Blaine Readler‘s review
State governors are captains of vast segments of the population with august responsibility and power. When Ella T. Grasso was elected governor of Connecticut, 99.9% of all governors had been men. The six women chronicled by Dr. Johnson won their offices by convincing voters that they could pilot their state better than their male adversaries . . . and then demonstrated that and more. These pioneering leaders were fearless and exceptional, and you can be sure that they have exceptional stories to tell. Through interviews and exhaustive research, Dr. Johnson unfolds the lives of six women who serve as models of strength and resourcefulness, beacons of hope for a nation seemingly on the brink of polarized chaos. These women blazed trails not only for women, but for all non-traditional candidates scaling the walls of the white male political fortress.
-Blaine Readler http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/322387966
I found that I really enjoyed this book and reading about the lives of these six amazing women governors. I had in past years considered a life in politics, but after reading this book I am inspired to find my place in the political world. The author did a beautiful job of describing these women and their positions as governor withing pushing a political agenda or preference which I think added to the description of these women’s lives.
Whether you’re seeking a pleasurable, inspirational, smart read or political references, Gail Johnson delivers with her concise, yet thorough, personal yet professional format and style in Trailblazers. I appreciated the brief history refresher on the women’s movement and the advice from the experienced pros. Loving good quote-keepers; I devoured the various enriching excerpts peppering the pages, from John Wayne to John Kennedy, and even Harry Potter.
Not an outsider looking in, with Johnson’s skills, credentials and unique access, she escorts her readers to a real connection with these diverse, courageous pioneers, where we hear their voices and feel their spirits. We learn what made them tick and how they kept on ticking through extreme adversities while they, in the name of their passion to serve and improve lives, dared to pick up that baton, run with it, and now through this book, they pass it forward.
My journey as a woman would not be complete without hearing from these leaders.
