Barbara Boxer

Barbara Boxer served as a United States Senator from California from 1993 to 2017 and has authored several books combining politics and fiction. Prior to her Senate career, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1993, representing California's 6th congressional district. As an author, Boxer has written both political nonfiction and fiction works. Her memoir "Strangers in the Senate: Politics and the New Revolution of Women in America" (1994) documented her experiences as a female legislator, while her novel "A Time to Run" (2005) drew from her political background to create a fictional narrative about a liberal California senator. Boxer's writing style integrates her extensive political experience with storytelling, particularly evident in her novel "Blind Trust" (2009), which continues the political thriller genre. Her most recent book, "The Art of Tough: Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life" (2016), returns to nonfiction, exploring her decades-long career in public service.

Readers view Barbara Boxer's books as extensions of her political career, with reviews often split along partisan lines. Her memoirs receive moderate ratings, averaging 3.5/5 stars on Goodreads. Positive reviews highlight: - Behind-the-scenes glimpses into Senate politics - Engaging accounts of her fights for environmental causes - Personal anecdotes about rising from local politics - Clear, straightforward writing style Critical reviews cite: - Too much self-promotion and partisan rhetoric - Lack of depth on policy details - Limited perspective beyond her own experiences - Repetitive storytelling On Amazon, "The Art of Tough" (2016) has 4/5 stars from 144 reviews. Many readers praise her candor but note the book reads "more like a campaign speech than a memoir." Her novel "A Time to Run" (2005) averages 3/5 stars, with readers criticizing its "wooden dialogue" and "predictable plot," though some appreciate its insider view of politics.

A Time to Run (2005) A political thriller following Ellen Fischer, a liberal senator from California who uncovers corruption while dealing with personal loss and political rivalries.

Blind Trust (2009) A novel centered on Senator Ellen Fischer as she investigates a series of bombings while navigating complex relationships in Washington D.C.

The Art of Tough: Fearlessly Facing Politics and Life (2016) A memoir detailing Barbara Boxer's experiences during her political career, including her time as a U.S. Senator and her work on various legislative initiatives.

Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate (2000) A collaborative work co-authored with other female senators, documenting their experiences as women in the U.S. Senate and their paths to political office.