Insightful

Jarrett’s parents were educated. Her father was a pathologist and geneticist. Jarret lived her first five years abroad. Her father was posted at a hospital in Shiraz, Iran. Before returning to the United States, they traveled the world. Her great grandfather, Robert Robinson Taylor, was the first black student to attend M.I.T. He graduated in 1892 and became the country’s first black architect. Jarrett tells of her early life, education and difficulties with racism. Jarrett graduated from Stanford University and Michigan Law School. She went to work for the City of Chicago. She was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor when she hired Michelle Robinson. When Obama became president, she was a Senior Advisor during both terms. Jarrett covers her working life in depth.

The book has the feel of being written by a team. Rebecca Paly and Tanner Colby, who are listed as collaborators, are both well-known ghost writers. The story itself is so inspiring it raises above the “team writing”. I think the publisher needs to heavily edit and maybe rewrite some of the book and to re-issue it. Then it would be a great five star read.

The book is eleven hours and twenty-three minutes. Valerie Jarrett does a good job narrating the book. Her narration helps overcome some of the “team writing”.

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Riveting

A front row view of Valerie Jarrett’s youth and professional career rise to the most powerful role of her life.

Loved it!

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Loved it! Maye

Great book, kept my interest from the beginning to the end. It’s a must read! I highly recommend this book.

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Intimate, Insightful, & Inspiring

Fantastic book! It flows like a mix between two other acclaimed memoirs: Negroland by Margo Jefferson and Becoming by Michelle Obama. Like Negroland, Jarrett gives you a look into her childhood and adult life navigating Chicago as a middle-class black woman. And like Becoming, Jarrett recounts the improbable journey that ensued following her date with destiny in meeting Michelle Robinson and her fiance Barack Obama. Make no mistake though, Jarrett’s journey apart from the Obama Family is impressive and inspiring.

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Interesting Read

Fascinating to hear what happens behind the scenes of a WH staffer and confidante.

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Great Read

This book read well to my listening ears. It offered me some beautiful memories of her life and her time in the White House.

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Powerful storytelling

A truly moving book not just about Valerie, but all of the people who shaped her life and their amazing stories. She doesn't been to list out leadership principles or lecture on any topic, she simply tells their stories - and hers - and the result is a book full of powerful narratives that inspire, move, and impart wisdom
Especially for readers like myself whose perspective is more recent, her ability to share perspective across time and culture is especially meaningful in today's climate.

Great listen

I really enjoyed hearing Valerie tell her own story, and I'm happy she didn't outsource the narration.

Good

If you have read Barack and Michelle’s book then there is not much here outside of her personal life since their lives were closely entwined. Otherwise its a very nice read.

Valerie Jarrett Makes it Real

Powerful, honest, insightful. Rare view of the executive level heart and strength. Well done!