True Gretch
What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between
Table of Contents
About The Book
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.
About The Author
Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan and a rising figure in US politics. Known for her bold and plainspoken style, Whitmer is a national voice on the rights of women, voters, and the LGBTQ+ community. She rose to national prominence for her leadership in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her efforts to save lives in the state earned her the nickname “That Woman from Michigan” from the former president. Later that year, a domestic terrorist cell began planning to kidnap and kill her, a plot that was foiled by the FBI and state police. Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who first ran for office at age twenty-nine, has served in both state houses, and has never lost an election. She is the proud mother of two daughters, a huge Detroit Lions fan, and the subject of the song “Big Gretch” by rapper GMac Cash.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster (July 9, 2024)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668072332
Raves and Reviews
“In True Gretch, we meet one of the few politicians who might be equipped, and possibly even willing, to tackle what’s ahead. The book is welcome reassurance that someone might be courageous and capable enough to run toward the fire that’s making kindling of our democracy.”
– Amanda Uhle, The Washington Post
“[Whitmer] is direct and profane, willing to talk like a human being about abortion and sexual assault and beer and Ultimate Fighting Championship. True Gretch is not your nana’s ponderous political memoir.”
– Rebecca Traister, New York Magazine
“I love it—reading it as a woman, in politics, [or for someone] running for office…[you share stories that are] deeply personal, but it really applies to some of the challenges that women are facing today.”
– Mika Brzezinski, co-host of "Morning Joe" and founder of the Know Your Value movement
"Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has made a name for herself as a straight shooter, and her new memoir is no exception."
– People
“If the Midwest were a person, it might be Gretchen Whitmer.”
– Nancy Kaffer, Detroit Free Press
“True Gretch is filled with wonderful stories detailing an important public servant’s commitment to doing what is right for the people. This book is both a roadmap for how to get things done and a source of inspiration for engaged citizens in our democracy. It is also funny, bringing much-needed joy to the reader during a time of great solemnity.”
– Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives
“As someone who has been long committed to non-blurbing, this wonderful and, yes, exquisitely wacky how-to-be-a-shark-MF guide by That Woman from Michigan is a must read for badass ladies everywhere and anyone who aspires to be one. I laughed, I cried and now, god help me, I am a happy Half-Whit. (Also, sorry Big Gretch, but my UMich son requires it: Go Blue!)"
– Kara Swisher, New York Times best-selling author of Burn Book
"Getting to know Gretchen through this book was exhilarating. She uses humor as her superpower to tackle challenges that would knock out most. I am just amazed and inspired by her wit and grace. G, you really are a Wonder Woman!”
– Lynda Carter, actor and singer-songwriter
"Whether it’s confronting the patriarchy, domestic terrorist threats, or the perils of orthodontia, Governor Whitmer does so with grace, candor and a big dose of humor. . . Vulnerable with a side of gallows humor, True Gretch reads like you’ve got a seat at the table with the Governor and you just agreed to buy another round of Oberon."
– Jordan Klepper, The Daily Show
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