America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag

BOOK: America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag
AUTHOR: Sara Palin

GRADE: B-

I must admit to a bizarre fascination with Ms. Palin and her one-woman circus show. Something about the woman makes me want to know more; in order to understand just where on earth she comes from. Clearly, I understand she hails from the great state of Alaska (Wasilla – to be exact). I was thinking on a broader and more philosophical level. And after reading both “Going Rogue” and her latest, “America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag,” I cannot say I’ve successfully appeased my curiosity. But I’ve had a fun trying.

Regardless of my personal political views (which, in the name of objectivity, I will not expound on in this forum), I have to give Palin due credit for sticking to her convictions – even in the face of endless criticism. Palin makes no bones about the fact that she is pro-life, pro-gun, pro-faith etc. She thoroughly catalogues her reasoning behind each position in a manner that is both persuasive and slightly jarring. She consistently puts her beliefs right out there for the world to see and judge. I support some of her platforms and strongly disagree with others – but I’m never unsure where she stands – which is a nice departure from the more inconsistent politicians that can’t seem to stick to one stance.

Furthermore, “America By Heart” offers up a comprehensive history lesson centered around the writings of our founding fathers. Perhaps the most surprising discovery was Palin’s fluency in these documents: particularly the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. I can honestly say that I learned a number of things that I had been previously been ignorant of. I believe that credit is due to Palin in this regard.

Overall, my opinions on her politics did not change one way or the other and nor would I sign up to read a third book of hers if it were published. Regardless, it was an interesting look into her mind set.