The Art of Tough

Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life

By: Barbara Boxer

Narrated by: Barbara Boxer, Kirsten Gillibrand - foreword

Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

"One goal of this memoir is to inspire people to fight for change. It takes what I call the Art of Tough and I've had to do it all my life." (Senator Barbara Boxer)

Barbara Boxer has made her mark, combining compassionate advocacy with scrappiness in a political career spanning more than three decades. Now, retiring from the Senate, she continues the work to which she's dedicated 30 years in Congress. Her memoir, The Art of Tough, shares her provocative and touching recollections of service, and cements her commitment to the fight for women, families, quality, environmental protection, all in a peaceful world. Sometimes lauded, sometimes vilified, but always standing tough, Boxer has fought for what is right even when her personal convictions conflicted with her party or the majority rule.

©2016 Barbara Boxer (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Just what I needed after the stinging loss in 2016 elections

Senator Boxer's "Art of Tough" was the chicken soup for my political soul, post presidential election. She details through well written sentence structure her successes, failures, dreams, and hopes for the people of California. Some great readings and listening for those who need a little inspiration right about now.

Inspiring

Barbara Boxer has represented California both in the Congress and the Senate for the past thirty-three years. She has championed women’s issues and environmental protection all these years. She is a charismatic leader and I noticed people either love her or hate her. I have been impressed by her over the years because she never falters from her basic beliefs on an issue. If she believes she is right she never compromises. I might not agree with her on every issue but I do respect her. Politics is a tough hard business and they take more unpleasantness flung at them than most of us would tolerate.

Boxer states the two reasons she wrote the book are to reveal what it is like to deal up close with issues which define what kind of country we are and the other to emphasize that individual voters must elect the leader most likely to tackle those issues. She also encourages young people to run for office and do something to improve their community and country. Later in the book Boxer spends some time emphasizing the importance of voting as well as learning all you can about the issues before voting. I just finished reading “Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet” by Jeffrey Rosen. Brandeis had said that democracy depends on an educated electorate and involved voters. He said voter ignorance and apathy will destroy the democracy. Boxer said the same thing in different words.

I enjoyed listening to Boxer tell of hearings, various political figures, events and issues I remember from the past, some I had almost forgot as well as politicians from the past. Boxer did a good job narrating the book.

Very good

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book so much. Barbara Boxer is a special woman, and I wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life.

Perfect for a good night's sleep

I have to admit that I did not put my whole self into this book . I did end up using it to put myself to sleep.The narration was fine. But, like the book, there was no story or emotion.