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  • The Truths We Hold

  • An American Journey
  • Written by: Kamala Harris
  • Narrated by: Kamala Harris
  • Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (65 ratings)

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The Truths We Hold

Written by: Kamala Harris
Narrated by: Kamala Harris
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Publisher's Summary

A New York Times best seller 

From Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, one of America's most inspiring political leaders, a book about the core truths that unite us, and the long struggle to discern what those truths are and how best to act upon them, in her own life and across the life of our country.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris' commitment to speaking truth is informed by her upbringing. The daughter of immigrants, she was raised in an Oakland, California, community that cared deeply about social justice; her parents - an esteemed economist from Jamaica and an admired cancer researcher from India - met as activists in the civil rights movement when they were graduate students at Berkeley. Growing up, Harris herself never hid her passion for justice, and when she became a prosecutor out of law school, a deputy district attorney, she quickly established herself as one of the most innovative change agents in American law enforcement. She progressed rapidly to become the elected District Attorney for San Francisco, and then the chief law enforcement officer of the state of California as a whole. Known for bringing a voice to the voiceless, she took on the big banks during the foreclosure crisis, winning a historic settlement for California's working families. 

Her hallmarks were applying a holistic, data-driven approach to many of California's thorniest issues, always eschewing stale "tough on crime" rhetoric as presenting a series of false choices. Neither "tough" nor "soft" but smart on crime became her mantra. Being smart means learning the truths that can make us better as a community, and supporting those truths with all our might. That has been the pole star that guided Harris to a transformational career as California’s attorney general, as a United States senator, and now as vice president-elect, grappling in every role with an array of complex issues, from health care and the new economy to immigration, national security, the opioid crisis, and accelerating inequality.

By reckoning with the big challenges we face together, drawing on the hard-won wisdom and insight from her own career and the work of those who have most inspired her, Kamala Harris offers in The Truths We Hold a master class in problem solving, in crisis management, and leadership in challenging times. Through the arc of her own life, on into the great work of our day, she communicates a vision of shared struggle, shared purpose, and shared values. In a book rich in many home truths, not least is that a relatively small number of people work very hard to convince a great many of us that we have less in common than we actually do, but it falls to us to look past them and get on with the good work of living our common truth. When we do, our shared effort will continue to sustain us and this great nation, now and in the years to come.

©2018 Kamala Harris (P)2018 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“Its most memorable moments are those personal touches: Harris’s recollections of family, friendships and, above all, of her late mother, an Indian immigrant and cancer researcher who raised Harris and her younger sister...instructive for anyone trying to imagine a Vice President Harris.” (Carlos Lozada, The Washington Post)
 

 "A life story that genuinely entrances." (Los Angeles Times)

“An engaging read that provides insights into the influences of Harris’ life.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

“In an era when many of our current political memoirs are either looking back at the Obama years or are attempting to grapple with our current state of government unrest, it is exciting to see a highly respected and powerful woman of color and daughter of immigrants tell her own story and offer some hope for the future of our country.” (Bustle

What listeners say about The Truths We Hold

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I hope she's elected President

Harris is articulate and accomplished. This book is an excellent introduction to her. Her personal story is compelling. Her politics are progressive and grounded in solving real world problems.

2 people found this helpful

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She'd Have My Vote! (but I'm Canadian)

I liked it a lot. Her reading of it was... awkward. When it came to policy type stuff that she knew inside out there were no issues. In other parts it sounded like she was handed someone else's book with no prep time and she plowed ahead with odd pauses, questionable pronunciation, etc. To be fair, I had also just finished Michelle Obama's book so she had a tough act to follow! All said and done I love this lady and hope those that can vote vote for her!

2 people found this helpful

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Love this book Kamala. I can't wait for next one!

This was one of the BEST audible book I have read within the last 2 years.

Kamala is an exceptional human being and a Woman of Distinction. She will make a GREAT LEADER who is thoughtful resourceful and smart.

America unfortunately is at a crossroad where politicians don't know how to use their power to do good. Instead they command it for the detriment for Americans. Lately it is new low of how UN-DEMOCRATIC US politics has become.

Politicians need to be reminded that without their constituents voting for them they have NO POWER. That their own interest is for themselves and being powerful by subjugating their constituents to remain powerless. So sad for America.

When I watch it from up here in Canada how broken the American judicial, voting rights, and nonexistent Healthcare System clearly does not protect Americans; apparently the greatest democracy that everyone in the third world and developing countries strive for.

VOTE THE PEOPLE OUT OF POWER.

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Dont't expect the whole truth

very self serving. Doesn't seem to reflex the whole truth. She brings up practical truths to put her into a good light however will not talk about the whole story. I do understand she wrote this book to run for president, but not a good way to start it off.

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well thought out

if we have more people in public office, who care about the words they use and the visions for change that they have as this lady, the future looks brighter

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Refreshing Voice

An excellent peek behind the curtain of the future of American politics. Harris’ prose are forthright, honest and genuine. Her insider look into her work on taking on the banks during the California foreclosure crisis and in Senate committees is outstanding. Highly recommended.

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Very informative of behind the scenes of Justice

Very well narrated by Kamala Harris. Excellent info on our sometimes bias Justice System that's not known to the public

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Great book! It’s gives me hope for a bright future for our children & grandchildren.

I love Senator Harris’ message that any progress towards what we believe is right is worth fighting for! And that we can make the world a better place by educating ourselves and then take peaceful actions and steps toward these goals. She sets the bar high as a major conduit for change with her extensive knowledge and experience with the judicial system. This amazing book gives the gift of hope during these tumultuous political times. It is a must read for anyone interested in moving the world toward a more compassionate society where all people can thrive.

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Fantastic

I loved this book from beginning to the end. It is very informative,
The USA has the same problems as Canada.
Kamala I believe should run for President, in my thoughts she would beat TRUMP hands down.

I loved that Kamala read the book herself, it just transported me into her life.

FANTASTIC
Please write another book and read it.

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Michelle Is A Hard Act To Follow

My review will be very similar to the other here. I think Kamala is an excellent candidate, and I was excited to read (listen to) this book, but I unfortunately found it tough to get through. I'll say first that I just finished Michelle Obama's book, and so perhaps it's a classic case of "hard act to follow", but I can pinpoint what was lacking. First, I know Kamala is a busy lady, but the narration sounded very, very rushed. Secondly, her voice lacked a lot of emotion to me. I sensed more of a wry smile than genuine feeling and warmth the whole way through. Thirdly, perhaps her mouth wasn't close enough to the microphone, but it never felt like she was talking "to" me. Rather above or around me. Michelle took her time with her narration, put her heart into it, and it felt like she was speaking into my ear. I found myself pressing the "30 seconds forward" button a lot with this book by Kamala at moments where it felt impersonal or uninspired and still unlike she was even talking to me. There were also moments I enjoyed, or that clearly demonstrated her capacity to be a great progressive leader "for the people", but I just can't leave it a great review. She didn't hand it to me with her soul.

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  • TCamp72
  • 2019-03-07

Great content, read if possible

I enjoyed listening to Kamala’s book, and I have gained a much greater understanding of where she comes from. I have to admit though, I wish I had read this book instead of listening to it. I often like to listen to these types of books, and to hear the authors tell their stories in their own voices. Not with this book. I have much respect for Kamala, but you could tell she was reading, and she didn’t read it smoothly. Her sentence breaks were all over the place, and she often paused, causing you to think a sentence had been completed, only to pick up and carry on with the same sentence again. Toward the last third of the book, it became extremely distracting. It also sounded as she was congested for that part of the book as well. And if that is the case, I think her editors should have her go back for a redo. I’ve heard her speak often, and I’ve been impressed with her each time. While I enjoyed the content, and the messages shared, the delivery was disappointing.

94 people found this helpful

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  • Freestone
  • 2019-07-23

Not sure this helps her win

I like Kamala, and would certainly support her if she gets the nomination. But I found the story, along with her narration, a bit off-putting. To me, she comes across as somewhat measured, plotting, and self-serving - in other words, as a politician. The life story details are somewhat interesting, but I walked away from this book (half-way through) feeling like she is just being manipulative, trying to tug at your heart strings, saying what she thinks people want to hear.

63 people found this helpful

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  • Yamilee Brice
  • 2019-04-18

Campaign Speech

The whole book sounded like a campaign speech. Defending the things she knows people question and espousing on her accomplishments. Other than a couple of personal tidbits added here and there, we don't really get a sense of who she really is.

56 people found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2019-09-02

Kamala Harris 2020

Senator Harris’s story moved me. She’s running for president, and she is my top candidate for the 2020 Democratic primary and the candidate who will beat Trump.

40 people found this helpful

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  • Marcella G Valenzuela
  • 2019-07-29

Kamala 2020!

I wanted her to join the race for President when I saw her question Kavanaugh. I was happy when she joined. This book tells her story and confirms why I wanted her to run. She connects with her audience and speaks a truth.

39 people found this helpful

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  • Peter Kelly
  • 2019-10-15

An inspired leader exemplified — though this can be a bit dry.

Early this year, shortly after her announcement of her plan to run for President, I was all aboard the Kamala Harris train. As time went on, I got a bit busy, and perhaps disenchanted with the candidate, so I put this book on hold. However, I believe Senator Harris is a true fighter and noble leader so I took this one up again. Though there may be a stretch or two in this book that may be dry, Senator Harris’ earnest passion certainly is not. She’s the real deal and though she may not be the chosen candidate this time around, she’s not going anywhere and it would be well worth it to know who she is and where she comes from.

25 people found this helpful

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  • KT_Consult
  • 2019-04-11

Dispeled my preconceived notions!

An impressive woman with a compelling vision for our country. I was struck by her role in negotiating with the banks for California homeowners and Corinthian Colleges for indebted students. I look forward to hearing more from her as this process picks up speed!

25 people found this helpful

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  • Kindle User
  • 2019-01-09

Great story ..slow start

Kamala narrates this title, but I have to say that the first chapter she sounded monotone..but it definitely got better. Dont know who produced this, but they should have redone the first chapter!

23 people found this helpful

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  • Hillge
  • 2019-08-19

Truths

Kamala Harris not only gives us some of her background, her own biography, she goes into wonderful detail about how that background formed the truths she holds.
Kamala helps the reader to hold on to those truths and accept them for themselves.
Excellently written and narrated. I am a fan!!

22 people found this helpful

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  • Maria Ochoa
  • 2019-02-03

So fake; her stories read like a report card

A grownup's attempt at making her career report card sound better than it really was. She has potential, but it's not enough.

21 people found this helpful