Grounded

A Senator’s Lessons on Winning Back Rural America

By: Jon Tester

Narrated by: Jon Tester

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

An inspiring and eye-opening memoir showing how Democrats can reconnect with rural and red-state voters, from Montana’s three-term democratic senator. 

Senator Jon Tester is a rare voice in Congress. He is the only United States senator who manages a full-time job outside of the Senate - as a farmer. But what has really come to distinguish Tester in the Senate is his commitment to accountability, his ability to stand up to Donald Trump, and his success in, time and again, winning red state voters back to the Democratic Party. 

In Grounded, Tester shares his early life, his rise in the Democratic party, his vision for helping rural America, and his strategies for reaching red state voters. Leaning deeply into lessons on the value of authenticity and hard work that he learned growing up on his family’s 1,800-acre farm near the small town of Big Sandy, Montana - the same farm he continues to work today with his wife, Sharla - Tester has made his political career a testament to crossing the divides of class and geography. The media and Democrats too often discount rural people as Trump supporters; Tester knows better. His voice is vital to the public discourse as we seek to understand the issues that are important to rural and working-class America in not just the 2020 election but also for years to come. A heartfelt and inspiring memoir from a courageous voice, Grounded shows us that the biggest threat to our democracy isn’t a president who has no moral compass. It’s politicians who don’t understand the value of accountability and hard work. 

Tester demonstrates that if American democracy is to survive, we must put our trust in the values that keep us grounded.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2020 Jon Tester (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

it's not really a political book

the best political book I've read, but even a good book if you aren't into politics and just want to read about a down to earth dirt farmer who happened to become a US Senator

Great job, Jon!

Jon and Sharla are absolutely real, genuine, caring, loving people. Jon’s honesty is a trademark as is his flat-top. As a Montanan, this story is a history of our state and makes me proud to be a Montana. You will learn about Montana, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jon is absolutely the good.

Great book

This book truly nails a number of the problems in this country and offers some common sense approaches to get us back on track. I truly enjoyed this book and Senator Tester’s down-home ability to tell of his life‘s experience.

Great insight

The Senator could make a living reading books. Wonderful voice. Great insight into the rural souls of this country. I was raised a few miles from Senator Tester and he really captures what makes rural America tick. Everyone raised in a city should experience this book. And everyone else too.

Important Read; Tester stands on solid ground

Grateful for the chance to get to know Senator Tester. This man has common sense, honesty, and a sincere concern for the future of these United States. His biography exemplifies the strength a family that is devoted to the land and our shared history. I love his anecdotal approach to writing that reminds me of my own father, who also grew up on a farm. Most compelling is Tester’s call to action, giving us a roadmap for healing this nation. As he entreats: Every action I impacts our children and grandchildren.

Great read, inspiring and informatuve

I loved this book. His rendition of serving in politics and working with others offered me hope and inspiration in this time of seeking meaningful leadership. He doesn't dress anything up or make excuses.

Country girl to Small Town Living

I grew up in a rural farming area. The best of memories!! I now live in a small College Town. I grew surrounded by the best of family and friends. All very conservative. No problem there at all. Their beliefs and roles in my life shaped me. But after growing up. Moving from one small town to another and now a college town (liberal), my thought process has changed. I’m still fiscally conservative (for the most part). But I tend to the moderate to liberal side on social issues. This book and Jon Testers perspective were very reassuring. I think everyone should listen to this book. Far Right, Far Left and everyone in between. If only we had more people on DC like Jon Tester.

Insightful with a special perspective

Senator Tester provides insights into the issues that have divided our country and offers excellent suggestions for bridging the chasm that separates the coastal urban from fly-over dual states. Enjoyable and inspiring.

The fascinating story of an honorable man

This book opened my eyes to rural America, a perspective that is often overlooked. Informative and human in the best sense.

Grounded by Jon Tester is a great listen!

Just finished listening to Grounded! By Senator Jon Tester from Montana!Most excellent! Learned slot about farming and Rural America!Senator Tester is a man of integrity and honor. I sent the book to my brother in law. He also loved the book and reminded him of growing up in Montana and visiting his Grandparents’ Farm! I would trust Jon Tester to always do the right action and am glad such an articulate , honest Farmer and gentleman is working to protect our American Values and our country!