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.
LM –
She is smart, funny, articulate, and seems to genuinly care about people. We are about the same age and where some people are offended by off-color language and dirty jokes, she seems to enjoy them, me too! I found her to be authentic and a pleasure to read about. If she ever decides to run for POTUS, she definitely has my vote. She just feels like a real friend, we could all use a person like that. A person to admire and learn from.
Elizabeth B. –
My admiration for ‘that woman from Michigan’ grows with everything I learn about her. One reviewer complained that this book is not a policy tome. No, it’s not that book. It’s a close-up introduction to her character, and I like everything about her. She’s the right kind of leader. She mixes courage with a healthy willingness to admit mistakes and listen to others–not just her carefully chosen allies but people who disagree with her. Love the stories and the humor. Hope to see a lot more of Gretch in the years to come. In fact, the sooner the better.
#EmptyNestReader –
Gretchen Whitmer has served two terms as the Governor of Michigan. (Michigan’s term limits prevent her from running for a third term.) She has proven herself to be an honest, hardworking governor who sincerely has the best interests of the State of Michigan and its residents at heart. She has also become a rising star in the Democratic Party.
With humor, honesty and sincerity Whitmer shares with us the challenges she has faced personally, and as Governor and the lessons that she has learned. She has been verbally attacked by the then President of the United States, guided Michigan through the worst pandemic in history and faced a kidnapping and assassination plot with style and grace. Through it all she has remained focused on her responsibilities to the state and dealt with trials and tribulations with humor and determination.
In True Gretchen: What I’ve Learned about Life, Leadership and Everything in Between, Whitmer shares with us how she navigated her challenges and kept her head above water. She’s included plenty of photos, her playlist for challenging times as well as some of her favorite family recipes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bl1ssfully_D1strbd –
A fantastic, fast, fun read of an amazing woman. Written with honesty and humor—Governor Whitmer recounts her early life, her campaign, and service as governor of Michigan with authenticity and imparts lessons learned from her family and during her journey to the state capitol.
Danielle Josephine –
I don’t usually like books about political figures. I bought this book on a whim and it is amazing and one of the best books I have ever read. Whitmer”s humor is great. This book has a bit of seriousness, a lot of humor coming out of crazy situations, a touch of sad and scary and a lot of words of wisdom. Definitely a must read.
Leland K. Bassett –
“True Gretch” by Michigan’s rising national star Governor Gretchen Whitmer is an absolutely must-read for anyone trying to understand today’s political environment while also seeking a reality-based positive-solution focus for our constructive future.
“That woman from Michigan” lays it all out in the Whitmer family direct, no-BS but humorous fashion with authentic openness, candor, and transparency so rare in elected officials today.
Incredibly accessible, just like Governor Whitmer’s personality and governance style, this is a case book primer on how to unite sharply divided groups, not taking the insults bait, and focusing on solutions “to get (stuff) done.” [Whitmer uses a more direct word not permitted by Amazon.]
Turning Michigan “blue” with an overwhelming 11-point victory in the last election, Whitmer’s election slogan of “Fix the Damn Roads” might as well today be “Fix the Damn Mess in Government.”
This is filled with stories of just how she did that in a historically swing state, starting with the highly partisan polarized state government in which she began her elected career. And she never lost an election, from the local to the state level BTW.
The stories provide instructive insights along with some unexpected belly laughs. They are filled with twists and turns usually found in excellent mystery novels.
Whitmer is amazingly open about her own life, including “running with a fast crowd…drinking and getting suspended from school” when the principal found her passed out between cars in the parking lot, and then she threw up on his shoes.
Becoming the family caregiver in her family as the oldest child and only six when her parents divorced started life lessons she learned and uses today.
Whitmer’s open life story becomes open life guidance and helps explain her unshakeable commitment to making things better for all through more aware, more responsive, and more effective government.
The 158 pages, easy and fast to read, are divided into basic life guidance chapters, including: “Don’t Let Bullies Get You Down,” “Learn To Listen,” “You’ll Never Regret Being Kind,” and “Own Your Screwups, and Forgive Others Theirs.”
Michael Sullivan –
I read and then listened to the book. I have long admired Governor Whitmer for her amazing leadership in Michigan. She is a bright light in an often dark world. It was so refreshing to read such an honest and open book on both her personal and professional life.It is a fast read that I did not want to end.Her ability to truly listen to people was something that really stood out to me and what makes her such an effective leader.If you are looking for a fun, heartfelt read this is it! Love Big Gretch!
Danielle Josephine –
Gretchen Whitmer has served our state of Michigan so well. I’ve been a fan of her courageous leadership for years, and when I picked up this book to start reading I couldn’t stop. Her wit, wisdom, and ability to laugh at herself are just a few reasons why this book was such a great read. The lessons she shares and the stories she uses to illustrate those lessons are heartwarming, funny, and inspiring. In fact, just 2 weeks after I read it the fist time, I can now say I’ve read it three times! No matter your politics, no matter where you live, I think you’ll enjoy this book. What are you waiting for? Add it to your cart!