The Truths We Hold (Young Readers Edition)

An American Journey

By: Kamala Harris

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Now adapted for young listeners, Vice President Kamala Harris' empowering memoir about the values and inspirations that guided her life.

With her election to the vice presidency, her election to the US Senate, and her position as attorney general of California, Kamala Harris has blazed trails throughout her entire political career. But how did she achieve her goals? What values and influences guided and inspired her along the way? 

In this young readers edition of Kamala Harris’ memoir, we learn about the impact that her family and community had on her life and see what led her to discover her own sense of self and purpose. The Truths We Hold traces her journey as she explored the values she holds most dear - those of community, equality, and justice. 

An inspiring and empowering memoir, this book challenges us to become leaders in our own lives and shows us that with determination and perseverance all dreams are possible. 

©2019 Kamala Harris (P)2019 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“Its most memorable moments are those personal touches: Harris’ recollections of family, friendships, and, above all, of her late mother, an Indian immigrant and cancer researcher who raised Harris and her younger sister...instructive for anyone trying to imagine a Vice President Harris.” (Carlos Lozada, The Washington Post)

“An engaging read that provides insights into the influences of Harris’ life.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

“In an era when many of our current political memoirs are either looking back at the Obama years or are attempting to grapple with our current state of government unrest, it is exciting to see a highly respected and powerful woman of color and daughter of immigrants tell her own story and offer some hope for the future of our country.” (Bustle) 

Inspiring for young adults

I loved the narrator. I enjoyed listening v. reading due to time constraint. I am inspired by Kamala Harris' family background. I am excited to have Mrs. Harris as our 1st female Vice President.

Perfect!

Perfect book for this time. I got to know Kamala Harris in a more personal way.

Good to hear about her and her life, but

I enjoyed learning about her personal history and family. I didn't know a lot of the details of her past. My only trouble with her narrative is that when talking about some of the issues she cared about, she didn't provide details that were publicly available that led to the opposite decision of her own. It makes me wonder about the truthfulness of the entire book. That's concerning to me. I don't mind learning about someone who doesn't have the same beliefs as I do, but I at least want someone to acknowledge where majority decisions were made and the background that led to them for people to understand the full facts of the situation better. In actuality, by her not providing the full facts, and in her position as a senator (at the time) and a past district attorney, she is showing a very poor judgment that worries me even more about her ability to lead through unbiased actions for the better of all and not for a few. It was still good to hear her story and was interesting to hear that she cooked some family recipes that you could tell she very much enjoyed!

READ THIS BOOK! at least Chapter 8!

Getting to know our Vice President was only a part of what I learned from this book. Her wisdom passed down from her mother shines throughout her book.