The Art of Power

My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the House

By: Nancy Pelosi

Narrated by: Nancy Pelosi

The most powerful woman in American political history tells the story of her transformation from housewife to House Speaker—how she became a master legislator, a key partner to presidents, and the most visible leader of the Trump resistance.

When, at age forty-six, Nancy Pelosi, mother of five, asked her youngest daughter if she should run for Congress, Alexandra Pelosi answered: “Mother, get a life!” And so Nancy did, and what a life it has been.

In The Art of Power, Pelosi describes for the first time what it takes to make history—not only as the first woman to ascend to the most powerful legislative role in our nation, but to pass laws that would save lives and livelihoods, from the emergency rescue of the economy in 2008 to transforming health care. She describes the perseverance, persuasion, and respect for her members that it took to succeed, but also the joy of seeing America change for the better. Among the best-prepared and hardest working Speakers in history, Pelosi worked to find common ground, or stand her ground, with presidents from Bush to Biden. She also shares moving moments with soldiers sent to the front lines, women who inspired her, and human rights activists who fought by her side.

Pelosi took positions that established her as a prophetic voice on the major moral issues of the day, warning early about the dangers of the Iraq War and of the Chinese government’s long record of misbehavior. This moral courage prepared her for the arrival of Trump, with whom she famously tangled, becoming a red-coated symbol of resistance to his destructive presidency. Here, she reveals how she went toe-to-toe with Trump, leading up to January 6, 2021, when he unleashed his post-election fury on the Congress. Pelosi gives us her personal account of that day: the assault not only on the symbol of our democracy but on the men and women who had come to serve the nation, never expecting to hide under desks or flee for their lives—and her determined efforts to get the National Guard to the Capitol. Nearly two years later, violence and fury would erupt inside Pelosi’s own home when an intruder, demanding to see the Speaker, viciously attacked her beloved husband, Paul. Here, Pelosi shares that horrifying day and the traumatic aftermath for her and her family.

The woman who has been lauded by her opposition as “the most powerful Speaker” ever shows us why she is not afraid of a good fight. The Art of Power is about the fighting spirit that has always animated her, and the historic legacy that spirit has produced.

©2024 Nancy Pelosi (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

She is a natural at getting her caucus to agree on difficult. Votes

Nancy is a talented member of and speaker of the house. She knows her members and is convincing to keep them united. She is not intimidated by anyone even the president. The injury of her husband caused pain to her whole family but they pulled together and supported him.

Go Nancy!

I am grateful to Nancy Pelosi for writing this book. I have a clearer understanding of major events because she took the time to put on paper her recollection of what happened. I am a news junkie, so I know how the events were reported to the public, but I couldn't be surr they were accurate or portraying events correctly. It was good to hear directly from Nancy. She is a true hero, or should I say SHE-RO!

Living history

Nancy Pelosi is clear-eyed about how to get things done; she believes in her commitment to what is good and true in our government

Truth in Power

Truth, sincerity, accuracy, objectivity and non-partisan telling of the work required in the halls of government.

Nancy's devotion to the truth

Straightforward telling of this part of our history. I am 82 and lived thru all the events described. I demonstrated on the streets for the passing of the civil rights act in the 60s. I am passionate for freedom and justice and love to prevail. I have worked with underprivileged families and children with developmental delays and know the needs and bravery of low income working families. Nancy has my deepest respect and gratitude.

Excellent “Read”

If you enjoy history, you will like this book. Nancy Pelosi offers a deep dive into the recent history she has been involved with. Her opinions and experiences with the Chinese regimes are particularly interesting. Her account of January 6th is both poignant and emotional! She is a fantastic storyteller and narrator.

An amazing woman!

She is such an inspiration. It was so interesting to hear her take from the inside and a pleasure to listen to the story of a powerful woman and a politician with integrity.

A lesson of survival

A must read. A story of true grit and resilience. every American should listen to this masterful work.

Could not put it down.

Okay…I thought I knew all these stories; I was wrong. Speaker Pelosi takes us through four pivotal moments in her career in the House—the insurrection, health care, TARP, the Iraq War, plus the attack on her husband, Paul.

All told in a straightforward and clear style. I came away with greater insights into our political system. Thank you!

Narrated by Pelosi herself. You leave with the understanding she is one of the most influential and important political leaders of our time. And that does not even include her contribution in encouraging President Biden to step aside from running for re-election in 2024.

A great read!

Learned a lot

Thank you Nancy for your dedication to our democracy and not letting Trump get away with domestic terrorism.