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Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America
by
"One of the most important voices of her generation." --Joy-Ann Reid
"A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference." --David Axelrod
" Moving Forward will inspire you." --Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York's Haitian community to working in the Ob ...more
"A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference." --David Axelrod
" Moving Forward will inspire you." --Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York's Haitian community to working in the Ob ...more
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Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
November 5th 2019
by Hanover Square Press
(first published 2019)
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Start your review of Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America

I have seen Jean-Pierre on television so decided to learn more about her by reading her recently published memoir.
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti. They immigrated to New York when she was young. She obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University. She had a tough life growing up, but she does not get bogged down in it. The book focuses on hard work and determination to reach her goals in life. I had the feeling the book w ...more
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique. Her parents were born and raised in Haiti. They immigrated to New York when she was young. She obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University. She had a tough life growing up, but she does not get bogged down in it. The book focuses on hard work and determination to reach her goals in life. I had the feeling the book w ...more

Karine Jean-Pierre is a very appealing personality with a very compelling story. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Jean Pierre tells the story of growing up in a strict household with parents combating an unfair stigma of bigotry, particularly towards Haitians in New York City. Jean-Pierre is careful not to make this a story of racism, bigotry and hate but a story of what made her the person that she is. What molded her. Jean-Pierre's story is familiar to many, a young, driven, high achieving
...more

Late bloomers this one is perfect for you....
Never give up hope as hope is the backbone behind the promise of America or is it?!
I can relate to much of what Karine discussed in terms of constantly moving from one opportunity to the next in believing that one closed door is not a curse but a blessing. That notion that hard work gets you your place in line has always been a staple to the America we used to know and love.
That moment of never losing sight of a goal when you may not have a goal set ...more
Never give up hope as hope is the backbone behind the promise of America or is it?!
I can relate to much of what Karine discussed in terms of constantly moving from one opportunity to the next in believing that one closed door is not a curse but a blessing. That notion that hard work gets you your place in line has always been a staple to the America we used to know and love.
That moment of never losing sight of a goal when you may not have a goal set ...more

As my first review on Net Galley, I am feeling a great deal of pressure to get this right, but Karine Jean-Pierre has made my job much less difficult with her lovely memoir. Moving Forward focuses on her childhood in Queens and the daily work that is required of the eldest child of an immigrant couple, her own journey to naturalized citizenship, and her subsequent lively political and media career.
Sharing the same birth year I felt at one with Jean-Pierre as she traced her youth and early adulth ...more
Sharing the same birth year I felt at one with Jean-Pierre as she traced her youth and early adulth ...more

I enjoyed this one. In her foreward, Jean-Pierre says it's aimed at younger folks who may be considering a career in politics, but there's plenty for us older folks whose windows of opportunity are not wide open. Sometimes I wish I hadn't been such a late bloomer professionally, because I could have gone in a lot of interesting directions—politics being one of them, maybe. Not that I have any issues with what I'm doing now, but at almost 56 there are a lot of cool options that I'm just not going
...more

When it is hot as heck outside and there is nothing cool to do but reading as everything else makes you end up a sweaty mess, it is the perfect day for a speed reader.
I received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.
Most political origin stories have the same backbone. A bright young per ...more

Since the 2016 election of Donald Trump, I have been plugged into American politics; whether it be reading countless books on the topic, watching American news shows, or reading British coverage of the happenings, I'm fascinated. Karine Jean-Pierre is one of the faces I've seen across the coverage so when I saw she had a book out I was intrigued to learn more about her story.
A Haitian gay black woman in today's America, Karine gives insight into an upbringing very different from my own. She delv ...more
A Haitian gay black woman in today's America, Karine gives insight into an upbringing very different from my own. She delv ...more

“One of the most important voices of her generation.” —Joy-Ann Reid
“A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference.” —David Axelrod
“Moving Forward will inspire you.” —Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York’s Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the ...more
“A useful roadmap for all of us about how to make a difference.” —David Axelrod
“Moving Forward will inspire you.” —Valerie Jarrett
An inspiring political memoir from Karine Jean-Pierre, Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn, chronicling her path from New York’s Haitian community to working in the Obama White House, and offering a blueprint for anyone who wants to change the face of politics.
Most political origin stories have the ...more

It was refreshing to hear (I read the audiobook) this author in her words and inflections of her story and her ascent to a successful but, more importantly, fulfilling career in politics. This book is both autobiography and self help.
Jean-pierre’s own story of being from an immigrant Haitian family who relocated from Haiti, to Martinique, to France then settling in Long Island and the socio economic challenges that that entailed (and sexuality- which is not a main theme) alone is compelling. He ...more
Jean-pierre’s own story of being from an immigrant Haitian family who relocated from Haiti, to Martinique, to France then settling in Long Island and the socio economic challenges that that entailed (and sexuality- which is not a main theme) alone is compelling. He ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America should be a required textbook for anyone, and women in particular, who want to work in politics from the local level on up. Karine’s anecdotes about famous political figures, hot tips about working in politics and broadcasting, memories of growing up as a Haitian immigrant, tales of her college days, and her descriptions of living as a black gay woman with a partner and little girl kept me riveted and only wishing I were much
...more

This book was part political how to book and part memoir. The memoir part was a 5 star read. The political how to part was slightly wanting and although I find it a must read for High Schoolers and college students today, it was lacking for a former political science major.
I read it as an ARC giveaway and I definately want my 19 year old college sophomore daughter to read it. I enjoyed it and I'm a fan of Jean-Pierre from seeing her on AM Joy and respect her work.
I rate it a 3.5 (round to a 4) ...more
I read it as an ARC giveaway and I definately want my 19 year old college sophomore daughter to read it. I enjoyed it and I'm a fan of Jean-Pierre from seeing her on AM Joy and respect her work.
I rate it a 3.5 (round to a 4) ...more

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. I always like watching KJP on AM Joy so I was very interested to read this. However, I didn't feel the text captured how dynamic she seems on TV. Instead, it seemed stilted, not at all like I expect KJP would seem telling her story in speech. Still, I really enjoyed the family stories, particularly how her parents and she and her siblings grew up. Not quite what I expected but a dec ...more
3.5 stars. I always like watching KJP on AM Joy so I was very interested to read this. However, I didn't feel the text captured how dynamic she seems on TV. Instead, it seemed stilted, not at all like I expect KJP would seem telling her story in speech. Still, I really enjoyed the family stories, particularly how her parents and she and her siblings grew up. Not quite what I expected but a dec ...more

While interesting (and completely in line with my political sensibilities), Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America just didn't capture my imagination or my heart the way I'd hoped it would. I appreciated the supporting materials - especially the recommendations of Twitter feeds and books.
...more

3.5 stars. I read this book because I really like Karine when I see her on news shows like PBS and MSNBC. I enjoyed learning about her life and how she got to where she is and learning about some of the behind the scenes issues someone like her deals with. The book was written a little simplistically for my taste, and there was a lot of info that people with less knowledge than me would find useful, but that I found unnecessary. And her writing style was a bit simplistic for my taste. My younger
...more

Since I found out that she is Kamala’s chief of staff, I wanted to learn more about her, especially since she is of Haitian background. I liked the personal details that she provided and there was a lot I could relate to since my parents are Haitian. However, there would be choppy places in the book where It would be flowing but her interjections would mess up the connection or she would come across as way to “preachy” in some ways. It was interesting to read about her experience in politics and
...more

An intriguing memoir. I was not familiar with Karine Jean-Pierre before reading this but I plan to look for her now. To be fair, she's not the only child of immigrants to become deeply involved in politics but her story is unique in its way. It was the family stories more than the politics I found most interesting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This would be a good YA read- inspirational and educational.
...more

I've never heard of the author until i saw her book. I thought it was very inspirational some of the things she went through, from her beginnings on a small island to working on the campaign of the first black president of the Untied States. It was a very good book and gave good insights on what can happen when you are able to work hard despite your beginnings.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own ...more
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own ...more

This book weaves Jean-Pierre's personal story with the lessons she has learned to make her way through the fields of politics and journalism. A child of two Haitian immigrants, her story truly feels like one many could follow. Her optimism and determination to fight in the wake of the 2016 election was inspiring because I find myself feeling more despondent than ever. Book serves as both a helpful guide and an enlightening memoir.
...more

Karine Jean Pierre is an inspiring person and a rising star in politics. This book is a sort of instruction manual for how to understand/get into politics. Unfortunately, it also kind of reads like an instruction manual; it's pretty boring. I think this book would be best suited to highschool and college students, especially those who are first generation Americans or college goers. Her experience on how to navigate the system would be invaluable to them.
...more

Moving forward is a must read that will reaffirm your belief in the America Dream. Karine-Jean Pierre's dynamic memoir tells the story of a Caribbean American woman who has become a force in the political, progressive and media world. I love watching her on TV but I love her book even more. Moving forward is a perfect holiday gift for anyone who dares to dream BIG!
...more

This was a very inspiring book! As someone who's really confused during this time of an interesting administration, it made me feel motivated and that hope is not lost. It was also reassuring to see that she changed her career path from pre-med to politics and ended up in the White House. If you're looking for an easy, motivating read, I would definitely read this book.
...more

Karine writes about being lonely, shy, gay and about her Hatian family’s struggles in the USA. She writes encouragingly about surviving failures and about success. She writes about politics in a way that young people can understand and she tells them how they can become involved and make a difference.
This was a good 3 1/2 - 4 star read.
This was a good 3 1/2 - 4 star read.

3.5 but I'm rounding up. Jean-Pierre's writing can be clunky, but I believe she is writing to reach a wide range of readers. Her life has been interesting and she pounds away at my core belief: people are everything, networking is everything.
...more

Optomistic
An insider's knowledge and insight helps to make sense of the up is down political story. Karine Jean-Pierre is a bright spirit shining her light into a dark period of our country 's history. ...more
An insider's knowledge and insight helps to make sense of the up is down political story. Karine Jean-Pierre is a bright spirit shining her light into a dark period of our country 's history. ...more

Karine Jean-Pierre's memoir is inspiring. Her personal story is riveting and her plan for how we can all be part of America shows the importance of all stories and voices. I heard her voice as I read the book. She feels like a good friend. A friend who makes me want to be a better citizen.
...more

I was not sure what to expect when I first picked up a copy of Karine's book. But I was pulled in from the very first page. Her story, just like most immigrant stories (I'm Ghanaian), is engaging and inspiring. It is well-written and simply down to earth.
...more
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