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Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery
From California Governor Gavin Newsom comes an intimate and poignant account of identity, belonging, and the defining moments that inspired a life in politics
“Go slow,” his political elders advised him. But young Gavin Newsom didn’t know such a speed. A month into his first term as mayor of San Francisco, he turned city hall into an altar of gay marriage, an act of defiance that catapulted him onto the national stage, irking not only some of his hometown political mentors but elected officials across the country.
The California Dream has always run in Newsom’s blood. It lured his father’s family from County Cork, Ireland, six generations ago. His great-great-grandfather, a cop, walked a beat in San Francisco; his grandfather, nicknamed the Boss, built neighborhoods that looked out to the Pacific. His father, William, became an appellate court judge and a consigliere to his best friend, Gordon Getty.
Newsom was five when his parents divorced, and as he came of age, he struggled to make fit the starkly different worlds of his mother and father. His mother, Tessa, worked three jobs to pay the bills, while his father, ensconced in San Francisco society, had become a distant figure. His struggle with dyslexia made childhood harder, a dissonance that made him pedal even faster on his paper route.
In Young Man in a Hurry, Newsom traces his rise as a successful businessman and the happenstance that led him to politics. As the governor of California, he confronts the challenges of balancing his family life as he guides California through plague, flood, wildfire, and the rise of autocratic figures in American politics, and examines the many forces that shaped the lives of his parents and grandparents. Filled with intimate family history and written with candor and remarkable personal insight, here is a deeply resilient American story.
“Go slow,” his political elders advised him. But young Gavin Newsom didn’t know such a speed. A month into his first term as mayor of San Francisco, he turned city hall into an altar of gay marriage, an act of defiance that catapulted him onto the national stage, irking not only some of his hometown political mentors but elected officials across the country.
The California Dream has always run in Newsom’s blood. It lured his father’s family from County Cork, Ireland, six generations ago. His great-great-grandfather, a cop, walked a beat in San Francisco; his grandfather, nicknamed the Boss, built neighborhoods that looked out to the Pacific. His father, William, became an appellate court judge and a consigliere to his best friend, Gordon Getty.
Newsom was five when his parents divorced, and as he came of age, he struggled to make fit the starkly different worlds of his mother and father. His mother, Tessa, worked three jobs to pay the bills, while his father, ensconced in San Francisco society, had become a distant figure. His struggle with dyslexia made childhood harder, a dissonance that made him pedal even faster on his paper route.
In Young Man in a Hurry, Newsom traces his rise as a successful businessman and the happenstance that led him to politics. As the governor of California, he confronts the challenges of balancing his family life as he guides California through plague, flood, wildfire, and the rise of autocratic figures in American politics, and examines the many forces that shaped the lives of his parents and grandparents. Filled with intimate family history and written with candor and remarkable personal insight, here is a deeply resilient American story.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2026
605 people are currently reading
1804 people want to read
About the author
Gavin Newsom
7 books54 followersGavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician. He currently serves as the 40th Governor of California, elected to office in 2019, after serving as the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California from 2011 to 2019 and as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011, the city's youngest mayor in 100 years. In addition to his political career, Newsom is an entrepreneur and the founder of the PlumpJack wine store, which grew into the PlumpJack Group, managing over 20 businesses, including wineries, restaurants, and hotels. Newsom was born and raised in and around San Francisco and attended Santa Clara University. He currently resides in Fair Oaks, California, with his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their four children. Newsom was diagnosed as a child with dyslexia, which continues to affect him as an adult and was the driving force behind his debut children's picture book, Ben and Emma's Big Hit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 6, 2026
First and foremost, I am not a Californian. I went into this memoir knowing almost nothing about Gavin Newsom. With all the speculation about Gavin potentially making a run for the presidency in 2028, my interest piqued with the release of his memoir.
At its core, Young Man in a Hurry is a fascinating portrait of an ambitious man who had to learn to adapt to any difficult situation thrown his way quickly. Gavin recounts his younger days as well as his deep seeded generational San Francisco roots. He discusses his struggles growing up with a single mom and his difficulties in academia due to being dyslexic. And yes, he goes into detail about his rise in politics, his father’s connection to the wealthy Getty family, and how he struggled to come into his own without the inherent privilege.
This memoir is such a breath of fresh air. Unlike most politicians' memoirs, Gavin was very candid and went into great detail about his political failures, shortcomings, and regrets. His brutally honest discussion on his divorce and the scandal that followed was so refreshing. I also appreciated how Gavin didn't use this memoir as an opportunity to badmouth or speak negatively of his political rivals.
However, I did feel that Gavin’s attempt to portray himself as just a regular everyday American man missed the mark. The fact that he had a very privileged life that was intertwined with many influential and uber wealthy Californians, is impossible to overlook. But overall, I did enjoy learning more about the potential upcoming presidential candidate and I think a lot of readers will as well.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery by Gavin Newsom was published on February 24 so it's available now. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook
At its core, Young Man in a Hurry is a fascinating portrait of an ambitious man who had to learn to adapt to any difficult situation thrown his way quickly. Gavin recounts his younger days as well as his deep seeded generational San Francisco roots. He discusses his struggles growing up with a single mom and his difficulties in academia due to being dyslexic. And yes, he goes into detail about his rise in politics, his father’s connection to the wealthy Getty family, and how he struggled to come into his own without the inherent privilege.
This memoir is such a breath of fresh air. Unlike most politicians' memoirs, Gavin was very candid and went into great detail about his political failures, shortcomings, and regrets. His brutally honest discussion on his divorce and the scandal that followed was so refreshing. I also appreciated how Gavin didn't use this memoir as an opportunity to badmouth or speak negatively of his political rivals.
However, I did feel that Gavin’s attempt to portray himself as just a regular everyday American man missed the mark. The fact that he had a very privileged life that was intertwined with many influential and uber wealthy Californians, is impossible to overlook. But overall, I did enjoy learning more about the potential upcoming presidential candidate and I think a lot of readers will as well.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by the author. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend this format!
Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery by Gavin Newsom was published on February 24 so it's available now. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook
Currently reading
February 18, 2026Young Man In a Hurry is an eye-opening memoir by a politician who writes like a Pulitzer prize winning writer. I haven't finished the pre-publication copy I received, totally by surprise, in the mail. What I have read displays an individual who is open, frank, and candid about his rough early years, and the loving support from his mother. His list of humane political legislative victories to the present would be a victory for a politician twenty years his senior. This is a wonderful read, filled with human interest details that far outpace politics.
As the governor says-- it was 150 years from Policeman to Politician, as he remarks on his great-great-grandfather, a policeman. The fact that my mother's father came from Cork, has nothing to do with my positive review. Gavin Newsome's work is truly praiseworthy.
Prof. Doug Flaherty
As the governor says-- it was 150 years from Policeman to Politician, as he remarks on his great-great-grandfather, a policeman. The fact that my mother's father came from Cork, has nothing to do with my positive review. Gavin Newsome's work is truly praiseworthy.
Prof. Doug Flaherty
February 28, 2026
“Young Man in a Hurry,” for a political memoir, is actually quite interesting. Where the book does well is Newsom detailing how he is a broken man coming from broken people. It is the story of life. We are all crooked, broken people trying to love our crooked and broken neighbors.
Where the book falls flat is in Newsom’s insecurity in confronting his own immense privilege. He paints his success as something of grit and courage, when it is also, in part, who his family knew — whether Newsom wants to admit it or not.
I admire the vulnerability in Newsom to write this book. But it is clear there is still vanity within the man, and the myth he is attempting to create.
Where the book falls flat is in Newsom’s insecurity in confronting his own immense privilege. He paints his success as something of grit and courage, when it is also, in part, who his family knew — whether Newsom wants to admit it or not.
I admire the vulnerability in Newsom to write this book. But it is clear there is still vanity within the man, and the myth he is attempting to create.
February 27, 2026
The Great Gavini! I wished there were more pages. Excellent writing. I was enthralled throughout. It was funny and witty and raw. I cannot say enough how much I loved this book! Gavin, please be our next president!
March 1, 2026
For having struggled with dyslexia for most of his life, Gavin Newsom has a rare command of the English language. This book is spectacularly written, and is an insight into a life that has honed Newsom into a formidable political powerhouse. I opened this book not knowing anything about Newsom save that President Trump hates him and Newsom’s social media team is absolutely brilliant with their trolling of the president. So I was surprised by the Getty connection, and the stark contrast of his split home and life as a child. That resonated with me, being a kid who floated between abject poverty with my single mother and upper-middle-class with my father, and spent weeks of my summers surrounded by the trappings of wealth and pomp that came with my paternal grandmother. It’s definitely two different worlds, and seeing how that shaped Newsom was illuminating. I’ve never devoured a nonfiction book so fast in my life, and I have a masters in history with a 130-page thesis under my belt.
March 1, 2026
As a life long Californian who voted for Gavin Newsom for both Lt. Governor and Governor, I wanted to read this books to better understand his story. People have stories, and the decisions they make come from the history of their story. You learn about his relationships with his mother and father. You learn about his connection to prominent families in the bay area but not because he himself was rich. In fact Newsom comes from humble beginnings. As a human being if our heart is in the right place, the decisions we make end up being good for other human beings. In a state of 40 million people, the largest state in the union, the most diverse state in the union, and the 4th largest economy in the world, it would be a miss for Newsom not to run for President. He has the most experience of any candidate running by far.
It's worth the read especially if you are a Californian. What comes across to me in this book, is how proud Newsom is of being a Californian.
It's worth the read especially if you are a Californian. What comes across to me in this book, is how proud Newsom is of being a Californian.
February 26, 2026
He did have help writing this book, but it is his story. I enjoyed it - seemed truthful and not too much puffery.
February 26, 2026
His writing skills are apparently as bad as his self proclaimed reading skills. What a bore…
March 5, 2026
So much I didn’t know about Gavin Newsom! This is his newly released memoir that covers his personal and political life from childhood to his role as the current governor of California. I snagged a signed copy last weekend after attending a talk he gave in the City. His wife Jen was there, his kids, current mayor Dan Lurie, former mayor Willie Brown, and Paul Pelosi, among others.
What struck me most about the book is that Newsom has lived a very interesting life. His early life feels like two completely different childhoods happening simultaneously. On the one hand, he describes a troubled upbringing. He was largely raised in San Francisco by a single mother, with a somewhat absent father, and struggled academically due to dyslexia. At the same time, he had extraordinary access to wealth and influence through his close relationship with the Getty family (the family patriarch, J. Paul Getty, was an oilman and once the richest man in the world). Newsom’s father was a close friend and lawyer to Gordon Getty, and Gavin grew up around the Getty children. People sometimes mistook him as the “5th Getty kid.”
That family friendship exposed him to a world few people ever experience. He traveled on private jets, wore designer suits, and met famous people most people only read about. Through that relationship he encountered hugs from Luciano Pavarotti, partied with Jack Nicholson, and even met anthropologist Mary Leakey while on a safari trip to Tanzania.
Newsom presents himself as someone determined to build something of his own. He attended Santa Clara U on a partial baseball scholarship. Afterwards, he turned toward entrepreneurship. His early ventures included the PlumpJack wine shop and the Balboa Cafe, among others.
This book doesn’t really gloss over his many shameful mistakes. He has a lot to answer for, namely his first marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle, that ridiculous photo shoot, and his affair with his close friend’s wife. What in God’s name was he thinking? I'm not sure he knows. He admits mistakes. And I can respect that.
Family remains central throughout the book. His relationships with his parents and his sister appear repeatedly, especially when discussing his fathers own political aspirations, and the death of his mother. In 2002, after battling cancer, she chose to end her life on a Thursday with family and close friends by her side. I'm not so sure this was legal at the time, a fact that Gavin seems to gloss over. (That said, he did support and sign end-of-life/assisted suicide in 2016 as governor, making it legal in California.)
Politically, a defining moment of his political career was his decision as mayor of San Francisco to marry same-sex couples in 2004. At the time, the move was controversial even amongst Democrats who viewed it as politically reckless (and possibly political suicide). At the Democratic convention that year, Obama declined to be photographed with him, and Dianne Feinstein said it contributed to John Kerry losing the presidency that year. In my mind, it reads as a moment of genuine, courageous leadership. And it WAS the right thing to do.
By the end of the book, the picture that emerges is complicated. Newsom is clearly ambitious and shaped by extraordinary access to privilege, but also marked by personal struggles, and very real public mistakes. However, I can't help but like the guy. I very much enjoyed the book and loved learning more about him and his family. If he runs, I will support him 100%.
What struck me most about the book is that Newsom has lived a very interesting life. His early life feels like two completely different childhoods happening simultaneously. On the one hand, he describes a troubled upbringing. He was largely raised in San Francisco by a single mother, with a somewhat absent father, and struggled academically due to dyslexia. At the same time, he had extraordinary access to wealth and influence through his close relationship with the Getty family (the family patriarch, J. Paul Getty, was an oilman and once the richest man in the world). Newsom’s father was a close friend and lawyer to Gordon Getty, and Gavin grew up around the Getty children. People sometimes mistook him as the “5th Getty kid.”
That family friendship exposed him to a world few people ever experience. He traveled on private jets, wore designer suits, and met famous people most people only read about. Through that relationship he encountered hugs from Luciano Pavarotti, partied with Jack Nicholson, and even met anthropologist Mary Leakey while on a safari trip to Tanzania.
Newsom presents himself as someone determined to build something of his own. He attended Santa Clara U on a partial baseball scholarship. Afterwards, he turned toward entrepreneurship. His early ventures included the PlumpJack wine shop and the Balboa Cafe, among others.
This book doesn’t really gloss over his many shameful mistakes. He has a lot to answer for, namely his first marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle, that ridiculous photo shoot, and his affair with his close friend’s wife. What in God’s name was he thinking? I'm not sure he knows. He admits mistakes. And I can respect that.
Family remains central throughout the book. His relationships with his parents and his sister appear repeatedly, especially when discussing his fathers own political aspirations, and the death of his mother. In 2002, after battling cancer, she chose to end her life on a Thursday with family and close friends by her side. I'm not so sure this was legal at the time, a fact that Gavin seems to gloss over. (That said, he did support and sign end-of-life/assisted suicide in 2016 as governor, making it legal in California.)
Politically, a defining moment of his political career was his decision as mayor of San Francisco to marry same-sex couples in 2004. At the time, the move was controversial even amongst Democrats who viewed it as politically reckless (and possibly political suicide). At the Democratic convention that year, Obama declined to be photographed with him, and Dianne Feinstein said it contributed to John Kerry losing the presidency that year. In my mind, it reads as a moment of genuine, courageous leadership. And it WAS the right thing to do.
By the end of the book, the picture that emerges is complicated. Newsom is clearly ambitious and shaped by extraordinary access to privilege, but also marked by personal struggles, and very real public mistakes. However, I can't help but like the guy. I very much enjoyed the book and loved learning more about him and his family. If he runs, I will support him 100%.
March 12, 2026
Gavin Newsom’s recent memoir serves as a strategic national introduction as he reaches his term limit as Governor. By centering his narrative on his severe dyslexia and his mother’s financial struggles, he uses personal vulnerability as a political tool. This builds a relatable underdog brand for a potential presidential or senate run. However, this highlights a disconnect for those living under his administration, where his polished national image often clashes with a lack of measurable outcomes in areas like homelessness.
The core issue is not a lack of empathy for his childhood hardships but the omission of his "glass floor." While Newsom faced real learning and career hurdles, he did so within the orbit of the Getty dynasty. His father’s deep ties to oil tycoons provided a level of social capital that ensured he could never truly fail. This elite patronage functioned as a booster rocket for his multimillion dollar businesses and his rapid political ascent.
Ultimately, there is a perceived arrogance in framing his success as a bootstraps story. While his struggles were real, they were buffered by a luxury safety net unavailable to the average person. By focusing on the struggle while downplaying the structural privilege that caught him, the narrative feels less like an honest autobiography and more like a calculated maneuver to bridge the gap between his elite reality and the everyday voter.
The core issue is not a lack of empathy for his childhood hardships but the omission of his "glass floor." While Newsom faced real learning and career hurdles, he did so within the orbit of the Getty dynasty. His father’s deep ties to oil tycoons provided a level of social capital that ensured he could never truly fail. This elite patronage functioned as a booster rocket for his multimillion dollar businesses and his rapid political ascent.
Ultimately, there is a perceived arrogance in framing his success as a bootstraps story. While his struggles were real, they were buffered by a luxury safety net unavailable to the average person. By focusing on the struggle while downplaying the structural privilege that caught him, the narrative feels less like an honest autobiography and more like a calculated maneuver to bridge the gap between his elite reality and the everyday voter.
March 18, 2026
A real hell of a book — credit to excellent storytelling by the governor, who’s a great gravely narrator and the ghostwriter — that feels like Newsom tipping his hand while making it abundantly (no pun intended) clear that he’s not letting go of his poker face any time soon. I will not go so far as to say this is an honest introspection, but it is authentically humanizing and I do generally like the man at this stage in the game. He does better being himself than doing the Trump routine on Twitter, though that was a good bit for a minute. I actually really liked him on The Adam Friedland Show and his backbone is what I admire most about him. This is pretty much as good as it gets insofar as campaign faux-presidential memoirs go, but it tells you all you need to know about the Achilles heel of Newsom 2028 that he’s only the governor-elect at the beginning of the final chapter.
March 2, 2026
I heard Newsom on Ezra Klein's podcast and was really impressed. I think there is a very good chance he will be our next president. The memoir is an easy read, and revealing, although I learned a lot more about Newsom in the podcast. His story is an odd mix of struggle and privilege, of which I'm sure we will be learning a lot more in the coming years. Track down the podcast, see if you agree with me.
March 9, 2026
Annoying that his mom taught him how to swing a bat good enough he went to college, but then when he’s reflecting on not having enough time to teach his kids baseball he neglects to remember she made time while being a single mom with 4 jobs. That part was the most sad to me.
March 4, 2026
*Audiobook on Spotify Premium*
4.5 stars, if I could.
Learning about Gavin Newsom’s heritage, the more private moments and struggles, his come up, hard work, his values and family moments was something that translated across the pages to the reader well. I loved listening to him narrate his own words, hearing emotion, his famous inflection and pauses when speaking, all made it more powerful. He opened up about past wrongs, lessons learned, shared his side of the store all with the desire of laying it bare and writing down his past for his kids. I’m interested to see what comes next for him. 🫢👀
4.5 stars, if I could.
Learning about Gavin Newsom’s heritage, the more private moments and struggles, his come up, hard work, his values and family moments was something that translated across the pages to the reader well. I loved listening to him narrate his own words, hearing emotion, his famous inflection and pauses when speaking, all made it more powerful. He opened up about past wrongs, lessons learned, shared his side of the store all with the desire of laying it bare and writing down his past for his kids. I’m interested to see what comes next for him. 🫢👀
March 18, 2026
I have to admit, that I have never before in my life been even slightly tempted to read a biography from a politician. Politics is something that was not discussed in the home, made little sense to me in the news, and I had no interest in until I was entering middle age, when for the first time in my life, I registered to vote as a Democrat. I was not ignorant of history but found nothing interesting about 'important people' and could not give you a list of celebrity names that was very long, or sports stars or any of that. It's like some switch goes off in me, and if you've got yours, then you don't need me!
Obviously things change, and the meaning of coalition gains in value when you realize how hard it is to get anything good done, and how malevolent some forces can be about making life harder for people, so with times as they are, I decided to take an interest in this specially targeted governor we have here in California, the first I can think of who had a major city invaded, so to speak, by a political militia just to overstep his authority, and clearly a tactic like none we'd seen in my lifetime. So who was this person, that they took so much trouble to disrespect? What does our government fear in asking this man permission, before deploying his Nat'l Guard? What was really going on?
The book was easy to speed read, so I suspect he dictated it. Like many of us, I get a lot of news from short videos, discussions, and clips, and reading the rare article, there's so much going on it's hard to follow something like a political career unless you really cared to. I've mostly heard he was a party guy, owned a wine shop, and then I had my impressions of him from clips - seemed real intense, maybe lacked a sense of humor, did his hair like an Angeleno, but was from our other country-sized northern half which was a whole other world.
This is my impression of him after his memoir. He does have a sense of humor. He also has a learning disability that did nothing to prevent him from obtaining culture and a poetic sense. This is rare, so the book is candid, very confessional, hiding little even though it is a brief account. The difficulty of walking between people of wealth and reputation, and having a home life that was very much humble next to that and separate. It would make any kid self-conscious. He remembers things with an emotional memory, I can relate to that, and I think he has genuine human feelings and is probably not a sociopath like most successful politicians. He is close to women and considers their perspectives, he is cautious about how others perceive him, but drops his guard when he's relaxed. He probably shouldn't drink, but his story is profoundly unfamiliar in that it is about being Irish and Catholic and from a proudly drinking family. I only saw the drinking part at home, without the story and culture of Irishness, but I can tell he loves the good Celtic traditions, of being able to tell a story, to quote a poet, to have empathy for the needy, to respect character before reputation.
The first half of the book is a story of a young man who is not bitter, who knows his good fortune, who grew up in a magical zen paradise called Marin - even in L.A. we'd heard about this mystical place. From there, you'd expect him to be either stuck up, or a big hippy, but I think caught between worlds caused him to be more everyman, and it suits him. He doesn't need to lean on his disability for cred, but it adds to his being genuinely humble I believe. His childhood gave him a passport to travel between worlds, and I think he knows the value of it. I wanted to ask him, reading the first half, isn't it so good to be a kid, so that the adults will let you wander around and observe them? He enjoyed being in different settings, that's a mark of empathy too.
I can't imagine the burden of leading a gigantic state like this one, in normal times. The pressures, the dangers, the sheer noise... I think just living through that and not losing your mind is an accomplishment. I think Newsom enjoyed being a Californian, knew the privilege of a liberal upbringing (I'm jealous of that), that in many ways we taste a sweeter side of reality, and if only the others knew it, the world would be more stable. He made me think a little harder about the compromises that take place, starting in childhood memories with a little bragging about having mildly established gangster roots, clearly relishing the lingo the Irish brought to us. I was surprised by this opening admission, but I don't know a thing about San Francisco's history so I assume it was already out there. It's actually comforting to read about the legacy of 'socially responsible' gangsters, and I'm tempted to recommend this might be a play for play card to counter the selfish, me-first gangsterism that is up there in the white house now, starting frivolous wars and hiding terrible secrets.
Mr. Newsom made me think about compromise, and what a weird generation we are. I forget, after living and working for decades with such free minded people, that just as far back as college days, gay marriage was illegal and considered political death as a topic by both parties! I forget there are so many democrats that are bigots too, I mean it should be more obvious to me why I rejected political parties as a kid as pointless, since everyone seemed afraid to do the most noble thing. And how uncertain a political party can seem, in the reality of power. He worked with George W. Bush, big money was spent on trying to cancel homelessness, and that was an unexpected name drop. And how he was treated as radioactive by a younger Obama, because he was supporting then illegal civil ceremonies. Obama didn't want to be photographed next to him, he thought the issue was too toxic and would make insecure Republicans out of swing voters. I love a radical centerist, I've come to realize as I get older. That's where the real work gets done. No reason not to demand the sky and the earth for equality in our heart, but it's coalitions make the laws happen, and maybe he saw the near future was ready for it. I was surprised to learn that Schwarzenegger also fought him on gay marriage, I mean, huh? So life by strategy, it seems to render party politics into something very unreal. The practical choice is often at odds with the platform and its promise, and it's things like this I think that have stolen some of the Democrat's thunder in the past. Not delivering in high ideals, because they have to make some pretty low, across the table deals. Obama changed his mind once in power, and helped make gay marriage happen, and that is one of the most important human rights events of this century. So respect to Newsom on that, for being realistic for his constituents, place them before strategy.
Then, at the end of the book, the whole tone of the thing changes. We go from an exotic Irish San Franciscan life of booze and schmoozing and humble endeavors in business and office, to natural disasters and Trump. The last chapter reads like a train wreck. Who is this person? Why does he lie so much? Why is he interfering with my enormous responsibility? He doesn't even politic about it - you just get this whiplash at the end, with Trump's attack on California, on its people, all of it is way more psycho than he expected after meeting the guy, and it caused more damage to the state than we realize. It cost the public here an enormous amount of money! He doesn't tear into the president, but he gives his initial impressions - vain, petty, and a boylike crudeness towards women. He reflects on Jerry Brown, who'd never flown in Airforce One, to being on a private plane where Trump places one rare artwork at a time, to show off a Renoir he bragged was worth ten million. That was proven to be a fake!
Can't tell much from a short book like this, but I can say this. I am very relieved to say he has a sense of humor, and I hope he leans on that if he is chosen to run, puts more of that into the rest of what he's got, which is plenty tough enough. No acting needed. He doesn't read his speeches, a huge advantage in this dreary, impotent knot of a government we've got now. If he can work some of his natural humor up onto the podium (and forgive me if I just haven't seen it, I can only take in so much information), he's a much better formula of a person. Beyond this, Newsom is inherently humbled by life, and has genuine respect for art. One shouldn't have to be so severely tested, during disasters of unusual severity, by someone on the 'home team' and he's plainly troubled by that, but doesn't dwell on it in the book, so there's more to him than a person driven by competition, that's important to me. Trump flashes art like he's showing off a watch, and then he turns around and censors it, and punishes culture organizations, and insults the humanities with his name in some mystery pissing contest with the Kennedys. So Newsom knows art, and Trump does not, and this is highly encouraging.
Obviously things change, and the meaning of coalition gains in value when you realize how hard it is to get anything good done, and how malevolent some forces can be about making life harder for people, so with times as they are, I decided to take an interest in this specially targeted governor we have here in California, the first I can think of who had a major city invaded, so to speak, by a political militia just to overstep his authority, and clearly a tactic like none we'd seen in my lifetime. So who was this person, that they took so much trouble to disrespect? What does our government fear in asking this man permission, before deploying his Nat'l Guard? What was really going on?
The book was easy to speed read, so I suspect he dictated it. Like many of us, I get a lot of news from short videos, discussions, and clips, and reading the rare article, there's so much going on it's hard to follow something like a political career unless you really cared to. I've mostly heard he was a party guy, owned a wine shop, and then I had my impressions of him from clips - seemed real intense, maybe lacked a sense of humor, did his hair like an Angeleno, but was from our other country-sized northern half which was a whole other world.
This is my impression of him after his memoir. He does have a sense of humor. He also has a learning disability that did nothing to prevent him from obtaining culture and a poetic sense. This is rare, so the book is candid, very confessional, hiding little even though it is a brief account. The difficulty of walking between people of wealth and reputation, and having a home life that was very much humble next to that and separate. It would make any kid self-conscious. He remembers things with an emotional memory, I can relate to that, and I think he has genuine human feelings and is probably not a sociopath like most successful politicians. He is close to women and considers their perspectives, he is cautious about how others perceive him, but drops his guard when he's relaxed. He probably shouldn't drink, but his story is profoundly unfamiliar in that it is about being Irish and Catholic and from a proudly drinking family. I only saw the drinking part at home, without the story and culture of Irishness, but I can tell he loves the good Celtic traditions, of being able to tell a story, to quote a poet, to have empathy for the needy, to respect character before reputation.
The first half of the book is a story of a young man who is not bitter, who knows his good fortune, who grew up in a magical zen paradise called Marin - even in L.A. we'd heard about this mystical place. From there, you'd expect him to be either stuck up, or a big hippy, but I think caught between worlds caused him to be more everyman, and it suits him. He doesn't need to lean on his disability for cred, but it adds to his being genuinely humble I believe. His childhood gave him a passport to travel between worlds, and I think he knows the value of it. I wanted to ask him, reading the first half, isn't it so good to be a kid, so that the adults will let you wander around and observe them? He enjoyed being in different settings, that's a mark of empathy too.
I can't imagine the burden of leading a gigantic state like this one, in normal times. The pressures, the dangers, the sheer noise... I think just living through that and not losing your mind is an accomplishment. I think Newsom enjoyed being a Californian, knew the privilege of a liberal upbringing (I'm jealous of that), that in many ways we taste a sweeter side of reality, and if only the others knew it, the world would be more stable. He made me think a little harder about the compromises that take place, starting in childhood memories with a little bragging about having mildly established gangster roots, clearly relishing the lingo the Irish brought to us. I was surprised by this opening admission, but I don't know a thing about San Francisco's history so I assume it was already out there. It's actually comforting to read about the legacy of 'socially responsible' gangsters, and I'm tempted to recommend this might be a play for play card to counter the selfish, me-first gangsterism that is up there in the white house now, starting frivolous wars and hiding terrible secrets.
Mr. Newsom made me think about compromise, and what a weird generation we are. I forget, after living and working for decades with such free minded people, that just as far back as college days, gay marriage was illegal and considered political death as a topic by both parties! I forget there are so many democrats that are bigots too, I mean it should be more obvious to me why I rejected political parties as a kid as pointless, since everyone seemed afraid to do the most noble thing. And how uncertain a political party can seem, in the reality of power. He worked with George W. Bush, big money was spent on trying to cancel homelessness, and that was an unexpected name drop. And how he was treated as radioactive by a younger Obama, because he was supporting then illegal civil ceremonies. Obama didn't want to be photographed next to him, he thought the issue was too toxic and would make insecure Republicans out of swing voters. I love a radical centerist, I've come to realize as I get older. That's where the real work gets done. No reason not to demand the sky and the earth for equality in our heart, but it's coalitions make the laws happen, and maybe he saw the near future was ready for it. I was surprised to learn that Schwarzenegger also fought him on gay marriage, I mean, huh? So life by strategy, it seems to render party politics into something very unreal. The practical choice is often at odds with the platform and its promise, and it's things like this I think that have stolen some of the Democrat's thunder in the past. Not delivering in high ideals, because they have to make some pretty low, across the table deals. Obama changed his mind once in power, and helped make gay marriage happen, and that is one of the most important human rights events of this century. So respect to Newsom on that, for being realistic for his constituents, place them before strategy.
Then, at the end of the book, the whole tone of the thing changes. We go from an exotic Irish San Franciscan life of booze and schmoozing and humble endeavors in business and office, to natural disasters and Trump. The last chapter reads like a train wreck. Who is this person? Why does he lie so much? Why is he interfering with my enormous responsibility? He doesn't even politic about it - you just get this whiplash at the end, with Trump's attack on California, on its people, all of it is way more psycho than he expected after meeting the guy, and it caused more damage to the state than we realize. It cost the public here an enormous amount of money! He doesn't tear into the president, but he gives his initial impressions - vain, petty, and a boylike crudeness towards women. He reflects on Jerry Brown, who'd never flown in Airforce One, to being on a private plane where Trump places one rare artwork at a time, to show off a Renoir he bragged was worth ten million. That was proven to be a fake!
Can't tell much from a short book like this, but I can say this. I am very relieved to say he has a sense of humor, and I hope he leans on that if he is chosen to run, puts more of that into the rest of what he's got, which is plenty tough enough. No acting needed. He doesn't read his speeches, a huge advantage in this dreary, impotent knot of a government we've got now. If he can work some of his natural humor up onto the podium (and forgive me if I just haven't seen it, I can only take in so much information), he's a much better formula of a person. Beyond this, Newsom is inherently humbled by life, and has genuine respect for art. One shouldn't have to be so severely tested, during disasters of unusual severity, by someone on the 'home team' and he's plainly troubled by that, but doesn't dwell on it in the book, so there's more to him than a person driven by competition, that's important to me. Trump flashes art like he's showing off a watch, and then he turns around and censors it, and punishes culture organizations, and insults the humanities with his name in some mystery pissing contest with the Kennedys. So Newsom knows art, and Trump does not, and this is highly encouraging.
March 19, 2026
Gavin Newsom’s Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery is a slim, reflective work that attempts to sketch the early contours of a political figure who, as of March 2026—or, as it oddly feels at times, Nazi Germany 1939 in terms of global uncertainty and tension—stands at the forefront of American political speculation. Whether Newsom ultimately ascends to the presidency remains an open question, but he has undeniably positioned himself as a leading contender in the national imagination. This memoir, however, offers only a partial answer to the question many readers, myself included, bring to it: who exactly is Gavin Newsom as a political force?
Coming to this book as a Washingtonian familiar with West Coast politics, I was particularly interested in understanding how Newsom’s personal experiences shaped his public career. What emerges instead is a narrative that feels uneven—occasionally insightful, but too often padded with anecdotes that lack clear relevance. Much of the book reads as if it is searching for significance rather than presenting it.
The early chapters, which focus heavily on Newsom’s upbringing, are perhaps the most underwhelming. He discusses his connections to the Getty family, a detail that inevitably colors perceptions of his later success. While he attempts to frame his childhood as something more grounded—emphasizing his experience as a latchkey kid and his struggles with a learning disability—the overall effect is somewhat contradictory. On one hand, he wants to present himself as shaped by adversity; on the other, the gravitational pull of privilege is impossible to ignore. The result is a narrative that feels curiously weightless. These formative years are described, but not deeply interrogated, leaving the reader with the sense that they are more résumé than revelation.
This is where the book begins to feel like “fluff.” The stories are not without merit, but they lack the kind of introspection that would make them meaningful. Newsom gestures toward challenges—particularly his dyslexia—but rarely lingers long enough to explore how these experiences concretely influenced his worldview or leadership style. Instead, the narrative moves briskly along, as if eager to arrive at more consequential terrain that, frustratingly, never fully materializes.
That said, the memoir does gain traction when it edges closer to Newsom’s political identity. His stance on gay rights, for example, stands out as one of the more compelling aspects of his career and, by extension, the book. His decision to support same-sex marriage early on was not merely politically risky; it was a defining moment that signaled a willingness to act ahead of public consensus. Here, at last, the reader glimpses a politician driven by conviction rather than calculation. These sections are too brief, but they hint at the kind of book this could have been—a deeper exploration of pivotal decisions and the principles behind them.
Unfortunately, the memoir largely sidesteps the more complex and controversial aspects of Newsom’s tenure, particularly his response to the devastating wildfires that have plagued California. Given the scale and frequency of these disasters, they represent a critical test of his leadership. Yet the book offers little in the way of substantive reflection or accountability. For a reader seeking insight into how Newsom navigates crisis—arguably one of the most important qualities in a national leader—this omission is glaring. It is here that the memoir feels not just incomplete, but evasive.
One of the most memorable moments recounted is former President Donald Trump’s visit to California following one such fire. The now-infamous handshake between Newsom and Trump, in which Newsom reportedly refused to let go, is described as a kind of symbolic standoff—two political worlds colliding in a single, prolonged gesture. It is an image ripe with interpretive possibility, a moment that could have served as a window into Newsom’s mindset under pressure. What was he thinking? What did he hope to convey? Was it calculated defiance, or instinctive reaction?
Instead, the memoir glosses over these questions, offering only surface-level commentary. This is particularly disappointing given how much narrative weight the moment carries. Rather than unpacking the psychology or strategy behind the encounter, Newsom diverts into tangential anecdotes, including a remark by Trump about wishing Ivanka had married Tom Brady instead of Jared Kushner. While mildly amusing, this detour underscores a broader issue: the book often prioritizes colorful detail over meaningful insight.
This tendency ultimately limits the memoir’s impact. Newsom is clearly a skilled storyteller, but he seems reluctant to turn that skill inward. The result is a book that feels curated rather than candid, more concerned with shaping an image than revealing a person. For readers trying to understand his potential as a future president, this is a missed opportunity.
And yet, it would be unfair to dismiss the book entirely. There are moments—fleeting but genuine—where Newsom’s voice comes through with clarity and purpose. His reflections on public service, his belief in progressive governance, and his willingness to take political risks all suggest a figure of considerable ambition and capability. These glimpses are enough to explain why he is widely seen as a frontrunner, even if they are not enough to fully justify it.
Reading this in March 2026, with the political landscape still in flux, adds an additional layer of intrigue. It is, as I noted, too early to say what will happen in the upcoming midterms or the next presidential election. Newsom’s trajectory remains uncertain, shaped as much by external events as by his own decisions. This memoir, then, becomes less a definitive statement and more a preliminary sketch—a document of a political identity still in formation.
In the end, Young Man in a Hurry is a book that gestures toward depth without fully achieving it. It offers a glimpse of Gavin Newsom, but not a complete portrait. For those already familiar with his career, particularly on the West Coast, it may serve as a modest supplement. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the man who may one day lead the country, it leaves too many questions unanswered.
We’ll have to see what comes next—not just for Newsom, but for the story he has only begun to tell.
Coming to this book as a Washingtonian familiar with West Coast politics, I was particularly interested in understanding how Newsom’s personal experiences shaped his public career. What emerges instead is a narrative that feels uneven—occasionally insightful, but too often padded with anecdotes that lack clear relevance. Much of the book reads as if it is searching for significance rather than presenting it.
The early chapters, which focus heavily on Newsom’s upbringing, are perhaps the most underwhelming. He discusses his connections to the Getty family, a detail that inevitably colors perceptions of his later success. While he attempts to frame his childhood as something more grounded—emphasizing his experience as a latchkey kid and his struggles with a learning disability—the overall effect is somewhat contradictory. On one hand, he wants to present himself as shaped by adversity; on the other, the gravitational pull of privilege is impossible to ignore. The result is a narrative that feels curiously weightless. These formative years are described, but not deeply interrogated, leaving the reader with the sense that they are more résumé than revelation.
This is where the book begins to feel like “fluff.” The stories are not without merit, but they lack the kind of introspection that would make them meaningful. Newsom gestures toward challenges—particularly his dyslexia—but rarely lingers long enough to explore how these experiences concretely influenced his worldview or leadership style. Instead, the narrative moves briskly along, as if eager to arrive at more consequential terrain that, frustratingly, never fully materializes.
That said, the memoir does gain traction when it edges closer to Newsom’s political identity. His stance on gay rights, for example, stands out as one of the more compelling aspects of his career and, by extension, the book. His decision to support same-sex marriage early on was not merely politically risky; it was a defining moment that signaled a willingness to act ahead of public consensus. Here, at last, the reader glimpses a politician driven by conviction rather than calculation. These sections are too brief, but they hint at the kind of book this could have been—a deeper exploration of pivotal decisions and the principles behind them.
Unfortunately, the memoir largely sidesteps the more complex and controversial aspects of Newsom’s tenure, particularly his response to the devastating wildfires that have plagued California. Given the scale and frequency of these disasters, they represent a critical test of his leadership. Yet the book offers little in the way of substantive reflection or accountability. For a reader seeking insight into how Newsom navigates crisis—arguably one of the most important qualities in a national leader—this omission is glaring. It is here that the memoir feels not just incomplete, but evasive.
One of the most memorable moments recounted is former President Donald Trump’s visit to California following one such fire. The now-infamous handshake between Newsom and Trump, in which Newsom reportedly refused to let go, is described as a kind of symbolic standoff—two political worlds colliding in a single, prolonged gesture. It is an image ripe with interpretive possibility, a moment that could have served as a window into Newsom’s mindset under pressure. What was he thinking? What did he hope to convey? Was it calculated defiance, or instinctive reaction?
Instead, the memoir glosses over these questions, offering only surface-level commentary. This is particularly disappointing given how much narrative weight the moment carries. Rather than unpacking the psychology or strategy behind the encounter, Newsom diverts into tangential anecdotes, including a remark by Trump about wishing Ivanka had married Tom Brady instead of Jared Kushner. While mildly amusing, this detour underscores a broader issue: the book often prioritizes colorful detail over meaningful insight.
This tendency ultimately limits the memoir’s impact. Newsom is clearly a skilled storyteller, but he seems reluctant to turn that skill inward. The result is a book that feels curated rather than candid, more concerned with shaping an image than revealing a person. For readers trying to understand his potential as a future president, this is a missed opportunity.
And yet, it would be unfair to dismiss the book entirely. There are moments—fleeting but genuine—where Newsom’s voice comes through with clarity and purpose. His reflections on public service, his belief in progressive governance, and his willingness to take political risks all suggest a figure of considerable ambition and capability. These glimpses are enough to explain why he is widely seen as a frontrunner, even if they are not enough to fully justify it.
Reading this in March 2026, with the political landscape still in flux, adds an additional layer of intrigue. It is, as I noted, too early to say what will happen in the upcoming midterms or the next presidential election. Newsom’s trajectory remains uncertain, shaped as much by external events as by his own decisions. This memoir, then, becomes less a definitive statement and more a preliminary sketch—a document of a political identity still in formation.
In the end, Young Man in a Hurry is a book that gestures toward depth without fully achieving it. It offers a glimpse of Gavin Newsom, but not a complete portrait. For those already familiar with his career, particularly on the West Coast, it may serve as a modest supplement. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the man who may one day lead the country, it leaves too many questions unanswered.
We’ll have to see what comes next—not just for Newsom, but for the story he has only begun to tell.
March 2, 2026
in a hurry to clinch the nom
The fairly typical pol tome is very bio-heavy as one would think that a presidential hopeful would include more policy positions, but considering that presidential runs are more about personalities then perhaps this was a prudent choice? But for a guy seeming to take every chance to try to distance himself from his very rich milieu you would think he would have taken a different tact? In any case, it's fine for me if he's the nominee as virtually anyone would be an upgrade for what we currently have, but this memoir doesn't seem like it will get him there. Good thing no one reads anymore I suppose.
The fairly typical pol tome is very bio-heavy as one would think that a presidential hopeful would include more policy positions, but considering that presidential runs are more about personalities then perhaps this was a prudent choice? But for a guy seeming to take every chance to try to distance himself from his very rich milieu you would think he would have taken a different tact? In any case, it's fine for me if he's the nominee as virtually anyone would be an upgrade for what we currently have, but this memoir doesn't seem like it will get him there. Good thing no one reads anymore I suppose.
March 6, 2026
I live in a red state, a state whose citizens continue to elect those who would hurt them most. I’m envious of citizens of California, who elected a Governor trying his best to fight the corruption and madness characterized by the current administration.
Most Americans are aware of Gavin Newsom, but I would guess most don’t know much of his personal history. Gov. Newsom’s background is interesting, but its telling seemed a bit disorganized and self-serving…it’s a politician’s story, after all. However, I do appreciate how the narrative explains what has shaped his beliefs and aspirations.
The last few chapters, including the epilogue, were the most appealing to this reader, explaining Gov. Newsom’s positions on issues important (or that should be important) to all Americans.
Most Americans are aware of Gavin Newsom, but I would guess most don’t know much of his personal history. Gov. Newsom’s background is interesting, but its telling seemed a bit disorganized and self-serving…it’s a politician’s story, after all. However, I do appreciate how the narrative explains what has shaped his beliefs and aspirations.
The last few chapters, including the epilogue, were the most appealing to this reader, explaining Gov. Newsom’s positions on issues important (or that should be important) to all Americans.
March 7, 2026
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to take away from this book by someone who is obviously running for President. Privileged childhood, influential father, and had such close connections to the Getty's that he was flying on their private jet on glamorous vacations. That connection enabled him to start his successful wine business. His connections made him a shoe-in for city offices, which led to the governorship. Etc. At times he seems to be bragging about his privilege. I'm not sure that's the tone to set for the campaign that needs to be run to win over swing voters in Midwestern states.
March 14, 2026
Written and read by the author. Gavin Newson was there for Prop 64. He was there when he defied federal and state law to marry the first gay / lesbian couple. He was there when he revolutionized the green energy revolution. He runs the 4th largest economy... in the world. California may be flawed but under Newson's reign, he transformed it, grew it, and become the pillar of light for hope, prosperity, human rights, and the future. Gavin Newson, 48th President of the United States of America, 2028
March 3, 2026
While Newsom had helpful and wealthy connections to launch his business as a young man when his father finally showed up for him, it doesn’t change the fact that his childhood was nothing privileged: he certainly endured his share of struggles and not limited to his dyslexia which went undiagnosed for the duration of his school years. I wanted to know more about the life of my Governor and this book satisfied my wish. Well written too.
March 6, 2026
A political memoir with little substance. I appreciate Newsom talking about his struggles with dyslexia and I learned plenty about him that I didn't know (probably things that Californians already knew). His life seems to have always been lived on the edge of privilege. While he didn't grow up wealthy, he certainly benefited from his family's connections with the privileged class.
March 12, 2026
4 stars
Well organized and articulated. Also enjoyed the author’s audiobook narration.
Well organized and articulated. Also enjoyed the author’s audiobook narration.
March 14, 2026
Rating a biography, I try to differentiate my thoughts on the book itself from my personal referendum on the author. In this case, I enjoyed both. Gavin Newsome shared some of his seedier moments alongside recounting a of his progressive victories as mayor of San Francisco and then California governor. While I did find myself annoyed at him being yet another Nepo baby, I will say as a fourth generation San Franciscan he really put effort into all he did (if you believe all he wrote). Overall I enjoyed this book.
March 15, 2026
Mange gode verdier og ting jeg er enig i, men dessverre en ufattelig tørr og kjedelig bok..
February 28, 2026
Loved reading about Gavin’s life and his perspective on how he came to be what he is today. I particularly liked listening to it in Gavin’s gravelly voice (hubba hubba!). I went to school with Jen, so I was really interested to hear about his life after he met her. Also, I was living in San Francisco when Gavin was mayor. So I feel a bit intertwined with him in having seen his rise in California politics. I wish him, Jen, and their kids all the best!
📚❤️
📚❤️
March 1, 2026
Worth reading for SF background and history. The meeting with Trump was also fascinating. Not the best written memoir but feels authentic.
March 9, 2026
Det er jo selvfølgelig mye mer spennende å høre om vinbutikken han startet i tjueårene eller om bestefaren hans eller om Getty-familien enn f.eks. hvordan det faktisk er å være guvernør i USAs største stat.
March 4, 2026
I’ll preface this review with the fact that I like our gov and I’d ideally like to see a Newsom/AOC ticket in 2028, even though after 2024 I have my doubts about another CA candidate succeeding on a national scale. It’s clear this book is marketing him as a standout for 2028. Personally, I think his podcast/interviews/press conferences move the needle more. As charismatic as he is “in person”, it didn’t quite translate on the page.
The first three chapters of this book were painfully boring. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish reading this book, even though I’d waited months for it to be published. Newsom’s inability to fully confront his privilege will lose him the election if he runs, and it’s mind boggling and beyond frustrating that he cannot admit it. When you have your summer vacations, a business, etc backed by the Getty family- even if you live a middle class life the rest of the time- you are privileged. Americans across the country can’t afford healthcare, housing, food- basic human rights- to cosplay as someone who understands their daily struggle is an insult, and they know it. Living in CA to begin with, as he suggests in the epilogue, is a privilege at this point. Acknowledge your privilege, focus on the fact that the system is broken, and move on with how you will fix it, or you will lose.
We’ve seen that running on the “at least I’m not that crazy guy” platform doesn’t work. Attacking his record, character, etc will not move the needle in the least, so the focus needs to be on platforming specific policies Americans want and highlighting the experience needed to follow through on these promises. The chapters that focused on the challenges governing through the geographical diversity of CA and fiscal weight of the state, but generally succeeding anyway, were some of the stronger parts of the book. The defiance of supporting LGBTQ+ right to marriage despite the circumstances was powerful. Learning about Homeward Bound and other efforts to meet the unhoused where they are and get them back on their feet- while still an issue in CA, for the reasons outlined that I wholeheartedly agree with- was a highlight. Focusing on platforms to expand these interventions at scale, that is where he could win over moderates, a handful of disillusioned 3 timers, and keep dem focus.
And if he truly wants to walk the walk as a “Dems Dem” that he frequently touts himself as in this book- assuming the votes exist after 2028- codify Roe instead of using that as a bargaining chip for elections the way Dems did for decades, even when they had the executive and legislative branches, which ultimately cost women across the US their right to autonomy. Codify Obergefell. Stop ping ponging back and forth on progress already made in the past and move forward towards platforms people actually want in our futures.
The first three chapters of this book were painfully boring. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish reading this book, even though I’d waited months for it to be published. Newsom’s inability to fully confront his privilege will lose him the election if he runs, and it’s mind boggling and beyond frustrating that he cannot admit it. When you have your summer vacations, a business, etc backed by the Getty family- even if you live a middle class life the rest of the time- you are privileged. Americans across the country can’t afford healthcare, housing, food- basic human rights- to cosplay as someone who understands their daily struggle is an insult, and they know it. Living in CA to begin with, as he suggests in the epilogue, is a privilege at this point. Acknowledge your privilege, focus on the fact that the system is broken, and move on with how you will fix it, or you will lose.
We’ve seen that running on the “at least I’m not that crazy guy” platform doesn’t work. Attacking his record, character, etc will not move the needle in the least, so the focus needs to be on platforming specific policies Americans want and highlighting the experience needed to follow through on these promises. The chapters that focused on the challenges governing through the geographical diversity of CA and fiscal weight of the state, but generally succeeding anyway, were some of the stronger parts of the book. The defiance of supporting LGBTQ+ right to marriage despite the circumstances was powerful. Learning about Homeward Bound and other efforts to meet the unhoused where they are and get them back on their feet- while still an issue in CA, for the reasons outlined that I wholeheartedly agree with- was a highlight. Focusing on platforms to expand these interventions at scale, that is where he could win over moderates, a handful of disillusioned 3 timers, and keep dem focus.
And if he truly wants to walk the walk as a “Dems Dem” that he frequently touts himself as in this book- assuming the votes exist after 2028- codify Roe instead of using that as a bargaining chip for elections the way Dems did for decades, even when they had the executive and legislative branches, which ultimately cost women across the US their right to autonomy. Codify Obergefell. Stop ping ponging back and forth on progress already made in the past and move forward towards platforms people actually want in our futures.
March 13, 2026
The central tension of Gavin Newsom’s A Young Man in a Hurry lies in the friction between a restlessness to move beyond the circumstances of one’s birth and the strategic use of the tools those circumstances provided. As a historical primer, the book succeeds by refusing to shy away from the elite San Francisco circles that birthed Newsom’s career, but it adds a necessary layer of complexity to the "silver spoon" narrative. Newsom provides a nuanced look at his own proximity to power, illustrating a childhood defined by a stark economic split. While his father maintained deep connections to the city’s elite, Newsom was raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to keep the household afloat. This duality—being "in the room" with titans of industry while personally experiencing the precarity of the working class—created a striver’s mentality that would eventually define his approach to public office.
For readers looking to understand how a local official became a fixture on the national stage, this book serves as an essential map of a tiered political ascent. Newsom frames his journey as one of constant acceleration, where each office served as a laboratory for testing high-stakes policy. As Mayor, he utilized the local stage to force national conversations on social issues like marriage equality; as Lieutenant Governor, he navigated the transition from local executive to statewide advocate, often pushing the boundaries of a traditionally ceremonial role. By the time he reached the Governor’s mansion, he had cultivated a brand of "California exceptionalism" that treated the state’s massive economy as a blueprint for federal action. This progression suggests a politician who understood, perhaps earlier than his contemporaries, that the challenges facing a city or state were merely precursors to the national debates of the future.
Ultimately, the book is most effective when it explores the weight of expectation and the unique pressure of a man who knows the eyes of the country are perpetually on his next move. It is a study in stewardship, reflecting on a life that has been simultaneously blessed by privilege and tempered by the struggle to maintain it. This sense of duty and the high stakes of his trajectory bring to mind the scriptural reminder from the Gospel of Luke: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48). However, the reader should not ignore the timing of this release; the memoir is clearly intended to broaden Newsom’s national profile and serve as a vehicle for fundraising. While it undeniably carries a self-serving interest geared toward national political ambitions, the personal history and strategic insights provided within its pages remain genuinely insightful for any student of modern American politics.
For readers looking to understand how a local official became a fixture on the national stage, this book serves as an essential map of a tiered political ascent. Newsom frames his journey as one of constant acceleration, where each office served as a laboratory for testing high-stakes policy. As Mayor, he utilized the local stage to force national conversations on social issues like marriage equality; as Lieutenant Governor, he navigated the transition from local executive to statewide advocate, often pushing the boundaries of a traditionally ceremonial role. By the time he reached the Governor’s mansion, he had cultivated a brand of "California exceptionalism" that treated the state’s massive economy as a blueprint for federal action. This progression suggests a politician who understood, perhaps earlier than his contemporaries, that the challenges facing a city or state were merely precursors to the national debates of the future.
Ultimately, the book is most effective when it explores the weight of expectation and the unique pressure of a man who knows the eyes of the country are perpetually on his next move. It is a study in stewardship, reflecting on a life that has been simultaneously blessed by privilege and tempered by the struggle to maintain it. This sense of duty and the high stakes of his trajectory bring to mind the scriptural reminder from the Gospel of Luke: "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48). However, the reader should not ignore the timing of this release; the memoir is clearly intended to broaden Newsom’s national profile and serve as a vehicle for fundraising. While it undeniably carries a self-serving interest geared toward national political ambitions, the personal history and strategic insights provided within its pages remain genuinely insightful for any student of modern American politics.
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