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Take Up Space: The Unprecedented AOC
A stunning four-color biography of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the bestselling tradition of Notorious RBG and Pelosi that explores her explosive rise and impact on the future of American culture and politics.
The candidate was young—twenty-eight years old, a child of Puerto Rico, the Bronx, and Yorktown Heights. She was working as a waitress and bartender. She was completely unknown, and taking on a ten-term incumbent in a city famous for protecting its political institutions. “Women like me aren’t supposed to run for office,” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a video launching her campaign, the camera following her as she hastily pulled her hair into a bun. But she did. And in perhaps the most stunning upset in recent memory, she won. At twenty-nine, she was sworn in as the youngest member of the 116th Congress and became the youngest woman to serve as a representative in United States history.
Before long, Ocasio-Cortez had earned her own shorthand title—AOC—and was one of the most talked-about public figures (loved and loathed) in the world. Her natural ability to connect with everyday people through the social media feeds grew her following into the multimillions. Every statement she made, every tweet and Instagram Live, went viral, and her term had barely begun before people were speculating that she could one day be president. The question seemed to be on everyone’s mind: How did this woman come from nowhere to acquire such influence, and so fast?
Now, in Take Up Space , that question is answered through a kaleidoscopic biography by the editors of New York magazine that features the riveting account of her rise by Lisa Miller, an essay by Rebecca Traister that explains why she is an unprecedented figure in American politics, and multiform explorations (reportage, comic, history, analysis, photography) of AOC’s outsize impact on American culture and politics. Throughout, AOC is revealed in all her power and vulnerability, and understood in the context of the fast-changing America that made her possible—and perhaps even inevitable.
The candidate was young—twenty-eight years old, a child of Puerto Rico, the Bronx, and Yorktown Heights. She was working as a waitress and bartender. She was completely unknown, and taking on a ten-term incumbent in a city famous for protecting its political institutions. “Women like me aren’t supposed to run for office,” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in a video launching her campaign, the camera following her as she hastily pulled her hair into a bun. But she did. And in perhaps the most stunning upset in recent memory, she won. At twenty-nine, she was sworn in as the youngest member of the 116th Congress and became the youngest woman to serve as a representative in United States history.
Before long, Ocasio-Cortez had earned her own shorthand title—AOC—and was one of the most talked-about public figures (loved and loathed) in the world. Her natural ability to connect with everyday people through the social media feeds grew her following into the multimillions. Every statement she made, every tweet and Instagram Live, went viral, and her term had barely begun before people were speculating that she could one day be president. The question seemed to be on everyone’s mind: How did this woman come from nowhere to acquire such influence, and so fast?
Now, in Take Up Space , that question is answered through a kaleidoscopic biography by the editors of New York magazine that features the riveting account of her rise by Lisa Miller, an essay by Rebecca Traister that explains why she is an unprecedented figure in American politics, and multiform explorations (reportage, comic, history, analysis, photography) of AOC’s outsize impact on American culture and politics. Throughout, AOC is revealed in all her power and vulnerability, and understood in the context of the fast-changing America that made her possible—and perhaps even inevitable.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
24 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Miller
121 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 8, 2022
An objective view of a political phenomenon. The book kept her human and explored the points and curves of what this very smart young lady is negotiating to be her best self in a selfish cruel world.
July 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions below are my own.
I did not quite enjoy reading this biography of American politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Truthfully speaking, I did not have high expectations beforehand, so I was not severely disappointed.
However, I did like certain parts of the book. For example, I found Alexandria's relationship with Puerto Rico and her life out of college very intriguing.
Despite all that, the writing felt dull. I found the biography empty, even though I find AOC inspiring.
If you appreciate this exact literary genre or know nothing about the youngest woman in history to serve in the United States Congress, this book is for you.
I did not quite enjoy reading this biography of American politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Truthfully speaking, I did not have high expectations beforehand, so I was not severely disappointed.
However, I did like certain parts of the book. For example, I found Alexandria's relationship with Puerto Rico and her life out of college very intriguing.
Despite all that, the writing felt dull. I found the biography empty, even though I find AOC inspiring.
If you appreciate this exact literary genre or know nothing about the youngest woman in history to serve in the United States Congress, this book is for you.
August 26, 2022
3.5
read this to do a lil self-care for my inner political science minor. it was solid! I loved the formatting (it had footnotes that sent you back to articles written about AOC during the era it was talking about). I learned a lot, and while it felt slightly repetitive and heavy at times, it was a very digestible nonfiction.
if you are ~deeply~ interested in AOC and politics, I recommend it! if you're interested a normal amount, I highly recommend the documentary "knock down the house." a lot of this book was just recapping that (sometimes describing the documentary scenes frame-by-frame lol).
I love learning! I love books!
read this to do a lil self-care for my inner political science minor. it was solid! I loved the formatting (it had footnotes that sent you back to articles written about AOC during the era it was talking about). I learned a lot, and while it felt slightly repetitive and heavy at times, it was a very digestible nonfiction.
if you are ~deeply~ interested in AOC and politics, I recommend it! if you're interested a normal amount, I highly recommend the documentary "knock down the house." a lot of this book was just recapping that (sometimes describing the documentary scenes frame-by-frame lol).
I love learning! I love books!
December 21, 2022
I liked that this portrait was balanced, highlighting her political shortcomings as much as her strengths.
I grapple with the choice to incorporate her appearance so much into the narrative. The authors and the subject both mention their frustration with how much politics focuses on the appearances and dressing choices of female candidates. The authors provide so many descriptions of these very things with regards to AOC, however, that I fear they in fact perpetuate the very value system they purport to want to dismantle!
Overall, I thought it was enjoyable and made me appreciate the impact that AOC has had on los EE.UU.
I grapple with the choice to incorporate her appearance so much into the narrative. The authors and the subject both mention their frustration with how much politics focuses on the appearances and dressing choices of female candidates. The authors provide so many descriptions of these very things with regards to AOC, however, that I fear they in fact perpetuate the very value system they purport to want to dismantle!
Overall, I thought it was enjoyable and made me appreciate the impact that AOC has had on los EE.UU.
March 18, 2022
God I fucking love this woman with all of my being.
February 25, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I thought I knew a lot about Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez before reading, but I found that I learned so much more by reading this unique and well researched book. The book tells the story of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez to this day, starting with her early life with her family, then it continues to her days at Boston University and interning in Senator Ted Kennedy’s office, the author then report on her run for Congress and finally they goes in depth on major storylines involving Ocasio-Cortez during her time in Congress so far. I enjoyed this book and was impressed how the author weaved all their different writing styles and pieces of work together in one book to tell one story.
I thought I knew a lot about Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez before reading, but I found that I learned so much more by reading this unique and well researched book. The book tells the story of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez to this day, starting with her early life with her family, then it continues to her days at Boston University and interning in Senator Ted Kennedy’s office, the author then report on her run for Congress and finally they goes in depth on major storylines involving Ocasio-Cortez during her time in Congress so far. I enjoyed this book and was impressed how the author weaved all their different writing styles and pieces of work together in one book to tell one story.
December 21, 2022
3.5
An insightful look at AOC, into her political start, and her ideologies. While the biography was interesting to learn about Alexandra herself, I enjoyed the final essays that were reports, interviews, essays from other writiers about specific people and events surrounding AOC. They may have seemed redundant to someone who follows all the AOC news, but I don't so it was more interesting insight. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning about AOC and maybe some very light perspective into a couple political points.
This was a great look into AOC's early political start. The biography was a bit more about AOC before politics, and how her passion for social equality kind of placed her on her political path, rather than that she persued it herself. I didn't know she was a biology major at college, or that her brother nominated her as a potential political candidate.
The later essays, articles, and interviews were enlightening and pointed looks at specific events or political policies, and her relationships - mostly political but at least one personal. I liked these as they added depth to her story as they were more about how she reacted to events rather than just about her personality. They put her political vision into focus, and I came away impressed by her values and long term goals.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced e-copy.
An insightful look at AOC, into her political start, and her ideologies. While the biography was interesting to learn about Alexandra herself, I enjoyed the final essays that were reports, interviews, essays from other writiers about specific people and events surrounding AOC. They may have seemed redundant to someone who follows all the AOC news, but I don't so it was more interesting insight. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning about AOC and maybe some very light perspective into a couple political points.
This was a great look into AOC's early political start. The biography was a bit more about AOC before politics, and how her passion for social equality kind of placed her on her political path, rather than that she persued it herself. I didn't know she was a biology major at college, or that her brother nominated her as a potential political candidate.
The later essays, articles, and interviews were enlightening and pointed looks at specific events or political policies, and her relationships - mostly political but at least one personal. I liked these as they added depth to her story as they were more about how she reacted to events rather than just about her personality. They put her political vision into focus, and I came away impressed by her values and long term goals.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced e-copy.
Read
May 15, 2022Finished the biography part and some of the appendix. AOC is fascinating to read about and this book was engaging. It’s very “of the moment”. I’ll be interested to see if there are updated versions in the future.
January 18, 2022
Remember the 90s and early 2000s when everyone’s female role model was Hillary Clinton? And then the sudden cultural shift into crucifying her every action and inaction during her unsuccessful presidential bids. I wonder if there will ever come a time when even AOC will transition from being the cool, progressive global icon to the shrill, “unlikable” stalwart? It seems like the inevitable fate of every woman in a position of power as she ages and gets confident in her authority.
Take Up Space tracks the internal and external machinations that propelled AOC to super stardom. A significant amount of energy is spent decoding the effects of social media and of influencer culture on politics, which is absolutely essential analysis. Another facet explored is the complexity of navigating race, gender and class in a system built to favor cis white men.
If you are looking for an unbiased and objective study of AOC then this book might not be the answer. However, that's okay because I am not an unbiased reader. I unabashedly stan AOC, and so does this book.
[NetGalley ARC]
Take Up Space tracks the internal and external machinations that propelled AOC to super stardom. A significant amount of energy is spent decoding the effects of social media and of influencer culture on politics, which is absolutely essential analysis. Another facet explored is the complexity of navigating race, gender and class in a system built to favor cis white men.
If you are looking for an unbiased and objective study of AOC then this book might not be the answer. However, that's okay because I am not an unbiased reader. I unabashedly stan AOC, and so does this book.
[NetGalley ARC]
May 15, 2022
I'm not sure what to think of this book. The barely-there narrative of the biography section is disjointed and unfocused. The rest of the book is a collection of rehashed essays and articles by magazine writers, as well as transcripts of AOC speeches or social media posts. There are a couple of interesting nuggets of information here and there, but nothing really new or engrossing.
April 8, 2025
This is the first biography I’ve ever read. It’s interesting hearing “facts” about someone’s life and achievements but never drilling a layer deeper to understand their why, beyond what’s out in the public realm already.
“Successfully sounding normal online means constant, intuitive self-editing. Exposure is always selective and strategic.”
For Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), this wasn’t too difficult for Lisa Miller & the editors of New York magazine to pull together as she lives out loud online. For her, “Social media is community organising but at an algorithmic scale.”
“You don’t become a powerful person by accident.”
From her time in Boston University to her first online campaign video, instagram lives, and refreshing approach to politics, Lisa does an incredible job of showing us how intelligent & intentional AOC has been about the power moves she’s made in her career so far. As the youngest ever elected female to Congress, she’s an undeniable force to be reckoned with, challenging big tech like Zuckerberg’s Meta following the Cambridge Analytics scandal or Amazon for its irresponsible factory / warehouse operations. AOC empowers young women to be unapologetically themselves; interested in fashion and beauty as much as they are human rights and organising.
“Stop trying to navigate systems of power and build your own power.”
“Successfully sounding normal online means constant, intuitive self-editing. Exposure is always selective and strategic.”
For Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), this wasn’t too difficult for Lisa Miller & the editors of New York magazine to pull together as she lives out loud online. For her, “Social media is community organising but at an algorithmic scale.”
“You don’t become a powerful person by accident.”
From her time in Boston University to her first online campaign video, instagram lives, and refreshing approach to politics, Lisa does an incredible job of showing us how intelligent & intentional AOC has been about the power moves she’s made in her career so far. As the youngest ever elected female to Congress, she’s an undeniable force to be reckoned with, challenging big tech like Zuckerberg’s Meta following the Cambridge Analytics scandal or Amazon for its irresponsible factory / warehouse operations. AOC empowers young women to be unapologetically themselves; interested in fashion and beauty as much as they are human rights and organising.
“Stop trying to navigate systems of power and build your own power.”
December 2, 2022
An inspiring read & the first on my new Kindle (I’m sorry, AOC 😬). The last 100 pages is a collection of commentary, analysis, & speeches. I wish it was better utilized. It felt like a regurgitation of everything I already read.
March 21, 2025
I read this book for womens history month and because I am a fan of AOC. I went into it prepared to probably not finish it as non-fiction is not usually something I am super into but then finished it in 4 days.
July 15, 2022
Can’t believe this is rated 3.7 on GR! It’s super engaging and enlightening, especially if you only know AOC from her clapback tweets and GND
February 10, 2022
The Editors of New York Magazine, Take Up Space The Unprecedented AOC,
Avid Reader Press, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster 2022.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Take Up Space is a tremendous read.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an engaging political figure who has managed to find her way through the criticism that anyone with such star qualities usually faces, some mistakes and poor decision-making, the need to develop passionate beliefs into workable policy initiatives and engaging with the various political initiatives and their supporters (sometimes with star quality of their own) that make up the Democratic Party. For anyone dealing with progressive politics and concerned with how to make them work for a largely moderate oriented constituency and with those who recommend them, this book is a valuable tool towards understanding how to achieve what seems insurmountable.
The honesty in acknowledging that moderates, progressives and ‘star’ individuals working together works only sometimes and is not particularly easy for many of the people involved, is part of the appeal of this book. Although it is not couched as a debate between the ‘progressives’ and ‘moderates’ in the Democratic Party, people who are not committed to seeing Ocasio-Cortez and her aspirations as always right (or always wrong), can find material for thought here. There will always be conflict between different groups within a party, and the Democratic Party is certainly not immune. However, Take Up Space provides hope for those who want to make working together to win government and achieve policy aims – some very progressive, others perhaps a little less so – a success. Learning what can be achieved is a hard task, but so is learning to seek as much as possible. There will probably always be conflict around someone such as Ocasio-Cortez. This book promotes understanding of both her and the party she wants to be an essential part of and contributor to, without losing the essential nature of their aspirations.
There are two parts: Part One concentrates on Ocasio-Cortez and her background, her winning the primary against a seemingly daunting Democratic figure, her gaining her seat in Congress and what she does in this capacity. Part Two is a welcome contribution to dealing with some of the detail of the earlier section. A number of people who contributed to the policies Ocasio-Cortez developed and helped shepherd through the groups in and out of Congress write about their particular knowledge of Ocasio-Cortez and the policies she espouses.
This is an easy-to-read biography and supplementary material. There is some repetition, but perhaps that is inevitable where essays are used to provide different perspectives on earlier information.
Regardless of the variety of contributions there is no doubt that the writers are great supporters of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and her views. On the other hand, some of the conflicts with her own staff and Congressional supporters are referred to, as is her preparedness at times to accommodate alternative views, or at least work to further the interests of the Democratic Party by accepting her role cannot always to be a star standing against the inevitability of compromise that impacts all progressive political parties.
Avid Reader Press, Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster 2022.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Take Up Space is a tremendous read.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an engaging political figure who has managed to find her way through the criticism that anyone with such star qualities usually faces, some mistakes and poor decision-making, the need to develop passionate beliefs into workable policy initiatives and engaging with the various political initiatives and their supporters (sometimes with star quality of their own) that make up the Democratic Party. For anyone dealing with progressive politics and concerned with how to make them work for a largely moderate oriented constituency and with those who recommend them, this book is a valuable tool towards understanding how to achieve what seems insurmountable.
The honesty in acknowledging that moderates, progressives and ‘star’ individuals working together works only sometimes and is not particularly easy for many of the people involved, is part of the appeal of this book. Although it is not couched as a debate between the ‘progressives’ and ‘moderates’ in the Democratic Party, people who are not committed to seeing Ocasio-Cortez and her aspirations as always right (or always wrong), can find material for thought here. There will always be conflict between different groups within a party, and the Democratic Party is certainly not immune. However, Take Up Space provides hope for those who want to make working together to win government and achieve policy aims – some very progressive, others perhaps a little less so – a success. Learning what can be achieved is a hard task, but so is learning to seek as much as possible. There will probably always be conflict around someone such as Ocasio-Cortez. This book promotes understanding of both her and the party she wants to be an essential part of and contributor to, without losing the essential nature of their aspirations.
There are two parts: Part One concentrates on Ocasio-Cortez and her background, her winning the primary against a seemingly daunting Democratic figure, her gaining her seat in Congress and what she does in this capacity. Part Two is a welcome contribution to dealing with some of the detail of the earlier section. A number of people who contributed to the policies Ocasio-Cortez developed and helped shepherd through the groups in and out of Congress write about their particular knowledge of Ocasio-Cortez and the policies she espouses.
This is an easy-to-read biography and supplementary material. There is some repetition, but perhaps that is inevitable where essays are used to provide different perspectives on earlier information.
Regardless of the variety of contributions there is no doubt that the writers are great supporters of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and her views. On the other hand, some of the conflicts with her own staff and Congressional supporters are referred to, as is her preparedness at times to accommodate alternative views, or at least work to further the interests of the Democratic Party by accepting her role cannot always to be a star standing against the inevitability of compromise that impacts all progressive political parties.
November 5, 2022
interesting and fascinating biography on New York Congresswoman Alexandra Osacio-Cortez.
February 21, 2022
Take Up Space is the gloriously realized and wonderful biased biography of based political and cultural icon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The essays presented here take us through her childhood and early education, her BU years, her stunning run for office and eventual establishment in Congress. As anyone who's ever watched even a second of media coverage on AOC should know, she's what the MSM terms a "polarizing" figure, which in plain terms simply means she has strong beliefs and isn't afraid to use her considerable voice and social media presence to stand behind them. The editors of New York Magazine know exactly the crowd they're writing for here and while the (deserved) admiration and mythologizing is clear in the narrative, it's also peppered with refreshingly humanizing details and moments to remind us of the real person behind the biting Twitter quips and Zuckerberg-eviscerating questioning.
Take Up Space certainly isn't going to win over any regular Fox News viewers, but as someone who's favorite subreddit clocks in as r/murderedbyAOC, I'm all here for it baby,
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Avid Reader Press and Netgalley**
Take Up Space certainly isn't going to win over any regular Fox News viewers, but as someone who's favorite subreddit clocks in as r/murderedbyAOC, I'm all here for it baby,
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Avid Reader Press and Netgalley**
March 9, 2022
Take Up Space by the Editors of New York Magazine is a woven together biography of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I am a former constituent of AOC and also a big supporter. I will say that if you have followed her career or read about her then there isn't a lot of new information about AOC. We learn about her childhood in the Bronx, her families big move to Westchester and then her college life. I loved learning about her college career and also her race against Joe Crowley. It is accurately depicted. I think you can get an incredible insight to her connections and attitudes to help others and expose injustice. What was new to me was learning many of her philosophies, like her mantra over her first glass of water during the day. I'm also very glad The Editors did not shy away from brining the racism and misogyny she has had to face throughout her life.
I highly recommend this biography for all American history buffs, fans of AOC and for those looking into how they can get involved in changing the world for the positive.
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this biography for all American history buffs, fans of AOC and for those looking into how they can get involved in changing the world for the positive.
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2022
Gosh, this book was fun to read. It’s unconventional in that the front half is a biography while the back half contains a variety of different types of writing / journalism (including graphic novel, screenshots, and interviews) all of which tie to different sections of the biography. Going into the biography, I wasn’t sure if it would be redundant with what was covered in the documentary Knock Down the House, but was pleased to find it contains much more depth and personal color than I expected it would. Whether you like her politics or not, I think it’s undeniable that AOC as the youngest Congresswoman ever to be elected is both a fascinating and important part of our contemporary political history. That said, this is definitely a “pro-AOC” text (which tbh, is what I was hoping for when I picked it up!) and reads as such! ✨🇺🇸🇵🇷✨
January 31, 2022
This book is really well researched, you can feel that every moment of AOC’s public life was analyzed and studied in this collection of essays. As someone that is not from the US, I was familiar with her views and some of the moments that are told in this book. However, not everything had reached me so I learned a lot of new information and I can say I understand better her political journey now. In terms of information, I have nothing negative to point out, what I felt was a bit lacking was the prose and it also felt a bit scattered and repetitive.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 19, 2022
Take Up Space: the Unprecedented AOC by the Editors of New York Magazine
A big thank you to @avidreaderpress for the opportunity to read this eARC. Publication date is February 22 for this book and is available now for preorder.
Although Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s political career and life has been relatively short, she has made an irrevocably large impact on the current political landscape. From ushering constituents behind the curtain and being unapologetically honest to being ruthless and persistent in the pursuit of her goals and what is right, AOC is the definition of unprecedented. This biography begins in AOC’s formative years in school through the present, exploring what inspired her career moves and what makes her tick.
This biography was incredibly comprehensive and well-written. I found it very easy to follow and the story very inspiring.
What I Liked:
• The storytelling aspect in this book is outstanding. This read like a friend of AOC’s sat down for coffee with me and told me about her life in different phases. Biographies written in this format are my favorite to read.
• The organization flowed really well. The breakdown of phases of her life kept this structured and made reading easy to follow.
• The fire that this brought to my heart was great. I have been captivated by AOC’s story since she was elected but sadly never took the time to really dive in and learn about her background. The story is so inspiring.
What I Thought Needed Improvement:
• The scrolling functionality was a little bit persnickety. You swiped up for page turning rather than tapping on the right hand side and I found myself accidentally changing pages when I was not ready.
• Formatting of the blank pages in between chapters. It created dead space and was a little bit awkward.
• The ratio/aspect of the photographs showed up a little odd. Maybe reducing them down would be ideal.
A big thank you to @avidreaderpress for the opportunity to read this eARC. Publication date is February 22 for this book and is available now for preorder.
Although Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez’s political career and life has been relatively short, she has made an irrevocably large impact on the current political landscape. From ushering constituents behind the curtain and being unapologetically honest to being ruthless and persistent in the pursuit of her goals and what is right, AOC is the definition of unprecedented. This biography begins in AOC’s formative years in school through the present, exploring what inspired her career moves and what makes her tick.
This biography was incredibly comprehensive and well-written. I found it very easy to follow and the story very inspiring.
What I Liked:
• The storytelling aspect in this book is outstanding. This read like a friend of AOC’s sat down for coffee with me and told me about her life in different phases. Biographies written in this format are my favorite to read.
• The organization flowed really well. The breakdown of phases of her life kept this structured and made reading easy to follow.
• The fire that this brought to my heart was great. I have been captivated by AOC’s story since she was elected but sadly never took the time to really dive in and learn about her background. The story is so inspiring.
What I Thought Needed Improvement:
• The scrolling functionality was a little bit persnickety. You swiped up for page turning rather than tapping on the right hand side and I found myself accidentally changing pages when I was not ready.
• Formatting of the blank pages in between chapters. It created dead space and was a little bit awkward.
• The ratio/aspect of the photographs showed up a little odd. Maybe reducing them down would be ideal.
March 29, 2022
The first half of the book was more straightforward and concise. Plus, it painted a picture of AOC grew up in a working-class family and started as a bartender with family responsibilities and debts she had to pay off. Unlike other politicians, she didn't attend a prestigious university like Yale, Columbia, and Harvard like Obama and her predecessors. However, she did attend Boston University, which is still a well-known research university. I also appreciated learning that she was an introvert and that after a long day, she would much rather either play League of Legends or watch RuPaul's Drag Queen Race. AOC is savy with social media, and used it to her advantage when helping out with political campaigns and running for Congress with the help of the Justice Democrats.
The second half was a bit lackluster and didn't hold my attention though I still learned a lot about her "leftist socialist-leaning" politics. Thinking about it, she and Bernie would be considered liberal or left-leaning in Western European and Northern European countries since they support universal healthcare and left-leaning policies that Americans would freak out over.
The second half was a bit lackluster and didn't hold my attention though I still learned a lot about her "leftist socialist-leaning" politics. Thinking about it, she and Bernie would be considered liberal or left-leaning in Western European and Northern European countries since they support universal healthcare and left-leaning policies that Americans would freak out over.
February 18, 2023
If you're looking for an unbiased biography of one of the youngest female politicians in modern history, this is not your book. Instead, the first half is a biography about how Sandy became AOC, and the second half is some beat journalism on her roles and reactions within the political sphere, the Bronx, and Puerto Rico. I thought this combo of bio and beat was genius, as it shares her media misfires and Twitter dunks, all in the same tome. It was encouraging to read her mantras, including the titular "take up space", as well as learn about the folks who stood behind (and with) her throughout her life, such as her brother's nomination that eventually led to her win against Crowley, to her complicated relationship with "Tio" Sanders, to how Biden landed on AOC for shaping sustainability initiatives, a la Green New Deal. There aren't many direct quotes from AOC herself, but there is rhetorical analysis of IG Live videos, as well as AOC's entire speech on Yoho's blatant sexism to womxn everywhere. This bio major, former waitress, and loud and proud socialist is taking up space, and I'm with her.
December 22, 2025
Woah what a well compiled body of text!!! AOC is a cool human, and not only is it inspiring to learn about her journey from bartender Sandy to congresswoman AOC, the book is written very well. I appreciate that it frames AOC in a positive, but thoughtfully nuanced way. As a fellow lover of democracy, I can appreciate when a political publication can unabashedly offer a dissenting opinion to the main narrative at play.
Though I myself have never lived in Queens nor felt truly marginalized because of my racial or socioeconomic background, I got emotional imagining individuals within AOCs district seeing!!! True!!!! Genuine!!! Real!!!! Representation!!! On Capitol Hill!!!!!
May this figure and this publication pave way for a future of non-corporate sell out leaders to come. PS Facebook does not care about the truth, just what will keep users coming back. plz spare yourself and stay away from Facebook (marketplace can stay) and do not let your brain space be hijacked by algorithms that do not value your worth as a human. for a good time go to the chapter that features AOCs famous Mark Zuckerberg crossfire.
Though I myself have never lived in Queens nor felt truly marginalized because of my racial or socioeconomic background, I got emotional imagining individuals within AOCs district seeing!!! True!!!! Genuine!!! Real!!!! Representation!!! On Capitol Hill!!!!!
May this figure and this publication pave way for a future of non-corporate sell out leaders to come. PS Facebook does not care about the truth, just what will keep users coming back. plz spare yourself and stay away from Facebook (marketplace can stay) and do not let your brain space be hijacked by algorithms that do not value your worth as a human. for a good time go to the chapter that features AOCs famous Mark Zuckerberg crossfire.
November 28, 2022
You are a blessing to the world. Your talents are a blessing to the world.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is one of the most influential, intriguing and relatable politicians of our time. What I love about AOC is her raw authenticity in and out of politics. Many conservatives and even some liberals do not like AOC because she represents the very people tries to abandon and infringe. This read explains why. If you had little knowledge of AOC, this book is readable for those who do not follow her nor follow politics.
I will say that the the first 200 pages of this read is discombobulated. Although interesting, the biography was written out of order. However, the second half is far more intriguing and organized, thanks to the editors of NY Magazine. Each mini essay is written with a clear topic and message that will leave readers with a greater understanding of the makings of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
I will say that the the first 200 pages of this read is discombobulated. Although interesting, the biography was written out of order. However, the second half is far more intriguing and organized, thanks to the editors of NY Magazine. Each mini essay is written with a clear topic and message that will leave readers with a greater understanding of the makings of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
August 26, 2023
Intriguing. I enjoyed reading firsthand accounts of AOC. She exemplifies a strong, brave, courageous female who walks in her truth, a very rare find today. While I may not agree with all her opinions and perspectives, I have a better understanding of why she has these beliefs. I appreciate her raw communication style where she confronts misogyny and sexism with fierce confidence. I certainly see why so many are afraid or intimidated by her success as her confidence and outspoken nature is powerful. I'm glad I read this book. I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn more about AOC and her controversial communication styles. I walked away with a much greater appreciation for her. I find her honest and while I have slightly different views I would most certainly want her in my circle. AOC is not a yes person, she challenges and shakes things up. I appreciate and respect women who speak their mind. It takes courage to go your own way. Very inspiring.
June 8, 2022
Prior to reading this book, I knew very little about AOC. I knew she was a young & energetic NY congresswoman who pulled off a major feat in 2018. I knew she defeated a 10-term incumbent in her primary & went on to win the seat that November. I knew since graduating from college, she spent time working as a bartender in the Bronx. Since she landed in Congress, I admit I had moments of frustration with her. What I didn't know about this young, smart & very energetic woman was there was so much more to her. To say I'm now an AOC fan as a result of peeking in a little more into her life after reading this book is an understatement. Because of reading this book, my respect for AOC has grown tremendously. Her passion for her job in government is colored by her life experiences. While I don't always agree with her & her methods, I now understand more about her.
Love her or hate her, AOC represents the future of government in this country & I look forward to this future!!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love her or hate her, AOC represents the future of government in this country & I look forward to this future!!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2024
To me, this was way too vanilla. AOC is someone who rouses intense feelings one way or the other. By the end, I felt as though she had been boiled down to being an SNS fueled micro celebrity. I think part of this came down to the lack of a consistent narrative voice due to the multiple authors who brought their own bougie prejudices to the project.
Secondly, this book was published too early into her career. I felt like I was left wanting more. In certain cases, they covered ground that had already been covered previously to take up space (pardon the pun).
I think I would have preferred something with a little more passion rather than the clinical treatment given here.
Secondly, this book was published too early into her career. I felt like I was left wanting more. In certain cases, they covered ground that had already been covered previously to take up space (pardon the pun).
I think I would have preferred something with a little more passion rather than the clinical treatment given here.
March 15, 2022
Good to read as a historical document about how much has changed on the political scene in the United States in the past years, with AOC's background exhaustively researched to add to the lenght. Oddly, one feels as if one knows her less, if that matters, through all the effluvia of anecdotes, but rather more through her savvy and illuminating use of social media, many of which are reproduced her. Especially when she goes up against the misogyny, racism and patriarchal systems that have opposed her political rise from the start, AOC is undeniable someone to admire and to reckon with.
April 12, 2022
I think this is a biography that can capture the attention of those not usually into this type of literature. It has an unusual format as different essays and such are interwoven together. I liked the insight that was given about AOC but don't think serious followers of hers will learn a lot of new things. Even still I think this is a good biography to pick up about a woman who beat all the odds when running for office.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
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