Pelosi

by Molly Ball
Pelosi cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Politics and Current Affairs
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5465
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-30
  • ISBN: 9781250252852
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2020-05-05
  • Reviews: 4

Nancy Pelosi's opposition to Donald Trump has made her an icon of the Resistance, but her real story is far more nuanced. This riveting account delves into her unprecedented rise to power and unmatched political legacy, showcasing her as a master of legislative power whose accomplishments have touched millions of lives. From providing universal access to health care to reforming Wall Street, Pelosi has achieved big things in a time of historic polarization and gridlock./n/nBased on exclusive interviews and deep background reporting, Molly Ball presents a compelling portrait of Pelosi that sheds new light on American political history. The book takes readers inside Pelosi's life and times, from her roots in urban Baltimore to her formative years as a party activist and fundraiser, offering a thoroughly modern lens to explain how this extraordinary woman has met her moment.

Reviews
Book Marks · 2025-12-24
informative 3.50

The book is well-researched and expertly crafted, but it lacks personal insights from Pelosi's family, leaving readers at a distance.

Molly Ball's 'Pelosi' is a meticulously researched and well-written account of Nancy Pelosi's political journey. The author provides a comprehensive overview of Pelosi's career, highlighting her significant contributions and the challenges she has faced. However, the book's strength lies in its thorough research, but it falls short in offering personal anecdotes or on-the-record quotes from Pelosi's family, which could have added a more intimate and humanizing dimension to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The book is expertly crafted and thoroughly researched

    Readers are kept at a remove, being deprived of on-the-record quotes from Pelosi's family

    A comprehensive overview of Pelosi's career

Goodreads · Goodreads User · 2025-10-23
compelling 4.20

The book transforms Pelosi into an iconic heroine, despite initial skepticism. It is praised for its compelling narrative and thorough research.

A Goodreads user shares their journey with the book, admitting initial skepticism about finding Pelosi compelling. However, they were captivated by the narrative, which effectively portrays Pelosi as an iconic heroine. The reviewer appreciates the thorough research and compelling storytelling, noting that the book provides a deep dive into Pelosi's life and career. They highlight the book's ability to make complex political maneuvers accessible and engaging, making it a valuable read for those interested in political biographies.

Quick quotes

    I didn't expect to find her particularly compelling, she admits. In a compelling narrative, Ball's book achieves making Pelosi an iconic heroine.

    I was given a copy of this book and I am so glad I read it.

    I loved this history lesson and use of power story included in this valuable & insightful book.

DC Trending · Lauren D. Woods · 2020-10-11
lively 4.50

The book is described as a lively and sharp biography that tracks Pelosi's career with a focus on her political prowess. It offers a compelling narrative of her journey.

The reviewer appreciates the lively and sharp nature of the biography, noting how it effectively tracks Pelosi's career. They highlight the book's focus on her political prowess and the compelling narrative that emerges from her journey. The reviewer also mentions that the book provides a valuable perspective on Pelosi's strategies and the challenges she faced. However, they also note that the book could have benefited from more personal anecdotes to provide a deeper understanding of Pelosi's character.

Quick quotes

    One of the most telling moments in Molly Ball's Pelosi is her ability to navigate the complexities of Washington politics.

    Pelosi's career is portrayed as a testament to her resilience and strategic acumen.

    The book offers a compelling narrative of Pelosi's journey, highlighting her political prowess.

Medium · 2020-07-27
balanced 3.50

The book offers a balanced and critical look at Pelosi's career, providing examples of both her successes and failures. It is not a one-sided portrayal but rather a nuanced exploration of her political journey.

The reviewer appreciates the book's balanced approach, noting that it is not a one-sided, positive portrayal of Pelosi. Instead, it provides a critical and nuanced look at her career, highlighting both her successes and her failures. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for understanding Pelosi's political journey, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of her career. They particularly appreciate the examples provided, which illustrate the complexities and challenges Pelosi faced throughout her political life.

Quick quotes

    If you are looking for a one-sided, positive portrayal of Pelosi then this book is not it.

    Ball provides examples in Pelosi's career that were both successful and challenging.

    The book offers a balanced and critical look at Pelosi's career.

Appears in Lists