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Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America
"One of the most important voices of her generation." --Joy-Ann Reid
"A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference." --David Axelrod
" Moving Forward will inspire you." --Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York's Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren't participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance.
Karine Jean-Pierre's story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today's political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.
"A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference." --David Axelrod
" Moving Forward will inspire you." --Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York's Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren't participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance.
Karine Jean-Pierre's story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today's political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
122 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 28, 2019
I have seen Jean-Pierre on television so decided to learn more about her by reading her recently published memoir.
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti. They immigrated to New York when she was young. She obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University. She had a tough life growing up, but she does not get bogged down in it. The book focuses on hard work and determination to reach her goals in life. I had the feeling the book was written for young people providing advice and encouragement. She encourages young people to seek a career in politics.
I read this book as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and eight minutes. Karine Jean-Pierre does a good job narrating her own book.
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti. They immigrated to New York when she was young. She obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University. She had a tough life growing up, but she does not get bogged down in it. The book focuses on hard work and determination to reach her goals in life. I had the feeling the book was written for young people providing advice and encouragement. She encourages young people to seek a career in politics.
I read this book as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and eight minutes. Karine Jean-Pierre does a good job narrating her own book.
January 19, 2020
Karine Jean-Pierre is a very appealing personality with a very compelling story. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Jean Pierre tells the story of growing up in a strict household with parents combating an unfair stigma of bigotry, particularly towards Haitians in New York City. Jean-Pierre is careful not to make this a story of racism, bigotry and hate but a story of what made her the person that she is. What molded her. Jean-Pierre's story is familiar to many, a young, driven, high achieving woman growing up trying to please her parents. In doing so, her journey led her to interesting places.
I am a long time Jean-Pierre fan from her work on tv (MSNBC, CNN, FOX ect). In my view she exudes intelligence, warmth and competence. My admiration was cemented when at a televised political forum that she was cohosting, she put herself (a very tiny but strong woman) between a heckler who had somehow made it onto the stage and a political candidate. There was no physical violence but she had no way of knowing that at the time. That tale btw is not in the book. Jean-Pierre's journey is made more complicated by the fact that she is a lesbian. A stigma in the Haitian culture as well as the US. She's also an endurance runner which is something that inspires admiration. The nature of an endurance runner is someone who is disciplined, driven and use to suffering in order to achieve their goals. Jean-Pierre doesn't let anything stop her. She doesn't compromise who she is to be successful.
I'm happy to say that after reading her story, I'm an even bigger fan. Though this is clearly geared toward a younger crowd, I found her memoir to be quite interesting and inspiring.
4+ Stars
Listened to the audiobook. Karine Jean-Pierre narrated her book. It started off a bit stilted but by the end she was very good.
I am a long time Jean-Pierre fan from her work on tv (MSNBC, CNN, FOX ect). In my view she exudes intelligence, warmth and competence. My admiration was cemented when at a televised political forum that she was cohosting, she put herself (a very tiny but strong woman) between a heckler who had somehow made it onto the stage and a political candidate. There was no physical violence but she had no way of knowing that at the time. That tale btw is not in the book. Jean-Pierre's journey is made more complicated by the fact that she is a lesbian. A stigma in the Haitian culture as well as the US. She's also an endurance runner which is something that inspires admiration. The nature of an endurance runner is someone who is disciplined, driven and use to suffering in order to achieve their goals. Jean-Pierre doesn't let anything stop her. She doesn't compromise who she is to be successful.
I'm happy to say that after reading her story, I'm an even bigger fan. Though this is clearly geared toward a younger crowd, I found her memoir to be quite interesting and inspiring.
4+ Stars
Listened to the audiobook. Karine Jean-Pierre narrated her book. It started off a bit stilted but by the end she was very good.
August 17, 2019
As my first review on Net Galley, I am feeling a great deal of pressure to get this right, but Karine Jean-Pierre has made my job much less difficult with her lovely memoir. Moving Forward focuses on her childhood in Queens and the daily work that is required of the eldest child of an immigrant couple, her own journey to naturalized citizenship, and her subsequent lively political and media career.
Sharing the same birth year I felt at one with Jean-Pierre as she traced her youth and early adulthood in the 1980s and 90s. She has a wonderful way with words and although our experiences are vastly different I was quite drawn in by the narrative. Her writing style helped me feel closer to her and the people in her universe. This is exactly what a good memoir should do.
Jean-Pierre's retelling of aspects of her time in government, on various political campaigns and, ultimately, in the White House on the staff of President Obama, offers a clear and concise window into both the inner-workings of a campaign and the funny, sad, heart-wrenching, and joyous things that can happen along the way. It is by no means a comprehensive look at any one campaign, but the details she provided gave me just enough information to hold my continued interest.
I also greatly appreciated the additional information she provided on media awareness and specific news sources, pundits, and reporters that she feels are worthy of a readers time. Jean-Pierre has written this book to be used as somewhat of a manual for future politicos, explaining how she navigated that space through a successful career, but it is still quite a wonderful read for those of us that want to be involved at a more local level or just participate through our votes.
If you are looking for an interesting political memoir, Moving Forward is most definitely the book for you.
Sharing the same birth year I felt at one with Jean-Pierre as she traced her youth and early adulthood in the 1980s and 90s. She has a wonderful way with words and although our experiences are vastly different I was quite drawn in by the narrative. Her writing style helped me feel closer to her and the people in her universe. This is exactly what a good memoir should do.
Jean-Pierre's retelling of aspects of her time in government, on various political campaigns and, ultimately, in the White House on the staff of President Obama, offers a clear and concise window into both the inner-workings of a campaign and the funny, sad, heart-wrenching, and joyous things that can happen along the way. It is by no means a comprehensive look at any one campaign, but the details she provided gave me just enough information to hold my continued interest.
I also greatly appreciated the additional information she provided on media awareness and specific news sources, pundits, and reporters that she feels are worthy of a readers time. Jean-Pierre has written this book to be used as somewhat of a manual for future politicos, explaining how she navigated that space through a successful career, but it is still quite a wonderful read for those of us that want to be involved at a more local level or just participate through our votes.
If you are looking for an interesting political memoir, Moving Forward is most definitely the book for you.
May 18, 2019
I enjoyed this one. In her foreward, Jean-Pierre says it's aimed at younger folks who may be considering a career in politics, but there's plenty for us older folks whose windows of opportunity are not wide open. Sometimes I wish I hadn't been such a late bloomer professionally, because I could have gone in a lot of interesting directions—politics being one of them, maybe. Not that I have any issues with what I'm doing now, but at almost 56 there are a lot of cool options that I'm just not going to have a chance to try out, and Jean-Pierre's enthusiasm for what she does made me a little wistful. Her personality shines through in her writing, and I'm looking forward to doing this panel with her on it.
May 23, 2022
Karine Jean-Pierre’s story (Black/immigrant from Haiti/working class/lesbian) is one that is, in and of itself, inspiring and engaging. She is now the White House press secretary, having worked on several local and national campaigns, for President Obama, as well as for Walmart Watch and MoveOn. Despite Tucker Carlson’s comments about her nomination, not worth repeating here, as he is not worth repeating, she is very well qualified for the job.
Jean-Pierre’s story is inspiring, but Moving Forward was probably written for a very young adult audience. It is not nuanced and needed another proof or a stronger editor. Still, Jean-Pierre probably met her goal: “My goal in writing this book is not just to tell my story, but to show that politics can be accessible to anyone who wants to take part, no matter how or where they grew up or how young or old they might be” (p. 21). She offered a clear description of how one can enter and become successful in politics (e.g., find good mentors, work hard, accept a variety of challenges, learn from both successes and failures). Jean-Pierre also described some “unrelated” behaviors that have been helpful: “The point of good manners isn’t which fork to use, it’s to make other people comfortable. And more open to hearing your perspective” (p. 152).
All in all, Jean-Pierre offers an interesting story that will inspire people who do not believe they can succeed in or out of politics.
Jean-Pierre’s story is inspiring, but Moving Forward was probably written for a very young adult audience. It is not nuanced and needed another proof or a stronger editor. Still, Jean-Pierre probably met her goal: “My goal in writing this book is not just to tell my story, but to show that politics can be accessible to anyone who wants to take part, no matter how or where they grew up or how young or old they might be” (p. 21). She offered a clear description of how one can enter and become successful in politics (e.g., find good mentors, work hard, accept a variety of challenges, learn from both successes and failures). Jean-Pierre also described some “unrelated” behaviors that have been helpful: “The point of good manners isn’t which fork to use, it’s to make other people comfortable. And more open to hearing your perspective” (p. 152).
All in all, Jean-Pierre offers an interesting story that will inspire people who do not believe they can succeed in or out of politics.
September 16, 2023
She’s one of the best cases against affirmative action I’ve ever seen.
January 23, 2024
I agree with another reviewer on her emphasis on certain words being off putting. I found her stories long winded. The book could have been shorter and it would have been better.
November 12, 2019
Since the 2016 election of Donald Trump, I have been plugged into American politics; whether it be reading countless books on the topic, watching American news shows, or reading British coverage of the happenings, I'm fascinated. Karine Jean-Pierre is one of the faces I've seen across the coverage so when I saw she had a book out I was intrigued to learn more about her story.
A Haitian gay black woman in today's America, Karine gives insight into an upbringing very different from my own. She delves into the secrecy perpetuated in Haitian culture, stigma surrounding mental health issues, the problem with affiliating yourself with a political candidate and much more. For the most part, my attention was grabbed and I needed to learn more about the idea of canvassing and campaigning for a particular candidate. This was particularly interesting when it came to the portions about Obama.
However, there were a few things that lowered my opinion of this book and the first one was the medium itself. I listened to Move Forward on audiobook and unfortunately, despite the author's eloquence on television, I found the narration to be stilted with odd pauses in the middle of sentences. Also there are some tough topics discussed including suicide, sexual violence and sexual abuse and I felt that these were handled quite clumsily. Of course it is Karine Jean-Pierre's story so it is hers to tell, but I felt like these topics came up out of the blue and were spoken about in such a matter of fact way that it was difficult to concentrate for a few minutes after each of these sections. I'm glad that she was honest about difficulties in her life but I feel that some people may be triggered by the way they were presented.
Overall, I sped through this book and it gave me a real insight into the life of Karine Jean-Pierre. If you are interested in American politics and are familiar with the author's television appearances, you may enjoy it but I feel that it would be better read on the page rather than listened to.
3 out of 5 stars!
A Haitian gay black woman in today's America, Karine gives insight into an upbringing very different from my own. She delves into the secrecy perpetuated in Haitian culture, stigma surrounding mental health issues, the problem with affiliating yourself with a political candidate and much more. For the most part, my attention was grabbed and I needed to learn more about the idea of canvassing and campaigning for a particular candidate. This was particularly interesting when it came to the portions about Obama.
However, there were a few things that lowered my opinion of this book and the first one was the medium itself. I listened to Move Forward on audiobook and unfortunately, despite the author's eloquence on television, I found the narration to be stilted with odd pauses in the middle of sentences. Also there are some tough topics discussed including suicide, sexual violence and sexual abuse and I felt that these were handled quite clumsily. Of course it is Karine Jean-Pierre's story so it is hers to tell, but I felt like these topics came up out of the blue and were spoken about in such a matter of fact way that it was difficult to concentrate for a few minutes after each of these sections. I'm glad that she was honest about difficulties in her life but I feel that some people may be triggered by the way they were presented.
Overall, I sped through this book and it gave me a real insight into the life of Karine Jean-Pierre. If you are interested in American politics and are familiar with the author's television appearances, you may enjoy it but I feel that it would be better read on the page rather than listened to.
3 out of 5 stars!
October 20, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. I always like watching KJP on AM Joy so I was very interested to read this. However, I didn't feel the text captured how dynamic she seems on TV. Instead, it seemed stilted, not at all like I expect KJP would seem telling her story in speech. Still, I really enjoyed the family stories, particularly how her parents and she and her siblings grew up. Not quite what I expected but a decent read.
3.5 stars. I always like watching KJP on AM Joy so I was very interested to read this. However, I didn't feel the text captured how dynamic she seems on TV. Instead, it seemed stilted, not at all like I expect KJP would seem telling her story in speech. Still, I really enjoyed the family stories, particularly how her parents and she and her siblings grew up. Not quite what I expected but a decent read.
December 24, 2020
Karine Jean Pierre is an inspiring person and a rising star in politics. This book is a sort of instruction manual for how to understand/get into politics. Unfortunately, it also kind of reads like an instruction manual; it's pretty boring. I think this book would be best suited to highschool and college students, especially those who are first generation Americans or college goers. Her experience on how to navigate the system would be invaluable to them.
August 11, 2019
A breath of fresh air in the political memoir genre!
July 27, 2020
Fantastic easy-flowing primer on campaign management and career advancement, including numerous practical tips on elevating your career/cause/network. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2025
Not long ago, I finished reading “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America”, the 2019 memoir by Karine Jean-Pierre, who served with great honor, distinction, and compassion as White House Press Secretary under President Joe Biden. I found it to be a very inspiring, very heartwarming, very insightful, and quite informative read, and it caused me to have an even deeper respect and admiration for Karine.
In “Moving Forward”, Karine writes eloquently and openly about her childhood and her youth, her Haitian heritage and upbringing, her family life, her life in politics and as an activist for human rights, and her journey of self-discovery as a gay woman. But since “Moving Forward”, in addition to being a memoir, is also an enlightening book of instruction and education, Karine also shares what she has learned from her own work experiences in the political realm, including her involvement with the truly inspiring and historic 2008 campaign of President Barack Obama and her work in President Obama’s administration, and she writes about how each and every one of us can do our part to make a positive difference in America’s governing system at the federal, state, and local levels.
In the next to the last chapter of “Moving Forward”, Karine shares about her feelings of horror, anguish, and despondency over the 2016 election of Donald Trump to his first term as our country’s President, and how she was able to turn those feelings into a even deeper resolve to continue her fight for what she knows to be right and true. I personally shared those feelings on the truly dark day, and that resolve afterwards, and with the treasonous Trump now back in the Oval Office again, I have those feelings and that resolve even more now, as I am quite certain that Karine does as well.
I am aware of Karine’s recent decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an Independent. I am quite certain that decision does not at all mean that Karine is in any way abandoning her progressive ideals or her fight for American democracy and the dream of an America that is truly for all. That decision is one of the matters that Karine discusses in her new book “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside of Party Lines”, which I fully intend to get a copy of and read and then afterwards write about here and on my Facebook page.
I truly do consider Karine to be a perfect reflection of the wonderfully diverse and inclusive and welcoming America that I believe in and love, and I am truly inspired by her. I very highly recommend “Moving Forward”, which has been re-released in paperback with a new afterword, to one and all.
In “Moving Forward”, Karine writes eloquently and openly about her childhood and her youth, her Haitian heritage and upbringing, her family life, her life in politics and as an activist for human rights, and her journey of self-discovery as a gay woman. But since “Moving Forward”, in addition to being a memoir, is also an enlightening book of instruction and education, Karine also shares what she has learned from her own work experiences in the political realm, including her involvement with the truly inspiring and historic 2008 campaign of President Barack Obama and her work in President Obama’s administration, and she writes about how each and every one of us can do our part to make a positive difference in America’s governing system at the federal, state, and local levels.
In the next to the last chapter of “Moving Forward”, Karine shares about her feelings of horror, anguish, and despondency over the 2016 election of Donald Trump to his first term as our country’s President, and how she was able to turn those feelings into a even deeper resolve to continue her fight for what she knows to be right and true. I personally shared those feelings on the truly dark day, and that resolve afterwards, and with the treasonous Trump now back in the Oval Office again, I have those feelings and that resolve even more now, as I am quite certain that Karine does as well.
I am aware of Karine’s recent decision to leave the Democratic Party and become an Independent. I am quite certain that decision does not at all mean that Karine is in any way abandoning her progressive ideals or her fight for American democracy and the dream of an America that is truly for all. That decision is one of the matters that Karine discusses in her new book “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside of Party Lines”, which I fully intend to get a copy of and read and then afterwards write about here and on my Facebook page.
I truly do consider Karine to be a perfect reflection of the wonderfully diverse and inclusive and welcoming America that I believe in and love, and I am truly inspired by her. I very highly recommend “Moving Forward”, which has been re-released in paperback with a new afterword, to one and all.
August 29, 2021
Had this book for awhile and was especially curious to read it since I did not realize she had done with with Haitian communities. As I'm actually not extremely familiar with her, I thought it would be a good time to pick it up, especially as the blurb talked about her path to politics.
Her story is definitely a little different than perhaps the "typical" one, and that's a great thing. It was interesting to see what it was like for her as someone who is considered very "different" from what is the "traditional" person going into politics (hopefully this will change!) I was fascinated in reading more about her career, her upbringing, her discussions of mental health, what it was like attaching herself to particular candidates, etc.
I think her warning about believing in the mission and not the candidate is an excellent message, and one that perhaps a lot more people in politics need to take to heart (including the messengers themselves!!). I understood that a lot--it's personally difficult enough for me to support some candidates, especially with the emotional investment that's involved. So I appreciated KJP's thoughts and experiences in that area.
That said, overall I thought the book wasn't great. She has an interesting story and I am happy to see she has such a prominent role in politics now. But even though I was very interested in her story, I still found it really tough to read. I would look forward to an update and/or a post-Biden book by her, though.
Bought as a bargain book which was best for me to read on my own timeline. I would imagine this is probably reasonably available through your local library, too. For the right person, though, it might make an excellent gift or resource to have on hand, especially for women, Black women, LGBTQ+ people and/or people who don't think they have the "right" background to get into politics.
Her story is definitely a little different than perhaps the "typical" one, and that's a great thing. It was interesting to see what it was like for her as someone who is considered very "different" from what is the "traditional" person going into politics (hopefully this will change!) I was fascinated in reading more about her career, her upbringing, her discussions of mental health, what it was like attaching herself to particular candidates, etc.
I think her warning about believing in the mission and not the candidate is an excellent message, and one that perhaps a lot more people in politics need to take to heart (including the messengers themselves!!). I understood that a lot--it's personally difficult enough for me to support some candidates, especially with the emotional investment that's involved. So I appreciated KJP's thoughts and experiences in that area.
That said, overall I thought the book wasn't great. She has an interesting story and I am happy to see she has such a prominent role in politics now. But even though I was very interested in her story, I still found it really tough to read. I would look forward to an update and/or a post-Biden book by her, though.
Bought as a bargain book which was best for me to read on my own timeline. I would imagine this is probably reasonably available through your local library, too. For the right person, though, it might make an excellent gift or resource to have on hand, especially for women, Black women, LGBTQ+ people and/or people who don't think they have the "right" background to get into politics.
July 10, 2022
An inspiring memoir of an ambitious, smart, sweet and hard working black gay woman whose parents immigrated to the US via their homeland of Haiti via Martinique and France. As a journalism major and LGBTQ+ advocate, I was curious to learn more about the latest press secretary for President Biden.
The first half of the memoir is full of humility as she tells the story of her family and the sacrifices her parents made for her and her two younger siblings. Her father was a taxi driver and her mom a home health care worker and later beauty salon owner. The worked constantly and that work ethic carried over to Karine who was destined to be a doctor according to her parents expectations. But that didn’t work out with the MCATs so she ended up going to Columbia to study environmental policy. Through encouragement and curiosity she ends up working on a series of failed political campaigns for somewhat tarnished politicians including Anthony Weiner and John Edwards. Eventually she joins the Obama campaign and the political advocacy group MoveOn. She meets the love of her life and they adopt a baby.
I would have given this a four star but I’m not a politico. This book is written for those interested in going into politics. At the back of the book there is a long list of who she follows on Twitter and political news orgs. Then there is a lot of “I”s and name dropping towards the end which just left me kind of annoyed. Oh and a lot of Trump bashing too which I’m all for but it dates the book. This is all pre-Biden remember who is no saint himself in terms of foreign policy.
That’s all said, I’m a white privileged woman who worked hard but probably didn’t have to to get where I am today- a government and education worker. I admire Karine a lot but would have liked less campaign stuff. But hey, that’s her life and she “made it” despite the odds stacked against her.
The first half of the memoir is full of humility as she tells the story of her family and the sacrifices her parents made for her and her two younger siblings. Her father was a taxi driver and her mom a home health care worker and later beauty salon owner. The worked constantly and that work ethic carried over to Karine who was destined to be a doctor according to her parents expectations. But that didn’t work out with the MCATs so she ended up going to Columbia to study environmental policy. Through encouragement and curiosity she ends up working on a series of failed political campaigns for somewhat tarnished politicians including Anthony Weiner and John Edwards. Eventually she joins the Obama campaign and the political advocacy group MoveOn. She meets the love of her life and they adopt a baby.
I would have given this a four star but I’m not a politico. This book is written for those interested in going into politics. At the back of the book there is a long list of who she follows on Twitter and political news orgs. Then there is a lot of “I”s and name dropping towards the end which just left me kind of annoyed. Oh and a lot of Trump bashing too which I’m all for but it dates the book. This is all pre-Biden remember who is no saint himself in terms of foreign policy.
That’s all said, I’m a white privileged woman who worked hard but probably didn’t have to to get where I am today- a government and education worker. I admire Karine a lot but would have liked less campaign stuff. But hey, that’s her life and she “made it” despite the odds stacked against her.
December 3, 2025
First, Karine Jean-Pierre has the most beautiful speaking voice think I have ever heard on an audiobook or elsewhere.
This book starts with a vivid description of Karine’s childhood, her parents culture, and the trials and tribulations she faced growing up. As a New Yorker-someone who has lived in both the city and Long Island, I was very familiar with a lot of the schools and areas she spoke about Across the New York area.
I was initially so impressed. But then I really began to struggle reading this book to the point where I stopped reading it for a few weeks. But I hate not finishing books, so I came back to it.
As I am sure, everyone is well aware of at this point, we live in a politically divided country. I knew who’s book I was reading therefore, I know what side of the political spectrum she falls on. There is a portion of this book that talks about the 2016 election, a part that I anticipated would have her verbalize certain views on that election approprietly.
But unfortunately, Ms. Jean-Pierre wove venom and rhetoric throughout her entire book unnecessarily where it did not belong.
For example, she talks of working on the Obama campaign and being present for the inauguration in 2008. What a beautiful description she gave of the people stretched clear across to the Washington monument Just waiting to hear his speech. She talked about Obamas beautiful speech, but then had to add a statement that there were far many more people at Obamas inauguration in 2008 than at Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2016.
I take no issue with Ms. Jean-Pierre giving her deep political opinion, but there was a great space for that in talking about the 2016 election, the fact that she wove her vitriol for Trump throughout the book was a big turn off and took away from her beautiful story.
This book starts with a vivid description of Karine’s childhood, her parents culture, and the trials and tribulations she faced growing up. As a New Yorker-someone who has lived in both the city and Long Island, I was very familiar with a lot of the schools and areas she spoke about Across the New York area.
I was initially so impressed. But then I really began to struggle reading this book to the point where I stopped reading it for a few weeks. But I hate not finishing books, so I came back to it.
As I am sure, everyone is well aware of at this point, we live in a politically divided country. I knew who’s book I was reading therefore, I know what side of the political spectrum she falls on. There is a portion of this book that talks about the 2016 election, a part that I anticipated would have her verbalize certain views on that election approprietly.
But unfortunately, Ms. Jean-Pierre wove venom and rhetoric throughout her entire book unnecessarily where it did not belong.
For example, she talks of working on the Obama campaign and being present for the inauguration in 2008. What a beautiful description she gave of the people stretched clear across to the Washington monument Just waiting to hear his speech. She talked about Obamas beautiful speech, but then had to add a statement that there were far many more people at Obamas inauguration in 2008 than at Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2016.
I take no issue with Ms. Jean-Pierre giving her deep political opinion, but there was a great space for that in talking about the 2016 election, the fact that she wove her vitriol for Trump throughout the book was a big turn off and took away from her beautiful story.
October 26, 2019
“One of the most important voices of her generation.” —Joy-Ann Reid
“A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference.” —David Axelrod
“Moving Forward will inspire you.” —Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York’s Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren’t participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance.
Karine Jean-Pierre’s story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today’s political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.
“A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference.” —David Axelrod
“Moving Forward will inspire you.” —Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York’s Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young person starts reading the Washington Post in elementary school. She skips school to see a presidential candidate. In middle school she canvasses door-to-door. The story can be intimidating. It reinforces the feeling that politics is a closed system: if you weren’t participating in debate club, the Young Democrats and Model UN you have no chance.
Karine Jean-Pierre’s story breaks the mold. In Moving Forward, she tells how she got involved, showing how politics can be accessible to anyone, no matter their background. In today’s political climate, the need for all of us to participate has never been more crucial. This book is her call to arms for those who know that now is the time for us to act.
July 27, 2025
The Right lied and made it seem like it was just published and that she was going to share her secrets for why she's changing from Democrat to Independent. But I digress. She doesn't sound the same as she does on TV when the press is grilling her. And the title of her book means what? Moving forward from Trump? Just say what you mean.
This book got boring. I wanted to learn about her time as press secretary for Biden, that's why I checked it out. But I didn't realize this book is 6 years old. If only she waited to publish this book a few years later then she could have been the broken record about Jan 6th. She talked way too much about Trump as she suffers from TDS and it's obvious she wrote this to stop him from winning in 2020. So it worked!
Man she really ranted at the end and lost a lot of credibility. No, politics aren't everything.
Anthony Weiner really should have changed his name. And she needs to call him by his first name. It got old hearing Mr Weiner 20 times.
The only tidbit I learned is that there are half a million political positions in America.
This book got boring. I wanted to learn about her time as press secretary for Biden, that's why I checked it out. But I didn't realize this book is 6 years old. If only she waited to publish this book a few years later then she could have been the broken record about Jan 6th. She talked way too much about Trump as she suffers from TDS and it's obvious she wrote this to stop him from winning in 2020. So it worked!
Man she really ranted at the end and lost a lot of credibility. No, politics aren't everything.
Anthony Weiner really should have changed his name. And she needs to call him by his first name. It got old hearing Mr Weiner 20 times.
The only tidbit I learned is that there are half a million political positions in America.
December 27, 2019
It was refreshing to hear (I read the audiobook) this author in her words and inflections of her story and her ascent to a successful but, more importantly, fulfilling career in politics. This book is both autobiography and self help.
Jean-pierre’s own story of being from an immigrant Haitian family who relocated from Haiti, to Martinique, to France then settling in Long Island and the socio economic challenges that that entailed (and sexuality- which is not a main theme) alone is compelling. Her late start in her ultimate career path in politics is inspiring for an even later bloomer like me.
I’m not comparing this to Michelle O’s “Becoming,” but the personal struggles and path into the political arena as well as self discovery are similar themes in both. ....I loved “Becoming” so this was right up my alley.
I regret missing her speak at a recent event I was invited to. Had I read this book, I would have loved to meet her.
Jean-pierre’s own story of being from an immigrant Haitian family who relocated from Haiti, to Martinique, to France then settling in Long Island and the socio economic challenges that that entailed (and sexuality- which is not a main theme) alone is compelling. Her late start in her ultimate career path in politics is inspiring for an even later bloomer like me.
I’m not comparing this to Michelle O’s “Becoming,” but the personal struggles and path into the political arena as well as self discovery are similar themes in both. ....I loved “Becoming” so this was right up my alley.
I regret missing her speak at a recent event I was invited to. Had I read this book, I would have loved to meet her.
May 16, 2024
A wonderful memoir by the current Press Secretary to President Biden. She writes about her background -- born to Haitian immigrants in Martinque and eventually moving to Queens. Both her parents were hard-working individuals who worked long hours at multiple jobs to make ends meet. Her parents wanted her to become a doctor, but after failing the MCAT exams she obtained a master's degree in Public Affairs from Columbia University. She entered politics after grad school, working for Walmart Watch, John Edward's presidential campaign, for the Obama administration, and more.
I was fascinated to read the "behind-the-scenes" information about politics and political figures. The book was published in 2019, and ends right after Trump's inauguration. I wish she would write another book discussing her life with the Biden presidency. I highly recommend this book for those interested in "inside politics."
Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.
I was fascinated to read the "behind-the-scenes" information about politics and political figures. The book was published in 2019, and ends right after Trump's inauguration. I wish she would write another book discussing her life with the Biden presidency. I highly recommend this book for those interested in "inside politics."
Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.
December 22, 2019
I have been very impressed with the author’s appearances on The NewsHour so brought this book home from the library shelf where I first saw it. Her young life is inspiring with stories of her hard working Haitian immigrant parents, struggling to make a good life in New York to her later years where she is searching to find a motivational career for herself as well as a happy home as partner and mother. She includes, in the end, lists of news people and shows that she admires and follows. In many ways this book was written for younger people that are looking to enter politics and/or media to make a difference with plenty of tips on how to network, etc but I found it interesting too as a retired person..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America should be a required textbook for anyone, and women in particular, who want to work in politics from the local level on up. Karine’s anecdotes about famous political figures, hot tips about working in politics and broadcasting, memories of growing up as a Haitian immigrant, tales of her college days, and her descriptions of living as a black gay woman with a partner and little girl kept me riveted and only wishing I were much younger so I could partake of her good advice. My only question for her now is: why aren’t you running for office yourself rather than using your political expertise to help others fulfill their political dreams?
January 21, 2022
Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America is an excellent memoir by Karine Jean-Pierre; it gives an insightful view of both Jean-Pierre's personal and professional life. Anyone interested in politics, or more importantly anyone interested in pursuing a career in politics, will enjoy this book. Jean-Pierre addresses her life as the daughter of Haitian immigrants who moved to the United States when Karine was five; she makes the reader aware of the problems she faced as both a child and as an adult as a child of immigrants. The book also gives an intimate look into the world of politics and offers sound and helpful advice to those who would like to enter this world. I highly recommend this one.
September 29, 2019
This book was part political how to book and part memoir. The memoir part was a 5 star read. The political how to part was slightly wanting and although I find it a must read for High Schoolers and college students today, it was lacking for a former political science major.
I read it as an ARC giveaway and I definately want my 19 year old college sophomore daughter to read it. I enjoyed it and I'm a fan of Jean-Pierre from seeing her on AM Joy and respect her work.
I rate it a 3.5 (round to a 4)
I read it as an ARC giveaway and I definately want my 19 year old college sophomore daughter to read it. I enjoyed it and I'm a fan of Jean-Pierre from seeing her on AM Joy and respect her work.
I rate it a 3.5 (round to a 4)
December 22, 2019
While interesting (and completely in line with my political sensibilities), Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America just didn't capture my imagination or my heart the way I'd hoped it would. I appreciated the supporting materials - especially the recommendations of Twitter feeds and books.
March 14, 2020
3.5 stars. I read this book because I really like Karine when I see her on news shows like PBS and MSNBC. I enjoyed learning about her life and how she got to where she is and learning about some of the behind the scenes issues someone like her deals with. The book was written a little simplistically for my taste, and there was a lot of info that people with less knowledge than me would find useful, but that I found unnecessary. And her writing style was a bit simplistic for my taste. My younger self would have given the book 5 stars.
September 1, 2020
Since I found out that she is Kamala’s chief of staff, I wanted to learn more about her, especially since she is of Haitian background. I liked the personal details that she provided and there was a lot I could relate to since my parents are Haitian. However, there would be choppy places in the book where It would be flowing but her interjections would mess up the connection or she would come across as way to “preachy” in some ways. It was interesting to read about her experience in politics and I do think people can learn from it a bit.
October 30, 2025
No surprises. Ms Jean-Pierre writes about her journey as young immigrant to the United States from Haiti via France with her family. Her parents ended up in the New York City metropolitan area which was Ms Jean-Pierre's home until she began her journey into politics as a campaign worker and ardent supporter of the democrat party. The defining feature of her life is her sexuality and her race, as she reminds the reader multiple times throughout the book linking these core life aspects to key events in her adult life.
October 29, 2019
An intriguing memoir. I was not familiar with Karine Jean-Pierre before reading this but I plan to look for her now. To be fair, she's not the only child of immigrants to become deeply involved in politics but her story is unique in its way. It was the family stories more than the politics I found most interesting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This would be a good YA read- inspirational and educational.
November 20, 2019
I've never heard of the author until i saw her book. I thought it was very inspirational some of the things she went through, from her beginnings on a small island to working on the campaign of the first black president of the Untied States. It was a very good book and gave good insights on what can happen when you are able to work hard despite your beginnings.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own
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