Summary
The Truths We Hold: An American Journey is a compelling memoir by Kamala Harris, published in 2019. This #1 New York Times bestseller offers readers an intimate look into the life and career of one of America's most prominent political figures. As the daughter of immigrants and civil rights activists, Harris shares her experiences growing up in Oakland, California, and her journey to becoming a transformative leader in American politics.
In this thought-provoking book, Vice President Harris delves into the core truths that she believes unite Americans and explores how to act upon them effectively. Drawing from her own career and the wisdom of those who have inspired her, she tackles complex issues facing the nation, from social justice to economic inequality. Harris's commitment to speaking truth is evident throughout the memoir, as she reflects on her roles as a prosecutor, California Attorney General, and U.S. Senator.
The Truths We Hold has garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. The book has been praised for its engaging narrative and insightful perspective on American politics. With its release coinciding with Harris's rise to national prominence, the memoir serves as both a personal account and a political manifesto, offering readers a deeper understanding of the values and experiences that shape her vision for the country.
Plot
The Truths We Hold is a memoir by Kamala Harris that traces her journey from childhood to becoming a prominent political figure. Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, recounts growing up in Oakland, California in a community deeply committed to social justice. She describes her upbringing and the values instilled by her parents, who were civil rights activists.
The book follows Harris's career path as she enters the legal profession. She details her decision to become a prosecutor, aiming to be a voice for victims while also addressing flaws in the criminal justice system. Harris elaborates on her time as San Francisco's District Attorney and later as California's Attorney General, highlighting her approach as a “progressive prosecutor” who sought to balance accountability with fairness and reform.
Harris then chronicles her election to the U.S. Senate in 2016, defeating fellow Democrat Loretta Sanchez. She discusses the challenges she faced and the issues she championed during her time in the Senate. The narrative concludes with Harris reflecting on her opposition to various Trump administration policies and actions.
Throughout the memoir, Harris weaves in her perspectives on major social and political issues facing the United States. She shares personal anecdotes and experiences that have shaped her worldview and political philosophy. The book serves as both a personal narrative and a platform for Harris to communicate her vision for addressing the country's challenges through shared struggle and values.
Themes
Immigrant experience and social justice
Leadership and public service
Criminal justice reform
Women's empowerment and representation
Economic equality and opportunity
Healthcare and access to care
Unity and shared American values
Setting
The Truths We Hold is set primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, spanning Kamala Harris's life from childhood through her political career. The memoir begins in Oakland, California in the 1960s and 1970s, where Harris was raised in a diverse, working-class neighborhood that valued social justice and community engagement.
The geographical scope of the book expands as Harris's career progresses. It follows her journey from the San Francisco Bay Area, where she served as District Attorney, to Sacramento as she became California's Attorney General. The setting then shifts to Washington D.C. as Harris takes on her role as a United States Senator, providing insight into the national political landscape of the mid-2010s.
Throughout the narrative, Harris frequently returns to her roots in Oakland and the broader California context, using her experiences in these locations to frame her perspective on national issues. The book concludes in the tumultuous political climate of 2017-2018, setting the stage for Harris's eventual vice presidential candidacy and her vision for America's future.
Key Figures
Kamala Harris: The author and main subject of the memoir. Daughter of immigrants who became a prosecutor, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and eventually Vice President. Harris describes her upbringing in Oakland and her career fighting for social justice and progressive values. She shares her experiences and insights on leadership, problem-solving, and addressing major challenges facing America.
Shyamala Gopalan Harris: Kamala's mother, an admired cancer researcher from India. She was an activist in the civil rights movement and had a significant influence on Kamala's values and commitment to social justice.
Donald Harris: Kamala's father, an esteemed economist from Jamaica. He was also involved in the civil rights movement and contributed to Kamala's upbringing and worldview.
Beau Biden: The late son of Joe Biden, who served as Delaware Attorney General. Harris mentions him positively in the book, which may have influenced Joe Biden's decision to choose her as his running mate in 2020.
Quick facts
The book was published on January 8, 2019, just days before Harris announced her 2020 presidential campaign
It became a #1 New York Times bestseller
A young readers edition was published a few months later in May 2019
The book is 336 pages long
It was published by Penguin Books
The book's full title is The Truths We Hold: An American Journey
It was Harris's second book, following her children's book Superheroes Are Everywhere
The book covers Harris's upbringing as the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India
It describes her career progression from prosecutor to U.S. Senator
Some reviewers compared it to Barack Obama's memoir Dreams from My Father
About the Author
Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States. Born in Oakland, California to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris began her career as a prosecutor before being elected as California's Attorney General in 2010. She went on to serve as a U.S. Senator from California from 2017 to 2021.
As Vice President under Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025, Harris played a key role in the administration's efforts on immigration, foreign policy, and voting rights. She cast a record number of tie-breaking votes in the evenly divided Senate, helping to pass major legislation like the American Rescue Plan. Harris also took on diplomatic responsibilities, traveling to Central America to address migration issues and representing the U.S. at international conferences.
In 2024, after Biden withdrew his re-election bid, Harris became the Democratic nominee for president. Though she ran a historic campaign as the first woman of color to lead a major party ticket, Harris ultimately lost the general election to Donald Trump in a close race. Her defeat was attributed in part to economic concerns and a broader backlash against incumbent parties globally.
Throughout her career, Harris has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. She has faced criticism from both progressives and conservatives at times, but maintains a devoted base of supporters. As a barrier-breaking figure in American politics, Harris's rise to national prominence is inspiration.
