The Art of Tough

Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life

By: Barbara Boxer

Narrated by: Barbara Boxer

"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.

Critic reviews

"[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

"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)

"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'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

"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

"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

"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

"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)

"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)

Just what I needed after the stinging loss in 2016 elections

Senator Boxer's "Art of Tough" was the chicken soup for my political soul, post presidential election. She details through well written sentence structure her successes, failures, dreams, and hopes for the people of California. Some great readings and listening for those who need a little inspiration right about now.

Very good

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book so much. Barbara Boxer is a special woman, and I wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life.

Inspiring

Barbara Boxer has represented California both in the Congress and the Senate for the past thirty-three years. She has championed women’s issues and environmental protection all these years. She is a charismatic leader and I noticed people either love her or hate her. I have been impressed by her over the years because she never falters from her basic beliefs on an issue. If she believes she is right she never compromises. I might not agree with her on every issue but I do respect her. Politics is a tough hard business and they take more unpleasantness flung at them than most of us would tolerate.

Boxer states the two reasons she wrote the book are to reveal what it is like to deal up close with issues which define what kind of country we are and the other to emphasize that individual voters must elect the leader most likely to tackle those issues. She also encourages young people to run for office and do something to improve their community and country. Later in the book Boxer spends some time emphasizing the importance of voting as well as learning all you can about the issues before voting. I just finished reading “Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet” by Jeffrey Rosen. Brandeis had said that democracy depends on an educated electorate and involved voters. He said voter ignorance and apathy will destroy the democracy. Boxer said the same thing in different words.

I enjoyed listening to Boxer tell of hearings, various political figures, events and issues I remember from the past, some I had almost forgot as well as politicians from the past. Boxer did a good job narrating the book.

Perfect for a good night's sleep

I have to admit that I did not put my whole self into this book . I did end up using it to put myself to sleep.The narration was fine. But, like the book, there was no story or emotion.