First published 2019
Valerie Jarrett chronicles her path from corporate lawyer to one of the most influential African-American women in politics. Born in Iran to a doctor father seeking better opportunities than segregated America offered, Jarrett grew up in 1960s Chicago as social barriers crumbled around her. As a single mother trapped in corporate law, she discovered her purpose in Harold Washington's groundbreaking mayoral administration. Her story takes a pivotal turn in July 1991 when she interviews a young lawyer named Michelle Robinson for a Chicago city government position. This meeting launches a decades-long relationship that carries Jarrett into the Obama White House as senior advisor from 2009 to 2017. She provides an insider's account of the Obama presidency, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the Oval Office and Air Force One. Jarrett details her work on women's equality, civil rights, criminal justice reform, and policies supporting working families. The memoir offers readers her perspective on leadership responsibilities and citizenship in modern America, encouraging them to find their own voices in public service.
Genres: history, american, african-american, autobiography, contemporary, memoir, biography-memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: inspirational, memoir, personal-journey
Setting: Chicago, Iran, United States
Period: 1960s, 1991, 2009-2017
320 pages · Hardcover · Viking