In Review: Going Rogue

In Review

This is the section of the blog where I review books published by prominent politicians on both sides of the aisle. As its premiere I could not think of a better opening than a review of Going Rogue by Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK).



The Book

Going Rogue was released on November 17th, 2009 and due to record pre-sale orders, became a bestseller before it was even released. The title comes from the 2008 campaign aftermath, when many anonymous McCain advisers claimed that Palin had "gone rogue" on them every time she went of speech or off schedule. It has also been reported that Sarah Palin wrote the book with help from conservative journalist Lynn Vincent. This was the start of many claims and accusations that Palin was not capable of writing a book. Going Rogue is one of only four political memoirs to sell more than one million copies and still stands as a New York Times #1 bestseller. The record sales, huge fanfare, and corresponding book tour helped secure Governor
Sarah Palin her place within the GOP leadership, as well as a permanent fixture in US politics.

Going Rogue provides a new depth to the Sarah Palin phenomenon. When she stormed onto the scene during the 2008 Republican National Convention as John McCain's vice presidential candidate, she was instantly swept up in a media frenzy that soon had many Americans doubting her policies, credibility, and even intelligence. Not one to be defeated, Governor Palin responds to each of these accusations in the book by explaining some of the more controversial items, such as "Troopergate", as well supporting just about all of her decisions.

The book opens with, and then later returns to, her being asked to become the Republican V.P. candidate. Now a bit of honesty here, the book is well written, however the style is very different. Anyone who claims that Sarah Palin did not write the majority of or at least controlled the writing of this book could not have read very much of it because the writing is similar to her speaking style. It is simple and easily understandable; yet more "homey" and does take some getting used to.

Palin's analysis of her childhood and young adulthood are very interesting and doesn't seem to set up the life that she lives now. No matter what her critics may say, she does have the poster boy American story. Growing up in small town Alaska with a passion for sports and the outdoors, who could have expected her eventual rise and her vast following? Her writings about Tod and her young children are very touching and proves her total devotion to her family and her disgust with the 'lamestream" media (her term) for its treatment of her family.

While on campaign, Palin toted her prowess as governor but this book is her ace in the whole. She highlights her conviction to the people and her 'commonsense conservative' values throughout the memoir. She reveals how she pushed through new corruption legislation and cleaned up one of the most corrupt state governments in our nation, sending both Republicans and Democrats packing. She talks about how she maneuvered her political strength into forcing the big oil companies into beginning preparations to drill and the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. She highlights her fight for the people of Alaska and proves that, you don't always have to be the biggest fundraiser, or the most well known, you just have to have the right intentions and people have to trust you.

The most highly publicized, and for that matter criticized, section of the book is about the 2008 campaign. Never once does she criticize John McCain to whom she does seem genuinely grateful; however, not as much can be said about top McCain adviser Steve Schmidt. Through various confrontations, character attacks, and comments of blatant, and plain dislike, she lets her readers know that there was high levels of tension between the two. The truth of the matter is unknown about whether he really did mistreat her as the Governor claims. However, I find full truth in the statement that she was complete mishandled and at times left out to dry by the McCain headquarters. For instance when she had to find out from a media correspondent that the Michigan campaign had been shut down, or her repeated, forced interviews with Katie Couric.

In Review, Going Rogue by Governor Sarah Palin provides the reader with a very good view of the real Sarah Palin: loving mother, hockey mom, and now political superstar. The writing style is bold and different and by the end, only enhances the genuine feel of the memoir. It covers most topics in her life, even painful events such as her daughter Bristol's pregnancy or her own pregnancy with Trig. She highlights her career and shows her intelligence and political prowess. At the end of the book, she does little to either affirm or deny any future presidential runs, but one thing is for certain, like her father said just after she resigned as Alaska's governor: "She's not retreating, she's reloading." Sarah Palin isn't leaving politics anytime soon.

Cody's rating for Going Rogue is a 4 out of 5 stars.

In Reviews coming soon: No Apologies by Mitt Romney, The Governor by Rod Blagojevich, and any others any of you wish to see. Leave a comment telling me what to read next!

(Photo: Courtesy of HarperCollins)