Madeleine Kunin

A political memoir by the first woman governor of Vermont. Describes her learning curve from volunteering at the grass roots politics level, her first attempt to run for office (which failed) and her campaign for the Vermont State Legislature (which she won) from there up through Appropriations Committee Chair, Lt. Gov and finally as Governor. As Lt. Gov she served in a predominantly Republican and male) administration as a Democrat. She talks about pluses and minus being a woman in politics. Great memoir.… (meer)

5449. Living A Political Life One of America's First Woman Governors Tells Her Story, by Madeleine M. Kunin (read 7 Mar 2017) The author was born on Sept 28, 1933, in Zurich, Switzerland. Her father died when she was 3. She and her mother and older brother came to the U.S. in 1940 because her mother feared Hitler might invade Switzeland , meaning horror for the Jews there. She married, had four children, and then became active in politics, eventually being elected governor of Vermont in 1984, 1986, and 1988. This book was first published in 1994. It is quite detailed, and far more introspective than most politicians' memoirs. She lets us know her innermost hopes, fears, and enthusiasms. As we would expect, she presents herself in a way which led me to be admiratory of her work and ambition. Any person, woman or man, thinking of running for public office would be well-advised to read the book, although it is over 20 years old now and tells of a different political climate. I found much to admire in the book though it is maybe a bit longer than necessary.… (meer)