Pelosi

By: Molly Ball

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

"In a clear voice that lets the writing shine, Frankie Corzo narrates this detailed dive into American politics centered on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Corzo's portrayal of the most powerful woman in American political history showcases Pelosi's tireless energy and radiating impact, as well as the landscape at large." (AudioFile Magazine)

An intimate, fresh perspective on the most powerful woman in American political history, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, by award-winning political journalist Molly Ball.

She’s the iconic leader who puts Donald Trump in his place, the woman with the toughness to take on a lawless president and defend American democracy. Ever since the Democrats took back the House in the 2018 midterm elections, Nancy Pelosi has led the opposition with strategic mastery and inimitable elan. It’s a remarkable comeback for the veteran politician who for years was demonized by the right and taken for granted by many in her own party - even though, as speaker under President Barack Obama, she deserves much of the credit for epochal liberal accomplishments from universal health care to gays in the military. How did a 79-year-old Italian grandmother in four-inch heels become the greatest legislator since LBJ - and how will she manage her greatest challenge yet, impeachment?

Ball’s nuanced portrait takes listeners inside the life and times of this historic and underappreciated figure. Based on exclusive interviews with the Speaker and deep background reporting, Ball shows Pelosi through a thoroughly modern lens to explain how this extraordinary woman has met her moment.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2020 Molly Ball (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Fantastic bio. Mixed narration.

The story itself is well told, balanced and inspiring. The narration isn’t unlistenable but sounds a bit robotic as others have mentioned over a Jersey (?) accent. It’s fine but a bit distracting. There are several inconsistencies in pronunciation such as Robert Mueller’s last name sometimes said as he says it (Mull-er) and sometimes as it’s probably supposed to be said (Mew-ler). All and all recommend anyway.

Nancy Pelosi is an amazing woman

This was so interesting. I learned there is so much more to Mrs. Pelosi and did not want this book to end!
Thank you
Karen K.

Great Book!

I loved this book. Hearing about such a strong, smart, determined, and beautiful woman in these times is a great blessing especiallysince she has fight for equalityfor genderand race all of her life. I have always liked Speaking Pelosi, but now have even more respect for her.

Great book- annoying narrator

My husband and I listened to this book on our evening walks. The story of Nancy Pelosi’s political career is sometimes funny, sometimes tense, but always fascinating. We had bought into some of the negative media coverage of her, but we are now convinced of her excellent political skills and her strong sense of what is right for our society. The narrator drove me nuts. She has a wonderful voice, but a super obnoxious accent where she doesn’t pronounce the letter t. So the name Barton is pronounced “Bar-on”, the word city becomes “ci-ee”, etc. It was very distracting. Otherwise, excellent book. I will avoid this narrator from here on out, though.

Such a job.

Such a multi dimensional job as a speaker of the House. Pelosi has worked hard.

Bad performance.

Ms Corzo cannot pronounce certain words and names properly. Another reviewer gave an example of Mr. Bur’n instead of Burton. I’ll give another example of “impor’nce” instead of importance. Neither she or the director delivered an acceptable job.

Pretty good, but a bit of a hagiography.

I've always respected and admired Nancy Pelosi, and this book only increased my admiration. But it really was a hagiography. Worth the listen, but be aware that the author doesn't approach her subject dispassionately.

Narrator speech tic

This book is great and the performance is good but for some reason the narrator, who is not otherwise speaking in a British accent, drops her “t’s” as if she is speaking in a cockney accent. It sounds contrived and it’s too bad since it distracts from the rest of the performance and the book in general. It would be more enjoyable to listen without this addition to the performance.

Love Nancy !!!

What a great book about a woman who will definitely go down in history as a role model not only for young girls but for all young people to emulate.

An eye opener

A terrific picture of an amazing woman! I think moat of us have no idea of the amount of intelligence, hard work and endurance that she brings to the job.