The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House

Former House speaker Pelosi (Know Your Power) recalls in this uneven memoir how her values both guided her through momentous decisions and made her and her family a target. In a narrative largely focused on newsworthy episodes from her more than three decades in Congress—among them her opposition to the Iraq War, the hard-won passage of the Affordable Care Act, and the chaos of January 6—Pelosi shines when discussing “issues of conscience,” such as her longtime outspoken criticism of China’s human rights abuses. But this palpable passion fizzles during extended, eye-glazing recaps of wonky negotiations over legislation. Eschewing chronological order for a thematic greatest hits is partially to blame for the pacing problems. It also buries less consequential stories that humanize Pelosi, like how she sewed two panels of the AIDS quilt for friends (including one who “couldn’t wait to go to heaven to see John F. Kennedy”). For those looking for juicy political red meat, there’s enough here to satisfy (her disgust at Donald Trump leaps off the page—she was prepared to “punch him out” on January 6). But, despite some exceptions, including a harrowing account of the 2022 attack on her husband, Paul, this is short on insight into the private person behind the historic figure. Readers will be left wanting. (Aug.)