The Art of Power

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

By: Nancy Pelosi

Narrated by: Nancy Pelosi

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

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

A grand story told with modesty and gratitude of the power of a woman!!

This is a personal story of a gifted woman it is filled with gratitude and gifts bestowed by the author all the people who were before, beside, and behind her that helped her accomplish all she did.

Though,, the time period under discussion was a bit muddled and repetitive at a few times during the story, it was moving and uplifting. I loved the modest story-telling that was filled with gratitude and acknowledgements of the many sacrifices and contributions of so many other people.

Well done

I was skeptical about the author reading her own book since most authors flop. But she was surprisingly good. The best chapters deal with the passage of the ACA and her perceptions of the Jan 6 insurrection. Her criticism of Trump was expected and understandable, but to her credit she didn't make it the centerpiece of her lengthy government service. Her description of the assault on her husband was painful to listen to. Well worth your money and time.

How gracious, kind & tough Nancy Pelosi is. I admire her so very much.

Speaker Pelosi’s accomplishments are many, but the book read to me like a report. I would have liked more story, not just facts, figures & dates. I thought Speaker Pelosi, as always , very generous with praise for others, as is right.

History c Det

Details of important events. Aids quit. 2008 economic disaster. Mistake in invading Iraq. Mistakes in January 6 riots at Capitol. Efforts to impeach and convict Trump.

Bay Area Love

I live in the Bay Area and have always admired the work of the Pelosi Family-Nancy and Alexandra. Nancy, challenging the glass ceiling, gave validation for my struggles as a naive young woman. I was pleasantly surprised by her bold support for Taiwan, and Biden's straight-forward definition of Xi as a dictator. I wish they would still be friends, but she saved democracy at a sacrifice of their friendship. I concluded that the Art of Power is having grace while "embracing the suck". Nancy is the epitome of grace and power. Hearing how she managed very challenging times showed how to hold on to your strength in dark times.

This woman is a legend

Nancy Pelosi is a gift to America and democracy and hearing her tell her own story reminds you of just what a debt of gratitude we owe her.

Intriguing

Intriguing and interesting behind the scene look at Nancy Pelosi speakership and issues. Pelosi also narrated this herself

Understanding the House

I loved the longevity in her experience. Her review spans decades and multiple critical events

Good but not what I hoped

After hearing Speaker Pelosi in Ezra Klein’s podcast, I had hoped this memoir would focus on her insights about accumulating and using power. But it really doesn’t. It’s a fine memoir especially if you are interested in democratic politics. But it’s not what I hoped it would be—at least not to the extent I hoped.

Her first hand account of our history

Too easy on some people on both sides of the aisle who truly hate America and what stands for