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Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down
In 2006, an angel-faced but tough forty-two-year-old former small-town mayor named Sarah Palin became a long-shot candidate for Alaska governor demanding a higher ethical standard in state government. The timing of her reform message and a widening scandal produced a tornado that reshaped the political landscape. Surprising everyone, Palin thumped by wide margins both a sitting governor in the Republican primary election and a former governor in the general election to become Alaska's first female chief executive and its youngest ever. Through the campaign, and early in Palin's first term, the energetic and attractive mother of five achieved near-heroine status in her state. At one point, the new governor's approval rating reached 90 percent, prompting the Fox News Network to describe her as "a Politician with eye-popping integrity" and some national GOP leaders to tout her as a prototype of the "new Republican."
159 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
4 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Kaylene Johnson
12 books10 followersKaylene Johnson-Sullivan is a long-time Alaskan who makes her home in Palmer. She has found adventure on Denali, the Chugach Mountains, and as a wrangler and cook in the Brooks Range. Her award-winning articles have appeared in Alaska magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the Louisville Review and other publications. Her books include Our Perfect Wild: Ray and Barbara Bane's Journeys and the Fate of the Far North; Canyons and Ice: The Wilderness Travels of Dick Griffith; A Tender Distance: Adventures Raising My Sons in Alaska; Trails Across Time: History of An Alaska Mountain Corridor; and Portrait of the Alaska Railroad.
She holds a BA from Vermont College and an MFA in Writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.
source: www.kaylene.us
She holds a BA from Vermont College and an MFA in Writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.
source: www.kaylene.us
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 9, 2014
First of all I'd like to thank Michael Holloway for providing this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
Dreaming Bears is a story of an enduring friendship that developed between the author and an elderly Gwich’in chief/medicine man/story teller, Johnny Frank, and his hospitable wife Sarah.
It was great to see the young man setting out to explore the wilds of northern Alaska during a summer break from medical school develop a life-long relationship with the elderly couple during his many visits to the area, eventually being considered their grandson and an advocate for their subsistence rights to fishing and caribou migration/calving grounds and trying to preserve their mythology/history through recording the stories of Johnny and Sarah.
Overall, an excellent book describing the hardships of living off the land. It makes you think about the threats that modern technology may bring to the wildlife and native history of this untamed corner of Alaska. Maybe sometimes the “old ways” are the best ways.
Dreaming Bears is a story of an enduring friendship that developed between the author and an elderly Gwich’in chief/medicine man/story teller, Johnny Frank, and his hospitable wife Sarah.
It was great to see the young man setting out to explore the wilds of northern Alaska during a summer break from medical school develop a life-long relationship with the elderly couple during his many visits to the area, eventually being considered their grandson and an advocate for their subsistence rights to fishing and caribou migration/calving grounds and trying to preserve their mythology/history through recording the stories of Johnny and Sarah.
Overall, an excellent book describing the hardships of living off the land. It makes you think about the threats that modern technology may bring to the wildlife and native history of this untamed corner of Alaska. Maybe sometimes the “old ways” are the best ways.
September 8, 2008
A Character Sketch
I felt I needed to get my hands on this book in order to learn more about this person who has been thrust into the national spotlight and may soon hold an extremely high position in the U.S. Government. Her selection came as a surprise and I had to try and understand why John McCain chose her, other than because she brings excitement and intrigue to the ticket.
This brief book, a character sketch, is written in a straightforward style. It holds Sarah Palin in a very positive light. (Initially published before her selection as the GOP running mate, this version has been renamed and scooped up by people like me as an attempt to get to know her.) She is portrayed as an ordinary mom (a hockey mom) who, according to her father, has had an impenetrable stubborn streak since childhood.
The family came to Alaska from Idaho in 1969. She is the daughter of a teacher (and part time hunting/fishing guide) and a school secretary. They lived modestly. Her highlight real in public life includes a captain's position on the high school JV basketball team, the beauty queen title "Miss Wasilla," and stint on the city council. This was her introduction to the good old boys network, which she has spent the rest of her career pushing aside. She was elected president of the Alaska Council of Mayors, chaired the gas and oil conservation commission and gained a reputation as a reformer. Next step: the Governor's office, which she's held for two years.
Does this brief introduction to this head-turning politician enable the reader to decide whether or not she's qualified to be a heartbeat away from the highest elected office in the land? No. Is it an interesting read? Yes. All party politics aside, she's a fascinating woman. And right now, this slim book provided more information than I could get anywhere else.
I felt I needed to get my hands on this book in order to learn more about this person who has been thrust into the national spotlight and may soon hold an extremely high position in the U.S. Government. Her selection came as a surprise and I had to try and understand why John McCain chose her, other than because she brings excitement and intrigue to the ticket.
This brief book, a character sketch, is written in a straightforward style. It holds Sarah Palin in a very positive light. (Initially published before her selection as the GOP running mate, this version has been renamed and scooped up by people like me as an attempt to get to know her.) She is portrayed as an ordinary mom (a hockey mom) who, according to her father, has had an impenetrable stubborn streak since childhood.
The family came to Alaska from Idaho in 1969. She is the daughter of a teacher (and part time hunting/fishing guide) and a school secretary. They lived modestly. Her highlight real in public life includes a captain's position on the high school JV basketball team, the beauty queen title "Miss Wasilla," and stint on the city council. This was her introduction to the good old boys network, which she has spent the rest of her career pushing aside. She was elected president of the Alaska Council of Mayors, chaired the gas and oil conservation commission and gained a reputation as a reformer. Next step: the Governor's office, which she's held for two years.
Does this brief introduction to this head-turning politician enable the reader to decide whether or not she's qualified to be a heartbeat away from the highest elected office in the land? No. Is it an interesting read? Yes. All party politics aside, she's a fascinating woman. And right now, this slim book provided more information than I could get anywhere else.
August 14, 2022
The short but historic story of the rise of an American patriot. Sarah rises from an extraordinary childhood and schooling to become the leader of her city and her state while maintaining her normalcy as a wife and mother and member of her community. She is an inspiration to all Americans. Maintaining her integrity, she brought down the corrupt "good ol' boy's" network in politics as usual and connected with the everyday citizen, winning their confidence and trust. I only regret that she did not gain the national position as well.
September 11, 2008
Interesting insight into who she is and how she got where she is today. I really enjoyed it.
Quote from her inaugural address: "And to my family, our big family, I love you. Ya'll cleaned up real well today. . .I don't see a Carhart in the bunch."
I love it!
Quote from her inaugural address: "And to my family, our big family, I love you. Ya'll cleaned up real well today. . .I don't see a Carhart in the bunch."
I love it!
October 25, 2008
This book isn't going to win any awards, but it is informative and (my favorite) easy to read. The author lists all of her sources. If you are looking for dirt, your aren't going to find it here. You will find Sarah's background and accomplishments. Accomplishments? I know many of you in the far left camp think she has none, read this and you will see a successful woman who even won over democrats in Alaska by taking on corruption in the Republican Party.
Frankly I'm tired of the mindless mantra about how stupid Sarah Palin is. Ask yourself, what kind of person would think the U.S. Governor with the highest approval rating is stupid. If that is you, you have been listening to the far left press for too long. They hate her because the press loves elitists that went to Columbia, Harvard, Yale, etc. She may be down to earth, but she is effective. The one thing that I like about Sarah the most is that she believes being elected or appointed to public office means you serve the people--not to serve yourself and gather accolades from the press.
Frankly I'm tired of the mindless mantra about how stupid Sarah Palin is. Ask yourself, what kind of person would think the U.S. Governor with the highest approval rating is stupid. If that is you, you have been listening to the far left press for too long. They hate her because the press loves elitists that went to Columbia, Harvard, Yale, etc. She may be down to earth, but she is effective. The one thing that I like about Sarah the most is that she believes being elected or appointed to public office means you serve the people--not to serve yourself and gather accolades from the press.
July 5, 2014
I'm thankful I ventured by accident into the Goodreads Giveaways section. Dreaming Bears was one of 3 books I tried to win and it was the only non-fiction one I selected.
I was curious to know what took Dr. Holloway deep into Alaskan territory where he met the Gwich'in people and developed such a deep interest in their life. Those questions were answered, of course, as I journeyed with Dr. Holloway on his trek into the rather primitive Alaskan land inhabited by his adoptive grandparents.
Dr. Holloway gets to the point with his narrative, yet doesn't minimize the details. I was able to visualize the way of life and the never-ending work it takes just to survive each day and yet be happy with what you have. I understand why Dr. Holloway cares about the land and the people who thrive there; his efforts to keep the land whole to support families and their environment are to be applauded.
I received this book from the author as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I was curious to know what took Dr. Holloway deep into Alaskan territory where he met the Gwich'in people and developed such a deep interest in their life. Those questions were answered, of course, as I journeyed with Dr. Holloway on his trek into the rather primitive Alaskan land inhabited by his adoptive grandparents.
Dr. Holloway gets to the point with his narrative, yet doesn't minimize the details. I was able to visualize the way of life and the never-ending work it takes just to survive each day and yet be happy with what you have. I understand why Dr. Holloway cares about the land and the people who thrive there; his efforts to keep the land whole to support families and their environment are to be applauded.
I received this book from the author as a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 18, 2008
This book reads like a typical story of a slightly below average female student that used athletics and religious devotion to compensate for her scholastic shortcomings. However, we don't get much insight as to Sarah's real personality. The book mostly consists of a fleshed-out timeline rather than interesting anecdotes. The author of this book must be from Russia--Sarah's so nearby, but we have no detailed information...
September 18, 2008
Ok I can't do it anymore. I tried. The book is written like a third grade book report, and I just cannot read anymore.
It doesn't mean that I don't want to learn about Palin. I just need to read something legible. Done done done.
It doesn't mean that I don't want to learn about Palin. I just need to read something legible. Done done done.
August 1, 2015
This was better than I expected. Since I'm not much of a biography reader or fan of political books, I expected it to be super boring, but it wasn't and I actually found some things interesting.
September 3, 2019
This was a short campaign-style biography of the former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate. It was clearly biased in her favor, but also a surprisingly interesting look into her life and personal background.
September 17, 2022
Light and easy read of Sarah’s life. Just barely scratched the surface of what makes Sarah and how she came up the political ladder. I wanted so much more about the campaigns and how she balanced it with her family life.
April 28, 2025
Pretty much a puff piece, if the line about I can see Russia from my home was included, I missed it. She was actually born in Idaho. I think it said she was in a beauty pageant.
Her maiden name was Heath, and her father was a teacher. She had three siblings.
This book did not cover the VP run.
Her maiden name was Heath, and her father was a teacher. She had three siblings.
This book did not cover the VP run.
December 26, 2018
Wonderful! A woman with ethics! Who stands up for what is right!
July 2, 2019
I still believe in Sarah Palin as one of the leaders for the Republican party. She was a breath of fresh air for Alaska and a genuine real person with normal problems
May 9, 2025
Quite brief but easy read regarding former AK governor, Sarah Palin, AK's first female governor (& quite young at that).
December 7, 2025
I can't help but wonder, after listening to this book, what America might be like if she had been able to have a few more years of experience before being plucked for the VP position.
January 25, 2017
Primordial Life Lessons
Dreaming Bears by J. Michael Holloway begins like so many other stories about people with adventuresome hearts. Their trek begins on a whim, before becoming something very different. We meet the author, then a young man, taking a break from medical school in Charleston, South Carolina. He and a friend had agreed earlier to get up to Alaska and spend their summer hitchhiking across the Alaskan tundra. Good fortune smiled upon them (as they hadn’t calculated how they were going to pull it off) as Holloway’s father offered up his jeep if he agreed to take his younger brother along with them. Common sense prevailed; he accepted his father’s offer and they began their storied road trip from South Carolina to the Alcan Hwy. to Fairbanks to Ft. Yukon and beyond, eventually ending up just 50 or 60 miles shy of the Arctic Circle, a hundred miles from the nearest road, where Holloway met Johnny and Sarah Frank, an elderly Gwich’in couple, who ended up changing the course of his life.
Johnny and Sarah were unlike anyone he’d ever met before. First, they were members of a small, quickly diminishing tribe. Second, and most importantly, they represented a lifestyle he’d never been exposed to. Johnny & Sarah opened their homes to these young men – no questions asked. When Holloway politely checked to see if they could reimburse their hosts, they were assured, not necessary, only if they overstayed their welcome. An impressed young Holloway wrote “I have never met a friendlier, more kindly, unselfish person.”
Dreaming Bears traces the growing affinity between Holloway and Johnny and Sarah over the next twenty plus years. Holloway returns time and again to visit his special Alaskan family, drawn to them by their simple, captivating life style, but also, by some inner, primordial tug that recognizes the life lessons they share cannot be learned anywhere else. This Gwin’ich pair and their extended family, surviving on the fringes of where civilization ends, are the last of their kind. Their ancestors had survived over the millennia following the caribou as their source of existence. Originally, a nomadic people, they had formed a special connection with this particular migrating species that allowed them to maintain their lifestyle for thousands of years. And, while Johnny and Sarah no longer migrated with the caribou, they continued to maintain that Spartan, non-material relationship with the land and its inhabitants.
Each time Holloway returned to visit this wondrous couple (sometimes several years would pass) it was like time had been suspended and he had not been away for years, but maybe just a weekend, couple of months at best. He became their adopted grandchild who dutifully returned to them, sharing his adventures from the Lower 48, where as time passed, he became an orthopedic surgeon, married, raised a family, but never really left their sphere of influence. It was, as if, he had always been a part of their family, a respected member of their tribe who just happened to spend chunks of his time away from his grandparents.
Along the course of this maturing bond between Holloway, Johnny and Sarah and their family, Holloway’s priorities shifted, away from what had been important to him growing up in the south, to a greater appreciation and commitment to the values of the land and all of the sentient creatures who occupied those pristine spaces. This awakening led to Holloway becoming a tireless crusader, defending the rights of the caribou and those who depended upon them.
Another charming aspect of his memoir is that while not realized at first, gradually & steadily, you become aware that you’re reading a love story. We get to watch Holloway fall in love with the land inhabited by the Gwin’ich. We see him wholeheartedly embrace hunting expeditions when it’s 20 or 30, sometimes 40 below zero. For a Southerner from South Carolina if this isn’t love, then what is? It’s no surprise then that he also falls head over heels in love with Johnny and Sarah Frank. They become his Alaskan family – godparents to his son. Holloway writes about this so lightly, not ever directly talking about this affair of the heart, that when you realize what he has so artfully crafted, you are moved more than you could imagine.
By the book’s close there is no separation between Holloway & the Gwin’ch. For all practical purposes he’s one of them, respecting what they admire, committed to the values they espouse. It’s a beautiful thing to behold.
Originally published in the Anchorage Press on January 4, 2017.
Dreaming Bears by J. Michael Holloway begins like so many other stories about people with adventuresome hearts. Their trek begins on a whim, before becoming something very different. We meet the author, then a young man, taking a break from medical school in Charleston, South Carolina. He and a friend had agreed earlier to get up to Alaska and spend their summer hitchhiking across the Alaskan tundra. Good fortune smiled upon them (as they hadn’t calculated how they were going to pull it off) as Holloway’s father offered up his jeep if he agreed to take his younger brother along with them. Common sense prevailed; he accepted his father’s offer and they began their storied road trip from South Carolina to the Alcan Hwy. to Fairbanks to Ft. Yukon and beyond, eventually ending up just 50 or 60 miles shy of the Arctic Circle, a hundred miles from the nearest road, where Holloway met Johnny and Sarah Frank, an elderly Gwich’in couple, who ended up changing the course of his life.
Johnny and Sarah were unlike anyone he’d ever met before. First, they were members of a small, quickly diminishing tribe. Second, and most importantly, they represented a lifestyle he’d never been exposed to. Johnny & Sarah opened their homes to these young men – no questions asked. When Holloway politely checked to see if they could reimburse their hosts, they were assured, not necessary, only if they overstayed their welcome. An impressed young Holloway wrote “I have never met a friendlier, more kindly, unselfish person.”
Dreaming Bears traces the growing affinity between Holloway and Johnny and Sarah over the next twenty plus years. Holloway returns time and again to visit his special Alaskan family, drawn to them by their simple, captivating life style, but also, by some inner, primordial tug that recognizes the life lessons they share cannot be learned anywhere else. This Gwin’ich pair and their extended family, surviving on the fringes of where civilization ends, are the last of their kind. Their ancestors had survived over the millennia following the caribou as their source of existence. Originally, a nomadic people, they had formed a special connection with this particular migrating species that allowed them to maintain their lifestyle for thousands of years. And, while Johnny and Sarah no longer migrated with the caribou, they continued to maintain that Spartan, non-material relationship with the land and its inhabitants.
Each time Holloway returned to visit this wondrous couple (sometimes several years would pass) it was like time had been suspended and he had not been away for years, but maybe just a weekend, couple of months at best. He became their adopted grandchild who dutifully returned to them, sharing his adventures from the Lower 48, where as time passed, he became an orthopedic surgeon, married, raised a family, but never really left their sphere of influence. It was, as if, he had always been a part of their family, a respected member of their tribe who just happened to spend chunks of his time away from his grandparents.
Along the course of this maturing bond between Holloway, Johnny and Sarah and their family, Holloway’s priorities shifted, away from what had been important to him growing up in the south, to a greater appreciation and commitment to the values of the land and all of the sentient creatures who occupied those pristine spaces. This awakening led to Holloway becoming a tireless crusader, defending the rights of the caribou and those who depended upon them.
Another charming aspect of his memoir is that while not realized at first, gradually & steadily, you become aware that you’re reading a love story. We get to watch Holloway fall in love with the land inhabited by the Gwin’ich. We see him wholeheartedly embrace hunting expeditions when it’s 20 or 30, sometimes 40 below zero. For a Southerner from South Carolina if this isn’t love, then what is? It’s no surprise then that he also falls head over heels in love with Johnny and Sarah Frank. They become his Alaskan family – godparents to his son. Holloway writes about this so lightly, not ever directly talking about this affair of the heart, that when you realize what he has so artfully crafted, you are moved more than you could imagine.
By the book’s close there is no separation between Holloway & the Gwin’ch. For all practical purposes he’s one of them, respecting what they admire, committed to the values they espouse. It’s a beautiful thing to behold.
Originally published in the Anchorage Press on January 4, 2017.
September 2, 2013
Many years ago, while doing a web search for books about “hockey”, the keyword search also turned up a few other assorted books. One of those was about the new governor of Alaska : “Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned the Political Establishment Upside Down”, by Kaylene Johnson. I'd never heard of this woman before, but made a mental note that one day I was going to need to pick up this book and learn more about this woman.
Since that day, the entire nation has heard of Mrs. Palin, thanks to her run for Vice President, her miniseries and news commentator appearances on television, and many other media opportunities. Many books have been written about her – including at least one BY Mrs. Palin. Still, I remembered this book about her early days – and when I stumbled across it at the used book sale at our local library, HAD to snatch it up.
Kaylene Johnson paints a nice picture of a young woman growing up in Alaska, of taking a strong political stance at one point in her life and watching its direction – but not its purpose – change from that point forward. She discusses Ms. Palin's early days, her family life, and her rise in local and state politics.
In general, the book presents a nice little picture of a local politician's rise from obscurity to the state level. However, it does have a few significant (in my opinion, anyway) shortcomings:
1)The publisher, Tyndale, specializes in Christian material. As such, the author includes a chapter describing Mrs. Palin's beliefs and faith in G-d. However, this chapter has a distinct “shoe-horned into the book I REALLY wanted to write” feel about it. In my opinion, the publisher should have either insisted on a book that truly described a Christian woman's life, OR (my preference) it should have allowed the author to simply write a totally secular biography.
2)The author takes an obvious pride in describing how gubernatorial candidate Palin refused to be trapped by the other candidate's insistence that she cite specific facts and plans; instead Palin proudly stood on the more general platform of “change”. In my opinion, I fully EXPECT my elected leaders to be versed in the facts – although I don't insist that they have them memorized; as long as they can get access to them within reasonable time frame. But I DO expect to have my leaders to have a plan of action; I don't consider the general “I'm going to change things!” to be the point of pride that the author does with her subject.
It's a short read – I finished it during a plane flight. It's a pleasant read. It's just not a perfect read.
My rating: A solid 3 stars.
Since that day, the entire nation has heard of Mrs. Palin, thanks to her run for Vice President, her miniseries and news commentator appearances on television, and many other media opportunities. Many books have been written about her – including at least one BY Mrs. Palin. Still, I remembered this book about her early days – and when I stumbled across it at the used book sale at our local library, HAD to snatch it up.
Kaylene Johnson paints a nice picture of a young woman growing up in Alaska, of taking a strong political stance at one point in her life and watching its direction – but not its purpose – change from that point forward. She discusses Ms. Palin's early days, her family life, and her rise in local and state politics.
In general, the book presents a nice little picture of a local politician's rise from obscurity to the state level. However, it does have a few significant (in my opinion, anyway) shortcomings:
1)The publisher, Tyndale, specializes in Christian material. As such, the author includes a chapter describing Mrs. Palin's beliefs and faith in G-d. However, this chapter has a distinct “shoe-horned into the book I REALLY wanted to write” feel about it. In my opinion, the publisher should have either insisted on a book that truly described a Christian woman's life, OR (my preference) it should have allowed the author to simply write a totally secular biography.
2)The author takes an obvious pride in describing how gubernatorial candidate Palin refused to be trapped by the other candidate's insistence that she cite specific facts and plans; instead Palin proudly stood on the more general platform of “change”. In my opinion, I fully EXPECT my elected leaders to be versed in the facts – although I don't insist that they have them memorized; as long as they can get access to them within reasonable time frame. But I DO expect to have my leaders to have a plan of action; I don't consider the general “I'm going to change things!” to be the point of pride that the author does with her subject.
It's a short read – I finished it during a plane flight. It's a pleasant read. It's just not a perfect read.
My rating: A solid 3 stars.
October 28, 2008
Anyone who has spent a minute or two on my blog knows that I really like Sarah Palin. Reading this book just solidified how I already felt about her and gave more substance to it. She is a good person who stands firm for what she believes is right and I so very much admire that about her. She's humble and frugal (despite what the media would have you believe). She's tough and strong, yet caring and compassionate.
The great thing about this book is that it was written/published BEFORE Sarah became a candidate for vice president. It was written by an Alaskan, about Alaskan politics and their governor who rocked the world of corrupt politicians who were only out for themselves. She doesn't fit the mold of a typical politician and I love that about her. She isn't afraid to stick up for what is right and make things happen.
There are some dry parts in the book, only because I'm really not into politics... mainly because I don't understand it well. I'll admit some things discussed in the book about the corruption and the bribes and under-the-table deals were over my head, but I got the general idea that people were being unethical and even breaking the law, and Sarah stood up to these people, took a stand for what was right, and made big changes in the state of Alaska. Instead of sitting around the dinner table and complaining, saying that someone should do something, she did something. She made a big difference just because she felt it was the right thing to do.
The book included many photographs of Sarah growing up and of her family. I am impressed with the life she has lead. I also enjoyed reading her inaugural speech that was printed at the end. She seems like the perfect balance of a down-to-earth mom and go-getter, intelligent woman. I like that.
The great thing about this book is that it was written/published BEFORE Sarah became a candidate for vice president. It was written by an Alaskan, about Alaskan politics and their governor who rocked the world of corrupt politicians who were only out for themselves. She doesn't fit the mold of a typical politician and I love that about her. She isn't afraid to stick up for what is right and make things happen.
There are some dry parts in the book, only because I'm really not into politics... mainly because I don't understand it well. I'll admit some things discussed in the book about the corruption and the bribes and under-the-table deals were over my head, but I got the general idea that people were being unethical and even breaking the law, and Sarah stood up to these people, took a stand for what was right, and made big changes in the state of Alaska. Instead of sitting around the dinner table and complaining, saying that someone should do something, she did something. She made a big difference just because she felt it was the right thing to do.
The book included many photographs of Sarah growing up and of her family. I am impressed with the life she has lead. I also enjoyed reading her inaugural speech that was printed at the end. She seems like the perfect balance of a down-to-earth mom and go-getter, intelligent woman. I like that.
October 18, 2008
When we first heard about this book on our local news, that the little known publisher from out of Washington State, had run out the last 3000 copies, I knew I needed to have our Regional Library purchase this book. This book was rushed out in paperback last month just in time. This little book is a quick read, just a bit over 100 pages, but it has a lot to reveal about Sarah. Even though she's young, her politics are fresh, and she has come up through the grass roots to win the hearts of thousands in Alaska. She is full of tenacity, is honest to a fault, which is what we need to get this country back to where it was. She is for total reform, esp in ethics in government. This is a story of a down-to-earth woman with energy and idealism. If you want to know more about Governor Sarah Palin, read this little gem of a book. You'll be glad you did!!!!
November 28, 2008
This is an easy read and gives a quick overview of Sarah Palin's life, from youth to her role as governor of Alaska. The book is obviously written to portray her in a positive light.
If you love her, you will likely love the book and finish it with the belief that she is a tough woman who stands up for what is right. There's no question that she didn't allow the good 'ol boys of Alaskan politics to push her around or keep her quiet.
If you don't like her, you will likely hate the book and find it annoying. There's no mention of troopergate, although it may have been unresolved at the time of the writing. The author glosses over some of her less popular actions, but mentions them, just the same.
It's really such a quick, easy read. If you have any desire to learn more about Sarah Palin, it's worth the short investment of time to check it out, whether you love her or not.
If you love her, you will likely love the book and finish it with the belief that she is a tough woman who stands up for what is right. There's no question that she didn't allow the good 'ol boys of Alaskan politics to push her around or keep her quiet.
If you don't like her, you will likely hate the book and find it annoying. There's no mention of troopergate, although it may have been unresolved at the time of the writing. The author glosses over some of her less popular actions, but mentions them, just the same.
It's really such a quick, easy read. If you have any desire to learn more about Sarah Palin, it's worth the short investment of time to check it out, whether you love her or not.
October 31, 2008
She carries nick names like "Barracuda" and "Pitbull with Lipstick" for good reason. If I could have my wish granted to throw out all the good-old-boy career politicians and replace them with fresh leadership, I would put a Sarah Palin clone in every seat on both sides of the aisle. Tough, honest, smart, hard-working, genuine and in touch with her people. I wouldn't worry about partisanship or ideology if we had national leaders and lawmakers cut from such cloth. This book isn't going to win any awards, but it makes clear the no-nonsense get-er-done credentials and spirit of this woman. A short, light read.
October 9, 2008
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, after reading this book, you will have come to know Sarah Palin's life in a way that is certain to make you like her as a person, daughter, wife, mom and productive member of society. She is definitely a "mover & a shaker" as records of her time of public service in Alaska will easily testify.
The book is an easy read and can be completed in one evening. It is factually based, well written and takes a no-nonsense approach. You find out that Sarah is as real as she seems on tv and the book shows that what we see now is how Sarah has always been. You feel like maybe she's the gal next door.
The book is an easy read and can be completed in one evening. It is factually based, well written and takes a no-nonsense approach. You find out that Sarah is as real as she seems on tv and the book shows that what we see now is how Sarah has always been. You feel like maybe she's the gal next door.
February 3, 2009
I read this book the day Sarah was picked as John McCain's VP. Up until that point, I knew only what I saw in the gubernatorial debates and in the papers - I tend to stay away from politics in general. With the VP announcement, I decided it was time to do my research so I could offer up a proper Alaskan opinion. Kaylene Johnson paints the picture of an admirable woman with an upbringing I can really identify with. Her political timing has been like a fairy tale, especially the gubernatorial election. This book was written in the aftermath of that election, and is a very quick read if you want a 'Sarah' primer without the post-VP discussion.
October 4, 2008
Eh. Writing was marginal, not really a whole lot of technical information, a very "cheerleadery" book. Which is I guess what I expected, but it got a little old reading about how Sarah 'pulled the protein her family eats straight out of the oceam with her bare hands.' Gimme a break! I'm a Palin supporter, but this book was too gooey for me.
Also, in the references section in the back, Sarah's name is spelled "Sara" in one of the notes. Which immediately put the book about a trillion steps lower on my rating scale -- EDIT EDIT EDIT! For pete's sake, you misspelled the SUBJECT'S NAME!
Also, in the references section in the back, Sarah's name is spelled "Sara" in one of the notes. Which immediately put the book about a trillion steps lower on my rating scale -- EDIT EDIT EDIT! For pete's sake, you misspelled the SUBJECT'S NAME!
October 5, 2008
A very fast read that gave me more confidence and respect for Sarah Palin. It's the story of how someone can stick to their convictions and go against the establishment and her own party, by exposing corruption and ethics violations, and triumph. It's the story of how a woman, with the help of a husband and family, can balance motherhood and a government career. I'm hoping to read more about all the candidates in the short time before the election so that I feel informed and educated about my vote.
October 12, 2008
An overview of Sarah Palin's career from mom to Governor of Alaska and the successes she had while Mayor of Wasilla, AK, as well as Governor, while still being an active & connected wife & mother. This book was published in April, prior to her ever being picked as the Vice Presidential running-mate. It helped fill-in some of the blanks about her background. She is seems to be a woman, who when faced with challenges, has the drive, determination & will to get the job done.
It's a quick read, so if you have questions before the election, I recommend you read this book.
It's a quick read, so if you have questions before the election, I recommend you read this book.
October 23, 2008
A very fast read--only 145 pages and easy. It's not so much as a biography....those are a lot more complex than this book. The author rather seemed to want to show us how Palin rose to be governor--especially how her personality traits play into it (i.e. go-getter, well-versed in a lot of things, down-to-earth, strong determination, doesn't let negative comments get to her, competitive, etc.) It was written before all the recent stuff--but I liked seeing chronologically when the different "scandels" happened...and her viewpoint on them. It was a "Go Sarah" type of book.
September 18, 2014
I read this right after reading Sarah Palin's, "Going Rogue". I was concerned there might be some duplicate information but it turned out to be a great addition. For the most part, it had completely different information and when she wrote about some of the same events it was from a different perspective.
I was once again amazed at how incredible Sarah Palin is and its no wonder that her enemies are so intent on destroying her. It was a short book that flowed well and was well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!!
I was once again amazed at how incredible Sarah Palin is and its no wonder that her enemies are so intent on destroying her. It was a short book that flowed well and was well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!!
May 22, 2009
I am learning more about the background of this woman who blazed out of nowhere and came closer than any other woman to the oval office.
One of the things I did learn was that a lot of what was said on the campaign trail to the White House was untrue - she was NOT "just a small town mayor in Alaska". She was Governor of Alaska. She was not new to politics. She has over 20 years of experience in the political arena, mostly as a candidate.
I was impressed by what I learned. (my rating of 3 is due to the writing style, not the subject - that would rate a 5).
One of the things I did learn was that a lot of what was said on the campaign trail to the White House was untrue - she was NOT "just a small town mayor in Alaska". She was Governor of Alaska. She was not new to politics. She has over 20 years of experience in the political arena, mostly as a candidate.
I was impressed by what I learned. (my rating of 3 is due to the writing style, not the subject - that would rate a 5).
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