Art of Tough - by Barbara Boxer (Paperback)

About the Book

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 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.

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

"[Boxer has] an eye for a good anecdote.... a key record of her work."--Publishers Weekly

"Anyone who thinks that Washington can't be understood, has no great hearts, and is not crucial to our daily lives will be turned around on all counts by Barbara Boxer's irresistible story of her more than four decades there. Read this as a bridge into the coming political year, and you won't just vote, you'll fight to vote."--Gloria Steinem, feminist, activist, and author

"Drawing on her decades of effective, principled advocacy of liberal ideals, Barbara Boxer provides a valuable description of how the legislative process works at its best. She weaves the political, official, and personal aspects of the job into a readable, instructive narrative of how democracy can be practiced."--Former Congressman Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts)

"For decades I have worked with Barbara Boxer on issues that have touched our hearts and our lives. She is a woman of her word and she is one of the most generous leaders I have ever met in politics."--Nancy Pelosi, 52nd Speaker of the U.S. House ofRepresentatives (D-California)

"From being told in the early sixties that 'women aren't stockbrokers' to five terms in the House and four terms in the Senate, Senator Barbara Boxer's memoir is the story of a woman who found her calling. My favorite quote is: 'So I ran.' Even if you differ with Senator Boxer politically, The Art Of Tough educates and entertains. It's a 'must read.'"--Carole King, singer-songwriter and bestselling author

"In more than 40 years in government, Barbara Boxer has truly mastered the 'Art of Tough.' Her life and work are an inspiration to politicians everywhere, both real and completely fake."--Julia Louis-Dreyfus, actress and star of the HBO series Veep

"It takes a true warrior to fight against the biggest polluters who would degrade our environment. That warrior is Barbara Boxer, who has been my partner for years in protecting our oceans so that their beauty remains for future generations."--Ted Danson, actor and environmentalist

"It's a great book about female empowerment and what it takes to be a member of society and how one person can make a difference."--Chelsea Handler

"This book offers invaluable lessons about politics and life from one of the strongest progressive voices of the U.S. Senate. Barbara Boxer's life lessons are tried and true. They are pearls of wisdom her readers can live by."--Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia)

"When you read Barbara's words, you realize how important it is to be strong in the face of overwhelming powers. Her book will inspire all of us to be fearless in our pursuits, our convictions, and our lives."--Lily Tomlin, comedian and actress

About the Author

Barbara Levy Boxer is the junior United States Senator from California, serving since 1993. A lifelong Democrat, she previously served in the House of Representatives for ten years, from 1983 to 1993. Married for more than fifty years, she lives in California, where she raised two children and has four grandchildren.