True Gretch

What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between

By: Gretchen Whitmer

Narrated by: Gretchen Whitmer

From trailblazing Michigan governor and rising Democratic star Gretchen Whitmer comes an unconventionally honest, personal, and funny account of her remarkable life and career, full of insights that guided her through a global pandemic, showdowns with high-profile bullies, and even a kidnapping and assassination plot.

When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. “Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes,” she would say. Nino’s words persuaded Whitmer to look for the good in any person or situation—just one of many colorful personal experiences that have shaped her political vision. (And, as Whitmer writes, one that resonated more than another piece of advice her grandmother offered, to “never part your hair in the middle.”)

In this candid and inspiring book, Whitmer reveals the principles and instincts that have shaped her extraordinary career, from her early days as a lawyer and legislator and her 2018 election as governor of Michigan, to her bold and innovative actions as she led the state through a series of unprecedented crises. Her motto in politics, she writes, is to “get shit done.”

Whitmer shares the lessons in resilience that steered her through some of the most challenging events in Michigan’s history, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, a five-hundred-year flood, the rise of domestic terrorism, and the fierce fight to protect reproductive rights.

Along the way, she tells stories about the outsize characters in her family, her lifelong clumsy streak, the wild comments she’s heard on the campaign trail, her self-deprecating social media campaigns (including her star turn as a talking potato with lipstick), and the slyly funny tactics she deploys to neutralize her opponents.

Written with Whitmer’s trademark sense of humor and straight-shooting style, True Gretch is not only a compelling account of her remarkable journey, but also a blueprint for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community, their country, or the world. It is a testament to the power of humor, perseverance, and compassion in the face of darkness.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Gretchen Whitmer (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Funny, heartfelt, and interesting

My favorite Audible genre is autobiographies read by the author. My favorites include Matthew McConaughey's "Green Light", David Grohl's "The Storyteller" and now "True Gretch".

I love how they took advantage of the audio format in this Audible book and included other voices and clips from her speeches. It helped bring it to life. I am a lifelong Michigander, so I remember all of these stories, and it was fascinating to hear them from the author's side. She offers her perspectives with a dry, hilarious wit. I literally laughed out loud at a few spots - not something you expect from a political figure. I highly recommend it.

It's SHARK WEEK MF

Great story line honoring her mother and grandmother. Always apologize and kindness goes a long way own your mess up

Humor and positivity!

Governor Whitmer truly displayed her profound strength, determination, courage, integrity, and leadership ability in this book. All with amazing humor and grace!

Gretchen a great storyteller

I enjoyed this book so much. Not only great messages, but great storytelling and narration. I have SOOOOO much respect for that woman from Michigan.

Candid and inspiring

Insightful account of her time as a governor and her personal challenges as a woman and a public figure.

Loved learning about Gretch!

What an interesting and ethical person. She’s an amazing role model! Lots of useful nuggets to help in one’s own life, too!!

I didn’t know I could love her more but…

…after listening to Big Gretch read her book, I love her even more.
I’m so proud of our Governor for being the bada*s she is and and looking after our state

A pretty decent politician autobiography

This was a pretty decent politician autobiography. Seemed short and quick. To the point with stories she told. Nothing was as expanded upon. She did have some funny things to say. I liked the audiobook had the accompanying PDF to show photos and things she spoke of.

Good storytelling with a sense of humor.

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of the State of Michigan, tells her story with sincere emotion and a sense of humor.

Fantastic Listen

Gretchen is a role model for modern women. Her strength and tenacity is balanced by her sense of humor, her willingness to not take herself too seriously, and her ability to let slights roll off her back and instead seek to understand. Inspiring and uplifting. I will enjoy listening again and again.