True Gretch : : What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between

Locations
Call Number: 921 Whitmer, Gretchen, Adult Book / Nonfiction / Biography / Political Figures / Whitmer, Gretchen
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Malletts Creek Branch, Pittsfield Branch, Traverwood Branch, Westgate Branch

Prologue -- Don't let the bullies get you down : a note on gallows humor -- Never give up : true Gretch playlist -- Learn to listen : a note on notes -- Surround yourself with great people--and don't be afraid to ask for help -- Take nothing personally -- Run toward the fire : and now, a message from Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer -- Seek to understand : a note on gratitude -- You'll never regret being kind : don't burn your bridges -- Own your screwups, and forgive others theirs : tell people you care about them -- Be a happy warrior -- Epilogue.
"When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. "Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes," she would say. Nino's words persuaded Whitmer to look for the good in any person or situation--just one of many colorful personal experiences that have shaped her political vision. (And, as Whitmer writes, one that resonated more than another piece of advice her grandmother offered, to "never part your hair in the middle.") In this candid and inspiring book, Whitmer reveals the principles and instincts that have shaped her extraordinary career, from her early days as a lawyer and legislator and her 2018 election as governor of Michigan, to her bold and innovative actions as she led the state through a series of unprecedented crises. Her motto in politics, she writes, is to "get shit done." Whitmer shares the lessons in resilience that steered her through some of the most challenging events in Michigan's history, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, a five-hundred-year flood, the rise of domestic terrorism, and the fierce fight to protect reproductive rights. Along the way, she tells stories about the outsize characters in her family, her lifelong clumsy streak, the wild comments she's heard on the campaign trail, her self-deprecating social media campaigns (including her star turn as a talking potato with lipstick), and the slyly funny tactics she deploys to neutralize her opponents. Written with Whitmer's trademark sense of humor and straight-shooting style, True Gretch is not only a compelling account of her remarkable journey, but also a blueprint for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community, their country, or the world. It is a testament to the power of humor, perseverance, and compassion in the face of darkness"-- Provided by publisher.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Our future president submitted by kermitpertz on July 18, 2024, 6:16pm Write it down. She’ll be in the White House someday. A bit slim, but some fun stories nonetheless.

Short book but good submitted by caroline.north89 on July 19, 2024, 10:29am A short fun read

Nice political memoir submitted by redwood on July 29, 2024, 8:31am This is a crisp and chatty political memoir, and ghostwriter Lisa Dickey does a great job of making it sound like Whitmer. There are a lot of childhood and family stories in this book—there’s advice from Whitmer’s parents and grandmothers (much of which relates to not taking yourself too seriously) and a story about falling down and knocking out her front teeth.

And then there’s a lot of content about Whitmer’s political career. Some coverage of her early career. She recounts running her first campaign (when she was around my age)—alongside caring for her dying mother and her newborn daughter. Other moments from her time in the state legislature, including her impassioned speech about abortion rights in which she revealed she’d been raped a a college student.

Most of the book revisits famous moments from Whitmer’s time as governor with insight into how she was feeling. There’s the origin of her campaign slogan “Fix the Damn Roads,” the polar vortex, and of course, the pandemic and the kidnapping/assassination plot against her. Some of the funnier stories include her reaction to the “Big Gretch” song and an SNL skit about her.

This is a lighthearted, yet still serious memoir and a good opportunity to reflect on an elected official I’m glad to have voted for.

Words to live by submitted by m steve on August 25, 2024, 8:04am This is a quick, easy read that gives much insight on how Governor Whitmer views herself. There are many fascinating anecdotes and some excellent advice along the way.

a light read submitted by Aimless on June 16, 2025, 9:18pm Big gretch does not take herself too seriously. But this book could use a little more meat. the story is engaging although a bit slim

Wow! This is a must read! submitted by mickplu on June 17, 2025, 6:11am Although I remember most of the events that Whitmer describes, there was so much that I wasn't aware of behind the scenes. This book fills in any gaps and at the same time, is humorous at times. Hopefully, she'll write a sequel as the country and world has much to learn from Gretchen Whitmer.

A Fun Read submitted by betsywil on July 10, 2025, 10:46pm A political memoir that's actually fun, with good storytelling & humor too.

Honest submitted by Zekicmom on July 11, 2025, 7:56am I have a lot of respect for our governor. This warts and all memoir is short, but it shows how thoughtfully she has approached her time in office and how strong she is.

Loved it! submitted by santose15 on July 15, 2025, 10:43pm As an out of stater who moved here, I loved the audiobook. I've officially decided that if my governor uses rent the runway, then so can I!

Enlightening submitted by Gr33nl3af on July 24, 2025, 7:24am This book made me appreciate the office of the Govenor so much more! Irregardless of political party, one really questions how our society responds to decisions made from the office of authority. She has faced so many tough decisions in her career. Her reflection on her family members and events in her life are presented in an enjoyable way! Very refreshing read!

Get to know Gretchen submitted by 21621031390949 on August 2, 2025, 1:30pm An interesting, fun read, and a great way to get to know Gretchen Whitmer - or at least the Gretchen Whitmer she wants us to know.