Not My First Rodeo

Lessons from the Heartland

By: Kristi Noem

Narrated by: Kristi Noem, Charity Spencer

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

South Dakota governor Kristi Noem tells her rough and tumble story of growing up on a ranch, and how a blessed life of true grit taught her how to lead.

“We don’t complain about things, Kristi. We fix them.” Taking her father’s words to heart, South Dakota's first woman governor Kristi Noem shares heartfelt—and heartbreaking—lessons on making things right in the world, from her childhood on a farm in the vastness of rural America, to the marbled halls of Congress, to the national spotlight amid a global pandemic.

From humorous barnyard battles with feisty cattle and rodeo horses, to the tragic and untimely death of her larger-than-life father, to her decision to return and run the farm and ranch with her family, Noem invites listeners into a life defined by work, faith, and helping others. Noem's reflections are offered in the familiar, unvarnished voice of a woman who later defied Washington’s most powerful politicians and led the people of her small, hardscrabble state through natural disasters, the pain of a global pandemic, and the fear and turmoil that gripped the nation after.

While filled with plenty of candid observations and refreshingly frank assessments of the country's leading figures, the memoir's most powerful moments nevertheless come from honest glimpses into marriage, motherhood, and leadership in an unpredictable time.

Far from a book about politics, Not My First Rodeo is the story of a life lived so far—with characters as richly textured as the Black Hills, and reflections as gentle and powerful as America itself.

©2022 Kristi Noem (P)2022 Twelve

Perfection!

This is exactly what every American needs to read. There is good in America.
“We are burning daylight!”

Great Book!!!

The author definitely cares about serving people! This book was very moving, and was a great read.

Not My First Rodeo is the perfect title for this book

My new hero is Kristi Noem. After reading this book, I have a huge respect for her. She is one tough lady. Not only was the book entertaining, it was inspiring. I learned a lot about her, about South Dakota, and politics.

Excellent !

Ran the whole gamut of emotions on Kristi's Autobio.Charity also did an excellent job of nararrating! I will recommend to all my friends
who ( like me ) dont have the stamina to read anymore...hehe

A must read!!!!

A wonderful way to get to know this awesome woman and her history. A true patriot. A true lover of America. Dedicated to God, her family, her country and her constituents.

Thank you Governor Noem! You're an amazing patriot

After reading this book, I feel like I know you personally and intimately as a sister in Christ! I and my sphere of influence will continue in prayer for you as you fight the good fight not only for the people of South Dakota, but for the people of our great country everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and hope I can meet you in person someday. You are an inspiration for everyone values Faith, freedom, hard work, family, and the list goes on!

Realism

Thank you for sharing this true perspective of politics, personal and people in Kristi Noem’s life.

I love a good heartland patriot

I’m so thankful that Kristi Noem decided to write about her upbringing in South Dakota. It was so interesting. I cried with her in things she shared and smiled as a fellow patriot and constitutionalist.

What a great lady. Very presidential!

Exceptional!!! Must read and listen.

Amazing book. Loved it! Very entertaining, great narrator too. There's a lot to learn from Kristi.

A Principled Woman

Kristi Noem is thoughtful and honest in sharing her life. She shares about her life journey in a holistic way from her family, her farm, her god and her political experiences. They are not all separate, but one whole, which is difficult to find in many current political servants. Principled indeed!