The Forerunner

A Story of Pain and Perseverance in America

By: Cori Bush

Narrated by: January LaVoy

From one of America's most transformative politicians and activists, a powerful and inspiring memoir that sheds light on a harrowing personal journey and reveals how urgently we need our political leadership to prioritize meeting the needs of our most marginalized communities.

"Piercing and gripping... Bush’s words are beautifully devastating."—The Cut

Having worked as a nurse, a pastor, and a community organizer in St. Louis, Missouri, Cori Bush hadn’t initially intended to run for political office. But when protests in Ferguson erupted in 2014, Bush found herself on the frontlines, providing medical care and protesting violence against Black lives. Encouraged by community leaders to run for office, and compelled by an urgency to prevent her children and others from becoming social media hashtags, Bush campaigned persistently while navigating myriad personal challenges—and ultimately rose to unseat a twenty-year incumbent to become the first Black woman to represent her state in Congress.

The Forerunner is the raw and moving account of a politician and activist whose life experiences, though underrepresented in the halls of Congress, reflect some of the same realities and struggles that many Americans face in their everyday lives. Courageously laying bare her experience as a minimum-wage worker, a survivor of domestic and sexual violence, and an unhoused parent, Congresswoman Bush embodies a new chapter in progressive politics that prioritizes the lives and stories of those most politically vulnerable at the core of its agenda. A testament to the lasting legacy of the Ferguson Uprising and an unflinching examination of how the American political system is so deeply intertwined with systemic injustice, The Forerunner is profoundly relatable and inspiring at its heart. At once a stirring and emotionally wrought personal account and a fierce call to action, this is political memoir the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

©2022 Cori Bush (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Essential reading. . . . Bush emerged not only a survivor but a champion for women’s rights and her community’s fiercest advocate.”—Oprah Daily, “10 Must-Read Political Books to Get You Through the 2022 Mid-Term Elections”

“Bracingly, sometimes painfully honest. . . . The Forerunner is not your typical political memoir. [Bush] is not your typical politician. . . . [an] embodiment of resilience.”—The Guardian

“I’d recommend that anyone pick it up who is interested in seeing what effective working-class progressive politics looks like. . . . If we want to see how Democrats can effectively connect to working people, Bush’s message is a very useful model. . . . Let us hope she is indeed the forerunner of a new kind of progressive politics.”—Nathan Robinson, Current Affairs

Cori Bush — Warrior Queen!

Loved Cori’s book. May many more follow!! Wonder if a bid for Senator will reveal itself…

Riveting story

It is a riveting story. That many will not understand. Without teasing them entire book.

Open Book

Thank you for your transparency and allowing strangers into your life triumphing over it all. Continue to be BLESSED.

St. Louis Is Proud of you 👏

Thank you for being a TRUE public servant never wavering. Many blessings to you and your family. Well written story to get the full picture of who you are and the heart you have for people inspite of your struggles ❤

wonderful and interesting life story.

I loved the e-book. I couldn't stop listening. The drive and perciverance of this woman is amazing!

Thank you, Cori

Cori, thank you for putting your story out, I appreciate you. What an incredible, inspirational, and emotional experience this book what.

Phenomal

This is read By Cory Bush. Her life has been absolutely phenomenal. Such a great read. I couldn’t put the book down; I was enthralled.

Must Read

Everybody, especially … everybody should consume this book. What an amazing story Cori Bush has told.