Going Rogue: An American Life– Review
Jan 9th, 2010 by John
The following review of Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue: An American Life is by Julie A. Frye, my fantastic wife. I am glad to have Julie join me at “Jesus the Radical Pastor.”
When Sarah Palin was introduced to the 2008 political scene, I was instantly curious to know more about her. I followed the news stories on TV, the Internet and the press enjoying the fresh and vibrant woman presented to us. When the campaign came to Michigan, my friends and I sat close in the town hall meeting as we listened to her ideas and plans for the future of our country. She was a delight to watch and to hear.
We all know how the campaign “turned” and I was saddened that I wouldn’t see Sarah put into practice her America-loving ideas and plans.
When her book Going Rogue: An American Life came out and she announced that she would return to Michigan for her first book signing, I decided I needed to buy the book and hopefully get a signature and handshake from Sarah. Unfortunately I didn’t get either, but I had fun waiting in line, chatting with others and quickly getting a glimpse of her as she left the building.
I just completed reading the book and she once again has ignited my curiosity and satisfied my questions about the campaign. I love the initial chapters detailing her childhood and early years growing up in Alaska. Moving on to her political life as mayor and governor, the chapters painted a story of endurance, ability and love of country. I was apprehensive to read about the campaign, as reviewers were accusing her of being “whiny,” avenging the horrid treatment she received on the campaign tour. Some who supported her were accusing her of tearing down those who put her in the spotlight.
Instead I read the account of a liberal community destroying a woman who carefully balanced her family and her politics. With great detail, Sarah describes several of the “notorious” attacks upon her and family. It is easy to see and difficult to understand the extent to which her so-called campaign team failed in presenting an accurate image of Sarah to America. I didn’t see Sarah as whining but rather as setting the record straight. Never has any woman been subjected to such biased, political scrutiny.
Sarah’s anecdotal stories are charming especially relating to her children. I also love her response to the divorce rumors. “Divorce Todd? Have you seen Todd?”
All this to say, “Read the book”. It is instructive, engaging, humorous and factual. Maybe next time she comes to Michigan I will get an autograph.
-Julie A. Frye
Popularity: 2% [?]
Great review, Julie…makes me want to read Sarah’s book now.
Thanks for the review, Julie! I read the book and loved it. I really enjoyed learning how Sarah Palin juggled her personal and professional life. It inspired me! I loved hearing how she campaigned door-to-door pulling kids in the sled, and how Piper would come and sit on her lap at the tail end of a state dinner. She is clearly an intelligent woman and obviously maligned by a liberal media. I’m not sure what her next role will be for our country, but I look forward to seeing more of Sarah Palin!
Carolyn,
You would love it.
Melissa,
She is the ultimate muti-tasker.
Julie:
My views on Ms. Palin (mostly negative) were adjusted after I watched her interview on Oprah.
I think she would be a wonderful friend, a great neighbor, a terrific companion camping, an engaging mother.
However, I remain very concerned by the polarizing language that surrounds Palin and that I believe her admirers (and her adversaries) play to.
This notion of “Those” people, “that camp”, “right-wingers”, “ultra-liberals”.
Why the name-calling?
Why can’t I just say “I like Sarah Palin but I think she lacks the experience to lead a nation” without worrying about someone judging my devotion to God in the process?
Thanks for this review, Julie. I bought her book at Costco the week it came out and read it in three days (no small task with three young boys and a concussion!). I have always liked Sarah (I enjoy keeping up with her on Facebook) and was particularly glad to see her have her say (finally!) about what she is about. And being a Grand Rapids girl, I was pleased that she chose to start her book tour there.
I look forward to what she has to say on Fox…hope that goes better than some are projecting.
Karen,
The polarizing goes both ways, don’t you think? Sarah was “trashed” during the campaign and held her head high in spite of it. She did not introduce the name calling. Her religious beliefs were twisted and ridiculed. Read the book! I am not saying she should be president but as a Jesus follower I am ashamed of the way she was treated.
Congrats on your new book. Look forward to reading it.