True Gretch  Young Adult Edition, Gretchen Whitmer
True Gretch  Young Adult Edition, Gretchen Whitmer
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True Gretch -- Young Adult Edition
Lessons for Anyone Who Wants to Make a Difference

Author: Gretchen Whitmer

Narrator: Gretchen Whitmer, Sherry Shrewsbury, Sydney Shrewsbury, Liz Whitmer Gereghty, Cecily Strong

Unabridged: 3 hr 56 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/11/2025

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

The young adult edition of the unconventionally honest, deeply personal, and sharply funny account from Michigan governor and rising Democratic star Gretchen Whitmer “will appeal to readers interested in politics and those seeking insights on leadership and attaining success” (Kirkus Reviews).

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, a piece of advice that Gretchen carries with her today in her role as the governor of Michigan. (And one that resonated more than another her grandmother offered: “never part your hair in the middle.”)

From navigating a kidnapping and assassination plot in which she herself was a target to facing monumental challenges during a global pandemic, Big Gretch (as she’s now known) shares the key pieces of wisdom that have shaped her trailblazing career and personal experiences in this often hilarious, always uplifting book. Along the way, she tells stories about growing up gutsy in the Midwest, the wild comments she’s encountered as a public figure, and how to neutralize high-profile bullies with a fearless sense of humor.

Told in her famously straightforward and slyly funny voice, this young adult edition of the governor’s story not only offers an intimate insight into the life of a politician with an astounding journey, but also affords extraordinary lessons for young people everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world.

About Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan and a rising figure in US politics. Known for her bold and plainspoken style, Whitmer is a national voice on the rights of women, voters, and the LGBTQ+ community. She rose to national prominence for her leadership in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her efforts to save lives in the state earned her the nickname “That Woman from Michigan” from the president. Later that year, a domestic terrorist cell began planning to kidnap and kill her, a plot that was foiled by the FBI and state police. Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who first ran for office at age twenty-nine, has served in both state houses, and has never lost an election. She is the proud mother of two daughters, a huge Detroit Lions fan, and the subject of the song “Big Gretch” by rapper GMac Cash.

About Cecily Strong

Cecily Strong is an actress and comedian best known as standout Saturday Night Live cast member. She has entertained viewers with a variety of beloved SNL characters featured on “Weekend Update,” and earned rave reviews for her impressions of Jeanine Pirro, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Melania Trump. Cecily previously cohosted “Weekend Update” alongside both Seth Meyers and Colin Jost. In 2015, she headlined the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. She will next star in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series Schmigadoon. She lives and works in New York City.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Makaila on January 14, 2025

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of this book. As a Michigander and mom (and also as a fan of Big Gretch), I knew I had to read this. Whitmer takes readers through every stage of her life thus far and offers us a deeper insight into the woman behind the podi......more

Goodreads review by Devon on April 08, 2025

though most of this book wasn’t news to me after seeing her on book tour in February, it was a quick and enjoyable read. she’s just so charismatic and pure Michigan (😉) and I’m glad we have a figure like her in US politics......more

Goodreads review by Doreen on March 10, 2025

4.5 stars. Despite being fairly politically informed, I wasn't super familiar with Governor Gretchen Whitmer until the news of her attempted kidnapping and murder made national headlines. Even then, her policies didn't (and still don't, as most if not all of my Midwestern friends are from every state......more

Goodreads review by Sally on February 06, 2025

The cover states, "Lessons for anyone who wants to make a difference." This young adult edition of TRUE GRETCH does convey Gretchen Whitmer's desire to make a difference in the lives of others, especially for those who live in her beloved state of Michigan. Governor Whitmer relates stories about her......more

Goodreads review by Sue on February 07, 2025

First of all, I finished the book just seconds ago and I immediately felt the let-down that one might feel after Christmas. I didn’t want it to end. When we talk about writing as teachers, we often talk about voice and it is so easy to hear Gretchen Whitmer’s voice throughout the book. That is not o......more