Book Review: Sarah by Kaylene Johnson

Sarah: How a Hockey Mom Turned Alaska’s Political Establishment Upside Down Kenmore: WA: Epicenter Press. 2008. 159 pp.

Sarah Palin is a relative newcomer to politics. At forty-two years old, she is the youngest individual to hold the office of governor in Alaska as well as being the state’s first woman governor. Over the last few two years, as we’ve watched her serve as governor, Alaskans have gotten to know more about her, for better or worse. Judging by the comments left on various Anchorage Daily News article forums, a lot of people either love her or hate her. But for those who are not privy to daily doses of Alaska politics, information about the new VP candidate may be less available. Fortunately, Kaylene Johnson’s biography, Sarah, published shortly after she was elected governor provides some background. It outlines how a mother with strong convictions and a desire to serve became involved in politics.

The book is short and lacks the depth and continuity of a stellar political biography. Nevertheless, the author has compiled a good outline of events in Palin’s political career. She also provides information on Palin’s upbringing and family – a background that appears to have highly influenced the strong woman she has become. The first three chapters (of eleven) are devoted to this type of information, but unfortunately seem somewhat cobbled together and disconnected from the rest of the book. There is definitely a connection between her faith, her parents’ lessons in integrity and hard-work and honesty, and her politics, but the book does not do an adequate job in helping the reader make those connections.

The remaining eight chapters read like a compilation of newspaper articles and opinion pieces rather than an original, investigative work. It is evident that Ms. Johnson did spend some time researching and interviewing – there is an extensive list of sources (though these are mostly newspaper articles from the Anchorage Daily News) which includes some interviews with the Palins and as well as some of Sarah’s family members and other individuals who worked closely with her. The information presented is factual and straightforward, but not thought-provoking or insightful.

Outside of Alaska, Sarah Palin is not well known. As John McCain’s running mate, however, many will be looking for information about the new VP candidate. This book can fill that need.