Forgetting to Be Afraid

by Wendy Davis

A deeply personal memoir by one of the country’s brightest new political stars, Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis.

On the 26th of June, 2013, Texas state senator Wendy Davis became an overnight political sensation and a hero to womens’ rights supporters across the country. Davis stood and spoke on the floor of the state legislature for nearly eleven hours to run out the clock on a sweeping bill that aimed to close all but five abortion clinics in Texas. During that time, she wasn’t allowed to eat, drink, sit, use the bathroom, speak off-topic, or lean against any furniture. When it was over, President Obama tweeted support to his 40 million Twitter followers, and Wendy Davis was suddenly a household name.

But Davis’s personal story is as compelling, if not more so, than her public theatrics. Raised by a single mother with a ninth-grade education, Davis began working after school at age fourteen to help support her mom and three siblings. By nineteen, she had been married and filed for divorce while living with her baby daughter in a trailer park, a single mother trying to hold down two jobs. After putting herself through Texas Christian University and making it to Harvard Law School, then serving for nine years on the Fort Worth city council, Davis set her sights on the Texas state senate—and in 2008 defeated a longtime GOP incumbent in a race widely considered one of the biggest recent upsets in Texas politics.

Now, Davis is making a serious run to become the first Democratic governor of Texas in nearly two decades. With her singular narrative and tremendously exciting political future, this is bound to be the political memoir of the year.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Politics, Feminism, Biography, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 9, 2014

About the author

Wendy Russell Davis is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from Fort Worth, Texas. Davis represented District 10 in the Texas Senate from 2009 to 2015. She previously served on the Fort Worth City Council

Reviews

[Danna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of Wendy Davis's memoir comes from a quote of Lady Bird Johnson's: "Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid." The first time I heard of Wendy Davis was when she made a groundbreaking filibuster in 2013. Her goal: to prevent the passing of bill SB 2, which would have severely limited access to safe and legal abortion in the state of Texas. She is now running for Governor, and wrote a memoir, I'm sure, to help gain publicity and votes.

I looked forward to reading Davis's story; I wanted to know what shaped her path to make her the strong woman she is today. It's a tough story--like many people who have come to a position of recognition or power, Wendy rose from adversity. She had a tough childhood, which she spends nearly a third of the book detailing. Frequent moves, poverty, a suicidally-depressed mother and a philandering father, were some of the troubles that shaped her path. Surprisingly, Wendy was a painfully timid youth. But at some point, she pushed past her fears and became a force to be reckoned with in the political arena. Her Harvard Law degree helped.

This is a great story, but I had to skim through because the writing lacked eloquence and was frequently repetitive in the way books written by non-writers can be. I felt like every chapter ended with "and this adversity is what shaped who I am today." Yes, Wendy, we know. I respect Wendy tremendously, so it's tough for me to write a less-than-glowing review, but, honestly, the book wasn't very good. After reading about 100 pages, I skipped forward to find her account of the notorious filibuster, looked through the pictures inset, and put the book down for good. For the record, reading the filibuster account IS pretty incredible.

Wendy, you get my vote for governor, but not for the book. Great luck.

Favorite quote.

"They saw that we cannot continue to cede our values simply because we may not win every time we speak out" (3).

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was more than I had hoped for. It gave me the insight I was curious about in regards to her and also her 13 hour Texas Senate filibuster. Wendy Davis has overcame insurmountable odds that weren't stacked in her favor from the beginning. She had me in laughter at some points and other times in emotional tears but most of all, she kept me wanting to know more. I do believe that she left a part of herself behind in this book and showed us some of her inner most thoughts and insecurities in reflecting upon her life.
I typically don't hold much regard for politicians much less find the urge to know more about them and what makes them tick. Having heard about her filibuster last year I started loosely following her. I found out she had a book and bought it on it's release date. I was excited to start and did with utmost haste.
She seems to be the 'real deal', a true servant to those whom she wins their vote from. She has an amazing set of core values that she worked hard to discover and chooses to take the moral high ground as opposed to the easy way or vote. Often times she touts her father as a fighter, I can see where she gets it from. She has a quiet but indisputable tenacity and fierceness that separates her from the rest of the pack.
I find myself closely relating to her in some regards and hope to maybe one day be blessed with meeting her. If I lived in Texas there is no doubt she would have my vote...hands down. I truly wished she lived in Oklahoma instead. We need someone who is willing to make the hard decisions she prides herself on.
I find myself torn between a 3 & 4 star rating. While she is highly educated and eloquent I found something a little lacking in the writing style itself. It is totally a personal preference so I put 3 stars but it does not take away from the high esteem I have for her.

[Risa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read. Going into the book, I knew she had a remarkable story, but I hadn't fully appreciated the quantity and magnitude of the obstacles she faced. Plus, I learned that she had a pet squirrel when she was a kid -- so I'm prepared for my next round of pub trivia!

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to express what this book means to me, to my loved ones, to my Texas? If you think you know the whole story, I promise you, you don't. If you are a woman or love a woman, or have a sister or daughter or mother, you need to read this book.

Read it to gain understanding of what happens to women because they are women. Read it for inspiration on education. Read it for a very interesting civics/ government lesson. Read it for the inside story on the dramatic filibuster last year. It will sadden you, inspire you, and fill you with hope. It might even make you mad enough to stand up and do something.

There are not many Wendy Davises out there. I don't think I could have done what she did. And I worry for my daughter's generation as they face no choices. Most women, especially now in battleground Texas will not be able to rise above and gain education rather than sink in the hopelessness of poverty like modern day Fantines.

Stay with me for a minute as I go to that place that ties us all up - with good reason - but I have a different point. Did you know that as of this month there are less than 8 open abortion clinics in the state of Texas? And that we lawyers are already hearing of girls - who can afford it - going to Oklahoma? Texas is about to have a baby boom. We have balanced our budget by: cutting funding to education, to women's clinics and needs, and to the poor. We have refused the federal government's Medicaid plan. And we have closed down abortion clinics. (I guarantee you that we are headed back to the back room very dangerous abortion days. I'm not talking morality here. I'm just being pragmatic). We are a border state. And now we are about to have a baby boom. Can someone please tell me what is the plan if we continue in this course? What are we going to do with these huddled masses, these poor? Deny them healthcare. Deny them education. (Welcome to the state that ranks 49th. But hey! We have some fantastic football stadiums!) And ensure that their reproduction rate soars. Keep them in their place. The Perfect Storm. Unless we learn to speak up like this person has.

Women -and you men who love us- we have got to stop being silent and ignoring the issues. This is the wakeup call. The title of the book is perfect because so many women are afraid, for good reason. I know it took me a long time to learn to not be afraid, and I'm still learning it. This book has helped me on that journey.

[Abbyofgail · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5.0

inspirational, enthralling, intelligent, well-written


I admired how she took responsibility for mistakes made (in her campaigns and her personal life) and seemed to honestly regret them.
She did a great job of walking the line between being open about her personal life and telling too much--i didn't feel like she was holding back but i also didn't feel like "ooh someone's going to be mad about that chapter"
It was worth 4 stars for the chapter on the filibuster alone. I remember watching the livestream and wishing I was there and she did a great job of making me feel like I was

-.5 because it could be slightly repetitive in parts (nearly every chapter had some variation of "and that's why I believe..." and "that's why it's important to me to...")

[Also, even though I feel it goes without saying, this book is not recommended for tea-partiers or far right republicans]

[Pat Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much stronger book than I expected it to be. Explains why she is the independent minded fighter that she is. She writes with great clarity and shares very personal aspects of her life with openness and humility. I hope people will read this book, even beyond the political season. We need more Texas women who will stand up with the good men in Austin and stand up to the rest.

[Erica Villagomez-Cloutier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I found great respect for Wendy Davis is 2013 when she filibustered the abortion bill attempting to pass which was set to make it even more difficult for women to seek abortions, despite their reasons. Had this bill been in effect 4 years earlier, my life would have been completely different. When Davis ran for governor again Greg Abbott, I was thrilled! I remember going out to vote for her, because the last thing I wanted for Texas was another Bush or Perry. But sadly Davis did not win the election and I was pretty upset.

I can’t believe it took me this long to read her book. I thought it was a well written memoir and I enjoyed reading about her upbringing and the difficulties she sustained as a child growing up poor. I felt even more connected to Davis as she became a young mother perusing her college education. I feel ya, girl. It was difficult. I’m happy Davis opened up in her book about her abortions. It was her decision to make and her business, but this book really showed what she went through with her pregnancies. Overall, a positive read.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wendy Davis describes "the humanity of the unborn child" when talking about another woman's pregnancy, and makes it clear that she saw her "fetus" Tate as her daughter. She mourned her daughter as a human being, not a collection of cells or tissue. She knows a baby in the womb is a human person. So why has she dedicated herself to defending abortions and making them easy to get?

Does she feel that when a baby is wanted, he or she is a person, but when a baby is not, it's just a subhuman blob? Or does she understand that all babies in the womb are people, but just feel like women should have the right to kill babies like her own daughter at will?

This is pure cognitive dissonance.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone with more literary ability might have made a very good story out of this; as it is, it rambles, and positively drags in places.

Interesting woman and I admire her verve, ambition and determination. I just don't admire her writing.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Wendy! Bonus points that I met her and she signed this book for me :)

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Davis is on the laminated fantasy dinner party invitation list. I sure hope she wins.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very timely and inspiring

[Kathleen Hagen]

Forgetting to be Afraid, by wendy Davis, Narrated by Hillary Huber, Produced by Penguin Audio, downloaded fromm audible.com.

Wendy Davis has had her share of tough fights. Raised by a single mother with a ninth-grade education, Davis began working after school at age fourteen
to contribute to the family finances. By the time she was nineteen, she was living in a trailer park with a baby daughter and holding down two jobs. But
rather than succumb to the cycle of poverty that threatened to overwhelm her, Davis managed to attend community college and Texas Christian University,
graduate from Harvard Law School, and go on to serve nine years on the Fort Worth City Council. She set her sights on the Texas state senate?and in 2008
defeated a longtime GOP incumbent in a race widely considered one of the biggest recent upsets in Texas politics. But it wasn’t until June 2013 that the
rest of America was acquainted with the spirited Texas state senator. Davis became an overnight political sensation and a hero to women’s rights supporters
across the country when she single-handedly filibustered Governor Rick Perry’s sweeping bill that aimed to close all but five abortion clinics in her state. During her historic nearly thirteen hours on the floor of the state legislature, Davis wasn’t allowed to eat, drink, sit, use the bathroom, speak off topic, or lean against any furniture. When it was over, President Obama tweeted support to his millions of Twitter followers, and Wendy Davis?with her pink sneakers?was suddenly a household name. She is now the first Democrat to make a serious run for governor of Texas in two decades, and her personal story is a testament to the enduring power of the American dream and an inspiration to countless women looking for a way out of desperate circumstances. Told in her own refreshingly forthright voice, Forgetting to be Afraid is the exhilarating and deeply moving story behind one of the nation’s brightest young political stars.

[Oraynab Jwayyed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Davis has lived a tough life, but nothing compared to the challenges she faced serving the Texas senate.

As a child, Wendy remembers sitting with her grandfather as he dictated gibberish to a friend and she penned it to pencil and paper. At the time, her grandfather was recovering from a massive stroke that left him wheelchair-bound. She served as his voice as she wrote those letters on his behalf since his speech was impaired. It is this memory which set the course for Wendy's ultimate path to politics.

Wendy is best known for her 13-hour abortion filibuster at the Texas capitol, as she and her colleagues tried to stop a bill that would restrict the number of abortion clinics in the state. At the time, it was predicted that 37 out of 42 clinics would shut down.

The first thing I asked myself when I heard about Wendy's filibuster is why would a woman from a conservative red state care? Aside from the geographic and political dynamics at play, Wendy's passion for abortion rights stems from a personal experience she had when she was forced to abort her third pregnancy. Although the procedure was required because of the fetus's medical condition, Texas laws required hospitals to recognize it as an abortion since it was in its second trimester.

Unlike many bios, "Forgetting to be Afraid" is a breeze to read, which made the book a fast read. The first half is dedicated to the author's upbringing and family. It's not until the 11th chapter that her diversion into law and politics really starts.

It's important to note that the bio did have a major setback. Once again, another Southern author tends to wash over certain events and characters with too many, typically charming excuses. While there's much to learn from the author's story, she does appear a tad too bit apologetic at times. Other than that, this is a recommended read. You'll find yourself immersed in fond tales of her family life and studying as an adult student.

[Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd only learned of who Wendy Davis was when she spoke for hours to filibuster the anti-choice bill, SB5 in 2013.

Her background is more complex than I had expected. Her childhood was not the "Leave it to Beaver" variety and through it all, her resilience, drive, and compassion never wavered. The first half of the book recalls her parents tumultuous relationship - marriage, divorce, remarriage, as well as her own difficult relationship with her first husband and being a mom at a young age. The reader certainly gets a clear picture of who Ms. Davis is and what motivates her to be a public servant.

The second half of the book delves into her political career. Her story of her first political run and loss was a sound reminder of running a campaign true to yourself, even when others tell you to go another direction. What saddened me most were the stories of those politicians that are ardent party above country politicians. Texas Republicans who are focused more on the win than doing the right thing by their constituents is a sad and pathetic state of affairs. But I digress.

The story of her using a catheter attached to her leg so she could stand for hours to filibuster the anti-choice bill gave me a little chuckle but the entire story was a fascinating look into our political system. Her story provided a glimpse into the political system from when you decide to run (and sometimes have to fight your own party), the campaign, the cost of the campaign (financially and emotionally) and then the battles you never thought you'd have to fight once you get into the political fray.

[Rick Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Davis is a bad ass. From a difficult childhood leading to dropping out of college and living in a trailer park, to working her way through undergrad and eventually law school, she’s run the gamut of socio-economic experience. Her emotional vulnerability and maturity felt like a cool glass of water in these parched political times. She gets into some really personal stuff, divorces, miscarriages, and seems to emerge un-embittered. If anything it really gives clarity and authenticity to her platform and decision to run for office.

The negatives in the book are more form than function. The book at times reads like a bad run on sentence. And personally, as someone who loves multiple clauses, the more the merrier I say, just stuff em all into your sentences, Wendy gets a bit convoluted with her writing. You know how legal writing puts people to sleep? “The party of that party has no party to party down at the party with.” That kind of stuff? I think all that legal stuff has seeped into her brain and lodged itself there like a mildly annoying pod person. This book needs a good editing. But after listening to Wendy speak, it’s in her voice. I think she might actually dream in legalese. She does not perform a filibuster, she is a filibuster. She has become one with the Filibuster.*

I think the content carries the book well enough. I found myself gaining a lot of admiration and respect for her throughout the book. The end bits about her “majestic” filibuster felt like they’re pandering just a bit. But overall Wendy seems like an incredibly admirable person.


* HMU if you need a speechwriter Wendy. Happy to plagiarize Johnnie Favs.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Wendy's memoir right after I got it for my birthday in September, and didn't end up finishing it until last night. It was hard to read about this courageous woman knowing as I do now that she would lose the gubernatorial election.

She talks a lot about her childhood and formative experiences. I wish she had talked more about her work as a lawyer (hence my 4 star rating). The chapter about her abortion was hard to read. I feel so bad for any woman who ends a wanted pregnancy and is judged harshly for it (or for anyone judged for the abortion, no matter the circumstances). Kudos to Wendy for sharing her story, because I'm sure a lot of women in Texas can relate to it.

The hardest part to read for me was of course the chapter about her filibuster on June 25, 2013. Having been there at the Capitol that night, it was like reliving a memory (albeit from another perspective, because I was in the rotunda with my friend and not the gallery, and therefore had to rely on social media to hear about what was happening on the Senate floor). It still makes me angry to remember the flagrant disregard for the rules that the TX GOP showed that night, from calling bogus points of order during the filibuster to changing the timestamp of the official vote. I will never forget how much it meant to me that Wendy stood up for all of us and gave us a voice, especially on such a "controversial" topic as abortion. She is a hero, and Texas really lost out by not electing her to the governorship this year.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Davis is a rare politician who entered public service for the right reasons. She believes that her office belongs to the people and passionately advocates for everyone's voice to be heard, especially those who can't speak for themselves. Her memoir describes her life from childhood through her entry into politics as a city councilperson and her experience as a Texas state senator. The climax of her story is a vivid description of filibustering a bill restricting women's reproductive rights that thrust her on the national stage. I admire Davis' guts, determination and drive, from graduating from Harvard Law School while caring for two young kids to speaking for more than twelve hours on her feat behind her Senate desk with absolutely no breaks. I am impressed by her compassion, steadfast belief that people can make a difference when they stand up for what they believe in, and drive to understand where everyone is coming from. Davis makes an effort to understand how people's pasts determine their present viewpoints, especially those she disagrees with. I picked up this book from the library's new books shelf and was captivated by the first few pages. While I was disappointed that Davis spent the next 100 pages describing her grandparents, parents and her life up to age 18 in too much detail, she has a powerful story to share and I'm glad I read it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very clearly remember watching a woman I'd never heard of before, filibustering the Texas senate in 2013. I can't remember exactly where I was in my journey to feminism, but I know watching her was an integral part of making me who I am in terms of my views on politics and standing up for what I believe in.

I also remember the devastation of 2014 when Wendy lost the race for governor. I am a resident of South Carolina who is largely unaffected by Texas politics, but I remember crying and crying because I knew what Greg abbots election meant for women's healthcare and so so much more in Texas.

This wasn't the greatest political memoir in the world by any stretch of the imagination, but it was great nonetheless. Wendy Davis's story is not only inspiring, but incredibly uplifting. And her fight for Texas women continues to move me to tears. I can only hope she will go back into politics and continue to fight the good fight.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wendy Davis became a national political figure for her filibuster on the Texas Senate over abortion. This is her story.

Why I started this book: After seeing some mimes from pinterest, I was curious to learn more.

Why I finished it: Crazy long, not in actual length, but in the ability to hold the readers attention, and I should have skipped ahead to her political chapters. (Kind of hard to do in audio books.) And I need to remember that I don't always enjoy autobiographies of people who are still living... there usually not enough distance to tease out the all ramifications of their lives. On the other hand, I would vote for her.

[Emily Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grappled between giving this book four or three stars for quite some time, but I think that I'm finally settling on three because it wasn't until the final 80 pages of the book or so that I really became engrossed. While hearing about Davis' background was certainly interesting, her writing is so straightforward--no frills--that it was a struggle for me to continue at times. Once the book moved away from Davis' upbringing into her political career, I was hooked; hearing about her political struggles was both gripping and, at times, devastating. The chapter about her role in the 2013 filibuster of Senate Bill 5 literally brought tears to my eyes, and that section alone is worth reading this book. A wonderful start to 2015!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into the development of a woman politician.She does a good job covering her early years with her dysfunctional family, although repetitious it was of interest. The later part of the book she wrote like the politician she is, endorsing herself and pointing out why she is right on issues. I don't mind the issues as I agree with her (as a liberal Democrat) I just had a hard time taking her any more seriously than any other politician. The part I found fascinating was the punitive measures Texas makes its lawmakers go through.
Reading about the failure of hiding the catheter made me chuckle as I am a nurse and have dealt with this type of problem. A readable memoir but it probably won't win her many votes in Texas.

[Get Booked Fans]

Episode 28:
5. I’m currently finishing My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor (and loving it) and I have Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg queued up next, and possibly Sisters in Law after that one. Obviously, those are all specific to the Supreme Court, but now I’m just itching to read more about kick-ass women who have affected our political landscape. Any advice on the best nonfiction about women who have impacted the justice and political systems of our country? Great biographies, memoirs, autobiographies, micro-histories, and more wide-ranging histories would all be welcome. I would especially love great audiobook recommendations.
Thanks for hosting a great podcast!
–Lyndsey
Recommended by: Amanda

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. It is a very readable book. I am not from Texas and never heard of Wendy Davis, but the blurb on NetGalley piqued my interest. Unlike a lot of books about political figures, this book was very interesting and well-written. It was about mostly her personal life, but included a good section on her political life. Both parts of her life were written to be read and understood by the average person. She overcame a lot of adversity in her life to be a successful lawyer, politician, parent, and woman. Wendy Davis is a name to watch for the future.

I received this book free as an ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts as a fascinating story of the author's early life and continues on as an easy and interesting read before becoming a tad political for my taste. Wendy's clearly bright and she explains some of her political views (certainly all of them) but the sense of bipartisan warfare, relayed in this book, overshadows the story in the final chapters. I would have liked to know more about her as an adult but this autobiography, written only part-way through her life, probably came out principally to boost her gubernatorial run.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy Davis' story was more inspirational than I expected. I hadn't realized her background when I picked it up. She came from pretty tough financial circumstances as a kid, to becoming a mom at 19, scraping to get by, to graduating Harvard Law School and eventually serving in the Texas State Senate. It also reminded me of the far-reaching implications of local politics on our day to day lives. I hope the soap opera that is this year's presidential election doesn't blind people to the difference they can make in supporting candidates on the local and state level.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy Davis became famous after her filibuster for pro-choice abortion in 2013. She later attempted an unsuccessful run for Governor and wrote this memoir to help her political career.
The book chronicles her childhood, college life and political career. Her childhood was a difficult mix of poverty, broken family and constant moving.
This book is a bit too manufactured with each chapter ending in "and this adversity is what shaped who I am today." Difficult to recommend but mildly interesting for avid fans of Texas politics.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written book, great pacing, honest account of childhood challenges, filled with thoughts, personal revelations, joys and disappointments. Wendy talks about victories and frustrations as a Democratic politician in trying to help her constituents, and not big business, in a state Legislature saturated with Republicans. A diary of accomplishments, failures, and the details about her epic filibuster. Very enjoyable and enlightening read.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of the book but it became tedious the further I read. Wendy Davis is certainly someone to admire as she has accomplished a great deal, often against obstacles that would stop most. My problem with the book is that it read like a resume in prose. It's a memoir, so I should not have been surprised. Those who enjoy a political read that gives insight into a politician's choices will enjoy the book. As I said, I enjoyed the first half but thereafter - no.

[Ulana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed at how well Wendy Davis wrote. It was interesting to learn more about her personal life. Her campaign was smeared by the other party. They did not treat her well at her Senate filibuster. I found out many details about exactly what happened. She is an amazing woman who overcame many odds. My friend Amy and I were in Haltom City when she announced that she was running for the Governor of Texas. I was so disappointed when she did not win. I wish her the best.