Going Rouge: Sarah Palin: An American Nightmare

by Reed Betsy

Sarah Palin has many faces: hockey mom, fundamentalist Christian, sex symbol, Republican ideologue, fashion icon, "maverick" populist. But, above all, Palin has become one thing: an American obsession that just won't go away. Edited by two senior editors at The Nation magazine, this sharp, smart, up-to-the-minute book examines Palin's obscure origins in Wasilla, Alaska, her spectacular rise to the effective leadership of the Republican Party, and the nightmarish prospect of her continuing to dominate the nation's political scene.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Essays, Biography, Humor, Satire

335 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good job. A couple of the essayists were over the top and sounded like liberal counterparts to Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh, but most of them took a more thoughtful tone and focused on facts rather than polemics. God knows the polemics are easy to fall into - Ms. Palin is infuriating and creepy to anyone who actually pays attention to what she says and has done; she makes Dubya look smart and honest, and that's a tough thing to pull off.
I had gotten this book a while back, then stuck it on the shelf unread when it looked as if Palin was fading into obscurity. When she started making noises again about seeking the Republican (or Tea Party, as we have yet to see whether those groups will stay together or split up) nomination for the White House in 2012, it was time to go ahead and read it. Having done so, I urge anyone who takes the future of America seriously to do the same. I think most people would find an urgent resolve to pitch in and help defeat her if she does run. This woman needs to be sent packing back to Alaska as a private citizen, where she can live her life however she likes but can't impose her religious views, her love of polluting industries, or her contempt for the law and the truth on other people.
And this will sound polemic, but it's true and I have to say it: Do ya know what's the difference between George W. Bush and Sarah Palin? Lipstick.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly not a book for fans of Sarah Palin, beauty queen of Wasilla and ex-politician gone rogue (ha!) - at least, not the fans who blindly follow her politics and believe she is God's gift to the modern world. It certainly won't change any of those kinds of minds. But for the anti-Palin readers - as well as anyone curious of Palin's legacy - Going Rouge may be the collection of essays and articles they've been looking for. Examining her as a public figure and a person, the book throughly goes over many of the issues that come up when discussing Palinmania: Palin's lack of experience; the Bristol issue; Palin and feminism; the view of Russia from Alaska; etc. Thoroughly comprehensive, totally relevant to the current political atmosphere of Tea Parties and revolutionary spirit, this is - and I don't say this lightly - a very important book if you really want to understand how the introduction of Sarah Palin onto the world stage in 2008 changed everything.

[Stephanie *Eff your feelings*]

I find this to be hilarious! Is it mean to fool the right wingers into buying the wrong book? Uhh....no! Hey, it is good enough to fool those of us that are dyslexic! They might start to wonder when they don't find any "also to's" and "don't cha know's". Hey....this doesn't sound like Sarah.....it's making to much sense! BAAHAAHAAHAAA!!!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 8 years with an idiot at the helm of our country I'd have thought the Republicans would try to find someone with substance instead of charisma alone. As an Arizonan I am painfully aware of McCain's lack of charisma. Also as an Arizona I can tell you all the things he's done for Arizona. Like uh, umm, let's see...oh yea, not one damn thing. So the Repubs go for someone with charisma to balance Johnny and choose a woman to appeal to the feminists (oh which she's not one) and an anti-abortionist to appeal to them and a extreme fringe fundamentalist nutsack psuedo-christian to appeal to the bible belt. In the process they found an empty suit (but hey she looks good in a skirt!). They chose a woman who had zero experience and one who is totally ignorant of any government policies, foreign or otherwise, could only name one supreme court decision and who cannot string together a few sentences into a coherent thought. Even when the to news people who interviewed her tossed soft questions to her underhanded she couldn't get a hit. She couldn't even name a single news magazine! Going Rouge tells it all through the essays of many reporters, news people, and others. Read it and remember it so we don't elect another anti-intellectual to the highest positions in our nation.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update: Very Informative, especially the essays on her Anti-feminism. I would recommend this book.


I just bought this book and can't wait for it to ship. I usually try not to push my political ideas on other people but I can't WAIT for this woman to go away! I love that this book and her "book" came out at the same time. With the similar title and cover I think it's hilarious people are getting confused. I will read her book just so I have some to compare but I'm checking it out of the library. I will not give money to her.

[William Lubold · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend once asked me why I had such contempt for Sarah Palin. Rather than explaining, I should have handed him this book. It illuminates some of the scandals the media barely bothered to report during the election, especially her ties to right wing hate groups, and the scandalous corruption of the Alaska Governor's Office during her administration. With the right rallying around her abominable, hateful behavior during the 2010 election campaign and after the Arizona shooting, this book is a must-read now more than ever.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for the converted, no doubt about it. I can't see a pro-Palin person picking it up unless they're curious about what the enemy has to say.

Beyond that, I enjoyed "Going Rouge". The quality of the writing is uneven because it's a collection of essays by multiple authors but, if you're looking for a reminder of why this woman is dangerous, there's ample material here: environmental policies, making assault victims in Wasilla pay for their own rape kits, religious nuttery, Troopergate, the pushing of abstinence education with her own daughter pregnant, the list is endless.

Matt Taibbi has the funniest essay but Gloria Steinem's is a fascinating read and a reminder that feminism is about lifting all women up, not just a token. There are a number of local essays from native Alaskans as well, who bring up issues the country at large never saw coverage of.

The book was obviously rushed, you can see that in the quality of the editing, but I'm glad OR Books published it as a counter weight to Palin's ghost written biography, you betcha!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I am just so gratified that this woman is getting called out on her many lies---no, not mis-representation just flat out LIES. I'll have more to say once I've read the whole book.
Have now finished this book, and there is such a consistent picture of a narcissistic and not very bright person. I think many people dislike her based on life experiences with similar types: the first to take credit for anything remotely resembling success, but never taking an iota of responsibility for abject failure.
Much information in the books shows the stupidity of academic/political/jounalistic males who were captivated by her "warmth" and cuteness. With these attributes, she merely had to be able to put a few words together to be labeled "articulate" which is quite laughable in view of her wandering syntax (new idea for definition of torture: diagramming SP's sentences). I'm definitely holding on to this book as a reference for future SP political forays-----until a wooden stake is put in its proper place.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just to be very clear, R-O-U-G-E is the French word for red and generally refers to a cosmetic product (blush) in the US. That is the word in the title of this book. R-O-G-U-E is the spelling for the maverick/dishonest/mischievous word. So, this book is NOT Sarah Palin's autobiography (as one would hopefully guess by the "American Nightmare" part of the title).

Because of the title spoof, at first I thought this would be a satire of Sarah Palin's book, and since there is just SO much available material, I thought it would be hilarious. It turns out the book is a collection of articles written by journalists over the Palin nomination & ensuing fiasco. A couple essays were a bit over the top or just odd, but otherwise it was really interesting.

Palin will always have her admirers who don't care WHAT she does, but the fact that the GOP machine was determined to not create another Palin-fiasco in the 2012 VP candidate selection and her exclusion from the 2012 convention shows how far Palin has slipped in even the party that produced her. That's a pretty far & fast fall, but then again, this is the woman who made Katie Couric look like a hard-hitting journalists with her all-too-difficult questions about naming even a single newspaper or magazine she read regularly. You know--those hard questions.

Some of the essays I found most interesting were the ones that looked at her nomination from the party standpoint. Such as: what did they actually think Palin was going to do? Did they really think that just picking a woman would pick up the Hilary supporters, and are they so detached from reality that they thought a dim-bulb like Palin would do anything except revolt Hilary's supporters? Were they just picking her because she was part of the extreme far-right, who would vote for a black guy just after they marched in a gay-rights parade? Do they not understand that the farther the GOP caters to the extremists in their party (who are going to vote the God & Guns ticket no matter what), the more they repel independents and moderates--the voters who actually determine elections.

A much more interesting book than I thought it would be, and a rather scary look at what our political structure has become--and came close to being.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a compilation of essays, this book was uneven at best. But some of the writing was strong and focused. Three essays in particular helped me understand my viseral reactions to this woman. They verbalized what I could only feel. Linda Hershman's essay, "Sarah Palin, Mean Girl," compares her to the 1990's book, THE RULES: TIME-TESTED SECRETS FOR CAPTURING THE HEART OF MR. RIGHT. I remember that book! It was all about manipulating a man into thinking you were someone you weren't, just to 'snag' him. Hershman says, "By setting Palin up as the Rules girl the gorgeous, fecund non-Hillary...Republicans forgot that THE RULES is a manual for how to attract men." Tom Perrotta, the novelist, introduces the archetype character of the "Sexy Puritan" to the mix..."you get a little thrill along with your traditional voalues...a wink with a wagging finger." Oh, how I hate that wink! And Chris Hayes describes his response to her acceptance speech in such vivid language, talking about two kinds of politics: 'the politics of the prefrontal cerebral cortes, the politics of analysis...and discussion' with 'the politics of the limbic system, the subrational, emotional, physical response' as he had when she attacked community organizers, his own father's profession.

Not what I expected, but as I went back, collecting my lines, more profound than I thought as I was reading.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Created and published with the self-identified purpose of capitalizing on the success of Sarah Palin’s book, this is a hastily compiled collection of essays published in the wake of John McCain’s addition of Palin to the GOP ticket. Some essays (notably Matt Taibbi’s “Mad Dog Palin”) are worth reading a second time, but most of the work in this collection comes off as dated, partisan grumbling. Some essays are so poorly rendered that one wonders if they were written on deadline over half a bottle of Chardonnay at 4:00 a.m.; excusable for newspaper or blog pabulum, but not altogether worthy of being published in a book.

The contributors, editors and publisher of “Going Rouge” are committed progressives with a genuine interest in political matters; which is what makes the book itself such an oddity. There is very little political savvy in its pages. There is plenty of scoffing, loads of eye-rolling, some haughty indignation, and occasionally some well-crafted zingers… but almost no serious political acumen. There is also nothing new or noteworthy. On any given day, a red-blooded lefty can revel in a limitless supply of pithy and intelligent commentary on Sarah Palin online – this book is not merely underwhelming, it’s unnecessary.

[Ariel · Rating 1 out of 5]

You have to give Sarah Palin some credit, she is one tough women. She was able to overcome diversity and challenges from all walks of life. But I didn’t feel that she was being honest in this book, I thought it was more of a politically driven book, rather than an honest memoir.
Sarah struggled against antsy voters and big oil companies. But I feel that she was very biased in her book. If you were not on her side on every issue, then you were destined to burn. I also disliked her high brow, I am better than you, taunting. Well, if you are not born and raised in Alaska, then you don’t know what cold really is. Even better, I eat meat and shoot guns, I AM A TRUE AMERICAN!
I think Sarah’s mind set is empirically correct; she has a good heart, and good intentions. But trying to play this way in politics will make you look like a hypocrite. She will fight big oil; preach about how we, as voters, should fight the big oil companies. But then she will turn around and fight other politicians, just because they are not from her party. She will also hide her one sided arguments by attacking the black sheep in her party. By taking cheap shots at the small guy, it will make you look unbiased. But it is just another tactic to bring forth votes.

[Serri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alright, I can already hear the collective gasps from family and friends (both Republicans and Democrats) that I actually read this book and Steve is still unhappy that Palin received any of our money in the form of book proceeds...BUT I was reading both Game Change and Too Big To Fail; and reliving the financial meltdown that occurred during the 2008 Presidential election. I thought it would be only fair to hear Palin’s side of the story since I had read Obama’s, Clinton’s and McCain’s. After reading these three books together, I am sure the truth is somewhere in between.

With that being said, the best word I have to describe the book is that it was simple, truly simple, lacking any aspect of complexity. I expect Palin would take that as a compliment and this comment is not meant as a criticism. It’s like Palin and the cliche “it is what it is.” The book provided an overview of her life from her childhood and the most interesting parts were towards the end when she provided her perspective of her political relationship with McCain and the election. Is she likely a good woman and proud American, yes. Was she ready for the media firestorm that comes with a Presidential election, clearly no.

[Alejandro Heracles al-Mu'minin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author' are so full of shit, excuse my language. They claim that it is only coincidence that this has the same title as Palin's since they came up with their title first. That lie helps preface the entire content as it is such a easy to spot bait and switch... they publish it under the same name and attempted to replicate a cover as close to her upcoming book as possible.

There was one good article that seemed to catalog the issues that Meagan McCain expressed in her book about campaigning with the GOP in 2008. One quality piece.

The rest were all hack jobs, many fail to stand the test of time making Palin look like nostradamus while they are trying to frame her as a looney paranoid bitter clinger.

In the end the weak attacks make Palin look strong and the DNC more disheveled as they attack common people, squabble among themselves and build up her aura.

What a bunch of loser- they were pathetic unhappy miserable fucks then and remain the same rotten evil devils they have always been.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the hoopla about this woman's so-called autobiography, I was pleased to see this book available on my last trip to Costco. It is an excellent compilation of articles, editorials, and essays about S. Palin dating from her first political association, as mayor of Wasilla, and continuing through the VP candidacy.

The citizens of this nation have been fed a large pile of garbage regarding this woman. She was (and is) even more venal, inept, and crooked than I had originally thought.

This should be required reading for every voter. I certainly hope the editors of this book publish a new one soon, containing more FACTS to debunk all the glowing reports of her ability that are constantly being aired, and NOT just from FAUX NOISE!

[Candace Lynn Talmadge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives readers whiplash going back and forth between critiques written during the 2008 presidential campaign and those written afterward. Although it conatins many cogent observations about its subject, it also misses the only important point to remember about Sarah Palin. And that is her place as a smiling, winking stalking horse for a rabid strain of Christian fundamentalism determined to replace the current U.S. government with a theocracy every bit as repressive as the Taliban in Afghanistan. A clever title and a good try, but it needs further editing and reorganization to be truly outstanding.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book for my birthday and it's been a great read so far. Basically a collection of essays and opinion pieces written during the 2008 election through to after she had resigned from the governorship of AK. I don't think I agree with some of what was written, but other parts (especially her time as mayor in Wasilla, and her connections to some radical right-wing groups) was very illuminating. So glad the GOP lost!

Incidentally, the editors chose the title 'Going Rouge' before they knew the title of SP's book. It refers to the GOP choosing a candidate based solely on gender.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I WAS BAMBOOZLED because I sucked at spelling. Grrr.

I really wanted to read Palin's book - not because I totally love her, but because I'm intrigued and curious.

This is a spoof of her book and is a total bash the republican party. I'm all for people having different opinions. I'm all for voicing them - but opening the book by calling John McCain's wife a trashy whore and it went downhill from there.

I made it to page 3 before I had to get out of bed and go find another book.

Boo to my bad spelling.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the book appears to be a tongue-in-cheek spoof of Palin's book, that's not what it is at all. Inside are some of America's most talented progressive writers, brilliant individuals, who have taken a serious look at the phenomenon that is Sarah Palin. I understand so much better now where she came from and what has brought her to prominence. And for fun, you get to stroll down memory lane with the most bizarre language from her speeches and interviews. Excellent and thought provoking.

[Clubizarre · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, it's important to read things you disagree with. It's important in forming your own opinions.

That said, it felt like the book going through a checklist. I also felt it feeds into people's confirmation bias and rarely dove into any issues beyond the surface. If you are a fan of hers and her ideals, you will like it. If not, it doesn't spend a lot of time trying bring in new fans though a well thought out discussion nor reinforcing much of the checklist.

[Jarrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice/horrifying reminder of just how close Americans were to a Palin administration. There are some great blunt takes (Matt Taibi especially) but unfortunately there's a lot of repetition. The same details are repeated by most writers but all highlighting different issues, i.e. Palin's "feminism" as torn apart by Slate's Emily Bazelon.

Great read overall, just don't expect any blockbuster revelations.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a mixed bag. Some of the essays were quite good, some were purely vitriol, but all were too narrowly focused on a specific point of time. It really needed to have the essay and then commentary added to it, because as it stands it's extremely dated to read without additional analysis.

[Don Stanton · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is nothing more than very poor attempted hack job on Palin by a conglomeration malcontents. Their mocking falls so woefully short that it nothing more than the venting of politically festering of spleens.

However, I must say that from the first two paragraphs announced agenda clearly. It is tripe. I considered using for fish wrap, but I have too much respect for the fish.

[Nancy]

I decided to read this book to get a better understanding of Sarah Palin...
I found it an interesting and informative read..from learning about the Alaskan way of life to nuances of the campaign. This book didn't convert me to a Palin follower, but it did reinforce some of my opinions.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection about all facets of Sarah Palin, simply reinforces my belief that she is one scary kook. The sooner she is prevented from EVER influencing public policy again, the safer America will be.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

she makes me want to vomit. it was hillarious to hear her try to defend herself. i thought that perhaps this book would make me have a little more respect for her.... but if it was even possible.... i have less. listening to this just reaffirmed the idea that i am indeed a democrat.

[Sabrina de Jong · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me this book gave interesting insights to the unjust fairness of the liberal media and the stupidity of the McCain campaign. I really wish that we had more politicians like Sarah Palin, down to earth, real and interested in the people. I'd recommend this book to both fans and critics.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contradictory story. The suggests Palin considers herself a maverick, bucking the political machine to do things her own way. Unfortunately, she repeatedly portrays herself as a victim of the campaign management and the media. It's hard to be a rouge when you bow down so often.

[Mandy Huot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed learning about Sarah and her children, especially the surprise birth of her 5th child, the book itself was quite boring. Not to mention long. I expect an extremely famous person like an actor to have a long biography, not a politician.

[Chris Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of op-ed pieces, all making it clear that Palin is a monstrous right wing fool, and nominating her was stupid. There may, of course, be other points of view, but I can't imagine they're held by anyone with a working mind.