Know Your Power

"Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters" is a 2008 memoir by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, published by Doubleday on July 29, 2008. It is co-written with "New York Times" bestselling author and Peabody Award-winning writer Amy Hill Hearth. It is Pelosi's first published book.

Background

The book is a personal and political history describing her own youth as the daughter of U.S. Congressman Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr., being a stay-at-home mom, becoming a Democratic organizer in California, running for Congress at 47 and eventually becoming the highest ranking woman in the history of the United States government. [Amos, Deborah. [http://m.npr.org/news.jsp?key=410710&rc=bo 'Know Your Power' Charts Pelosi's Path To Congress] , NPR.org, July 28, 2008.] Pelosi also writes about the experiences of other women to serve in Congress and opposition to the presidency and policies of George W. Bush. The book seeks to impart wisdom and re-inforce self-esteem in women of all ages.

The title comes from advice given to her by former Rep. Lindy Boggs. [Rogers, David. [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12122_Page3.html Pelosi: 'I'm trying to save the planet'] , "The Politico", July 29, 2008.]

Publishing history

Doubleday acquired rights to publish Pelosi's memoirs in July 2007, led by Doubleday president Stephen Rubin. Pelosi was represented by the William Morris Agency, including chairman Norman Brokaw, who said, "When I first met Nancy Pelosi twenty years ago, I could tell she was destined to make history. I told her to start taking notes." [Deahl, Rachel. [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6461563.html?q=pelosi Doubleday to Publish Pelosi] , "Publisher's Weekly", July 19, 2007.] In a "Publisher's Weekly" described the book as "a gentle account from a tough politician." [ [http://www.amyhillhearth.com/work1.htm Nonfiction Reviews: Week of 6/2/2008] , "Publishers Weekly", June 2, 2008.]

Publicity tour

Pelosi's promotional tour for the book in July 2008 included appearances on "Today", "The View" and "The Colbert Report". [Patrick, Diane. [http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6582094.html?q=know+your+power Authors on the Air: Nancy Pelosi; Betty White; Bertie Bowman] , "Publisher's Weekly"July 28, 2008.]

References

External links

* [http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385525862 Know Your Power] book listing by Random House
* [http://doubleday.com/2008/07/28/know-your-power-by-nancy-pelosi/ Know Your Powre by Nancy Pelosi] , readers' guide at Doubleday.com
* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802904.html?hpid=features1&hpv=national Nancy Pelosi Airs Some Clean Laundry in 'Power'] "Washington Post" interview.