GOING ROGUE

With the release of her autobiography in November 2009, titled Going Rogue: An American Life, Sara Palin definitely secured her place in history as a feminist, a successful author, a global celebrity and a highly divisive figure. Sara Palin confidently addresses her positions on family, government, economics, religion, abortion, education, and healthcare and appears unafraid to make broad moral judgments and stand behind them. Palin chronicles her entire journey, ranging from her All-American background growing up, to her political rise through city council, mayor, governor, and vice presidential nominee positions. She addresses her family and the many issues they have faced with honesty and sensitivity, making her real and vulnerable—yet clearly revealing she is strong enough for anything.

The title refers to a comment made by McCain’s press advisers, who reportedly told Sara Palin to stop “going rogue” and “stick to the script” during press conferences, interviews and debates. Palin was known for her knack for “punting” and answering questions in a personal way, often seeming to eschew the advice of the campaign team.

Palin’s autobiography has generated a great deal of press—both positive and negative. Supporters find the book refreshing, with her clarity of conviction and her fearless exposure of flaws in the system as well as its participants. Critics see the book as overly ambitious, and describe Palin as a “self serving complainer.” Regardless of which side of the line they are on, the bottom line is that Going Rogue has truly ignited quite the firestorm and caused many to become more aware and more active of politics and issues, at every level.

Sara Palin the wife, the mother, the governor, and the author are truly one and the same, yet each role brings out a different facet. Blended together, these facets result in an engaging combination that seems to grab the attention of many. Countless politicians have written memoirs and autobiographies, yet very few become this popular and powerful on multiple levels. Palin leaves readers with a true reaction, feeling “something strong,” whether they are supporters or critics.

Going Rogue: An American Life sold over 300,000 copies on the first day it was released. It quickly topped the bestseller list, staying there for six weeks. The book sold nearly half a million copies during the first week alone, and has been one of only four political memoirs to sell more than a million copies (which occurred during the first two weeks after release).

Sara Palin has written her second book, America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag, which is a collection of portraits of people she admires, as well as excerpts from speeches, sermons and favorite books that was released in November 2010.