More bookseller love for Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards:
“Jan Reid has given us a definitive picture of the life of a larger-than-life Texan. For those of us who knew Ann and for those who didn’t, there is plenty to read through and get the complete picture of how this feisty Texas woman made modern history. If you experienced the euphoria of Ann’s inauguration you were part of a Texas that was filled with promise and seemed poised to take the lead in solving the nation’s problems, and the disaster that ended her governorship was something that we could not have even imagined. For me the book read like a novel – except I was there enough to know it wasn’t.”
– Steve Bercu – BookPeople CEO and Vice President of ABA
“What memories this book stirred up. Jan Reid’s Let the People In: The Life and Times of Ann Richards should be required reading for anyone who wants to enter politics, especially in Texas, but even the casual reader of history will enjoy learning about one of the most colorful and accomplished figures ever in the Texas Democratic Party. Reid captures the defining moments, struggles, and fears of Ann Richards. She rose to become the first woman governor elected in her own right. This warts-and-all biography just made me appreciate Gov. Richards even more than I already did. Reid’s description of the night she won the gubernatorial election made me cry as I cried that night — it was one of my proudest moments as a woman, a Texan, and a Democrat. The time period Reid covers is one of the reasons I’m involved in politics today.
– Sally Woods – Murder by the Book Houston, TX
“You don’t have to be a Texan, a political junkie, or a feminist to be fascinated by Ann Richards, the colorful one-time Texas governor. Reid, her biographer, knew his subject and had access to her unpublished letters and other documents, and he brings Richards vividly to life with help from her many lively remarks about the people and events of the day. She was active on both local and national fronts, kept up with a family and a career, and struggled successfully against alcoholism. She was a fighter and a survivor, and in Reid’s compelling portrait she will remain an inspiring figure for some time to come.”
– Laurie Greer – Politics & Prose Washington, D. C.
“What an interesting and engaging read, particularly in an election year. Richards’ life turns out to be the perfect lesson in American politics–from grassroots local, to national stage. And honestly, if you weren’t a fan of Richards before, you will be after reading this. The book does a wonderful job of introducing you to this fascinating political leader, but also simply telling one woman’s life story–the highs and the lows. The book is full of great anecdotes and a few great photos as well. I highly recommend it.”
– Allison Hill – Vroman’s Bookstore Pasadena, CA
“Oh my, do I miss Ann Richards! I suspect a lot of other people do as well. Jan Reid had done a wonderful job recounting Richards’ rise to power starting as a young housewife and ending up as the Governor of Texas. Along the way, she espoused progressive causes and skewered her opponents with a devastating wit. Her most famous characterization of a political adversary as being “born with a silver foot in his mouth,” seems to live on with renewed vigor.”
– Elaine Petrocelli — Book Passage
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Author Jan Reid will speak about & sign Let the People In here at BookPeople tomorrow, Wednesday October 17 at 7pm. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate this wonderful new book and the life of Governor Ann Richards.
BookPeople 