Sarah: How a Small Town Mom Turned Alaskas Political Establishment on Its Ear

by Kaylene Johnson
Sarah: How a Small Town Mom Turned Alaskas Political Establishment on Its Ear
book data
122 ratings, 3.04 average rating, 59 reviews (more data...)
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published
April 1st 2008 by Epicenter Press

binding
Hardcover, 160 pages

isbn
0979047080    (isbn13: 9780979047084)

description
In 2006, a Angel-faced but tough 42-year-old former small-town mayor named Sarah Palin became a long-shot candidate for Alaska governor demanding a hi...more




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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 175)

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Michele
09/08/08
Michele rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Read in September, 2008
recommends it for: politically curious
A Character Sketch
I felt I needed to get my hands on this book in order to learn more about this person who has been thrust into the national spotlight and may soon hold an extremely high position in the U.S. Government. Her selection came as a surprise and I had to try and understand why John McCain chose her, other than because she brings excitement and intrigue to the ticket.

This brief book, a character sketch, is written in a straightforward style. It holds Sarah Palin in ...more
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  4 comments

Jill
09/08/08
Jill rated it: 1 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

Read in September, 2008
Ok I can't do it anymore. I tried. The book is written like a third grade book report, and I just cannot read anymore.

It doesn't mean that I don't want to learn about Palin. I just need to read something legible. Done done done.
Like this review?   yes   (2 people liked it)
  10 comments

Lisa
10/20/08
Lisa rated it: 4 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

bookshelves: nonfiction
Read in October, 2008
recommends it for: those lulled by the left mantra who think the govenor with the highest approval rating is stupid
This book isn't going to win any awards, but it is informative and (my favorite) easy to read. The author lists all of her sources. If you are looking for dirt, your aren't going to find it here. You will find Sarah's background and accomplishments. Accomplishments? I know many of you in the far left camp think she has none, read this and you will see a successful woman who even won over democrats in Alaska by taking on corruption in the Republican Party.
Frankly I'm tired of the mindless...more
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PlatKat
Read in October, 2008
recommends it for: Not sure
This book reads like a typical story of a slightly below average female student that used athletics and religious devotion to compensate for her scholastic shortcomings. However, we don't get much insight as to Sarah's real personality. The book mostly consists of a fleshed-out timeline rather than interesting anecdotes. The author of this book must be from Russia--Sarah's so nearby, but we have no detailed information...
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Surfergirl
11/27/08
Surfergirl rated it: 3 of 5 stars

bookshelves: history
This is an easy read and gives a quick overview of Sarah Palin's life, from youth to her role as governor of Alaska. The book is obviously written to portray her in a positive light.

If you love her, you will likely love the book and finish it with the belief that she is a tough woman who stands up for what is right. There's no question that she didn't allow the good 'ol boys of Alaskan politics to push her around or keep her quiet.

If you don't like her, you will likel...more
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Lark Telarana
Read in August, 2008
I have a newfound respect for the Governor of Alaska. We may have different views on politics, but I am impressed with her determination. This woman's intestinal fortitude in the face of adversity should inspire all women who have been told they are "too pretty" to be smart or "too attractive" to be taken seriously.
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Bonnie
09/03/08
Bonnie rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Read in September, 2008
Interesting insight into who she is and how she got where she is today. I really enjoyed it.

Quote from her inaugural address: "And to my family, our big family, I love you. Ya'll cleaned up real well today. . .I don't see a Carhart in the bunch."

I love it!
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Astin
02/03/09
Astin rated it: 2 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

Read in August, 2008
I read this book the day Sarah was picked as John McCain's VP. Up until that point, I knew only what I saw in the gubernatorial debates and in the papers - I tend to stay away from politics in general. With the VP announcement, I decided it was time to do my research so I could offer up a proper Alaskan opinion. Kaylene Johnson paints the picture of an admirable woman with an upbringing I can really identify with. Her political timing has been like a fairy tale, especially the gubernatorial ...more
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Doris
05/20/09
Doris rated it: 3 of 5 stars (review of isbn 1414330502)

Read in May, 2009
I am learning more about the background of this woman who blazed out of nowhere and came closer than any other woman to the oval office.

One of the things I did learn was that a lot of what was said on the campaign trail to the White House was untrue - she was NOT "just a small town mayor in Alaska". She was Governor of Alaska. She was not new to politics. She has over 20 years of experience in the political arena, mostly as a candidate.

I was impressed by what I...more
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Elaine
09/07/08
Elaine rated it: 3 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

Read in October, 2008
recommended to Elaine by: Barnes and Noble
recommends it for: anyone interested in making a difference in the world, or in the current presidential election
Anyone who has spent a minute or two on my blog knows that I really like Sarah Palin. Reading this book just solidified how I already felt about her and gave more substance to it. She is a good person who stands firm for what she believes is right and I so very much admire that about her. She's humble and frugal (despite what the media would have you believe). She's tough and strong, yet caring and compassionate.

The great thing about this book is that it was written/published BEF...more
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Steve
06/25/08
Steve rated it: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent read. I began noticing Sarah Palin well before she was chosen as McCain's running mate. I actually read this back in May...four months prior to her selection. Once I finished I knew she would be a major player in future politics.

Sarah has a record as an elected official that dates back to 1992. As governor she earned the admiration of her constituents because of her dedication to serving the common good. On top of this, she challenged corruption IN HER OWN political p...more
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Teri
09/06/08
Teri rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Read in October, 2008
recommends it for: everyone, as it has been written before Sarah became McCain's running mate

When we first heard about this book on our local news, that the little known publisher from out of Washington State, had run out the last 3000 copies, I knew I needed to have our Regional Library purchase this book. This book was rushed out in paperback last month just in time. This little book is a quick read, just a bit over 100 pages, but it has a lot to reveal about Sarah. Even though she's young, her politics are fresh, and she has come up through the grass roots to win the hearts of ...more
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Maurean
Read in February, 2009
Read this one on Ms. Palin's birthday; an interesting character sketch, but not as detailed about her career as I had hoped.

I'm a big fan of Sarah Barracuda, and I hope we see more of an emergence from her in the upcoming years. A lady who believes she CAN have *it all*...you go girl!
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Dawn
11/06/08
Dawn rated it: 3 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

Read in October, 2008
A brief read unfolding Sarah Palin’s personal and political highlights. Written by a decided Palin proponent, the author is confident that nothing should keep her out of a Republican White House. (alas, she will not have that opportunity to prove herself) The book portrays Palin as tough, intelligent, family-centered and intolerant of corruption—always ready to take a stand when those in power have misused their influence. A nice overview to Palin's character and political experience, yet wi...more
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Ray
11/20/08
Ray rated it: 3 of 5 stars (review of isbn 1433267845)

Read in November, 2008
A very simple, very quick read about Sarah Palin. My impression was that it was written by her campaign staff or someone in the GOP to present her in the best light to the American people.
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Rhonda
10/08/08
Rhonda rated it: 4 of 5 stars (review of isbn 1433267845)

bookshelves: nonfiction
Read in October, 2008
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, after reading this book, you will have come to know Sarah Palin's life in a way that is certain to make you like her as a person, daughter, wife, mom and productive member of society. She is definitely a "mover & a shaker" as records of her time of public service in Alaska will easily testify.

The book is an easy read and can be completed in one evening. It is factually based, well written and takes a no-nonsense approach. You find ou...more
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Kellie
12/16/08
Kellie rated it: 5 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

bookshelves: political
Finally, a book that tells Sarah Palin's story with very little bias. Very well written and easy to read. What an amazing person she is!
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Katie
11/23/08
Katie marked it as to-read (review of isbn 0980082560)

bookshelves: to-read
For those of you who don't know, this particular book was published by my Dad's publishing company, before all the madness.
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Kirt
09/08/08
Kirt rated it: 4 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

bookshelves: biography, current-events
Read in October, 2008
She carries nick names like "Barracuda" and "Pitbull with Lipstick" for good reason. If I could have my wish granted to throw out all the good-old-boy career politicians and replace them with fresh leadership, I would put a Sarah Palin clone in every seat on both sides of the aisle. Tough, honest, smart, hard-working, genuine and in touch with her people. I wouldn't worry about partisanship or ideology if we had national leaders and lawmakers cut from such cloth. This bo...more
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dz
12/24/08
dz rated it: 3 of 5 stars (review of isbn 0980082560)

Read in December, 2008
If you already know the story, this is a quick, easy-read review.

You can easily read this book in one sitting.
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Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down (Paperback)
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment Upside Down (Paperback)
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaskas Political Establishment Upside Down (Audio CD)
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment on Its Ear (CD-ROM)
Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska's Political Establishment on Its Ear (Audio CD)








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