Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
21(21%)
4 stars
36(36%)
3 stars
43(43%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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You'll never read a better book about love or politics, let alone a book that combines both love AND politics. It's truly a remarkable find, a real gem!

This book delves deep into the complex and often intertwined worlds of love and politics. It explores the various emotions, desires, and power dynamics that come into play in both arenas. The author has masterfully crafted a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

Whether you're a lover of romance novels or a political junkie, this book has something for everyone. It offers a unique perspective on the intersection of love and politics, and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for both. So don't miss out on this amazing book - it's one that you won't soon forget.
July 14,2025
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A fun book awaits you. The Pulitzer-award winning reporter ties the knot with a congressman who then makes the decision to run for the senate. This story is not only interesting for the political junkie but also for the curious minds alike. It offers a detailed description of what a campaign is truly like, from the inside-out. The author has done an excellent job in penning this account, making it well-written and highly engaging. You will be drawn into the world of politics and campaigns, getting a unique perspective that you won't find elsewhere. So, if you're looking for an interesting read that combines politics and personal drama, this book is definitely worth checking out.

July 14,2025
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This book truly had a profound impact on me. I found myself crying multiple times while on an airplane, completely engrossed in its pages.

It is all too common to become cynical about politics and politicians in today's world. However, Connie's work stands out. She writes and devotes herself with love and dedication. Not only is her love evident for her family, as "the man" in question is Senator Sherrod Brown, but also for the people of Ohio and the entire country.

In the midst of this horrible election, it was truly a refreshing and heartwarming experience to read about politics and people being done right. Connie's words offer a glimmer of hope and a reminder that there are still those who approach politics with integrity and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.

This book serves as an inspiration and a call to action for all of us to look beyond the negative and seek out the good in the political realm. It has the power to change our perspective and encourage us to get involved and make a difference in our own communities.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in politics, or simply looking for a story that will touch their heart and restore their faith in humanity.
July 14,2025
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Thoughtfully informative and in parts laugh-out-loud funny, this captivating book by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Connie Schultz is a memoir that offers a unique perspective.

It details what it was like to be "the lovely wife" when Sherrod Brown, her husband of only two years, ran for the U.S. Senate in Ohio in 2006. Schultz, a star columnist at the Cleveland Plain Dealer who won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2005, had to take a leave of absence as most of her favorite opinion topics were off-limits during Brown's campaign. (She later resigned in 2011 for similar reasons.)

As they campaigned across Ohio, from small towns to big cities, Schultz was often simply introduced as Brown's "lovely wife," a comedown from being introduced as a Pulitzer Prize winner. Of course, Schultz is biased towards her husband, who won the 2006 election against two-term senator Mike DeWine and has been in office since. (At the time of writing this review, Brown is running for his fourth term in a hotly contested race.)

Her stories of the campaign trail, from the excitement to the exhaustion, are fascinating, poignant, and often hilarious. One of the best stories is when, yet again introduced only as Sherrod Brown's wife without her own name, she finally snapped. Older white men frequently criticized her for not taking Brown's name when they married, and this was the case when she was addressing a group in a working-class town in eastern Ohio. Schultz then deviated from the script and explained why she kept her name, a story that brought tears to her eyes and those of many in the room.

The secret sauce of this campaign memoir is Schultz's ability to make fun of herself and her husband. We see their humanity, from Brown's rumpled attire to her fear of flying. How they dealt with it all, especially the dirty campaign ads that unfairly attacked Brown, is what makes this book so special.
July 14,2025
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I vividly remember the moment when I "met" Connie Schultz. It was when her very first column was gracefully published in Parade Magazine. From the very first sentence, I was completely captivated by her writing. Her words seemed to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking deep emotions within me.

As time went by, not only did I continue to admire her writing, but I also came to hold a great deal of respect for her husband. Coincidentally, he happens to be a US Senator. Their combined influence and the way they carry themselves in the public eye is truly remarkable.

I cannot recommend this read highly enough. Connie Schultz's columns offer a unique perspective on a wide range of topics, and her ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and engaging manner is truly a gift. Whether you are interested in politics, social issues, or simply a good read, her columns are sure to satisfy. So, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Parade Magazine the next time it hits the stands. You won't be disappointed.
July 14,2025
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Enjoyable and Informative

I have a great affection for this book. It is extremely easy to read, which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. What's more, it provides a vivid and detailed account of what life on the campaign trail is truly like. I picked up this book for research purposes, and it has not disappointed me at all. The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, allowing me to immerse myself in the story and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Whether you are interested in politics or simply looking for an interesting read, this book is definitely worth checking out. It offers a unique perspective on a fascinating topic and is sure to leave you with a wealth of knowledge and a newfound appreciation for the world of campaigning.
July 14,2025
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I downloaded this book onto my iPhone using the Kindle app simply to explore how the app functioned. However, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I have always had a liking for Sherrod Brown. As a former journalist myself, I was curious about what it must be like for his wife to transition from being an impartial reporter to a political wife. Although I'm certain Schultz would be averse to the term "political wife" and all that it connotes.

This book delved into her struggle to preserve her own identity when suddenly immersed in the realm of a political campaign. I found it especially fascinating how she managed to come to terms with sacrificing some of her autonomy for the sake of her husband's career - not solely because of her love for him but also because she had faith in what he was striving for. But that doesn't mean it wasn't a challenging process.

I read the majority of this book one chapter at a time during my lunch breaks at work, and on most days, it brought tears to my eyes. These weren't necessarily tears of joy or sadness, but rather the touching and poignant tales she shared about her parents, her family, encounters with people on the campaign trail, and so on, moved me in a way that my cynical and judgmental self hadn't experienced in a long while. If this account had been from anyone other than a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, I might have said it was sanitized. But apparently, Sherrod Brown is the real deal.

Nevertheless, the story that lingers in my mind the most is the campaign speech she gave when an elderly man in the audience taunted her for not changing her name upon getting married. She responded by speaking about her father and mother, and how they endured hardships and worked tirelessly, perhaps not achieving the lives they had dreamed of but determined to ensure their children had what they lacked. By the conclusion of the speech, the old man had become her greatest admirer. Typing this here is causing my eyes to well up once more, both due to the emotions it evokes regarding my own parents and because it demonstrates how shared experiences can temper political animosity. It's those kinds of beautiful stories that made me shed tears.

I have never read Schultz's columns (we were always more inclined towards the Beacon Journal rather than the Plain Dealer), so I'm unsure if she always writes in this style. Something within me suggests that she does, but I'm not certain if I'm going to actively seek out her column simply because I don't know if I could handle the emotional upheaval!
July 14,2025
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I was just reminded last week that I liked reading Connie Schultz when her column about poetry was pointed out to me.

So that reminder made me hunt up whatever the library had by Schultz.

This was a good decision. Connie Schultz is an excellent writer. She has tried to be honest with her take on political campaigning.

She definitely has a bias, but she is very upfront about it. After all, how can you not have a bias when you are writing about your husband?

I feel like I now know a bit more about Schultz, a tiny bit more about Sherrod Brown, and a lot about political campaigns.

I would recommend this to other liberals and to people who want to see the personal face of their politicians.

It's interesting to get an inside look at the world of politics through the eyes of someone who is so closely involved.

Schultz's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, and it makes you think about the political process in a different way.

Overall, I'm glad I took the time to read her work.
July 14,2025
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I really liked what I read in this book by the wife of a Democratic Ohio politician. However, I couldn't get too far in it.

I have to admit that her novel, Daughters of Erietown, really captured my attention.

The story seemed to unfold in a unique and interesting way, making me eager to know more.

Maybe it was the writing style or the characters that drew me in.

But for some reason, I just couldn't continue reading for a long time.

It could be that I was distracted by other things or that the book didn't hold my interest as much as I thought it would.

Nevertheless, I still have a soft spot for her work and would be willing to give it another try in the future.

Who knows, maybe the next time I pick up this book, I'll be able to finish it and fully appreciate its beauty.

July 14,2025
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What it is like to campaign

If you have ever found yourself curious about what it is like for a family to engage in a campaign for public office, your wonderment can now cease. Schultz offers the reader a comprehensive perspective on the life of running for public office and the significant level of dedication that families must possess even to contemplate pursuing it.

Throughout the account, her love and admiration for her husband shine through with absolute clarity. It becomes evident that campaigning is not just about the candidate but also about the entire family. The sacrifices they make, the time they invest, and the unwavering support they provide are all integral parts of the process.

Schultz's description allows us to peek into the behind-the-scenes world of a political campaign, revealing the challenges, the joys, and the profound impact it has on the family unit. It gives us a greater understanding and appreciation for the lengths that families go to in order to pursue a political career.
July 14,2025
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Connie Schultz is truly hilarious.

I have been reading her column for years, and now I also follow her on Facebook.

Although I'm not really into politics, I will read anything that she writes.

It is quite interesting that I'm reading her works 10 years after the events she depicted.

I don't think I would have been able to recognize most of the politicians back then.

Her writing style is so engaging and entertaining that it makes even political topics seem fascinating.

She has a unique way of presenting information and sharing her opinions that keeps the readers hooked.

Whether it's a serious political issue or a light-hearted anecdote, Connie Schultz always manages to make it enjoyable to read.

I'm glad that I discovered her column and continue to follow her on social media.

She is definitely one of the most talented and entertaining writers out there.
July 14,2025
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For those who have no knowledge about Connie Schultz and Sherrod Brown, this book offers an entertaining exploration of a Congressional campaign. It takes the readers on a journey filled with interesting details and events that unfold during the campaign.


However, for those who are familiar with Connie Schultz and Sherrod Brown through their writings, speeches, or public service, this book reveals much more. It showcases the nuances of warmth and human kindness that are inherent in these two individuals. These qualities make them truly vibrant and remarkable, and the book allows the readers to discover and appreciate these aspects even more deeply.


In these troublesome times, when many people are desperate to find a few moments of respite and joy, this book serves as the perfect antidote. It provides the readers with the much-needed escape and a source of inspiration. It reminds us that there are still good people and positive things happening in the world, and it gives us hope for a better future.

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