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Speaking for Myself: Faith, Freedom, and the Fight of Our Lives Inside the Trump White House
A candid, riveting account of the Trump White House, on the front lines and behind the scenes.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidante of the President, Sanders advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. She was at the President’s side for two and a half years, battling with the media, working with lawmakers and CEOs, and accompanying the President on every international trip, including dozens of meetings with foreign leaders—all while unfailingly exhibiting grace under pressure. Upon her departure from the administration, President Trump described Sarah as “irreplaceable,” a “warrior” and “very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job.”
Now, in Speaking for Myself, Sarah Huckabee Sanders describes what it was like on the front lines and inside the White House, discussing her faith, the challenges of being a working mother at the highest level of American politics, her relationship with the press, and her unique role in the historic fight raging between the Trump administration and its critics for the future of our country.
This frank, revealing, and engaging memoir will offer a truly unique perspective on the most important issues and events of the era, and unprecedented access to both public and behind-the-scenes conversations within the Trump White House.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald J. Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidante of the President, Sanders advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. She was at the President’s side for two and a half years, battling with the media, working with lawmakers and CEOs, and accompanying the President on every international trip, including dozens of meetings with foreign leaders—all while unfailingly exhibiting grace under pressure. Upon her departure from the administration, President Trump described Sarah as “irreplaceable,” a “warrior” and “very special person with extraordinary talents, who has done an incredible job.”
Now, in Speaking for Myself, Sarah Huckabee Sanders describes what it was like on the front lines and inside the White House, discussing her faith, the challenges of being a working mother at the highest level of American politics, her relationship with the press, and her unique role in the historic fight raging between the Trump administration and its critics for the future of our country.
This frank, revealing, and engaging memoir will offer a truly unique perspective on the most important issues and events of the era, and unprecedented access to both public and behind-the-scenes conversations within the Trump White House.
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First published September 8, 2020
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September 18, 2020
I have decided to embark on a mission to read a number of books on subjects that will be of great importance to the upcoming 2020 US Presidential Election. Many of these will focus on actors intricately involved in the process, in hopes that I can understand them better and, perhaps, educate others with the power to cast a ballot. I am, as always, open to serious recommendations from anyone who has a book I might like to include in the process.
This is Book #3 in my 2020 US Election Preparation Challenge.
While I have made my political views quite well known over the years, I felt it only fair to look at things from the other side of the coin, seeking to better understand those who worked within the Trump White House and had a positive take on the man and his Administration. While her comments did, at times, leave me rolling my eyes, I cannot help but wonder what someone like Sarah Huckabee Sanders has to say about a life surrounded by politics and serving on the front lines during some of the most tumultuous days of those first few years under Donald Trump. Born in the heart of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee grew up with a strong connection to God and all the Lord had to offer. Her father was a local pastor who took a gamble at a time when Arkansas was in the midst of a Clinton Democratic wave to run for office as a Republican. While he did not succeed at first, he did eke out a victory soon thereafter and then was ushered into the position of governor during a scandal. Teenage Sarah may not have liked the need to move, but her eyes were surely opened when she ended up living in Little Rock. As Huckabee Sanders denotes, her time living under the shadow of the Clinton name started early and often, though she never let that define her. After successful public schooling and a passion for politics in college, Sarah moved to Washington to work within the massive bureaucracy, stopping only when it was time to support her father as he made a presidential bid in 2008. While Mike Huckabee was not successful, he instilled in his daughter the need to always work through any problems with aplomb, something that appears to have been a key theme for her professional life.
After marrying and starting a family of her own, Sarah returned to help her father on a second bid in 2016, a time when all attention was focussed on Donald Trump, leaving the elder Huckabee again on the wayside. However, both Mike and Sarah knew how to liaise with those in power and Trump offered Huckabee Sanders the chance to work on his campaign. The book explores some of the grittier sides of the campaign, with Huckabee Sanders pulling no punches about her dislike for the Clintons, rejoicing when the final results were in and Trump had emerged victorious. Throughout the book she reminds readers that there was no collusion and that it was all a Democrat smear campaign, early signs of true sycophancy. Hitting the ground running, Huckabee Sanders found herself in the Communications Office and spinning stories from Day One. From inaugural statistics to dismantling anything with an Obama scent, Huckabee Sanders did her part to communicate the message of the day, all while the inner workings of the West Wing shook. There is much talk about the push back from reporters (many of whom Huckabee Sanders felt were jaded against Trump), as well as the internal squabbles that saw key figures fall by the wayside during numerous moments of bloodletting. Interestingly enough, her support never erred for Trump, so anyone who spoke out was vilified early and often in the book’s narrative. Through a whirlwind of events and the eventual elevation of Huckabee Sanders to Press Secretary, the book does turn even more sycophantic, while also becoming highly detailed. The reader receives a great deal of behind the scenes sentiments, which can be refreshing once the political spin is parsed from the narrative. Throughout, it becomes clear that Huckabee Sanders was dedicated to family, be it her own or the one forged by supporting President Trump through it all.
There came a time when the work/home balance was completely out of whack. As Huckabee Sanders makes clear, while she was the first mother to serve as Press Secretary, she always valued her children above communicating the Administration’s message to the world. She had missed countless events and family moments, all in the name of work, and it was time to claim it back before her children began to resent her. As the narrative explains, it was a smooth and easy transition, one POTUS encouraged without issue, though I am a tad shocked that he would not have pushed back, as this was not a choice that benefitted him. Still, with her head held high and tears in her eyes, Sarah Huckabee Sanders led her family out of Washington and back to Arkansas for a quieter life more focussed on family. While she may still be a strong and vocal advocate of the Administration, she’s able to spend more time with her family, something that she cherishes more than all other gifts.
As I sit here, contemplating what I’ve just read, I cannot be sure it was entirely expected or whether I am surprised by the end result. Certainly, when before the press on a regular basis, one would expect a ‘party line’ approach to things, but I would hoped for some leeway and raw honesty in this book to offer insights that might supersede the need to be so sycophantic. I will be the first to admit, Huckabee Sanders had quite the life and has been able to balance her work and personal lives effectively. I actually had no idea she had a family during the time I watched her bat questions around from the podium, but can see just how important they are to her by the kind works and numerous stories that find their way into the narrative. While I admire people with a strong connection to their beliefs, be they religious or political, something just does not sit right when each chapter seeks to offer up another jug of the proverbial Kool-Aid and having it guzzled down. I loved the personal stories that came up throughout, both from Huckabee Sanders’ early years and even in her time within the White House, as it personalises the entire story, but it would seem that, like her daily briefings, everything is so carefully scripted so as not to rock the boat. Insert smear of anything anti-Trump here, praise the man there, spin it out to make him look positive when it is needed. I did find that the book leapt around quite a bit, focussing on some of the larger events, but also dodging ones that would not shine a great light on the Administration. I had hoped to get some insights into her take on things in Charlottesville, but she was silent. I wondered about talk about the public stances Trump took about building the Wall (ie having Mexico pay for it, the essential need for something immediately), but those discussions were replaced with tossing stones at the Democrats regarding the shut-down. True, this was not a tell-all book, nor was it meant to offer up all the dirty laundry, but each time things seemed to be getting on a roll, what was an important media event got sidelined to talk about kids or how lovely President Trump was with his praise for X or Y. Still, one must applaud her for gritting her teeth and keeping a smile on her face throughout. Those who are staunch Trumpers will love it, as their fearless leader comes out unscathed. Still, I cannot help but remember the closing lines of the book. ““we take a stand against evil. Now is our chance to choose the right side. Let us be the somebodies who do something.” Americans are trying to do that, but the ostrich mentality that the most sycophantic portray proves only to make things even more dangerous for America as a whole!
Kudos, Madam Huckabee Sanders, for an insightful piece. I do admire your courage to share those feelings and was quite enthralled with how you kept the story moving. Let’s see if it helps the cause come November.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
This is Book #3 in my 2020 US Election Preparation Challenge.
While I have made my political views quite well known over the years, I felt it only fair to look at things from the other side of the coin, seeking to better understand those who worked within the Trump White House and had a positive take on the man and his Administration. While her comments did, at times, leave me rolling my eyes, I cannot help but wonder what someone like Sarah Huckabee Sanders has to say about a life surrounded by politics and serving on the front lines during some of the most tumultuous days of those first few years under Donald Trump. Born in the heart of Arkansas, Sarah Huckabee grew up with a strong connection to God and all the Lord had to offer. Her father was a local pastor who took a gamble at a time when Arkansas was in the midst of a Clinton Democratic wave to run for office as a Republican. While he did not succeed at first, he did eke out a victory soon thereafter and then was ushered into the position of governor during a scandal. Teenage Sarah may not have liked the need to move, but her eyes were surely opened when she ended up living in Little Rock. As Huckabee Sanders denotes, her time living under the shadow of the Clinton name started early and often, though she never let that define her. After successful public schooling and a passion for politics in college, Sarah moved to Washington to work within the massive bureaucracy, stopping only when it was time to support her father as he made a presidential bid in 2008. While Mike Huckabee was not successful, he instilled in his daughter the need to always work through any problems with aplomb, something that appears to have been a key theme for her professional life.
After marrying and starting a family of her own, Sarah returned to help her father on a second bid in 2016, a time when all attention was focussed on Donald Trump, leaving the elder Huckabee again on the wayside. However, both Mike and Sarah knew how to liaise with those in power and Trump offered Huckabee Sanders the chance to work on his campaign. The book explores some of the grittier sides of the campaign, with Huckabee Sanders pulling no punches about her dislike for the Clintons, rejoicing when the final results were in and Trump had emerged victorious. Throughout the book she reminds readers that there was no collusion and that it was all a Democrat smear campaign, early signs of true sycophancy. Hitting the ground running, Huckabee Sanders found herself in the Communications Office and spinning stories from Day One. From inaugural statistics to dismantling anything with an Obama scent, Huckabee Sanders did her part to communicate the message of the day, all while the inner workings of the West Wing shook. There is much talk about the push back from reporters (many of whom Huckabee Sanders felt were jaded against Trump), as well as the internal squabbles that saw key figures fall by the wayside during numerous moments of bloodletting. Interestingly enough, her support never erred for Trump, so anyone who spoke out was vilified early and often in the book’s narrative. Through a whirlwind of events and the eventual elevation of Huckabee Sanders to Press Secretary, the book does turn even more sycophantic, while also becoming highly detailed. The reader receives a great deal of behind the scenes sentiments, which can be refreshing once the political spin is parsed from the narrative. Throughout, it becomes clear that Huckabee Sanders was dedicated to family, be it her own or the one forged by supporting President Trump through it all.
There came a time when the work/home balance was completely out of whack. As Huckabee Sanders makes clear, while she was the first mother to serve as Press Secretary, she always valued her children above communicating the Administration’s message to the world. She had missed countless events and family moments, all in the name of work, and it was time to claim it back before her children began to resent her. As the narrative explains, it was a smooth and easy transition, one POTUS encouraged without issue, though I am a tad shocked that he would not have pushed back, as this was not a choice that benefitted him. Still, with her head held high and tears in her eyes, Sarah Huckabee Sanders led her family out of Washington and back to Arkansas for a quieter life more focussed on family. While she may still be a strong and vocal advocate of the Administration, she’s able to spend more time with her family, something that she cherishes more than all other gifts.
As I sit here, contemplating what I’ve just read, I cannot be sure it was entirely expected or whether I am surprised by the end result. Certainly, when before the press on a regular basis, one would expect a ‘party line’ approach to things, but I would hoped for some leeway and raw honesty in this book to offer insights that might supersede the need to be so sycophantic. I will be the first to admit, Huckabee Sanders had quite the life and has been able to balance her work and personal lives effectively. I actually had no idea she had a family during the time I watched her bat questions around from the podium, but can see just how important they are to her by the kind works and numerous stories that find their way into the narrative. While I admire people with a strong connection to their beliefs, be they religious or political, something just does not sit right when each chapter seeks to offer up another jug of the proverbial Kool-Aid and having it guzzled down. I loved the personal stories that came up throughout, both from Huckabee Sanders’ early years and even in her time within the White House, as it personalises the entire story, but it would seem that, like her daily briefings, everything is so carefully scripted so as not to rock the boat. Insert smear of anything anti-Trump here, praise the man there, spin it out to make him look positive when it is needed. I did find that the book leapt around quite a bit, focussing on some of the larger events, but also dodging ones that would not shine a great light on the Administration. I had hoped to get some insights into her take on things in Charlottesville, but she was silent. I wondered about talk about the public stances Trump took about building the Wall (ie having Mexico pay for it, the essential need for something immediately), but those discussions were replaced with tossing stones at the Democrats regarding the shut-down. True, this was not a tell-all book, nor was it meant to offer up all the dirty laundry, but each time things seemed to be getting on a roll, what was an important media event got sidelined to talk about kids or how lovely President Trump was with his praise for X or Y. Still, one must applaud her for gritting her teeth and keeping a smile on her face throughout. Those who are staunch Trumpers will love it, as their fearless leader comes out unscathed. Still, I cannot help but remember the closing lines of the book. ““we take a stand against evil. Now is our chance to choose the right side. Let us be the somebodies who do something.” Americans are trying to do that, but the ostrich mentality that the most sycophantic portray proves only to make things even more dangerous for America as a whole!
Kudos, Madam Huckabee Sanders, for an insightful piece. I do admire your courage to share those feelings and was quite enthralled with how you kept the story moving. Let’s see if it helps the cause come November.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 9, 2020
Excellent book! What I enjoyed the most about this story was all the background info on Sarah and her Huckabee family! How interesting that was and also inspiring as Christians. They obviously have a very close family. I was fortunate to find this audiobook ASAP on the library Libby app as soon as the book came out. I really recommend the audio version not only because Sarah reads it herself, which she does so well, but also lots of Famous Trump speeches are incorporated! Thats so fun!
I teared up during several sections because of the atrocious way she was treated by many assholes in the media, the Democratic Party and even the public, but her grace while she handled those people and situations say so much about her, all of it good. Anyway, she is a serious example to all women and girls and especially moms who want to have careers and I’m sure there will be plenty of jerks who give not only my review a bunch of crap, but will rate this book terribly after not even reading it. Because I have to say, if you actually read this book, you will have to describe Sarah as an inspiring, graceful and grateful person. Beautiful memoir!
I teared up during several sections because of the atrocious way she was treated by many assholes in the media, the Democratic Party and even the public, but her grace while she handled those people and situations say so much about her, all of it good. Anyway, she is a serious example to all women and girls and especially moms who want to have careers and I’m sure there will be plenty of jerks who give not only my review a bunch of crap, but will rate this book terribly after not even reading it. Because I have to say, if you actually read this book, you will have to describe Sarah as an inspiring, graceful and grateful person. Beautiful memoir!
October 12, 2020
#FAKENEWS
I don't know what I was expecting from reading this book from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Maybe a little insight from the Trump's white house, maybe some candor where she might differ from opinion from Trump or maybe even some honesty.
This book was total propaganda. I've read quite a few books from people who've served under different white houses but never one where the President was painted like a GOD. He could do nothing wrong. Even the Access Hollywood scandal only received one sentence. Nothing actually about what he said or even the many women who've accused him of rape. NADA!
Fox news viewers should love this book because it completely glosses over important facts and never questions Trumps actions. It's basically a revisionist history book.
A few keys facts that were ignored in the book.
The Muller investigation being a "witch-hunt" and the fact that members in Trump's circle were arrested and went to prison. Did that not happen?
I wanted to DNF this book when Sarah spoke about the Kavanaugh hearing. It made my skin crawl to hear her defend him and paint it as another witch-hunt from the liberal left. No opinion on Ford's testimony huh?
Sarah throughout the book hinted about running for Governor for Arkansas and I hope she doesn't. She see things very black and white. Good vs Evil . Right and Wrong. The liberals and feminists are the evils ones who must be defeated by conservatives.
I don't know what I was expecting from reading this book from Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Maybe a little insight from the Trump's white house, maybe some candor where she might differ from opinion from Trump or maybe even some honesty.
This book was total propaganda. I've read quite a few books from people who've served under different white houses but never one where the President was painted like a GOD. He could do nothing wrong. Even the Access Hollywood scandal only received one sentence. Nothing actually about what he said or even the many women who've accused him of rape. NADA!
Fox news viewers should love this book because it completely glosses over important facts and never questions Trumps actions. It's basically a revisionist history book.
A few keys facts that were ignored in the book.
The Muller investigation being a "witch-hunt" and the fact that members in Trump's circle were arrested and went to prison. Did that not happen?
I wanted to DNF this book when Sarah spoke about the Kavanaugh hearing. It made my skin crawl to hear her defend him and paint it as another witch-hunt from the liberal left. No opinion on Ford's testimony huh?
Sarah throughout the book hinted about running for Governor for Arkansas and I hope she doesn't. She see things very black and white. Good vs Evil . Right and Wrong. The liberals and feminists are the evils ones who must be defeated by conservatives.
September 24, 2020
Very interesting material shared and well written in measured sections on Ms. Sanders’ busy life as President Trump’s Press Secretary. I listened via audible so it was extra insightful with author narrating her story. She comes across as a caring, honest, religious, smart, and ambitious woman. She shares her experiences as preacher’s daughter, college girl, political science graduate, wife, mother of 3 and busy communications lead at the White House for 2 1/2 years.
I liked this book. I got a look into Ms. Sanders’ life during the political time documented, fascinating behind the scenes stuff from Air Force One, global tours she was privy, her father’s time as Governor, goings on before and after White House press meetings, and a closer background view of the President’s human side which, she says, is rarely shown.
I think Sarah Sanders has big plans for her future; but in the meantime, she seems most grateful for her roles thus far and is certainly grounded in her faith and family.
I liked this book. I got a look into Ms. Sanders’ life during the political time documented, fascinating behind the scenes stuff from Air Force One, global tours she was privy, her father’s time as Governor, goings on before and after White House press meetings, and a closer background view of the President’s human side which, she says, is rarely shown.
I think Sarah Sanders has big plans for her future; but in the meantime, she seems most grateful for her roles thus far and is certainly grounded in her faith and family.
October 15, 2020
This is the White House book I have been waiting for since the 2016 election. Thank you for your service to our president and to our country, Sarah! From backroom anecdotes to Trump (and Sarah) speech excerpts, get to know Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she speaks for herself. There were times when I laughed out loud and others when I was brought to tears. After seeing Sarah on the television screen for the past few years, it was a gift to listen to her story and experiences. Her gracious, but tough demeanor brings to mind her father Governor Mike Huckabee and her faith is front and center. She is a sister in Christ and I hope to meet her in person someday.
September 26, 2020
I'm just gonna leave this right here:
https://twitter.com/brianstelter/stat...
September 19, 2020
Great Storytelling
Sarah Huckabee Sanders knows how to grip her reader from the opening of this book about being on the secret Christmas Day trip to Iraq on Air Force One. The storytelling in this book is excellent and even moved me to tears in places.
Several points during the audiobook, Sanders inserts her actual audio clip or the audio clip from President Donald Trump introducing the new Supreme Court Justice Brett Cavanaugh in the East Room of the White House. The behind the scenes look at different events is refreshing and worthwhile listening. Sanders is a preacher’s kid and includes her Christian faith in various stories and I appreciated these additions as well.
The final chapter in SPEAKING FOR MYSELF is filled with stirring insights about 2020 and gives details and compelling reasons why President Trump should get a second term of office. If you can’t hear this entire book, I would make sure you hear this final chapter. I heard this book cover to cover and loved it. I highly recommend SPEAKING FOR MYSELF.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
Sarah Huckabee Sanders knows how to grip her reader from the opening of this book about being on the secret Christmas Day trip to Iraq on Air Force One. The storytelling in this book is excellent and even moved me to tears in places.
Several points during the audiobook, Sanders inserts her actual audio clip or the audio clip from President Donald Trump introducing the new Supreme Court Justice Brett Cavanaugh in the East Room of the White House. The behind the scenes look at different events is refreshing and worthwhile listening. Sanders is a preacher’s kid and includes her Christian faith in various stories and I appreciated these additions as well.
The final chapter in SPEAKING FOR MYSELF is filled with stirring insights about 2020 and gives details and compelling reasons why President Trump should get a second term of office. If you can’t hear this entire book, I would make sure you hear this final chapter. I heard this book cover to cover and loved it. I highly recommend SPEAKING FOR MYSELF.
W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his latest 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .
September 13, 2020
Loved it! She takes you through her life as a governor’s daughter and then Press Secretary for President Trump. She was the first mom in that position! I know all the people we see on the news are real people, but it’s hard to honestly see them as that. This book humanizes them. She speaks highly of many and uses the book to talk about her life, not as a source to talk poorly of others. She speaks multiple times of the Gospel- keeping her grounded amidst threats of violence to her family and all of the horrible garbage spewed at and about her. I loved reading about recent history through a working mom’s eyes. Although she talks of North Korea, the Russian scandal, and crude comedians; her writing and ultimate take on life makes this a “light read” in my mind. It gives me hope that there are still great people in D.C., as long as we can keep them in office!
At the end of the day, you can disagree with my politics all you want, but you can’t disagree with a Christian using their platform to speak of the Gospel.
.
P.S. She also is making me consider moving to Arkansas! 😂
At the end of the day, you can disagree with my politics all you want, but you can’t disagree with a Christian using their platform to speak of the Gospel.
.
P.S. She also is making me consider moving to Arkansas! 😂
September 11, 2020
Enjoyed this immensely. The behind the scenes tour of the White House, the President, and the Huckabee/Sanders families was enlightening. I believe this might be the first positive account I've read about him and it gives me hope that I haven't been wrong in my support of President Trump. Mrs. Sanders, you are strong, intelligent, and awe inspiring. Your honesty and integrity shine as brightly as your faith.
September 13, 2020
Terrific Read
Sarah is a not only a wonderful role model but an example of the millions of strong women of faith who love in this country. This is a good book that is being panned by a tiresome and toothless media. Who needs them? Brava, Sarah.
Sarah is a not only a wonderful role model but an example of the millions of strong women of faith who love in this country. This is a good book that is being panned by a tiresome and toothless media. Who needs them? Brava, Sarah.
September 11, 2020
Great behind the scenes coverage of the beginning of the Trump administration.
Truly insightful understandings of the battles the Trump administration faced and continues to face since he became President. Sarah in her Southern down to earth style retells these epic tales that simply leaves readers wanting more.
Truly insightful understandings of the battles the Trump administration faced and continues to face since he became President. Sarah in her Southern down to earth style retells these epic tales that simply leaves readers wanting more.
September 14, 2020
I have always loved the behind the scenes of what happens at the White House. Sarah Huckabee Sanders really carved out how tough it would be to have her job and her look behind the scenes with a President who is often known for being bombastic was very interesting.
September 14, 2020
Enjoyable read full of inside stories of the ups and downs experienced while serving as the White House Press Secretary.
September 12, 2020
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Sarah Sanders! It was fun learning how the white house in run with an insiders point of view. I spent 3 days reading it and stayed up late because I couldn't make myself put it down!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Sarah Sanders! It was fun learning how the white house in run with an insiders point of view. I spent 3 days reading it and stayed up late because I couldn't make myself put it down!
September 14, 2020
I learned a lot from this book. Sanders speaks candidly about her time in the White House and it's not all kissing Trump's ass. Her job, that of press secretary is one of the toughest pain in the ass jobs one could have and she held her own despite ruthless commentary, quite unfair about her fitness as a mother and her looks, which is so immature and dumb.
She is a hardworking woman who did her job well to the best of her ability in a tumultuous time in our country where the President is either beloved or hated.
Politics aside, it was a great memoir including her upbringing as a pastor's child and also a politician's child as her dad, Mike Huckabee was governor of her home state of Arkansas. It talks about her becoming a mother and getting to witness some of our countries greatest victories (Iraq and N. Korea etc) not to mention meeting the Queen.
I hope she herself runs for governor as she'd do any state proud to run it.
If you get the audio version, she reads it and it's interspersed with speeches that are poignant and bittersweet.
but if you don't like Trump, you'll probably just want to read the book, not listen.
She is a hardworking woman who did her job well to the best of her ability in a tumultuous time in our country where the President is either beloved or hated.
Politics aside, it was a great memoir including her upbringing as a pastor's child and also a politician's child as her dad, Mike Huckabee was governor of her home state of Arkansas. It talks about her becoming a mother and getting to witness some of our countries greatest victories (Iraq and N. Korea etc) not to mention meeting the Queen.
I hope she herself runs for governor as she'd do any state proud to run it.
If you get the audio version, she reads it and it's interspersed with speeches that are poignant and bittersweet.
but if you don't like Trump, you'll probably just want to read the book, not listen.
October 1, 2020
I am not a Trump fan nor am I a Sarah Huckabee Sanders fan, however, I am trying to have an open mind on this administration. I will say this book is written from the heart. I learned a quite a bit about her and while I disagree with her on politics overall she seems to be a good person. This is a look inside her mind and her reality and it is good to see things from other view points. She performs the audiobook except for the clips where Trump spoke. There are times you can tell there were things done or said that still hurt her. I learned a story about George Brett I didn't know and of her husband's Kansas and Kansas City connections. I think this is a good book on the Trump administration - it does show this administration in a positive light and how those in it view themselves. I also think it is good however you identify to read it to see how actions of others affect public individuals. Taking it at face value it is a good memoir.
September 15, 2020
I loved this book, and Sarah Sanders did such a great job reading it. Hearing her story in her own voice made the experience special. This was like sitting down and listening to someone across the table telling you an amazing story. Sarah is a strong, conservative woman who served our country in her own unique way. As a southern woman (I was even born in Arkansas) I felt so proud of how she took criticism of the most horrible kind and held her head up and kept on with her job. She has accomplished so much. Thank you for your service, Sarah. Thanks for sharing your story and thank you for proving that you are stronger than all the hateful critics!!
September 18, 2020
I respect Sarah Huckabee Sanders for her tenacity, grace, and love for family, so I was eager to read her memoir. She lived out her Christian faith in the midst of a toxic environment where she was mocked for her weight, looks, etc. Her response to critics saying such hateful things was that it "said more about them than it did her." I believe the public seldom gets the real story on much of anything, so this was a refreshing take from someone who I think is actually fair and balanced. I think it would be enlightening to any one no matter his or her political leanings.
March 31, 2021
Thanks Sarah. I enjoy the book and I know and don't care what the lefts comment and mock as well as the ones voluntarily to be sheep of fake media. You have my full respect. Like i said i enjoy the book to help me see how the lying world destroying the values of true honest people.
March 12, 2022
It is so difficult to write objectively about this book by ♥️ Sarah ♥️ Huckabee ♥️ Sanders ♥️ for three reasons:
(1) Trump viscerally nauseates me: he is a guy beneath the dignity of ANY elected office (let alone the Presidency). He has the instincts of a two-bit, tin-pot, dictator. He is corrupt. In plain view, he actively sought to overthrow the 2020 election by mafia-like threats, arm twisting, name calling, crucifying Pence, and inciting outright insurrection; and
(2) Sarah enabled Trump, defended Trump, she carried his water in blind loyalty. WWII had been started in large part by those who blindly followed Hitler, as just one comparison. And,
(3) yet, she did her job well -- really well -- without regard for what people said or thought about her. Her job was to speak for the goon elected President, and she did her job.
I honestly found her, in her TV work, to be a nightmare. A witch. A snide and foul humored spokeswomen. Yet I admired her -- she did her job under tough conditions. She defended Trump. And she didn't give a damn who liked her and who did not. She was truly rebellious, defiant, and deadpan in her media dealings. I respected her for that. Who doesn't like a rebel?
This book is at its worst when Sarah writes as if all the horrific turmoil she faced was somehow NOT CAUSED by Trump. Somehow this chaos was inflicted upon the innocent, passive President, if you believe her account. Trump was just a nice guy trying to do his job. She will not own the fact that Trump WANTED the chaos. He brought the chaos -- he provoked it. Her deification of Trump is pure Bullsh*t.
The book is at its worst when she attacks mean-spirited, less than civil behavior DIRECTED AT her and at the White House, while ignoring the insulting, demeaning statements and tweets, the name calling, the gutter-mouth, school yard bully antics COMING FROM Trump in the White House.
Hey, Sarah: the leader sets the tone, and the insults, plus the demeaning, vulgar, cursing, and p*ssy grabbing behavior, of your boss eroded national civility from the top down. Sarah will not own it. Trump, to hear her tell it, is a deity and she feels that he can do no wrong.
This book is at its best when it shows Trump behaving like a normal, nice person behind the scenes. Until the "protocol people" told him to knock it off, Trump kept offering $100 tips to the White House staff and to the Security Service members assigned to him. Trump is nice to children. Trump is funny.
When Trump and his Chief of Staff John Kelly heard that Kim Jong-un (allegedly) flirted with Sarah and WINKED (winked!) at her during the Singapore meetings, the two guys burst out laughing at just the thought of this "star crossed love-mismatch," AND THEN debated, right there with Sarah, whether Kim Jong-un had "hit on" Sarah or not! The stories about Trump behaving like a normal person, treating women as equals, with a level of concern and a sense of humor, rarely seen, and with a kindness, a generosity, and a human touch -- things that he would NEVER display in public -- is believable in this retelling, and refreshing to imagine.
The book is at its best when it describes Sarah's life as a public servant in the limelight, and the horrible hours and crazy work tasks for which she was responsible. It was all consuming. She rarely saw her small children for extended lengths of time. She spent more time at the White House than at her own house. But she spent ZERO time at any of the Houses of Kim Jong-un!
It is also fun to read tales about how, and when, her life crossed paths with the Clintons, and how she inherited Chelsea's bedroom in the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. She spent her life -- as a child -- growing up in her dad's shadow. In the White House, she met the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Kanye West, Kim Jong-un, Ivanka, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, VP Pence, Supreme Court Justices, Kim Kardashian -- to name a few (a surreal few . . . What a group).
But it blows my mind -- and I admire her for this -- that she can quote the bible, and tout her church-goin' ways in defense of EVIL INCARNATE (Trump) while, with the same determination (and with no sense of irony), she can level bible-based, holier-than-thou accusations of EVILNESS at those who disagree with Trump. Maybe I admire the shamelessness of her purely distilled hypocrisy, wrapped in delusion, that gets her thought the day? I need to pray about it, I guess, and ask, WWJD?
WWJD? He would not grab professional colleagues by the p*ssy, for starters. He also would tell me to stop thinking so much. Thinking gets you nowhere.
PS: I almost gave Sarah's book 3 stars. It is an entertaining read if you suspend visceral disgust concerning anything Trump. But, this book is -- at its core -- a fluff campaign biography introducing "Tough Sarah, Mommy Sarah, Politically Decisive & Worldly Sophisticate Sarah," to the voting public of Arkansas in her run for Governor. She's on the campaign trail now. Right now. She had a 10 point lead as of polling from mid-February 2022.
(1) Trump viscerally nauseates me: he is a guy beneath the dignity of ANY elected office (let alone the Presidency). He has the instincts of a two-bit, tin-pot, dictator. He is corrupt. In plain view, he actively sought to overthrow the 2020 election by mafia-like threats, arm twisting, name calling, crucifying Pence, and inciting outright insurrection; and
(2) Sarah enabled Trump, defended Trump, she carried his water in blind loyalty. WWII had been started in large part by those who blindly followed Hitler, as just one comparison. And,
(3) yet, she did her job well -- really well -- without regard for what people said or thought about her. Her job was to speak for the goon elected President, and she did her job.
I honestly found her, in her TV work, to be a nightmare. A witch. A snide and foul humored spokeswomen. Yet I admired her -- she did her job under tough conditions. She defended Trump. And she didn't give a damn who liked her and who did not. She was truly rebellious, defiant, and deadpan in her media dealings. I respected her for that. Who doesn't like a rebel?
This book is at its worst when Sarah writes as if all the horrific turmoil she faced was somehow NOT CAUSED by Trump. Somehow this chaos was inflicted upon the innocent, passive President, if you believe her account. Trump was just a nice guy trying to do his job. She will not own the fact that Trump WANTED the chaos. He brought the chaos -- he provoked it. Her deification of Trump is pure Bullsh*t.
The book is at its worst when she attacks mean-spirited, less than civil behavior DIRECTED AT her and at the White House, while ignoring the insulting, demeaning statements and tweets, the name calling, the gutter-mouth, school yard bully antics COMING FROM Trump in the White House.
Hey, Sarah: the leader sets the tone, and the insults, plus the demeaning, vulgar, cursing, and p*ssy grabbing behavior, of your boss eroded national civility from the top down. Sarah will not own it. Trump, to hear her tell it, is a deity and she feels that he can do no wrong.
This book is at its best when it shows Trump behaving like a normal, nice person behind the scenes. Until the "protocol people" told him to knock it off, Trump kept offering $100 tips to the White House staff and to the Security Service members assigned to him. Trump is nice to children. Trump is funny.
When Trump and his Chief of Staff John Kelly heard that Kim Jong-un (allegedly) flirted with Sarah and WINKED (winked!) at her during the Singapore meetings, the two guys burst out laughing at just the thought of this "star crossed love-mismatch," AND THEN debated, right there with Sarah, whether Kim Jong-un had "hit on" Sarah or not! The stories about Trump behaving like a normal person, treating women as equals, with a level of concern and a sense of humor, rarely seen, and with a kindness, a generosity, and a human touch -- things that he would NEVER display in public -- is believable in this retelling, and refreshing to imagine.
The book is at its best when it describes Sarah's life as a public servant in the limelight, and the horrible hours and crazy work tasks for which she was responsible. It was all consuming. She rarely saw her small children for extended lengths of time. She spent more time at the White House than at her own house. But she spent ZERO time at any of the Houses of Kim Jong-un!
It is also fun to read tales about how, and when, her life crossed paths with the Clintons, and how she inherited Chelsea's bedroom in the Arkansas Governor's Mansion. She spent her life -- as a child -- growing up in her dad's shadow. In the White House, she met the likes of Queen Elizabeth, Kanye West, Kim Jong-un, Ivanka, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, VP Pence, Supreme Court Justices, Kim Kardashian -- to name a few (a surreal few . . . What a group).
But it blows my mind -- and I admire her for this -- that she can quote the bible, and tout her church-goin' ways in defense of EVIL INCARNATE (Trump) while, with the same determination (and with no sense of irony), she can level bible-based, holier-than-thou accusations of EVILNESS at those who disagree with Trump. Maybe I admire the shamelessness of her purely distilled hypocrisy, wrapped in delusion, that gets her thought the day? I need to pray about it, I guess, and ask, WWJD?
WWJD? He would not grab professional colleagues by the p*ssy, for starters. He also would tell me to stop thinking so much. Thinking gets you nowhere.
PS: I almost gave Sarah's book 3 stars. It is an entertaining read if you suspend visceral disgust concerning anything Trump. But, this book is -- at its core -- a fluff campaign biography introducing "Tough Sarah, Mommy Sarah, Politically Decisive & Worldly Sophisticate Sarah," to the voting public of Arkansas in her run for Governor. She's on the campaign trail now. Right now. She had a 10 point lead as of polling from mid-February 2022.
January 18, 2021
I am not sure what made me pick this book up from the library; maybe I was looking for something more 'honest' about the White House of Trump. This book was not it. Sarah has definitely 'drunk the kool-aid.' Although she likes to call herself a "Christian" she has no problem with name-calling and using hateful language for those who don't agree with Donald Trump. To quote Sarah, this book "is nothing more than a poorly executed PR stunt ... to desperately rehabilitate a tattered reputation and enrich his own bank account by peddling a book that belongs on the bargain bin of the fiction section." She was talking about Comey's book here but I think it applies to hers as well. She goes out of her way to let us know that the president calls Chuck Todd a sleepy-eyed son of a b, and doesn't say she disagrees with that assessment. Multiple times she refers to crazy liberal Democrats and it is apparent that she hates the Clinton's as well. She thinks it is is funny when the government waits until the last minute to cancel a trip that Nancy Pelosi was going to take during the government shut-down: "Pelosi and the rest of her delegation had already boarded buses and were en-route to the airport when they received the letter, courtesy of my Twitter account." She is no better than the disgraced Donald Trump, who fires people by Twitter because he doesn't have the grace and courage to do it in person.
Don't expect any calls for unity here, because there are none. Her shameful name-calling make her a polarizing figure and hypocrite. Her 'humble bragging' about helping small businesses during the pandemic while "Biden" works from his basement, is also disgusting. God help the people if she ever does decide to run for governor of Arkansas, as she repeatedly says Donald Trump has advised her to do.
The only thing that saves this book from being a one or no-star is that it is fairly well written. But that is it. Do not bother to read this book.
Don't expect any calls for unity here, because there are none. Her shameful name-calling make her a polarizing figure and hypocrite. Her 'humble bragging' about helping small businesses during the pandemic while "Biden" works from his basement, is also disgusting. God help the people if she ever does decide to run for governor of Arkansas, as she repeatedly says Donald Trump has advised her to do.
The only thing that saves this book from being a one or no-star is that it is fairly well written. But that is it. Do not bother to read this book.
September 23, 2020
A delightful and well-written memoir of Sarah's life so far. You will be spell-bound from the very first chapter as she takes us along on Air Force One, on a super secret mission with many of the government leaders including the president and the first lady. Destination, Iraq to spread a lot of Christmas cheer with our American soldiers. Later she takes us into "the Beast," the presidents official car - a unique Cadillac, and throughout the book she walks you through the many special rooms of the White House. Another trip is off to visit with British royalty in the famous castles and cathedrals of England. There are funny stories about her kids, and sad stories of people who try to demonize this gracious, faith-driven and beautiful lady. All in all, it's an excellent and informative read and one you can share with your children.
September 14, 2020
What An Awesome Lady!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Sarah has truly set the bar very high for others to follow and strive to accomplish! While facing the harsh backlash from those that oppose President Trump, Sarah kept her cool and showed what real Americans are like. While telling her awesome story she showed that the Whitehouse and the people who work for our country are truly human with good days and bad days and able to face the storm of opposition and still accomplish so much! May God continue to Bless and Guide Sarah and all the people who have worked so hard to make this Country Great again! This book should be made required reading for students of today! Continue your hard work Sarah and God Bless you and your wonderful family! Awesome!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Sarah has truly set the bar very high for others to follow and strive to accomplish! While facing the harsh backlash from those that oppose President Trump, Sarah kept her cool and showed what real Americans are like. While telling her awesome story she showed that the Whitehouse and the people who work for our country are truly human with good days and bad days and able to face the storm of opposition and still accomplish so much! May God continue to Bless and Guide Sarah and all the people who have worked so hard to make this Country Great again! This book should be made required reading for students of today! Continue your hard work Sarah and God Bless you and your wonderful family! Awesome!!
October 21, 2020
Disappointing. I don’t know what I expected. Perhaps a more candid look at behind the scenes at the Whitehouse. Maybe an unbiased opinion of what it was like to work there. I didn’t expect Sarah to trash the president but this was such a totally whitewashed portrayal of the Trump administration, continually lavishing praise on him and all the wonderful things he’s done while criticizing the Democrats and the media. I give her credit for her loyalty to her job and her family but this book felt like an ad campaign to re-elect Trump in the 2020 election.
November 12, 2021
Fantastic read! I've always been interested in what happens behind the curtain in the White House and this puts it all out there. Real accounts of what really happens and how it all works. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is an amazing, strong and resilient person and I can't wait to see what she does next.
October 30, 2020
I wasn’t initially interested in Sarah Huckabee Sanders but after hearing a few interviews with her on this book, I decided to take the plunge. I’m now a SHS fan-girl. This book was interesting, hilarious, and meaningful.
September 20, 2020
Loved reading Sarah Sanders's candid recount of her time inside the Trump White House. She's a great role model for young girls and women.
November 15, 2020
To be fair, my father, who is a die-hard Fox News junkie and uber-conservative sent me this book with a note stating it was "one of the best books he'd read". I cannot say I found that to be the case for me, but perhaps the fact that I am a registered Independent, and can't abide ANY form of "entertainment disguised as news", swayed my opinion. Sarah Sanders makes it clear, up-front and often, that she is straightforward Fox material, and she is a fan of Donald Trump. That alone has me questioning her judgement. Having said all of that, I did enjoy the biography portion of the book, and learned a bit about how she came to work in the Trump Administration.
Her writing style if simple and direct, though she is wittier than I realized, which was appreciated in light of the subject matter of the day to day White House material. This book contained no "palace intrigue" and VERY little critical analysis of the Administration or it's participants. She is all on board with the Trump kool-aid, and can't gush enough about him. For that reason, I'm giving the book two stars. It was definitely "politics lite", and it's clear she is hoping for a Governorship in the little state of Arkansas, where she will probably do a good enough job.
Her writing style if simple and direct, though she is wittier than I realized, which was appreciated in light of the subject matter of the day to day White House material. This book contained no "palace intrigue" and VERY little critical analysis of the Administration or it's participants. She is all on board with the Trump kool-aid, and can't gush enough about him. For that reason, I'm giving the book two stars. It was definitely "politics lite", and it's clear she is hoping for a Governorship in the little state of Arkansas, where she will probably do a good enough job.
September 24, 2020
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook read by Sarah Huckabee Sanders. It felt as thought she was reading from her journal. I found the details of her life as the governor’s daughter in Arkansas so fascinating. I enjoyed hearing how she met her husband and her path to becoming press secretary for President Trump. I enjoyed hearing personal stories of Trump from her sitting next to Prince Charles to her last days in Washington! I hope you do run for Governor of Arkansas! Great book and I hope you write more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
Enjoyed the information about Sanders life and life in the White House but it kind of all ran together with little delineation or organization. All the names and the timeline got confusing. I really like Sarah Huckabee Sanders, though.
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