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Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World
Listening length: 5 hours and 56 minutes
Former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki shares the surprising lessons she’s learned on her path to success and offers unique yet universal advice about how to be a more effective communicator in any situation.
Not many White House Press Secretaries capture the nation’s interest the way Jen Psaki did. Refreshingly candid and clear, Psaki quickly became known for her ability to break through the noise and successfully deliver her message. In her highly anticipated book, Psaki shares her journey to the Briefing Room and beyond, taking readers along the campaign trail, to the State Department, and inside the White House under two Presidents. With her signature wit, Psaki writes about reporting to bosses from the hot-tempered Rahm Emanuel to the coolly intellectual Barack Obama to the surprisingly tenderhearted John Kerry. She also talks about her time working closely with President Joe Biden from the start of his administration to set a new tone for the country, restoring a sense of calm and respect for the role of the media in our Democracy.
Since leaving the White House, Psaki’s star has continued to rise. She launched a highly rated show on MSNBC and was so successful that in just six months she was given an additional primetime Monday slot, ahead of Rachel Maddow. And Psaki’s work doesn’t end at the office. She is the mother of two young children and shares her stories about the journey of communicating as a parent: During one bedtime briefing, her young daughter asked the question, “Why do wars start?”, which Jen carefully explained and then got a follow up: “Have you ever seen a unicorn?”
In Say More, Psaki explains her straightforward approach to communication, walking readers through difficult conversations as well as moments where humor saves the day—whether it is with preschoolers, partners, or presidents. She addresses the best ways to give and receive feedback, how to connect with your audience, how to listen actively, and much more. Say More is the book Psaki wishes she had when she started her career, and is a trove of entertaining, essential lessons from one of the most prominent voices in American politics today.
Former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host Jen Psaki shares the surprising lessons she’s learned on her path to success and offers unique yet universal advice about how to be a more effective communicator in any situation.
Not many White House Press Secretaries capture the nation’s interest the way Jen Psaki did. Refreshingly candid and clear, Psaki quickly became known for her ability to break through the noise and successfully deliver her message. In her highly anticipated book, Psaki shares her journey to the Briefing Room and beyond, taking readers along the campaign trail, to the State Department, and inside the White House under two Presidents. With her signature wit, Psaki writes about reporting to bosses from the hot-tempered Rahm Emanuel to the coolly intellectual Barack Obama to the surprisingly tenderhearted John Kerry. She also talks about her time working closely with President Joe Biden from the start of his administration to set a new tone for the country, restoring a sense of calm and respect for the role of the media in our Democracy.
Since leaving the White House, Psaki’s star has continued to rise. She launched a highly rated show on MSNBC and was so successful that in just six months she was given an additional primetime Monday slot, ahead of Rachel Maddow. And Psaki’s work doesn’t end at the office. She is the mother of two young children and shares her stories about the journey of communicating as a parent: During one bedtime briefing, her young daughter asked the question, “Why do wars start?”, which Jen carefully explained and then got a follow up: “Have you ever seen a unicorn?”
In Say More, Psaki explains her straightforward approach to communication, walking readers through difficult conversations as well as moments where humor saves the day—whether it is with preschoolers, partners, or presidents. She addresses the best ways to give and receive feedback, how to connect with your audience, how to listen actively, and much more. Say More is the book Psaki wishes she had when she started her career, and is a trove of entertaining, essential lessons from one of the most prominent voices in American politics today.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published May 7, 2024
704 people are currently reading
8657 people want to read
About the author
Jen Psaki
1 book83 followersJen Psaki is the host of MSNBC’s Sunday afternoon and Monday evening program, Inside with Jen Psaki. She served as the thirty-fourth White House Press Secretary under President Biden until May 2022. Over the course of her twenty years in public service, Psaki also served as White House Communications Director under President Obama, as the spokesperson for the State Department under then Secretary of State John Kerry, and worked on three presidential campaigns. She lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
August 29, 2025
“My plan to explain to my five-year-old daughter that I was about to start a time-consuming job at the White House began with me proposing a trip to her favorite frozen yogurt shop.
[…] “You remember that nice man, Joe Biden? He asked me if I could help him for a little while”, I explained.
“Ok”, she muttered.
“And it’s going to mean sacrificing time away from you and Matthew”, I continued. Her little brother was two at the time. “But it’s for the country. So that means YOU are also sacrificing to help make people’s lives better in the country. Does that make sense?”
* sighs * Sadly, it does not.
You really wanna make the world a better place? Be the best mother (or father) you can be, especially if you’re already one. That is a real sacrifice, not the massive ego-trip that is to work as the White House press secretary.
I’m happy that my mother wasn’t absent “because she had to make the world a better place” and I’m grateful that she was dedicated to being an actual mother to me and my brother.
Don't get me wrong, I don’t have anything against idealists. I just prefer adults, especially when it comes to management or government.
What’s an idealist? An idealist is someone who envisions an ideal world rather than the real one. John Lennon. Bob Marley. Preferring fantasy over reality.
Interestingly, a faithful person is often much more anchored in reality than someone who worships at the altar of modern liberalism, because faith deals in Truth and reality.
The crucial distinction between an idealist and a religious person is that the idealist projects his desires for a perfect world not onto heaven, or the afterlife, but onto this earthly world — a fundamental mistake that spiritual traditions had already identified millennia ago, a message that somehow is not filtering through the modern world very clearly.
And that’s where my issues with part of the modern left begin: yes, idealism is, in and of itself, a great propelling force. But there’s a good reason why, when it comes to political matters, all around the world people say : “if you don’t vote for the left before you’re 30, you have no heart, if you don’t vote for the right after you’re 30, you have no brains”.
We should not be governed by idealists. We should be governed by adults.
That is a problem, because today we live in a world of teenagers, to such an extent that very few people actually make it past their 30s, not in terms of legal age, but in terms of maturity.
Whether you like her and her politics or not, however, there are no “lessons” to be learned from this book.
The book is almost completely useless: it doesn’t keep its titular promise, while giving us — shocker! — a celebration of herself.
After 220 pages on how much of a GOD Obama is, and what an unbelievably honest and good man Biden is, and how the best day of her life was when the White House was lit up in rainbow colors to celebrate the victory of “marriage equality”, finally we stumble upon a kernel of something worthwhile and close to being true.
Here it is:
“To my sisters, Stephanie and Kristen. Though you are both younger than me, you are often wiser”.
Why doesn’t that surprise me? I’m sure they love their famous sister, and they’re proud of her, but I also have no problems believing that “wisdom” is not the first word that comes to their minds when thinking about her.
This world has intelligence in over-abundance. Now the artificial kind as well. So much intelligence. Just like Jen Psaki.
What’s really lacking is wisdom.
In our world, and in this book, that contains only immaturity, and no wisdom.
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding ”, Proverbs 3:19.
When we seek wisdom, we try to get close to God and act according to His unchanging truth. We then respond to situations from an eternal perspective. We begin to look at our hopes, dreams, and sufferings from God’s point of view instead of our own.
Otherwise, we are just kids.
——————————
2025 update
Today, August 27, 2025, regarding prayers in response to a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Psaki wrote on X: “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
First, no one believes that, as a consequence of our prayer, God stops the mass shootings. This is pure ignorance.
Second, in 2017 she tweeted “Thoughts and prayers” for Steve Scalise. Her hypocrisy is staggering.
Luckily, under her X post, thousands of people SAVAGED her in their comments, proving that wise and decent people still exist — and that I’m not alone in considering her an immature, narcissistic witch.
[…] “You remember that nice man, Joe Biden? He asked me if I could help him for a little while”, I explained.
“Ok”, she muttered.
“And it’s going to mean sacrificing time away from you and Matthew”, I continued. Her little brother was two at the time. “But it’s for the country. So that means YOU are also sacrificing to help make people’s lives better in the country. Does that make sense?”
* sighs * Sadly, it does not.
You really wanna make the world a better place? Be the best mother (or father) you can be, especially if you’re already one. That is a real sacrifice, not the massive ego-trip that is to work as the White House press secretary.
I’m happy that my mother wasn’t absent “because she had to make the world a better place” and I’m grateful that she was dedicated to being an actual mother to me and my brother.
Don't get me wrong, I don’t have anything against idealists. I just prefer adults, especially when it comes to management or government.
What’s an idealist? An idealist is someone who envisions an ideal world rather than the real one. John Lennon. Bob Marley. Preferring fantasy over reality.
Interestingly, a faithful person is often much more anchored in reality than someone who worships at the altar of modern liberalism, because faith deals in Truth and reality.
The crucial distinction between an idealist and a religious person is that the idealist projects his desires for a perfect world not onto heaven, or the afterlife, but onto this earthly world — a fundamental mistake that spiritual traditions had already identified millennia ago, a message that somehow is not filtering through the modern world very clearly.
And that’s where my issues with part of the modern left begin: yes, idealism is, in and of itself, a great propelling force. But there’s a good reason why, when it comes to political matters, all around the world people say : “if you don’t vote for the left before you’re 30, you have no heart, if you don’t vote for the right after you’re 30, you have no brains”.
We should not be governed by idealists. We should be governed by adults.
That is a problem, because today we live in a world of teenagers, to such an extent that very few people actually make it past their 30s, not in terms of legal age, but in terms of maturity.
Whether you like her and her politics or not, however, there are no “lessons” to be learned from this book.
The book is almost completely useless: it doesn’t keep its titular promise, while giving us — shocker! — a celebration of herself.
After 220 pages on how much of a GOD Obama is, and what an unbelievably honest and good man Biden is, and how the best day of her life was when the White House was lit up in rainbow colors to celebrate the victory of “marriage equality”, finally we stumble upon a kernel of something worthwhile and close to being true.
Here it is:
“To my sisters, Stephanie and Kristen. Though you are both younger than me, you are often wiser”.
Why doesn’t that surprise me? I’m sure they love their famous sister, and they’re proud of her, but I also have no problems believing that “wisdom” is not the first word that comes to their minds when thinking about her.
This world has intelligence in over-abundance. Now the artificial kind as well. So much intelligence. Just like Jen Psaki.
What’s really lacking is wisdom.
In our world, and in this book, that contains only immaturity, and no wisdom.
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding ”, Proverbs 3:19.
When we seek wisdom, we try to get close to God and act according to His unchanging truth. We then respond to situations from an eternal perspective. We begin to look at our hopes, dreams, and sufferings from God’s point of view instead of our own.
Otherwise, we are just kids.
——————————
2025 update
Today, August 27, 2025, regarding prayers in response to a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Psaki wrote on X: “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
First, no one believes that, as a consequence of our prayer, God stops the mass shootings. This is pure ignorance.
Second, in 2017 she tweeted “Thoughts and prayers” for Steve Scalise. Her hypocrisy is staggering.
Luckily, under her X post, thousands of people SAVAGED her in their comments, proving that wise and decent people still exist — and that I’m not alone in considering her an immature, narcissistic witch.
May 22, 2024
4.5 stars
Love Jen Psaki, love the people she worked for and while I thought this would be more memoir/behind the scenes - I loved what other reviewers didn't seem to like as much - work/communication advice on how to handle certain situations seen through the lens of her experiences through her career. Jen is 4 years older than me and so a lot of her advice was timely (ways to communicate in work environment and as a mom to young kids). I kind of wish this was a little longer and more detailed about her time with Obama (she was with him for so long), but at the same time she made it clear that her style is not to do a "tell all".
I listened to the audiobook (thanks to the Libby app), which was read by Jen and I loved this format. It was also cool that she used clips from real press briefings to give context, which was much more engaging then if I had read the transcript.
Definitely a book I would recommend and enjoyed reading/listening to for anyone interested in these topics.
Thank you to Scribner Books for the gifted advanced copy and to Libby/Brooklyn Public Library for the audiobook.
Review Date: 05/22/2024
Publication Date: 05/07/2024
Love Jen Psaki, love the people she worked for and while I thought this would be more memoir/behind the scenes - I loved what other reviewers didn't seem to like as much - work/communication advice on how to handle certain situations seen through the lens of her experiences through her career. Jen is 4 years older than me and so a lot of her advice was timely (ways to communicate in work environment and as a mom to young kids). I kind of wish this was a little longer and more detailed about her time with Obama (she was with him for so long), but at the same time she made it clear that her style is not to do a "tell all".
I listened to the audiobook (thanks to the Libby app), which was read by Jen and I loved this format. It was also cool that she used clips from real press briefings to give context, which was much more engaging then if I had read the transcript.
Definitely a book I would recommend and enjoyed reading/listening to for anyone interested in these topics.
Thank you to Scribner Books for the gifted advanced copy and to Libby/Brooklyn Public Library for the audiobook.
Review Date: 05/22/2024
Publication Date: 05/07/2024
October 14, 2024
2 stars = Meh. Just ok.
You are always communicating, even when you say nothing.
I developed quite the girl crush on Psaki when she was Biden’s Press Secretary and was consistently impressed with her competence and ability to effectively and swiftly shut down BS, so I knew her memoir would be amazing. I was surprised and disappointed to find that it was actually just alright, and reads more like a nonfiction communications book than a memoir.
She thoroughly goes over the highlights from her work on the campaigns and administrations for both Obama and Biden, but there is no notable amount of vulnerability or personal sharing that allows the reader to feel like they know her better as a person. There are some excellent self-help type tips offered to strengthen your communication with anyone in your life and to assist with undergoing difficult, awkward conversations. This one is all business, no play.
I listened to her narrate it on audiobook which was fine, but again, no emotion to be conveyed on what is fairly dry text. I did like that they inserted actual recordings from some of her press briefings when they were mentioned in the book.
Perhaps my expectations were too high based on her stellar communication skills and intellect, but this one disappointed. To be fair, it is exactly what the subtitle claims, Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World. Unfortunately, that is all it gives the reader and the prose is sadly not memorable.
Moving beyond your own experience is an important part of developing the kind of perspective that helps with decision-making.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: It was one of the most important days of my career, and I was on my way to the zoo.
Favorite Quote: Sometimes we want things to be black-and-white, but it is the gray areas that make for the best conversations.
You are always communicating, even when you say nothing.
I developed quite the girl crush on Psaki when she was Biden’s Press Secretary and was consistently impressed with her competence and ability to effectively and swiftly shut down BS, so I knew her memoir would be amazing. I was surprised and disappointed to find that it was actually just alright, and reads more like a nonfiction communications book than a memoir.
She thoroughly goes over the highlights from her work on the campaigns and administrations for both Obama and Biden, but there is no notable amount of vulnerability or personal sharing that allows the reader to feel like they know her better as a person. There are some excellent self-help type tips offered to strengthen your communication with anyone in your life and to assist with undergoing difficult, awkward conversations. This one is all business, no play.
I listened to her narrate it on audiobook which was fine, but again, no emotion to be conveyed on what is fairly dry text. I did like that they inserted actual recordings from some of her press briefings when they were mentioned in the book.
Perhaps my expectations were too high based on her stellar communication skills and intellect, but this one disappointed. To be fair, it is exactly what the subtitle claims, Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World. Unfortunately, that is all it gives the reader and the prose is sadly not memorable.
Moving beyond your own experience is an important part of developing the kind of perspective that helps with decision-making.
-------------------------------------------
First Sentence: It was one of the most important days of my career, and I was on my way to the zoo.
Favorite Quote: Sometimes we want things to be black-and-white, but it is the gray areas that make for the best conversations.
November 6, 2024
Say more....but what are you saying.
I wasn't surprised by the 2024 election results. 2016 was surprising but 2024 was clear as day. I voted for Kamala but I understand why some Black people didn't. Democrats talk alot but they never actually say anything. Republicans are worse shouldn't be what we are forced to deal with.
I've never watched Jen Psaki's tv show on MSNBC and I never watched her as press secretary for Obama & Biden. Jen seems like a nice person and I think she has some good advice. This book isn't ground breaking or anything but it's a good insight into how working in government is. Jen has been in politics since she was 23 years old. She loves it. I personally think we should be more aggressive with how we handle the opposition but Jen is a more pleasant person than me.
No recommendation it was a fine read.
I wasn't surprised by the 2024 election results. 2016 was surprising but 2024 was clear as day. I voted for Kamala but I understand why some Black people didn't. Democrats talk alot but they never actually say anything. Republicans are worse shouldn't be what we are forced to deal with.
I've never watched Jen Psaki's tv show on MSNBC and I never watched her as press secretary for Obama & Biden. Jen seems like a nice person and I think she has some good advice. This book isn't ground breaking or anything but it's a good insight into how working in government is. Jen has been in politics since she was 23 years old. She loves it. I personally think we should be more aggressive with how we handle the opposition but Jen is a more pleasant person than me.
No recommendation it was a fine read.
May 17, 2024
This is a really well done book about communication and listening skills, with stories that include many political figures of our times. I have always enjoyed watching Jen Psaki, both when she was a Press Secretary at the White House, and currently on MSNBC. And she is just wicked smart!
May 22, 2024
I have long admired Jen Psaki and was always impressed with how she handled herself with poise and grace under fire. The way she fielded questions with her calm, knowledgeable, and professional demeanor as the press fired volley after volley was otherworldly. In my opinion, she has the perfect voice and articulation for the public work she has done (and continues to d0).
But this book...I found myself reluctantly losing some respect for her. Neither an autobiography nor a communications book, it came across as more of a complaint piece. Chapter after chapter goes into how she was treated and why she said many things during press briefings in the past.
The audio book is read by the author, and even includes some audio clips of the press exchanges I mentioned above. I just felt like she was above all that, and while the humility at acknowledging having misspoke a few times was admirable, there seemed to be quite a focus on it.
The book is marketed as a communications work, but that part of it can be summarized: Less is more, make sure you know what you're talking about, and don't lose your cool.
If you're interested in what was on Jen's mind during her many press briefings, this is a book for you.
But this book...I found myself reluctantly losing some respect for her. Neither an autobiography nor a communications book, it came across as more of a complaint piece. Chapter after chapter goes into how she was treated and why she said many things during press briefings in the past.
The audio book is read by the author, and even includes some audio clips of the press exchanges I mentioned above. I just felt like she was above all that, and while the humility at acknowledging having misspoke a few times was admirable, there seemed to be quite a focus on it.
The book is marketed as a communications work, but that part of it can be summarized: Less is more, make sure you know what you're talking about, and don't lose your cool.
If you're interested in what was on Jen's mind during her many press briefings, this is a book for you.
April 30, 2024
Jen Psaki's brilliant memoir should become a staple on the bookshelves of working moms and anyone interested in mastering communication skills. I loved this book.
Ms. Psaki organized the book around different pieces of advice on communication. As the former White House Press Secretary she has had many unique experiences with communicating. I enjoyed learning about her time working with Biden, Obama, Kerry and other senior politicians. I absolutely loved the sections on balancing work as a working mom. Jen describes real life situations with her family in a way that is relatable and valuable. Throughout the book she discusses her successes as well as her failures. I appreciated the vulnerability that she displayed in sharing some of her failures.
Her advice on communication is spot on and relevant for everything press conferences to difficult conversations with bosses to kindergarten parent teacher meetings. The writing is very accessible and reading the book you feel like you are talking to wise friend. I took away many valuable insights on communication and learned about a phenomenal leader and role model. This book is a must read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Psaki organized the book around different pieces of advice on communication. As the former White House Press Secretary she has had many unique experiences with communicating. I enjoyed learning about her time working with Biden, Obama, Kerry and other senior politicians. I absolutely loved the sections on balancing work as a working mom. Jen describes real life situations with her family in a way that is relatable and valuable. Throughout the book she discusses her successes as well as her failures. I appreciated the vulnerability that she displayed in sharing some of her failures.
Her advice on communication is spot on and relevant for everything press conferences to difficult conversations with bosses to kindergarten parent teacher meetings. The writing is very accessible and reading the book you feel like you are talking to wise friend. I took away many valuable insights on communication and learned about a phenomenal leader and role model. This book is a must read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
I have once again decided to embark on a mission to read a number of books on subjects that will be of great importance to the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Election. This was a great success as I prepared for 2020, with an outcome at the polls (and antics by both candidates up to Inauguration Day) that only a fiction writer might have come up with at the time! Many of these will focus on actors and events intricately involved in the US political system over the last few years, in hopes that I can understand them better and, perhaps, educate others with the power to cast a ballot. I am, as always, open to serious recommendations from anyone who has a book I might like to include in the process.
This is Book #9 in my 2024 US Election Preparation Challenge.
Eager to get a well-rounded perspective on the upcoming election and its players, I thought that looking into this brief biography/memoir by Jen Psaki, former Press Secretary to President Biden, might help. It offered up a number of interesting anecdotes, as well as keys to working with high-ranking members of the American political scene, but did not delve in too deeply. While it was nice to get some views by Psaki, I had hoped for a meatier exploration and analysis, perhaps something that could assuage many of the critical moments presented by the Republicans and those in the Democratic circle. Still, it was an interesting look into the life of a woman who worked alongside some of the more recent Democratic heavy-hitters, while injecting some sobering sentiments about being a mother to young children and trying to juggle life in the West Wing. A good snapshot into politics from a different angle and well worth my reading time.
While she had a number of stumbles along the way, Jen Psaki was able to overcome them as she rose through the ranks and was chosen to be President Biden’s Press Secretary at the start of his administration. Psaki offers up some great anecdotes about how she was a recent university grad with a hunger for something more. She used many of her writing skills to dazzle during the Iowa Primaries in 2002 and found a niche for herself that would include spinning the Democratic Jews for various hard-hitters. Her first foray into the world of presidential politics came when she worked on the communications team for Candidate John Kerry in 2004, though he was not successful in removing George W. Bush at the polls.
This would open the door for her to eventually join the team after the Obama victory, where she honed her skills and learned the importance of using the press as a conduit to better represent the White House. Psaki learned how to deliver key talking points to explain situations in the White House, while discovering just how intense the press corps can be when they are demanding answers. Psaki speaks of how she had to balance work and home life, mother to young children who did not fully comprehend the magnitude of her work or the people she was able to influence. These challenges would not deter her, but rather prepared Psaki for her largest job yet, working as Press Secretary for President Biden.
Psaki explains that the job was doubly challenging for her. Not only would she be responsible for delivering key policy and daily announcements, but also serve to offset four years of Trump-era rhetoric. Psaki would have to claw back many of the surprise and outlandish moments Trump’s White House used as daily fuel for the press. Psaki found it tough, but thrived at the challenge. She sought to reset the country’s plan and deliver it to the press, especially after there was an obvious disconnect with the country and press since President Obama left office. Her place, while brief, seemed to be an essential part of helping reestablish a caring link.
Psaki used various moments throughout the book to offer tidbits that she used to make herself a better person and more effective White House employee. There were certainly many issues she faced during her time in the public eye, but Psaki left with a better sense of self when she decided to make the leap to being an on-air personality with MSNBC. Psaki explored the importance of using all she learned to make herself a stronger interviewer and willing to sit down with those whose ideological view differ from her own. These views help foster a sense that she can be more than a Democratic staffer, but a person who seeks to amass various views before synthesising her own.
When I chose this book, I was looking for an in-depth look at life in the White House and how Jen Psaki would spin the time she spent with President Biden. Truthfully, this was more a primer and superficial exploration of key aspects she used to better herself. Psaki provided the reader with a key set of beliefs and learnings, probed through well-written chapters and vignettes. Psaki seeks to give the reader a sense that there is much to be learned in the political arena. Critical when needed, but also no one to smear or be a tell-all. While this did not entirely tick all the boxes I hoped, I did learn a great deal and am eager to delve deeper into the Biden Administration to gather more crumbs to further my curiosity. A quick read and worth my time.
Kudos, Madam Psaki, for a mind-opening book that sheds light on some of the shadows in the political world.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
This is Book #9 in my 2024 US Election Preparation Challenge.
Eager to get a well-rounded perspective on the upcoming election and its players, I thought that looking into this brief biography/memoir by Jen Psaki, former Press Secretary to President Biden, might help. It offered up a number of interesting anecdotes, as well as keys to working with high-ranking members of the American political scene, but did not delve in too deeply. While it was nice to get some views by Psaki, I had hoped for a meatier exploration and analysis, perhaps something that could assuage many of the critical moments presented by the Republicans and those in the Democratic circle. Still, it was an interesting look into the life of a woman who worked alongside some of the more recent Democratic heavy-hitters, while injecting some sobering sentiments about being a mother to young children and trying to juggle life in the West Wing. A good snapshot into politics from a different angle and well worth my reading time.
While she had a number of stumbles along the way, Jen Psaki was able to overcome them as she rose through the ranks and was chosen to be President Biden’s Press Secretary at the start of his administration. Psaki offers up some great anecdotes about how she was a recent university grad with a hunger for something more. She used many of her writing skills to dazzle during the Iowa Primaries in 2002 and found a niche for herself that would include spinning the Democratic Jews for various hard-hitters. Her first foray into the world of presidential politics came when she worked on the communications team for Candidate John Kerry in 2004, though he was not successful in removing George W. Bush at the polls.
This would open the door for her to eventually join the team after the Obama victory, where she honed her skills and learned the importance of using the press as a conduit to better represent the White House. Psaki learned how to deliver key talking points to explain situations in the White House, while discovering just how intense the press corps can be when they are demanding answers. Psaki speaks of how she had to balance work and home life, mother to young children who did not fully comprehend the magnitude of her work or the people she was able to influence. These challenges would not deter her, but rather prepared Psaki for her largest job yet, working as Press Secretary for President Biden.
Psaki explains that the job was doubly challenging for her. Not only would she be responsible for delivering key policy and daily announcements, but also serve to offset four years of Trump-era rhetoric. Psaki would have to claw back many of the surprise and outlandish moments Trump’s White House used as daily fuel for the press. Psaki found it tough, but thrived at the challenge. She sought to reset the country’s plan and deliver it to the press, especially after there was an obvious disconnect with the country and press since President Obama left office. Her place, while brief, seemed to be an essential part of helping reestablish a caring link.
Psaki used various moments throughout the book to offer tidbits that she used to make herself a better person and more effective White House employee. There were certainly many issues she faced during her time in the public eye, but Psaki left with a better sense of self when she decided to make the leap to being an on-air personality with MSNBC. Psaki explored the importance of using all she learned to make herself a stronger interviewer and willing to sit down with those whose ideological view differ from her own. These views help foster a sense that she can be more than a Democratic staffer, but a person who seeks to amass various views before synthesising her own.
When I chose this book, I was looking for an in-depth look at life in the White House and how Jen Psaki would spin the time she spent with President Biden. Truthfully, this was more a primer and superficial exploration of key aspects she used to better herself. Psaki provided the reader with a key set of beliefs and learnings, probed through well-written chapters and vignettes. Psaki seeks to give the reader a sense that there is much to be learned in the political arena. Critical when needed, but also no one to smear or be a tell-all. While this did not entirely tick all the boxes I hoped, I did learn a great deal and am eager to delve deeper into the Biden Administration to gather more crumbs to further my curiosity. A quick read and worth my time.
Kudos, Madam Psaki, for a mind-opening book that sheds light on some of the shadows in the political world.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 12, 2024
Publication date was May 7; I had pre-ordered it because I admired Jen Psaki during her service as White House Press Secretary, and I enjoy her as an MSNBC contributor and now anchor. It's not so much a memoir, although she includes many personal stories, as it is a how-to manual on establishing and improving effective communication in all areas of one's life from parenthood, academia, career, or friendships. Her "rules" help to explain why she has been so good in her jobs. Psaki is an excellent writer, and her grammar and punctuation are a pleasure (yes, she was an English major). It's a quick read at 239 pages, but I'm thinking it will be a frequent reference to be consulted as needed. I enjoyed it.
November 17, 2024
I was expecting this book to be an anecdotal memoir about the author’s time working for Joe Biden. It turned out to be mostly a management style book about developing communication skills. There were still some good stories including her time spent in the Obama White House and time spent working for John Kerry in the state department.
I watched more White House press briefings when Jen Psaki was the press secretary for Joe Biden than any other time before or since. They were a joy to watch because she is so smart! According to her telling, it was not because this was naturally easy for her but because she was always extremely well prepared.
I’ve read several memoirs by incredibly young and incredibly talented former White House staffers and they never fail to impress me.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
I watched more White House press briefings when Jen Psaki was the press secretary for Joe Biden than any other time before or since. They were a joy to watch because she is so smart! According to her telling, it was not because this was naturally easy for her but because she was always extremely well prepared.
I’ve read several memoirs by incredibly young and incredibly talented former White House staffers and they never fail to impress me.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
September 12, 2024
Jen does great job showing how important good communication is in all parts of life. It is funny, informative, and super easy to follow. Loved it!
May 12, 2024
What a brilliant and fun and engaging read; this was one book I was really excited to read and it absolutely did not disappoint!
Jen Psaki is well-spoken, a fan of deep research and planning [which you will see in the layout of this book], and, she is brutally honest and isn't afraid to admit when she's made a mistake [and talks about just that and how she both tried to make things right, and what she is still learning from it]. She shares deep!y personal stories that uplift, engage, and often makes the reader laugh, and you are left wishing you could be her friend. I know that when this book ended, I wished there were just a few more chapters so it wouldn't be over quite so soon.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Psaki, and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jen Psaki is well-spoken, a fan of deep research and planning [which you will see in the layout of this book], and, she is brutally honest and isn't afraid to admit when she's made a mistake [and talks about just that and how she both tried to make things right, and what she is still learning from it]. She shares deep!y personal stories that uplift, engage, and often makes the reader laugh, and you are left wishing you could be her friend. I know that when this book ended, I wished there were just a few more chapters so it wouldn't be over quite so soon.
Very well done.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Psaki, and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
This is a book that made me question if communication should be removed as an academic discipline. The entire 240 (TWO HUNRED AND FORTY) pages could be summarized by this: you have to cater to your audience. THATS IT.
I really was excited to read this book because I loved memoirs that give some behind the scenes on the Obama presidency (huge fan of Michelle Obama’s , Alyssa Mastromonaco’s, Ben Rhodes’, etc). And I will give it to her — the parts of the book that did share personal anecdotes from this part of her career were some of the best (/only good) parts. She didn’t shy away from authentically talking about all parts of her experience, the good, bad, and embarrassing (her story about accidentally cc-ing the entire press core was funny), which I guess I appreciated.
In general though, any personal anecdotes or valuable lessons were overshadowed by how painfully she beat and over-explained every single lesson that she is retrospectively gaining from her experience. The phrase “know your audience” was probably said at least 500 times (I GET IT! My 7th graders also get it!!!). Some of the most egregious examples of just STUPID takeaways were:
You need to be knowledgeable about a topic to communicate about it more effectively
Being a better listener can help you engage in a deeper level
Sometimes mistakes happen
Maybe these points would be interesting for someone who has never critically thought about communication before. Or ever critically thought at all. But honestly I just thought this book was a huge waste of time.
September 26, 2024
Jen Psaki served on both Obama's and Biden's administrations. She was Biden's Press Secretary from 2021-2022. Super interesting reading about the backstage workings of a presidential administration.
June 24, 2024
This book provides lessons on communication with a backdrop of Jen Psaki's career. Those looking for a chronological memoir or white house insider info will likely be disappointed.
The lessons are pretty good, though they've been covered in other books. I listened to the audiobook (read by the author), the first option available through the library. A bonus for this form was audio clips from actual sessions, connected to the particular lesson by the author. None of these were from her newer MSNBC show, which I also haven't watched. I understand the physical copy of the book has photos and illustrations; I look forward to flipping through that at a book store or library soon.
Overall rating, 3.5 stars out of 5. This is a fairly short book, both entertaining and informative.
The lessons are pretty good, though they've been covered in other books. I listened to the audiobook (read by the author), the first option available through the library. A bonus for this form was audio clips from actual sessions, connected to the particular lesson by the author. None of these were from her newer MSNBC show, which I also haven't watched. I understand the physical copy of the book has photos and illustrations; I look forward to flipping through that at a book store or library soon.
Overall rating, 3.5 stars out of 5. This is a fairly short book, both entertaining and informative.
October 18, 2024
This is less of a politically charged memoir fueled with insider stories than it is a self-help book about how to communicate effectively, give and receive feedback, and improve listening skills.
Jen Psaki uses real world examples of how she learned and developed her skills through her experiences. It's a valuable and noteworthy book.
Jen Psaki uses real world examples of how she learned and developed her skills through her experiences. It's a valuable and noteworthy book.
August 2, 2024
Less of a “tell all” and more of a sort of pseudo business/life advice seen through the lens of someone who’s worked at the highest level of communication.
I always appreciate unique perspectives and Psaki definitely has one. It’s very interesting to hear her thought process around the job as communications Director and how she thinks through and prepared for that role.
Some of the advice is a little sugarplum and gum drop for my liking. There’s a bit of contrivance trying to draw similarities between communicating with the press court, while being conscious afford governments and geopolitical, implications, and her candied examples of talking to her kids. That didn’t work for me. But thankfully, there’s enough other original experiences and clear writing to carry the day for the most part.
I always appreciate unique perspectives and Psaki definitely has one. It’s very interesting to hear her thought process around the job as communications Director and how she thinks through and prepared for that role.
Some of the advice is a little sugarplum and gum drop for my liking. There’s a bit of contrivance trying to draw similarities between communicating with the press court, while being conscious afford governments and geopolitical, implications, and her candied examples of talking to her kids. That didn’t work for me. But thankfully, there’s enough other original experiences and clear writing to carry the day for the most part.
May 19, 2024
Say More is a wonderfully articulate book on communication skills and insights from her days at the White House and before. I am not sure what I expected, but it was remarkably surprising. I rarely know much about a person before we see them in various positions in the White House. The people that work for the President are there to share the President's message and agenda. We generally do not know much about the person sharing it. There are many people that we never see or know who they are until we see them behind a podium. It was surprising to me to learn that Jen Psaki worked with or for others in office. I am not sure why it was surprising. To me it is as if the first time we see them, is the first day on the job. This book shared so much more about her that I would guess many of us did not know.
I really enjoyed the stories she shared about learning what she now knows and making mistakes on the job. There are many examples that she shares that are relatable which helps us to see how to use these skills better in our own daily lives.
I appreciate the lessons she learned along the way to help her become the person she is now. I could see how some of the things that she learned and now shared about communication can be used in many different settings for all of us to use. I could have used this book as a guide to get me through my teens.
It is very well written, easy to read, and easy to understand. I highly recommend reading it no matter what side of the fence you are on politically. It is not about politics it is about communication, listening and possibly getting your message across so it is received better.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I really enjoyed the stories she shared about learning what she now knows and making mistakes on the job. There are many examples that she shares that are relatable which helps us to see how to use these skills better in our own daily lives.
I appreciate the lessons she learned along the way to help her become the person she is now. I could see how some of the things that she learned and now shared about communication can be used in many different settings for all of us to use. I could have used this book as a guide to get me through my teens.
It is very well written, easy to read, and easy to understand. I highly recommend reading it no matter what side of the fence you are on politically. It is not about politics it is about communication, listening and possibly getting your message across so it is received better.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
May 19, 2024
4.5 stars.
May 20, 2024
Loved this!
May 12, 2024
I’m a Jen Psaki fan girl and could not wait to listen to this book. A short yet meaty narrative, Say More was certainly entertaining as well as informative.
As other reviewers have outlined, Psaki circles around three main themes:
1) memoir - the most memorable moments of her career, some of them intersecting with important events in recent political history.
2) career reflections - how to build a treat your team and coworkers, how to advocate for yourself, how to know when to leave
3) communications theory and tips. This is probably where the book shines the most in my opinion. You can tell that Psaki is super passionate about her work.
Psaki weaves these themes together sometimes seamlessly, sometimes clumsily. It could have used some better editing, although having meanandering conversations seems to be part of her brand.
If you are expecting a lot of dish from her about different people in the Biden administration - you will need to find another book. Although I certainly enjoyed the detail she dropped about Meghan Markle and lemons and Jill Biden, near the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars listened on audio (evidently there are photos in the paper copy, audio has actual clips)
As other reviewers have outlined, Psaki circles around three main themes:
1) memoir - the most memorable moments of her career, some of them intersecting with important events in recent political history.
2) career reflections - how to build a treat your team and coworkers, how to advocate for yourself, how to know when to leave
3) communications theory and tips. This is probably where the book shines the most in my opinion. You can tell that Psaki is super passionate about her work.
Psaki weaves these themes together sometimes seamlessly, sometimes clumsily. It could have used some better editing, although having meanandering conversations seems to be part of her brand.
If you are expecting a lot of dish from her about different people in the Biden administration - you will need to find another book. Although I certainly enjoyed the detail she dropped about Meghan Markle and lemons and Jill Biden, near the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars listened on audio (evidently there are photos in the paper copy, audio has actual clips)
July 11, 2024
I loved Jen Psaki when she was the Press Secretary for President Biden. Didn't know she worked for President Obama and got some insights what was happening while she was working in WH. But I enjoyed more about her tips re: becoming a better communicator, which is ALWAYS (everyone says) to become a better attentive listener with empathy. "Having an empathy" in any situation is a must as a human being and sad to say there are many people who lack such human decency in this world.
September 9, 2024
I remember the first time Jen Psaki took to the podium in 2021. It was a refreshing sight, and a change of tune compared to the radio silence from the previous administration.
And when they did hold a press briefing, the contempt and the aggression were nothing short of unprofessional. Not to say that the aggression stopped, in fact, it’s more so, nowadays, I feel. In some way, I don’t blame the people that used to run the WH briefings in the Trump admin. With Peter Doocy asking the most ridiculous questions, I just know that Karine Jean-Pierre is constantly holding her tongue.
I’ve long since made a goal to read the books that the Obama admin people put out, and Jen Psaki is one of those people. I was excited to read her book. It’s very short, but interesting, nonetheless. I especially enjoyed that she wrote about all her gaffes over the years. I also liked that she used a very light-hearted way and somewhat humorous in narrating her story from her tenure as John Kerry’s and Obama’s deputy press secretary, to the White House Press Secretary for a couple of years in the Biden administration.
She’s had a long career in politics, mostly in communications. But she was out there pounding the pavement and knocking on doors. In short, she’s done her due service. So, it was great to see her rise to the White House. As a mom, it wasn’t easy. There were late nights and especially when she was a new mom who was offered a position as Obama’s Deputy Communications Director.
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Jen Psaki’s refreshing narrative and the way she held herself accountable for all the missteps she’s taken through the years.
And when they did hold a press briefing, the contempt and the aggression were nothing short of unprofessional. Not to say that the aggression stopped, in fact, it’s more so, nowadays, I feel. In some way, I don’t blame the people that used to run the WH briefings in the Trump admin. With Peter Doocy asking the most ridiculous questions, I just know that Karine Jean-Pierre is constantly holding her tongue.
I’ve long since made a goal to read the books that the Obama admin people put out, and Jen Psaki is one of those people. I was excited to read her book. It’s very short, but interesting, nonetheless. I especially enjoyed that she wrote about all her gaffes over the years. I also liked that she used a very light-hearted way and somewhat humorous in narrating her story from her tenure as John Kerry’s and Obama’s deputy press secretary, to the White House Press Secretary for a couple of years in the Biden administration.
She’s had a long career in politics, mostly in communications. But she was out there pounding the pavement and knocking on doors. In short, she’s done her due service. So, it was great to see her rise to the White House. As a mom, it wasn’t easy. There were late nights and especially when she was a new mom who was offered a position as Obama’s Deputy Communications Director.
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed Jen Psaki’s refreshing narrative and the way she held herself accountable for all the missteps she’s taken through the years.
August 9, 2024
As a communications person myself, this book was a great combination of advice I can use in my own job and an insider look at what is arguably THE most high profile, high pressure communications jobs in the world. I got a lot out of this on both counts.
I have been impressed by how Jen Psaki handled herself with the White House press corps from the first time I saw her give a briefing. That is an extremely tough audience to deliver information to and they do not cut anybody any slack, and yet Psaki always handled herself with authority, calmness and respect, while answering the press questions (as best she was able, and she talks about handling situations where she simply was not able to provide as much information as those questioning her would have liked) and not taking any guff from them.
Hearing about how this felt from the inside was both fascinating and instructive for anyone who communicates as a job. Some of the lessons Psaki offers seem obvious but anyone who has been in any version of the situations she uses as illustrative know that the potential pitfalls are many and deep so her advice gained through her high-profile experiences was very interesting and educational.
I also really enjoyed hearing about the humanity aspect of Psaki's experiences as a communications person for two presidents and a variety of other high profile political people. As a younger woman, and towards the end of her career in politics as a new mother of very young children, hearing her thoughts and advice on how to balance competing demands and make decisions - often really tough ones - about what demand has to take precedence at a given moment and how to handle the fallout those choices often lead to - was a good perspective to consider even if you aren't a parent as there are other choices that can be as difficult to make.
Overall I very much enjoyed getting to know more about who Jen Psaki is and how she grew to be a very talented and capable communications person and now CNBC host.
I have been impressed by how Jen Psaki handled herself with the White House press corps from the first time I saw her give a briefing. That is an extremely tough audience to deliver information to and they do not cut anybody any slack, and yet Psaki always handled herself with authority, calmness and respect, while answering the press questions (as best she was able, and she talks about handling situations where she simply was not able to provide as much information as those questioning her would have liked) and not taking any guff from them.
Hearing about how this felt from the inside was both fascinating and instructive for anyone who communicates as a job. Some of the lessons Psaki offers seem obvious but anyone who has been in any version of the situations she uses as illustrative know that the potential pitfalls are many and deep so her advice gained through her high-profile experiences was very interesting and educational.
I also really enjoyed hearing about the humanity aspect of Psaki's experiences as a communications person for two presidents and a variety of other high profile political people. As a younger woman, and towards the end of her career in politics as a new mother of very young children, hearing her thoughts and advice on how to balance competing demands and make decisions - often really tough ones - about what demand has to take precedence at a given moment and how to handle the fallout those choices often lead to - was a good perspective to consider even if you aren't a parent as there are other choices that can be as difficult to make.
Overall I very much enjoyed getting to know more about who Jen Psaki is and how she grew to be a very talented and capable communications person and now CNBC host.
May 11, 2024
This is another White House memoir that I enjoyed. Jen Psaki is very smart and quite a good writer, and this book was very readable. I also liked how she tied her lessons both to her work in government, but also to any sort of interactions, ones that anyone could relate to. It did lean a bit more self-help than I generally pick up (that seems to be a bit of a theme with my recent White House memoir reads), but was still very interesting and worth picking up.
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September 25, 2024Jen Psaki may be a familiar face because of her current job as an MSNBC host or from her stints as President Biden’s first White House Press Secretary and other press roles in presidential campaigns and governmental offices. Say More is Psaki’s advice on how to craft and deliver effective messages in a variety of contexts seasoned with anecdotes from her experiences with Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, other domestic and foreign leaders, and her family. Psaki’s rhetorical lessons are definitely credible, but her stories and self-deprecating reflections are the heart and soul of Say More.
June 7, 2024
I would love to be as well spoken and command a room like Jen Psaki. This book was part memoir, part communication advice and I enjoyed hearing some of the behind the scenes White House semantics.
August 10, 2024
Jen Psaki has always had my respect as a powerful communicator across a broad range of audiences. I really enjoyed reading her personal account of life experiences and lessons learned as she pulls back the curtain on her time in the White House. She writes with her typical straightforward & insightful style of communication. An inspiring & entertaining read.
July 7, 2024
Read this book on the recommendation of a friend, and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I think any communications professional, no matter their politics, would enjoy her advice on how to handle difficult communications situations. Though what I enjoyed most was actually her insights to the challenges she faced as a working professional and mother in D.C. I also have to say this book did make me a little sad as I got nostalgic about my time working on Capitol Hill and the fact that I left it all behind.
May 19, 2024
I should have read more previews of this book as I was expecting more of a memoir and less a ‘how to.’ Chock full of solid ideas for becoming a better communicator so if that’s your aim, this may be your book.
My only real disappointment here was a reference she makes to a statement John McCain made during a campaign stop in his campaign against Barack Obama. There were plenty of examples in that stop that demonstrated McCain’s ability to keep politics above personality. Unfortunately, the example Psaki uses here is a classic example of microaggression (in this case toward Arab persons) that I use when I teach the subject in Social Psychology. I don’t believe he intended to offend Arabs, but the exchange in the moment is offensive and unfortunate. Surprised an editor didn’t catch this.
My only real disappointment here was a reference she makes to a statement John McCain made during a campaign stop in his campaign against Barack Obama. There were plenty of examples in that stop that demonstrated McCain’s ability to keep politics above personality. Unfortunately, the example Psaki uses here is a classic example of microaggression (in this case toward Arab persons) that I use when I teach the subject in Social Psychology. I don’t believe he intended to offend Arabs, but the exchange in the moment is offensive and unfortunate. Surprised an editor didn’t catch this.
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