Dream in Color: How the Sanchez Sisters Are Making History in Congress

In this joint memoir, congresswomen Linda and Loretta Sanchez present their compelling story—noteworthy not only for their history-making achievements (including first sisters or women of any relation to serve together in Congress, first woman and person of color to represent a district in Orange County, first Latina on the House Judiciary Committee and first Head Start child to be elected to Congress) but also for its “American Dream” aspect—their parents immigrated from Mexico and despite lacking a formal education managed to send their seven children to college. Interweaving childhood vignettes with accounts of serving in Congress, both from California, this refreshing book evades many of the tropes of the typical political memoir—perhaps because these two women are not typical politicians. “Having the courage of your convictions,” writes Linda, “that is tested a lot in the Congress.... I’m not paranoid about losing office, so there’s no need for me to compromise my values.” The Sanchez sisters vividly demonstrate the power of hard work and steady determination in this inspiring portrait of an extraordinary family. (Sept.)