Pull No Punches: Memoir of a political survivor

by Judith Collins

The most anticipated political memoir of the year. A frank account from National MP Judith Collins of the highs and lows of a political life. From her humble beginnings as the youngest daughter of Labour-voting farming parents, Judith Collins has carved a path to almost the very top of New Zealand politics. Collins grew up in rural Walton, Waikato, on a dairy farm. At the age of 10 she entered politics, running for class president. She won.After a successful career as a lawyer, Collins became the MP for Papakura in 2002, alongside fellow new recruit John Key. When Key and National won office in 2008, Collins became the Minister for Police, Corrections and Veterans. Pull No Punches is the candid story of a determined Minister at the centre of New Zealand political life and of a woman who is always resilient in the face of adversity.Funny, forthright and fearless, Collins reveals what it is like to survive-and thrive-for two decades as a senior female politician.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good on ya Judith

[Danielle Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as a background to Collins’ personal history. Collins has a sense of humour about herself that I deeply appreciate. There were some weird moment. This is an easy and quick read made all the more relevant by this week’s event. (Which prompted my purchasing of this book.)

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very topical. A born leader

[Daniel Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would start by saying this book is absolutely not for everyone. It reads like it was written by a lawyer - unsurprising, given it was. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely means the more personal parts, such as a description of Collins' childhood, are very stilted. It felt almost uncomfortable how very black and white that section of the book was, for example there being only one reference to "mum" and two to "dad", otherwise referring to them by their first names.

The majority of the book is, of course, about politics and Collins' time in Parliament. This part was much more interesting, though (for obvious reasons) you do have to wonder if some of it tells a favourable tale. I have no idea whether that is or isn't the case, but it doesn't change how interesting this section is.

It was also interesting to read through the last section of the book, which looks to the future of the National Party, particularly with Collins leading National to the election. It does suggest to me that Collins may be looking to move the party slightly back toward the centre, while still tending to the party's rural base. I would say time will tell, but with it being such a short time to the election, you wonder if Collins will have the opportunity to make many changes at all.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy read and Judith Collins has bared all in this memoir which tells of her early life in New Zealand and how she came to enter politics .
I would have to say I enjoyed this book and I will look at Ms Collins a little differently having read this. There is a lot of political stuff included with some surprises which make me think Judith may have been given a hard time by some of the other politicians. But she has a wonderful supportive family and throughout the book she acknowledges this .
A good worthy read which ever side you are on , I love the title , and that is an indication of the type of writing and expression included in the book .

[Peter Gerrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So obviously written before the last election when she led National to an ignominious defeat,
The book is a combination of I did this, I started that I’m really the only one in step. Judith is also a great writer of post event rationalisations.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading her book - it was a laugh a minute. However I did find the magazine styled headlines on each page irritating

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pull no Punches by Judith Collin's
Love her, hate her Judith Collin's is one of those politicians that know's how to shake things up. The Release of this book was timed to perfection as she has now been promoted to the position of leader of the National party and now leads the opposition. Come September when we have an election things will be very interesting when she takes on Jacinda Ardern. Both are fierce campaigners and now is the time to discover more about Crusher Collins.
However Judith Collins doesn't really give much away, she pulls her punches. Just when you think she’s about to spill something juicy she stopped short, it was a good read but it could have done with a bit of sensationalism. I know you know the gossip and the scandals Judith. I needed you to share them. Still a good read. As always politically undecided to the very end.

[Andrew Ritchie · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a politician who is as combatative as Collins I expected a book called Pull No Punches to be pretty firey but I was left disappointed. I definitely felt Collins did pull her punches.

The book was relatively interesting and I'd probably have scored it a three if it wasn't for the blocks of text in big bold font which are litteral repetition of text already on the page. This just annoyed me and I felt was poor editing style.

Overall 2.5

[Chris Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read. Agree with some of her opinions. Disagree with others. Her knowledge of Mandarin shouldn't have been talked about at all as it could be said she gives some misinformation about the subject. However anyone with more than basic knowledge of Mandarin and English will know she is wrong and her knowledge is based on a short-term visit and hearsay.

[Simon Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read. Judith arrived in Parliment the year before I arrived in New Zealand, which meant I remember most of the things happening that she talks about. I found it fascinating reading the stories behind the story.

[Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this read. It was naturally biased and hardly the greatest of political insights, but the pages did flow on from one another rather nicely. A few less cliches and a little more objectivity and we could've had a contender on our hands.

[Juston Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly funny!

[Ruth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Regardless of your political views I would recommend this well written interesting book.

[Helen Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and easy read about the life and times of Judith Collins who recently became the leader of the opposition.

[Alastair Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, that provides some insight into the political life of Judith Collins.

[John Aitchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, well written and very informative; clarifies several misconceptions which the public have about her.

[Derek Timbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative.

Judith has achieved many different goals in her life so far. Many more to come I'm sure. Good Luck.Judith Collins

[Clement Kong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an insightful perspective on her career. Well written and interesting, I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested on the reason Judith is the way she is and her background

[Josh Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talofa

[E Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book. It was interesting enough, in terms of Collins life on a farm and rising through the political ranks, but it fell flat on me. A lot of he said, she said, I said, but not much else. I half expected more drama, but it felt almost monotone.