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35 of 46 people found the following review helpful. “A Governor’s Story” is a first-person account told in Granholm’s voice. However, as is made clear from the start, it is a collaborative effort between her and Mulhern. The book tells four different stories. First, it is a history lesson about the impact on Michigan of the Great Recession of this decade, a state with seven times more manufacturing jobs per capita than any other state. Second, it is a behind-the-scenes look at how states are run at the highest level. It shows the tightrope walking that must be done, the non-stop compromising, cajoling and effort that it takes to get things done, particularly during the time when Granholm was governor and the state legislature was either partially or entirely controlled by Republicans. Third, it is an important textbook describing the successes and failures Michigan experienced as it dealt with the economic collapse — including an entire chapter devoted to outlining concrete things that can be done at the federal level to help our country out of the recession, all based on lessons painfully learned in Michigan. Finally, it is a love story between Jennifer Granholm and Dan Mulhern. Few married couples deal with the types of challenges these two did and come out of it on the other end clearly still a dynamic and loving team. The parallels between Jennifer Granholm’s time in office and what Barack Obama is confronting in his first term as president are unmistakable. Both came to office facing frightening economic challenges but with bold ideas for change. Both faced stiff headwinds from ideologically-motivated opponents intent on thwarting everything they attempted. Both are, frankly, blamed for things that were beyond their control. As Granholm and Mulhern exit stage left, they are leaving us with a thoughtful, well-informed and honest account of what went right, what went wrong and what lessons we can learn from Michigan, a state Granholm called a “laboratory of democracy” in a New York Times interview this week. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal or independent, “A Governor’s Story” teaches important lessons. Let’s hope our leaders are willing to learn from them. 7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. O.K. End of sermon. About the book itself…I bought it on a Friday, and I read it over the weekend. The chronology of her two terms as governor was a fascinating review of all things industrial in Michigan. We, who live here, have been through so much since the late 1960′s, but Gov. Granholm was at the helm at the worst of times, trying to navigate the ship of state through a cat-5 hurricane. When people outside of Michigan think of us, they think of Detroit first and foremost, but if Detroit had been her only problem child, Gov. Granholm would have had nothing new to add from the administrations of Engler, Blanchard, Milliken and Romney before her. She recalls in her accurate and often painful, almost mother-like, way the extraordinary problems which debilitated the entire family of Michiganders, from Greenville, to St. Johns, to Saginaw, to Ontonagon…everywhere. Without a doubt, Gov. Granholm’s efforts softened the blows our manufacturing sector took from the new global economy and the subsequent near collapse of our financial institutions. And NO -I do not blame George Bush for it! There is a lot of blame to go around. But many Michiganders have relatives who would likely have nothing today if not for her tireless intervention and lobbying at the federal level to save GM and Chrysler and many other important business concerns in Michigan. As much as it may hurt some conservatives to admit that, this book makes that point quite persuasively. Dan Mulhern justly rises from obscurity, in my opinion. Quietly, he sacrificed so much for his family, and for other families. What a role model for our times. If more men were a husband and father to their wives and children like Mr. Mulhern, a good percentage of the problems which plague our society would disappear, and the other problems (which are sure to remain) would be much easier to solve. Could she have done a better job? I’m not sure about that. After reading “A Governor’s Story” I know she did all she could. I doubt that anyone, as it turns out, realistically could have done much better. I am not going to tell you if I voted for her, because that is my own business, but if you must know, I ran for office as a Republican in 2006 (for what it’s worth you can link to my story on Amazon kindle. It is called Don’t Vote For Me). Governor Granholm makes some candid points and proposes her take on a proactive approach concerning international trade given our new global economy in Chapter 10. As I said earlier, I will reserve judgment. Some of her suggestions may be the answer. In any event, at the very least we would be wise to listen and learn from her, because she experienced this storm first-hand. This is a wierd way to conclude my review, but believe it or not, I think “A Governor’s Story” is as much a love story as it is a political memoir. Together, they overcame the hard times and all of the nonsense which has infected American polity everywhere, yet somehow remained loyal to their vows. That irrefutable fact, in the end, is the most inspiring thing of all. 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. |
An important book and a significant contribution to the national dialog
Love vs. Hate: Love wins.