Use the Power You Have: A Brown Woman’s Guide to Politics and Political Change

by Pramila Jayapal

Washington’s progressive champion explains how we can achieve a truly inclusive America that works for all of us

“Pramila Jayapal came to Congress in 2016 as a progressive outsider, but she’s quickly adapted to become the activist insider—negotiating with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with the goal of turning progressive ideas into real policy.”
—Vox Magazine, February 20, 2019

In November 2016, Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, the first Indian American woman to serve in that role. Two years later, the “fast-rising Democratic star and determined critic of President Donald Trump,” according to Politico’s Playbook 2017 “Power List,” won reelection with more votes than any other member of the House. Jayapal, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, proved her progressive bonafides when she introduced the most comprehensive Medicare-for-all bill to Congress in February.

Behind the story of Jayapal’s rise to political prominence lie over two decades of devoted advocacy on behalf of immigrants and progressive causes—and years of learning how to turn activism into public policy that serves all Americans. Use the Power You Have is Jayapal’s account of the path from sixteen-year-old Indian immigrant to grassroots activist, state senator, and now progressive powerhouse in Washington, DC.

Written with passion and insight, Use the Power You Have offers a wealth of ideas and inspiration for a new generation of engaged citizens interested in fighting back and making change, whether in Washington or in their own communities.

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 2020

About the author

Pramila Jayapal is an American activist and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th congressional district since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she represents most of Seattle, as well as some suburban areas of King County.

Reviews

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, empowering, and motivational book by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal,. Jayapal is the first Indian American woman to serve in the U.S. Representatives. Jayapal shares her life story of overcoming adversity, her rise to political power in two decades of advocacy on immigrants and Progressive causes and gives readers a behind the scenes of a vote or in a committee hearing in Congress. She focuses on her concerns and current goals as a Representative. Jayapal offers readers ideas and words of wisdom on how fighting back and making change in their communities.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first half of this, which was Jayapal's story of her life and how she got where she is. But the second half is mostly policy and already pretty outdated? This book came out in June 2020, so less than a year ago, but that was long ago that there's no mention of COVID and Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders were still in the presidential race.

So reading about the fight for $15 and Medicare for All already felt dated. So much has happened! (And also not happened.)

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayapal gives a vivid account of how her years of experience as an organizer have enabled her to become an accomplished deal-maker in Congress. This is an essential read for those wishing to understand the political dynamics within the House Democratic Caucus.

[Matangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was inspiring a lot of the time. I realized I don’t know anything about politics yet.

[Maleah Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational.

[Grant Durow · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite political reads in a long time! It is clear that Rep. Jayapal cares deeply about moving our country forward and pays tribute to the organizing tradition that is too often forgotten in modern politics. Her humility and the weight of her story really shine through here, and I would recommend this book to anyone interested in progressive politics in modern America.

[T. S. Holdiness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read. From Rep. Jayapal’s life to her work on congress, this book is a must read.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me. I love Pramila and the work she's done for Washington state and know some of the people mentioned in this book and their work.

This book is part memoir, part manifesto of where progressives can go from here. The book is broken into sections but each talks about Jayapal's personal experiences and her thoughts on how they can apply to others. While I really love this concept, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it was just a memoir or just a guide to making change. Because we alternate between anecdotes and messages of hope for the future I found it a bit confusing. I would have liked to read all about Jayapal and then hear her words of wisdom and support rather than mingling the two.

That being said Jayapal's story is fascinating. She shares her track record on organizing for immigrant and human rights and her approach to changing hearts and minds. Her stories are captivating and great examples of how to organize.

[Emily F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best political memoirs I have come across, mostly due to Rep. Jayapal's powerful personal story, and also my moderate bias because she represents the district where I grew up, even though I moved away before her run for state senate.

Before she was a politician, Jayapal was a community organizer, mainly focused on immigration rights and reform. She brings this lens with her into her politics, and describes to the reader the many ways she has tried to use an "inside/outside" strategy to try to create change in government.

There are understandably many, many difficulties Jayapal has faced being an Indian-American immigrant woman in politics. However, the major content warning I want to give for this book has to do with Jayapal's description of visiting the detention centers on the U.S.-Mexico border. I am grateful she gives voice to what she saw there and for the ways she uses her power to speak up and try to make change. Just want to note that this section was particularly hard to read.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who’s ever had an inclination to be an organizer or an activist or even just generally curious about social justice/policy work. Rep Jayapal’s account of how she built political power through grassroots organization and pure grit is quite empowering and inspirational. Being an Indian living in America I was brought to tears in the early parts of the book as she describes her struggles living away from family, giving up everything that was comfortable and familiar to her. A reminder that not everyone figures out their purpose in the moment they’re born but rather it can reveal itself through your determination and with the core values and people you stand by. For such an influential female leader, she comes off as quite grounded and thoughtful. The only small negative fir the book(as expressed by other reviews) would be the actual policy talk which doesn’t age well given how quickly everything changes.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent look into a contemporary progressive politician's journey from "outside" activist to an "insider" in state politics and, later, Congressional politics fighting for progressive values.

Disagree with Jayapal's politics if you must, and she mentions lawmakers and citizens who do disagree, often vehemently throughout her writing, but her methods of organizing, advocating, and promoting the issues, policies, and solutions cannot be ignored.

An important primer for those (like myself) interested in running for office that gives a transparent and accountable look into the halls of power state side (Washington in Jayapal's case) and nationally in Congress. Critically, she outlines powerful theories of change and urges citizens to indeed "use the power [they] have".

Certainly a must read for progressives and those eager to learn how to put their voices to action and hold elected officials to account, across the ideological spectrum.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Rep Jayapal is not technically my direct Representative in Congress, she does represent my state and it seemed like a great idea to pick up her book. I bought it right before the ugly 2020 elections season really got going. Rep Jayapal is a very vocal and present rep for this community and for many in this nation. Though I don't always agree with her politics( come to think of it, I say this about every politician) , I love her willingness to stand up for what's right and help be a voice for people who didn't previously feel that government represented them. I found her book to be very interesting view of the personal and professional experiences shaping who she is and how she represents that in politics.

[Nelda Brangwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayapal is proud of her progressive record. She is created a meticulous and well-organized look at how she’s working to change American politics. If I were a young woman looking for ways to influence the US in a political career, I would use this book as my textbook. Jayapal, who I can proudly say is a US representative from Washington State, is a great role model for people wanting to help build their communities. She’s honest, straightforward and at times finds humor in what’s happening.

[Mitch Payne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this as an open minded white male, I like to read things out of my comfort level to change my opinions and beliefs if the author can. I had seen Jayapal in hearings and her passion intrigued me. Firs the tile is decisive and she fights against that. Second all I feel is hate and anger coming off the pages at Americans when I read it. Just my opinion. Waste of money and another political player getting paid.

[Bob Pore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayapal's book is two thirds autobiographical, one third policy, and all around inspiring. This book is a reminder that progress happens because we fight for it. We fight for it when it is hard, we fight for it when it is easy, but we can never stop fighing for it. I often couldn't bring myself to read it at times because I didn't want to think about politics, but reading this book reminded me that there are people out there putting it all on the line to make a brighter future.

[Gail Fligstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pramila is my congressional rep and I now have so much respect fir her. She is an immigrant and community organizer. I wish more could be like her.

[Krithika Shamanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Anjana Baidya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me 2 weeks to finish it. I don't think politics are my genre, even if I kinda liked it.

[N N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first bit which is about her life - while interesting, it also is written like a regurgitation of facts. Just not the most engaging memoir I’ve read.

[are we there yet · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I thought Jayapal was a moderate. No idea why, I never really paid attention to the news until 2017 (she was elected to Congress in 2016).

I did know about the fight for 15 in Seattle, and now that I know she played a crucial role everything made sense.