Pelosi

by Molly Ball
Pelosi cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 5465
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-23
  • ISBN: 9781250252852
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2020-05-05
  • Reviews: 3

Nancy Pelosi’s opposition to Donald Trump has made her an icon of the Resistance, but the real Pelosi is a master of legislative power whose policy accomplishments have touched millions of American lives. From providing universal access to health care to reforming Wall Street, Pelosi has achieved remarkable feats despite historic polarization and gridlock. Ball’s nuanced portrait takes readers inside Pelosi’s life, from her roots in urban Baltimore to her formative years as a party activist and fundraiser, and through high-stakes congressional negotiations with multiple presidents. The result is a compelling portrait of a barrier-breaking woman that sheds new light on American political history.

Reviews
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.

The Washington Post · The Washington Post · 2020-05-07
smart 4.50

The book is praised for its smart and solid biography of Pelosi, highlighting her unique abilities. It offers a valuable lesson in political strategy and historical context.

The Washington Post reviewer commends the book for its smart and solid biography of Nancy Pelosi, emphasizing her unique abilities and historical significance. They appreciate the book's ability to provide a valuable lesson in political strategy and historical context, making it a compelling read. The reviewer notes that the book effectively portrays Pelosi as an anachronism in a good way, highlighting her enduring relevance and impact on modern politics. They also praise the book's thorough research and engaging narrative, making it a valuable addition to the genre of political biographies.

Quick quotes

    Ball's appreciation of Pelosi's ancient abilities makes this a smart, solid biography with a lesson: Despite our current fixation on political ...

    Pelosi just got a rise out of people, journalist Molly Ball notes in her sharp, lively biography of the Democratic leader titled, simply, “ ...

    I found this to be a easily readable, at times even humorous, look at Pelosi's life and career, though it doesn't get very personal due to her private nature.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2020-05-05
insightful 4.00

The book highlights Pelosi's resilience and strategic prowess, though it acknowledges the biases she faced. It portrays her as a pivotal figure in modern politics.

The reviewer from The New York Times delves into Pelosi's career, emphasizing her ability to navigate political challenges and her significant impact on American politics. They note that the book effectively illustrates the patterns of dismissal she faced, from being seen as a housewife to a political radical. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of her strategic maneuvers and her role in shaping key political moments. However, they also acknowledge that the book does not shy away from the controversies and criticisms that have marked her career, providing a balanced perspective.

Quick quotes

    There's a pattern in Ball's book. Again and again, Pelosi is dismissed, first as a dilettante housewife, then as a far-left San Francisco kook, ...

    Pelosi is never wrong. Her motives are always wholesome, her judgment always sound.

    Ball's appreciation of Pelosi's ancient abilities makes this a smart, solid biography with a lesson: Despite our current fixation on political ...

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