Pearls, Politics, & Power

Praise

"We women who have devoted our time and resources to taking on political leadership roles must also motivate, inspire, and mentor other women to surge into the ranks of politics. Governor Kunin's book is an excellent resource--and a must read. It lays out the chutzpah for tackling politics. She says, ‘The worried mother syndrome is an effective catalyst for social change.’ We worried mothers must act."
--Swanee Hunt, former Ambassador to Austria and Director of the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government

"Madeline Kunin had to imagine herself as a woman leader when those two words rarely came together. Now she teaches us from her experience, and helps us imagine the next leap into the future."
—Gloria Steinem

"Women who have lived politics tell it best. They are the exemplars who can attract new generations of young women to public leadership. Herself a pioneer in the modern history of women's political leadership, Madeleine Kunin knows of what she speaks. She brings direct experience, knowledge, and wisdom to a subject close to her heart—the challenges and satisfactions for women who take the plunge into political life.

It's one matter to tell people about the challenges facing women in politics. It's another to write the story so that people will want to read it. With her vast personal experience as a political leader and her considerable gifts as a writer, Madeleine Kunin offers a new generation both pearls of wisdom and practical lessons in the real-life, nuts and bolts of politics. Her book is jam packed with information and examples to illustrate the lessons she offers. She draws on her own fascinating life throughout the book as well as on the experiences of a great variety of interesting political women of many ages serving in many kinds of positions. There is also history, current facts, and solid advice—something for everyone but especially young women and girls interested in a readable book about what life is like for women in politics and why they, too, should answer the call.

The book is personal as well as political and, above all, pedagogical, in the best sense: it aims to educate through a mix of information and inspiration."
—Ruth B. Mandel, Director, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University

"A natural storyteller, Kunin combines her personal journey in politics with the stories of dozens of female politicians. Writing with wisdom, intelligence and warmth, she provides a guide for women at all levels who might seek to enter public life while at the same time shedding light on the challenges facing Hillary Clinton as she strives to become the first female president. The timing of this excellent book could not be better."
—Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and biographer

"This book provides a rare insight of what it is like to run for office and win. Kunin listens to the voices of women who have been there—at the local, state, and national levels. She is inspirational, informative, and timely, calling for women to jump into the fray and make a difference for our country."
—Ellen Malcolm, president, EMILY's List

"Part memoir, part manual, leavened with poignant interviews, testimonies, practical truths and (best of all) the passion of a wise and temperate activist, Kunin's work manifests two rarities in the modern world: scholarly politicians and readable scholarship. This book should become part of the women's studies curriculum in every college and university in America and is perfectly appropriate for senior level courses in public affairs in high schools throughout the land. Fair, honest, and civil—a magnificent achievement by a remarkable woman."
—Frank Bryan, John G. McCullough Professor of Political Science, University of Vermont

"In Pearls, Politics, and Power, Governor Kunin lays out the what, why, and wisdom of women's political involvement not only in the US but throughout the world. It is especially relevant today in light of Senator Clinton's presidential campaign and the forces impacting it because she is a woman. Interesting and informative, it is a must read for every woman who cares about having government make a difference for her children and grandchildren and is looking for a way to make that happen."
—Geraldine A. Ferraro, former Member of Congress and 1984 Democratic Nominee for Vice President

"Madeleine Kunin's story is instructive and inspiring—a must read for those who dare to seek elective office. It is a powerful book, based on real experience."
—Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Senior Managing Director, Lazard Freres

"Here's the book we've been waiting for—an insider's view of the role of women in politics by one of America's most distinguished public servants. Governor, federal executive, ambassador, Madeleine Kunin has seen it all. And her keen eye and her deep understanding of the challenge of gender in wielding power has produced a wonderfully insightful book that should be read by every women, and man, who wants to lead."
—Robert B. Reich, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Professor of Public Policy, University of California at Berkeley

"Madeleine Kunin makes an impassioned and informed plea for women, especially younger women, to enter politics. There is no doubt in my mind that our country and the world would be a far better place if the 'feminine values' of compassion and nurturing were to achieve their rightful place in our nation's governance. As she says, it’s a wonderful thing to donate $10 to fight breast cancer, but it’s a far more powerful thing to shift millions of dollars of government money to finding a cure."
—Ben Cohen, co-founder, Ben & Jerry's

"Kunin gives us thoughtful advice on how women can lead change. A wonderful, insightful book."
—Donna E. Shalala, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

"Women have always provided leadership in their families, their community, and their country. Pearls, Politics, and Power takes this influence to a different leadership level. A great read for an understanding of the need for continued involvement."
—Senator Nancy Kassebaum

"Every page is indelibly stamped with one word: impact. Governor Kunin clearly and compellingly captures the deep and lasting impact women have had and can have on American politics."
—Ilana Goldman, President, Women’s Campaign Forum

"Madeleine Kunin has written a fabulous ‘how to’ book for women who want to make a difference in their communities, states or the nation. Drawing on her own experience and a rich trove of interviews with women in political positions at all levels, she gives practical advice on how to get started, survive the stresses of public life, and make change happen. This slim, lively book is a must read whether you want to be more effective in your community or aspire to change the world."
—Alice Rivlin, former Director, Office of Management and Budget