Not My First Rodeo

Lessons from the Heartland

By: Kristi Noem

Narrated by: Kristi Noem, Charity Spencer

South Dakota governor Kristi Noem tells her rough and tumble story of growing up on a ranch, and how a blessed life of true grit taught her how to lead.

“We don’t complain about things, Kristi. We fix them.” Taking her father’s words to heart, South Dakota's first woman governor Kristi Noem shares heartfelt – and heartbreaking – lessons on making things right in the world, from her childhood on a farm in the vastness of rural America, to the marbled halls of Congress, to the national spotlight amid a global pandemic.
From humorous barnyard battles with feisty cattle and rodeo horses, to the tragic and untimely death of her larger-than-life father, to her decision to her decision to return and run the farm and ranch with her family, Noem invites readers into a life defined by work, faith, and helping others. Noem's reflections are offered in the familiar, unvarnished voice of a woman who later defied Washington’s most powerful politicians and led the people of her small, hardscrabble state through natural disasters, the pain of a global pandemic, and the fear and turmoil that gripped the nation after.

While filled with plenty of candid observations and refreshingly frank assessments of the country's leading figures, the memoir's most powerful moments nevertheless come from honest glimpses into marriage, motherhood, and leadership in an unpredictable time.

Far from a book about politics, Not My First Rodeo is the story of a life lived so far – with characters as richly textured as the Black Hills, and reflections as gentle and powerful as America itself.

I love a good heartland patriot

I’m so thankful that Kristi Noem decided to write about her upbringing in South Dakota. It was so interesting. I cried with her in things she shared and smiled as a fellow patriot and constitutionalist.

What a great lady. Very presidential!

Exceptional!!! Must read and listen.

Amazing book. Loved it! Very entertaining, great narrator too. There's a lot to learn from Kristi.

A Principled Woman

Kristi Noem is thoughtful and honest in sharing her life. She shares about her life journey in a holistic way from her family, her farm, her god and her political experiences. They are not all separate, but one whole, which is difficult to find in many current political servants. Principled indeed!

Classy Leader

I don’t often write reviews but felt this book needed one. I admired Kristi before reading her book and now after reading this feel that she is a Classy And Strong Leader with great family values.

If you are listening to it on audible, then you will be pleased to know the narrator’s voice is pleasant and easy to listen to.

I am not a SD resident but do visit her state often! I love her state!

incredible! moving! patriotic!

loved it! our country needs more leaders like Governor Noem!!! please write more inspirational, patriotic chapters!