Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters is a 2008 memoir by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, published by Doubleday on July 29, 2008. It is co-written with New York Times best-selling author and Peabody Award-winning writer Amy Hill Hearth. It is Pelosi's first published book.
Background
The book is a personal and political history describing her own youth as the daughter of U.S. Congressman Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr., being a stay-at-home mom, becoming a Democratic organizer in California, running for Congress at 47 and eventually becoming the highest ranking woman in the history of the United States government at the time.Amos, Deborah. 'Know Your Power' Charts Pelosi's Path To Congress, NPR.org, July 28, 2008. Pelosi also writes about the experiences of other women to serve in Congress and opposition to the presidency and policies of George W. Bush. The book seeks to impart wisdom and re-inforce self-esteem in women of all ages.
The title comes from advice given to her by former Rep. Lindy Boggs.Rogers, David. Pelosi: 'I'm trying to save the planet', Politico, July 29, 2008.
Publishing history
Doubleday acquired rights to publish Pelosi's memoirs in July 2007, led by Doubleday president Stephen Rubin. Pelosi was represented by the William Morris Agency, including chairman Norman Brokaw, who said, "When I first met Nancy Pelosi twenty years ago, I could tell she was destined to make history. I told her to start taking notes."Deahl, Rachel. Doubleday to Publish Pelosi, Publishers Weekly, July 19, 2007. Publishers Weekly described the book as "a gentle account from a tough politician."Nonfiction Reviews: Week of 6/2/2008, Publishers Weekly, June 2, 2008.
Publicity tour
Pelosi's promotional tour for the book in July 2008 included appearances on Today, The View and The Colbert Report.Patrick, Diane. Authors on the Air: Nancy Pelosi; Betty White; Bertie Bowman, Publishers WeeklyJuly 28, 2008.
References
External links Know Your Power book listing by Random House Know Your Power by Nancy Pelosi, readers' guide at Doubleday.com Nancy Pelosi Airs Some Clean Laundry in Power Washington Post interview.