24 Years of House Work-- And the Place Is Still a Mess: My Life in Politics

by Pat Schroeder and Pat Schroder

Book Overview

A lawyer by training and the mother of two young children, no one was more shocked than Pat Schroeder when she won a seat in Congress in 1972. In this candid, unblinking autobiography, Schroeder... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0836237072
• ISBN13: 9780836237078
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

America needs politicians like Shroeder in 2005

As a native of Denver, I was proud that the first vote I ever cast in my life was for Patricia Scott Schroeder. I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Schroeder several times during her tenure because she took the time and made the effort to connect with her constituency by showing up, unannounced, in locales ranging from student cafeterias on the University of Colorado at Denver campus to Sunday afternoon beer bashes at The Foxhole, a local gay club (both occassions that I was present for). Schroeder cared what people had to say and when she went to Washington she represented them instead of herself which is why the citizens of Denver kept sending her back. Her personal decision to retire is the only reason she isn't still our congresswoman today. This book is full of Shroeder's delightful wit, insightful and rare wisdom and overwhelming humanity. While it is a mostly light-hearted account of her 24 years of service to her country, she also explains her very personal reasons for fighting so hard to defend reproductive choice and to pass the Family Medical Leave Act, her greatest legacy; a bill which she authored but selflessly relinquished credit in order to ensure it's success. Read the book.

Don't judge it until you have read the whole book

This book is full of wisdom. Being a teenager to find book that interest me is hard to find. This book is one of the first books I have read that kept me interested and thought me things that are slowly fading away as the new generation makes their mark in the world. I first thought "Man, I have to read this for my summer assignment. I can learn all about politics and government when I'm in class," but its not all about that, its more than what it seems. You don't have to take my word for it until you read it for yourself then you can get back at me with your own opinion!

Congress lost an insightful, intelligent woman

As one of the most admired Congress persons of all times, the author still has an optimistic view of the instituation and of the American political process as a whole. This book is a snapshot into what is involved on a personal level when a dedicated public servant makes a decision to fight on behalf of the greater good. This book should be required reading in all high schools so that the young can appreciate the whole political process, understand it, and be motivated to complete the jobs that are yet to be done. This book is one that leaves you thinking about your personal future as well as the future of this great country.

I liked it so much,I read it three times

I am a high school student who is considering a political career. I found this book to be funny, informative and inspiring. Pat Schroeder definitely ranks high on my list of heroes.

Excellent page-turner

Wonderful look at how far wormen have come and how far they have to go in the workplace and in DC. Enjoyed remembering how things were back in my teen years in Colorado when Pat Schroeder first ran for her seat. Didn't agree with her positions much of the time, but reading about her life from her perspective was enlightening, especially in view of the currentr situation in Washington. One tends to forget her early battles to be heard and for women's rights. Amazing. Thank you.