The Joy of Politics

Surviving Cancer, a Campaign, a Pandemic, an Insurrection, and Life's Other Unexpected Curveballs

By: Amy Klobuchar

Narrated by: Amy Klobuchar

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

An intimate and revelatory memoir—on personal challenges, political turmoil, and the state of American democracy—narrated by one of the most effective voices in politics, Amy Klobuchar.

During the past few years, as our country has faced unprecedented challenges, Senator Klobuchar has been in the room where it happens—on the Senate floor for critical votes during the pandemic, at the debate podium during one of the most critical presidential elections in US history, and in the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when insurrectionists stormed the building, interrupting the certification of the electoral college. It was well past midnight when Klobuchar stood beside then-Vice President Pence to officially certify President Biden's victory.

In her candid, honest, and at times bitingly funny memoir, the pragmatic senator shares insider stories from these historic moments, while also inviting listeners into her personal life. An underdog in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary campaign, she built surprising early momentum—only to suspend her candidacy in order to support Joe Biden. Within weeks of returning to work in the Senate, the sudden onslaught of COVID-19 hit her family directly. Her husband got very sick and spent a week in the hospital on oxygen and a month in isolation. Klobuchar shares her experience facing a cancer diagnosis while watching her beloved father succumb to Alzheimer's. She recounts the dramatic narrative of January 6 and how close we came to losing our democracy. And, with her signature humor, she reveals what it's like to work with some of her more...well, interesting...colleagues.

At the crux of these stories is a narrative of resilience–of personal resilience and the resilience of a nation–and, improbably, joy.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2023 Amy Klobuchar (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Was looking for more insight

It’s not a bad book by any means, but Amy’s observations on her time in the Senate the last few years felt a bit superficial. I was hoping for more dirt, instead it just felt very guarded.

Perfection!

This audio book was amazing! The senator from Minnesota is a timeless leader and fearless advocate for freedom and justice. Thank you, Amy, for all that you do, and all that you will continue to do for America.

thanks

Amy has a heart of gold, yet that’s just my opinion. At any rate, I for one pray we have more candid representation, advocacy, and, here here, joy too. To wit, such a example of character she establishes for the American people herein. Listen to this women, and maybe just maybe, especially if you are a Minnesotan, write her a handwritten note of gratitude for all she does to better us.

-BF

Amy Klobuchar's The Joy of Politics

I enjoyed Amy's book. She did an excellent job explaining the difficulty of the pandemic, the Election in 2020, Joe Biden's Inauguration, how things get done (and don't get done) in Congress, and a more intimate view of her life. I really enjoyed the little bits and pieces of wisdom like when she had to stop on she and her husband's hike on their trip in July 2020 to rest her new hip and the surprising wise words from the young man coming down from the mountain top. The words from the pastor at the GA church she visited in 2021 about starting where you are. John McCains wisdom and kindness passed on to her. There were so many instances people gave her insights when she wasn't expecting them and I appreciated her passing those on to us, her readers. Amy is such an intelligent woman, yet always strong, warm, loving and kind. All of the attributes we want in a lawmaker and politician.