The Rogue

Searching for the Real Sarah Palin

By: Joe McGinniss

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Just in time for the kickoff of the 2012 presidential campaign, Joe McGinniss, the author of the classic account of the packaging of a presidential candidate, The Selling of the President; of the acclaimed search for the essence of Alaska, Going to Extremes; and of the best-selling study of the dark family secrets of an American patriarch, Fatal Vision; presents his already controversial investigative chronicle of Sarah Palin as an individual, politician, and cultural phenomenon.

Based on McGinniss' on-the-ground reporting that began in late 2008 (which yielded an April 2009 Conde Nast Portfolio cover story) and continued with his return to Alaska in 2010, this book is a startling and penetrating examination of the illusion and reality of Palin - and a probing look at the Alaska and the America that have produced her, and the country she feels she is destined to lead. The Rogue delves deeply into Alaska's political and business affairs and Palin's political, personal, and family life to chronicle how and to what extent Palin and her beliefs, attitudes, and outlook will influence and even change life in America and the perception of America abroad.

©2011 Joe McGinniss (P)2011 Random House

Riveting though occasionally unfair

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, though it will be read only by those who have a default mistrust of Palin and her role in American culture. The narration is wonderful.

If you could give The Rogue a new subtitle, what would it be?

The self-styling of a notorious and dubious American icon

Any additional comments?

The narrator does a great job mimicking the tone, sincerity, and sarcasm of the writer. I have listened to the book many times and think the writer self-effacing enough to make such pronouncements about Palin. He's careful not to "grind axes" in his take on the Palin myth and that made me much more sympathetic to his purpose.

Palin Unqualified

Where does The Rogue rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I came to this book after reading Game Change, and was looking to obtain a more complete history of Sarah Palin. I found it very informative, not surprised that Palin's chequered political career does not glean to many positives.

What did you like best about this story?

I thought it was a well researched book, given the lengths the Palin's went to obstruct the author. Seems to me America is a free country and you can live anywhere you choose.The author was lucky or unlucky to move next door to the Palin's. He was subjected to slanderous remarks veiled threats and innuendo by the Palin's who used the media to attack him. I hate bullies, I hate people who abuse their power.If the Palin's were good neighbours to begin with, the house next door would never have been rented out to the author.

Have you listened to any of Arthur Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to his other performances, I found his narration really excellent and great for this material.

If you could give The Rogue a new subtitle, what would it be?

Power in the wrong hands.

Any additional comments?

I found the book really interesting, I think that McCain has a lot to answer for, bringing this moronic, intolerant petty vindictive woman to the world stage. Ironic that its the common people who continue to support her, and billionaires who finance her to support their agenda(de-regulation, no tax increases for the rich). We can only be grateful she never became Vice President.

Thoughtful account, contrary to popular belief

When I first heard about this book, I believed the hype. The general account was that the author was fixated on Palin and went out of his way to attack her character, even moving next door to her to get the story. I should know better. The true account is reasonable: from the understandable coincidence of how he started to rent the house next door to the Palins (the landlord sought him out, not the other way around), to the accounts of numerous Alaskans about Sarah Palin's political career before and after she emerged in the national political field. As a journalist, McGinnis is careful and thorough, and though there may be scintillating tidbits, there are just as many accounts of friendly Alaskans and admiring stories from fans. There are definitely some things about Palin that don't seem to add up (the most recent pregnancy, for one, is laid out as completely implausible or dangerous as she flew on an airplane the day before delivery even though it was a high-risk pregnancy), but in the end each reader is free to make his or her own decision.

Finally a great summary of the hypocrisy of Sarah

Thank you Joe McGinniss for this great summary of the hypocrisy of Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin is no Christian. (Neither is any one associated with the New Apostolic Reformation)

Good book

Anytime I hear about something that puts Sarah Palin in a negative light, it's always going to get five stars from me!

How to feel dirty

Before I listened to this book, I thought Sarah Palin was an attractvie woman with a brains/integrity problem. Joe McGinniss sought out to prove me right, and having my opinion painstakingly supported has never been so creepy. If you hate Sarah Palin ( with a dollop of secondary hate for her husband and kids) or you just like sleezy gossip, this book goes all out for you. Result: the horse is definitely dead. Now what?

Loved it

This was an excellent listen. All the controversy surrounding this book I had to listen for myself. Thanks Joe McGinniss for this excellent portrayal of the former governor of Alaska. Its all that I suspected and more. Thank you for your honest, candid story. The narrator does a great job. Great listen.

Demagoguery Bested only by 45: The Foreshadowing of MAGA

For many the political faux pas of Sarah Palin in 2008 were simply too ridiculous to be taken seriously. Come 2016-and the joke was on us.

"The Rogue" by Joe McGinniss is a riveting exploration into the life and political influence of Sarah Palin, a figure who, for better or worse, left an indelible mark on American politics. McGinniss delves deep into Palin's character, presenting a nuanced analysis that goes beyond the surface. The author's portrayal of Palin is both insightful and revealing, shedding light on the complexities of her personality and the impact she had on the political landscape.

McGinniss skillfully traces Palin's rise in the political arena and highlights the role she played in shaping the trajectory of American politics, particularly leading into the era of MAGA. The author's narrative captures the zeitgeist of a shifting political landscape, where Palin's unorthodox approach and populist appeal set the stage for the unconventional politics that would define the years to come.

One of the most compelling aspects of McGinniss's analysis is his exploration of how Sarah Palin's brand of politics contributed to the rise of political oddities such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boerbert and Paul Gosar. By examining Palin's populist appeal and her ability to connect with a segment of the American population, McGinniss draws parallels to the political forces that paved the way for Trump's ascendency. The book serves as a lens through which readers can better understand the roots of the political dynamics that unfolded in the subsequent years.

However, beneath the surface of this exploration lies a foreboding and ominous warning about the direction American politics may take if right-wing extremism is not taken seriously. McGinniss presents a cautionary tale, suggesting that the seeds of extremism sown during Palin's era could grow into something more menacing if left unchecked. The author underscores the importance of addressing and understanding the underlying currents that fuel extremist ideologies, urging readers and policymakers alike to confront these challenges head-on.

"The Rogue" is not merely a biography; it is a thought-provoking analysis of a political figure whose impact reverberates through the corridors of power. Joe McGinniss's meticulous research and engaging prose make this book a compelling read for those seeking to grasp the intricate threads that weave together the tapestry of American politics. As the nation grapples with the consequences of its political choices, "The Rogue" serves as a timely reflection on the past and a sobering reminder of the potential pitfalls that lie ahead if extremism is not addressed with the gravity it deserves.