I'm Not Who You Think I Am: An Asian American Woman's Political Journey

by Maeley Tom

This book is both a memoir and a political history. It is the personal story of an Asian American woman’s journey from political neophyte to seasoned insider, the first to reach the top of an all-male, nearly all-white power elite in the California capitol. And it is the story of a political movement’s coming of age, founded in California, but leading all the way to Washington, D.C. and beyond.Maeley Tom grew up far removed from politics, the child of high-living Chinese Opera celebrities in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Her parents’ neglect forced her to learn early on how to fend for herself, but this impressive self-reliance still could not erase her insecurity and need for acceptance. Her personal journey was at the forefront of a growing Asian American presence in California politics, which she, together with a core group of close friends and colleagues, helped to create and advance. Maeley dedicated herself to giving voice to an under-represented community, leading by example, and her actions and accomplishments became inseparable from the rise of the Asian American political community. She has seen great success, as well as setbacks, hardship, and scandal—all part of coming to the realization that politics is not for the faint of heart. The Clinton Asian fundraising scandal forced Maeley to endure prejudice and discrimination in the media and from the Washington establishment, but her perseverance and integrity helped the Asian community emerge from the ordeal stronger and more powerful.Many leading political figures of the last 40 years, Democrats and Republicans alike, have touched her life or played a role in her career, as mentors, colleagues, and peers—including Norman Mineta, Art Torres, Maxine Waters, and Willie Brown, among many others. Her path also led her to presidents, with memorable and meaningful interactions with both Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan. Her position as a Democrat never stopped her from successfully reaching across the aisle to form alliances that would further a cause, build a strong organization, or create a team with the clout to make real change.This is a story of a life well-led, with hard-fought gains and deeply-felt sacrifices; a story of painful struggles for professional recognition, self-knowledge, and personal fulfillment; a story of the rewarding, but often harsh, intersection of the personal and the political. Throughout, the story illuminates Maeley’s inner strength and steadfast commitment to principles. At its end, it is a story with a universal that even success in the bare-knuckled, ambitious world of big-league politics takes a back seat to the best measure of success—love of family and friends.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2020

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was Maeley Tom's writing engaging, her personal stories were powerful, and I learned so much about the inner workings of state and national government! I would recommend this to anyone teaching Civics and interested in political representation. She includes some very helpful notes on approaches to mentorship and leadership that does not compromise your identity or values. A very valuable read!

[Melchor Ilomin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always known Maeley as a pioneering and trailblazing leader, whose accomplishments in advancing women and the API community were known by my peers and mentors alike. I am also one of the lucky ones who was given the opportunity to experience her as a direct supervisor when I served as district staff to then President Pro Tem Senator David Roberti. Maeley was Chief of Staff. And much like how she quoted Maya Angelou in her book, I experienced Maeley from not what she said or what she did, but from the way she made me feel about myself. It will always be a feeling that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

I can appreciate everyone’s pleasant surprise when they read the part in the book where Maeley recalls her mother tell a story about a pregnant neighbor who lived directly above their San Francisco Chinatown apartment in 1940. The baby her mother helped deliver that day became the greatest martial artist of his generation, Bruce Lee. For me, this revelation did not measure up to the story of a leader and a mentor who overcame a difficult childhood and leave a lasting legacy for many generations of APIA’s who aspire to be in politics.

I have met many elected officials and community leaders in my time. Many are well-regarded and truly blessed. Maeley is one accomplished leader who not only enjoys the popularity and recognition of many but also the love and respect of those who are dearest and closest to her. Having grown up without the nurturing and love traditionally provided by parents, she has outdone herself by becoming the best mother and wife to her daughter, Stephanie and her husband, Ron.

For the rest of us, a truly inspirational leader. For me, one I will never forget.

[Bel Leong-Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read: amazing journey of resiliency and determination

I recommend this book highly on multiple levels: as a study of human resiliency, grit, determination, and a lot of courage. Maeley Tom’s life journey through a difficult childhood and adolescence is told through the lens of an adult looking back and masking some painful memories, to emphasize the strong self-made foundation that underlies her future successful professional career. Her personality, her drive for success, her fearless attitude to take on new challenges comes through in the pages of t his well written book.
The author’s autobiography is a fast and easy read… a page turner that leaves the reader wanting to get to know this Asian American woman well. She describes in a self-effacing manner her rise in the APIA Community, both as a community and a political leader. I recommend this book to women, and AAPI women in particular, as a must read, no5 only for those aspiring to enter political life, but for women to learn lessons of resiliency and courage. Well done, Maeley Tom!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know anything about Maeley Tom until I heard her interviewed on NPR's Political Breakdown. I sought out the book as a way to learn more about California political history. Wow, what a story. Her childhood was incredible and what an upbringing to overcome. Made me so grateful for my boring suburban childhood, even though her parents were celebrities. As an adult, the book covered her reasons for assuming various political offices and what was going on in her personal life. I am glad that she shared her political journey with the world.

Recommended if only for the first chapters on her childhood.

[Tracey]

nonfiction/memoir - Asian-American woman in politics; an extensive career uniting the various Asian/Pacific Islander groups in CA into one powerful caucus, helping to promote their interests at the national level, and more.

Really interesting childhood; I skimmed over a lot of the book, as a lot of the political names were unfamiliar to me, but this would be of great interest to young/new Asian or API leaders, esp. in the Sacramento area, and probably anyone who has worked in or around the state Capitol.

[C. He · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Asian American's journey in politics. An incredibly genuine, authentic book that showed how the author used her outgoing personality and helpful nature to gain trust and build resources that led her to the California and national stage in politics. I am quoting what she wrote, "It is wonderful to be proud of your heritage." However, "we need to not confine ourselves to be just identities as Asians Americans, but to be seen as the best of Americans in the society.”