover her entire career in huge detail) or bills, etc. then it's not a bad read. That said, I got this from the library and would recommend the same unless you're a fan.
June 7, 2016
Could not put it down/stop listening to it. I love it when the author does the reading for the audio of their own book!
Senator Boxer has been a hero of mine and I absolutely adored every minute of her memoirs. This book was fun, accessible, and taught me a lot about the political processes in our country and some of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering on recent and current decisions/campaigns.
This book came into my life at an opportune time. I take Senator Boxer's lessons on the 'Art of Tough' to heart as I move forward and prepare to open a new and exciting and unknown chapter in my own life.
Thank you, Senator Boxer, for your decades of public service, for being an exemplary representative of my beloved home state, and for taking such good care of all of us during your tenure. I'm sorry to see you leave the Senate, but I know you will continue on to achieve great things, to keep 'fighting the good fight,' and working towards a 'more perfect union' for our country.
This was a fun, educational, and motivating read by a truly inspirational woman. I highly recommend it!
Senator Boxer has been a hero of mine and I absolutely adored every minute of her memoirs. This book was fun, accessible, and taught me a lot about the political processes in our country and some of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering on recent and current decisions/campaigns.
This book came into my life at an opportune time. I take Senator Boxer's lessons on the 'Art of Tough' to heart as I move forward and prepare to open a new and exciting and unknown chapter in my own life.
Thank you, Senator Boxer, for your decades of public service, for being an exemplary representative of my beloved home state, and for taking such good care of all of us during your tenure. I'm sorry to see you leave the Senate, but I know you will continue on to achieve great things, to keep 'fighting the good fight,' and working towards a 'more perfect union' for our country.
This was a fun, educational, and motivating read by a truly inspirational woman. I highly recommend it!
August 31, 2016
DNF 50%. Sorry to be unfair to Ms. Boxer, but this is just a typical political memoir. I feel as if I'm watching Forrest Gump pop up into historical scenes but not have much to say about them.
I'm sure Ms. Boxer is a good representative for her constituency, but I'm just not particularly interesed in the rest of the book. I choose it because the title sounded provocative, but so far I haven't read anything particularly tough about Ms. Boxer's life or choices.
She had pre-mature babies, which sounded pretty tough to me, but she didn't talk about that stuff hardly at all.
I don't know why Goodreads is forcing me to say I read an ebook. I read the regular book.
eta: I must have forgotten my attempt to read this book, or maybe I thought it would be better as an audiobook, because I got the audiobook. It's just as bad as an audiobook.
I'm sure Ms. Boxer is a good representative for her constituency, but I'm just not particularly interesed in the rest of the book. I choose it because the title sounded provocative, but so far I haven't read anything particularly tough about Ms. Boxer's life or choices.
She had pre-mature babies, which sounded pretty tough to me, but she didn't talk about that stuff hardly at all.
I don't know why Goodreads is forcing me to say I read an ebook. I read the regular book.
eta: I must have forgotten my attempt to read this book, or maybe I thought it would be better as an audiobook, because I got the audiobook. It's just as bad as an audiobook.
July 21, 2016
This memoir by Senator Barbara Boxer (D), of California contains some interesting anecdotes about the Congress and the men and women who represent us there. In addition to being a description of her life in politics, it is also a glimpse into the ruthlessness and lack of integrity on the part of some of those who believe that their ideologies override the rights of the American people. For that alone, the book should be an education to those who believe that some of our Congressional leaders are men of integrity. They're not, and Boxer names names. The book is written in an informal style that makes it an easy read. On the minus side, it contains a few more editing errors than I would have liked to see. Read the book. I don't think you will be disappointed.
August 25, 2016
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...
I really don't know how I feel about this book. It left me feeling conflicted and many confused emotions... I agreed with certain opinions, perspectives, and point of view that Boxer listed in this book. At the same time, I felt like she threw a lot of people under the bus to make this book all that more exciting. If it wasn't her naming names and digging deep into corruption, this book would've fallen flat on it's cover.
I really don't know how I feel about this book. It left me feeling conflicted and many confused emotions... I agreed with certain opinions, perspectives, and point of view that Boxer listed in this book. At the same time, I felt like she threw a lot of people under the bus to make this book all that more exciting. If it wasn't her naming names and digging deep into corruption, this book would've fallen flat on it's cover.
October 5, 2016
*I received an advanced reader of The Art of Tough: Fearless Facing Politics and Life by Barbara Boxer from Hachette Books in the hopes for an honest review in return. This is my honest opinion.
I must admit, I kind of loved The Art of Tough. This book was smart, inspiring and surprisingly hilarious.
This book tells of her political career; her advancements, her fighting stands, her place in a predominantly male workplace. While I do, personally, agree with most of her political views, I believe her story can be enjoyed by anyone.
I must admit, I kind of loved The Art of Tough. This book was smart, inspiring and surprisingly hilarious.
This book tells of her political career; her advancements, her fighting stands, her place in a predominantly male workplace. While I do, personally, agree with most of her political views, I believe her story can be enjoyed by anyone.
June 21, 2016
I did enjoy listening to Senator Boxer tell her story. The book was good, and I whole hardheartedly admire how as a woman one has to be a little tougher then the men. I get it. Thank you for showing me the importance of tough. However, there were some issues where I thought Senator Boxer flip flopped as with sexual harassment. She could have been Anita Hill's attorney. On the other had with her in-law Bill Clinton she absolutely took a much more laxed approach "oh it was wrong". The people of California were fortunate to have such a woman fight for them.
January 7, 2018
Excellent book of Barbara Boxer's true experiences as a woman in Congress. The discrimination, the hate of women overall in a white male GOP environment will shock you and make you angry. I am so glad that she has the strength to continue on to fight for the good of our country and what she believes in. Its a excellent book, very well written. All women should read this book . She is exemplary in her devotion to country and never stands down from that which she believes in.
July 7, 2017
I love Boxer. She is one of the best things that has happened to the Senate, which makes this lack luster memoir somewhat disappointing. There are a few interesting stories, but not enough to satisfy. And in terms of the actual art of being tough, there's really nothing more than what most educated people know about politics (the need for armor plated skin and the ability to work with anyone, no matter how mean, petty, or hateful they are). So not lovin' the book, no matter... still love her.
July 21, 2017
Very different from Meghan Kelly's memoir, which I read a couple months ago. Covers a longer time period; puts her life experiences and career into the national context of both politics and news events; mention of colleagues is mostly positive, with a vignette or two of the ways in which they worked together. Boxer's collegiality rings true, as does her acceptance of her errors. A bracing read; tough enough, and I enjoyed her humor.
August 11, 2016
This felt as if it was written for a reader who is not particularly intelligent - style, content, tone all seemed dumbed down perhaps to appeal to the widest possible constituent base of Boxer's. She's also quite extreme in her ideologies, so it's interesting to read her POV, but also worth following it with an interesting memoir from a conservative leader.
September 15, 2017
This is a great and quick read from one of the truly great liberals of all times. Boxer tells of her upbringing and early years but also talk at some length of the principled positions and votes she has cast over the years. She will be missed and truly deserves to be put on the list of the lions of the senate that stood up for what was right.
June 29, 2016
Excellent read. Good review of a meaningful career with high impact
Anyone who gives this 1 star either didn't read it or didn't like the message. It's very well written. Can be a quick read because of the organization. Would definitely recommend
Anyone who gives this 1 star either didn't read it or didn't like the message. It's very well written. Can be a quick read because of the organization. Would definitely recommend
October 22, 2016
Instructive reading about changes in and how our national legislative process works (when it does and why it often does not) in this snappy memoir from Sen. Boxer. Good for small group discussion. Definitely not something one publishes until ready to retire.
September 4, 2017
I liked this book very much - gave me a real perspective into public office / how hard these people work and the politics that occur in forging issues, being a woman in office, and a staunch democrats way of thinking that made sense to me on certain issues / Boxer is tough as nails
February 4, 2019
She has an interesting past working as a Senator at the White House. I sensed her passion for what she felt worth fighting for was totally about the needs for the people whose voice was not being heard.
June 19, 2016
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
July 2, 2016
Not a prize winner, but has some good stories about the senate. She talks about having character and standing up for issues, dealing with politics and politicians.
July 12, 2016
Not particularly, but still a worthwhile read for any native Californian. Definitely gives me a better appreciation for the sexism Boxer overcame as one of the first female senators from California.
August 5, 2016
If your a Democrat you'll love this book. If your a republican, you probably won't. I personally loved it.
July 25, 2017
Excellent book!
September 18, 2017
A great memoir, with valuable insight on leadership and an insider's revelation of how the American political system works. A bit long, but very captivating.
April 5, 2018
Love her politics and sorry to see her gone. Strong woman stories for my next book
May 10, 2021
It's hard to separate in a review of a memoir one's thoughts on the person, one's thoughts on their positions, and one's thoughts on the written word itself.
That being said, this is a memoir worth reading (or, as in my case, listening to on audiobook), as Boxer is a key figure in recent American political history.
She struck me, at least in the memoir, as a tough, but also reasonable, legislator. I was surprised (but also encouraged) by how often she complimented her Republican colleagues in the legislatures, even if she also spent a lot of time criticizing some of them and most of their positions.
Boxer has been in hot water lately for her work for a Chinese surveillance company, and her questioning the legitimacy of elections in 2000 and 2004 in some ways presaged the most recent disastrous doubters in 2020.
But she deserves a nuanced evaluation, given her own nuanced take on the world in this memoir.
Californians of all political stripes should seek to understand those who have represented them, and continue to do so. She makes the point that it's important to vote, and that single people can make a different as Senators, Congressmen, and the like. She's right!
That being said, this is a memoir worth reading (or, as in my case, listening to on audiobook), as Boxer is a key figure in recent American political history.
She struck me, at least in the memoir, as a tough, but also reasonable, legislator. I was surprised (but also encouraged) by how often she complimented her Republican colleagues in the legislatures, even if she also spent a lot of time criticizing some of them and most of their positions.
Boxer has been in hot water lately for her work for a Chinese surveillance company, and her questioning the legitimacy of elections in 2000 and 2004 in some ways presaged the most recent disastrous doubters in 2020.
But she deserves a nuanced evaluation, given her own nuanced take on the world in this memoir.
Californians of all political stripes should seek to understand those who have represented them, and continue to do so. She makes the point that it's important to vote, and that single people can make a different as Senators, Congressmen, and the like. She's right!
May 5, 2021
I neither loved nor hated this memoir. I have a lot of respect for Boxer, but this book felt ... light. It's not that I wanted dirt, but this book just kind of rattled off a bunch of anecdotes in chronological order while occasionally throwing in a reference to the title. I'd have been much more interested in either more of a "room where it happened" approach (which she does come close to at times) or a thoughtful exploration of resilience and struggle in the face of opposition. It really feels like she brushes up against these, but ultimately feels more like a casual reflection on her career than anything else.
July 4, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and loved that she read the whole thing. This woman is a dynamo of good intentions and savvy execution. She's one of the all-time California political legends. And this memoir is deeply personal, interesting, and fun to read.
March 4, 2017
I'm glad that Barbara Boxer was our U.S. Senator.
She is a very remarkable woman.
She is a very remarkable woman.
December 10, 2019
A Great Career Distilled
Well written, an interesting account of the career of of a powerful woman of deep convictions. Nicely balanced between legislative details and insights into the personalities of the players.
Well written, an interesting account of the career of of a powerful woman of deep convictions. Nicely balanced between legislative details and insights into the personalities of the players.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews