On loan from a neighbor, I read RACHEL MADDOW: A BIOGRAPHY (2019) in one day, in just a couple sittings. I found it mildly interesting, but didn't feel I learned much that I didn't already know about Maddow. The author has done meticulous reearch, digging up everything that's ever been written by or about Maddow, including interviews, and probably spent a lot of time watching and listening to her radio and TV shows. Then she categorized her findings into fourteen chapters with general headings, each filled with direct quotes by Maddow, skilfully strung together to fit that chapter. We learn Maddow has been an exceptionally bright person from early childhood. Raised Catholic. Attended Stanford. Came out as a lesbian at seventeen. Was very involved in AIDS activism. Has a Ph.D. from Oxford, where she was a Rhodes scholar. Worked in low-paying radio jobs and other menial work before her big breaks and landing her own show at MSNBC. She is a workaholic who prefers to wok alone, and is very private about her personal life and her long-time partner. All the other stuff I've seen/heard on her show or read. Oh yeah, and she's nearly six feet tall - something I didn't know, since she's always sitting down on TRMS.

I have followed Maddow since her show began. I love her style, her intellect and her sense of humor. And especially her relentless pursuit of truth. I did not get the sense that this was an 'authorized' bio. Just take a look at the "Notes." Lots of research, sources loaded with useful, quotable quotes. Celebrity biographies are Lisa Rogak's specialty. She's also done Obama, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

Rogak puts together good "life summaries." This one I found to be just okay. Recommended if you love Rachel Maddow but don't know much about her and don't care if there's not much depth.

- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER ( )

The author of this biography presents a straight-forward picture of a very complex personality. Maddow fans will find it fascinating, and I think those who have yet to become fans will still be able to read without feeling opposition gut wrenches. It ends just at election day in November 2019, so the reader is left wondering what comes next. ( )

Rachel Maddow is a fascinating woman who has led a very active life, but she seems to be quite humble when talking about herself. Taking a cue from her, the author has written a pretty understated biography. The book gives the facts of Maddow's life, but no emotional involvement. I was disappointed. Maddow is anything but boring, but the book teeters on that edge. ( )

Although Rachel Maddow is most recognizable as a host on MSNBC., her volunteer work for AIDS/HIV began in High School, was her first experience with progressive politics. Working as a DJ at a tiny local Massachusetts radio station during her college years ,and while finishing her Ph.D at Oxford, gave her experience and a small income. It was 9/11 that inspired her to return to radio, where her ability to explain , and discern news, politics and current affairs with her own unique take, caught the attention of MSNBC.
Rachel is one of the most popular hosts, known for her exhaustive research on her stories, and her ability to connect with and explain current events and politics in simple terms, with her own unique take. She is the first publicly open gay news host in prime time, as well as one of the most humble and revered in the field. She consistently draws more viewers than any other in her time slot.
Lisa Rogak, the books author, is also known for her thorough and extensive research on her subjects. Her ability to capture the character and essence of her subjects and bring them to life on paper, is apparent in this biography. Compelling and thoughtful, this is a well written and organized novel that will give you many details about Rachel, her life and her chosen career. I learned much about Rachel I did not know. Although I regularly watch her show, Rachel does not talk about her personal life or past much. This helped me to get a better understanding of what influenced and inspired her to became the articulate woman and intelligent media icon she is today.
Recommended. Any book by Rogak is an interesting and insightful read.

R ( )

I don't watch the news or have cable TV, but I do read a lot ... well, more than a lot so I wanted to find more about this news celebrity Rachel Maddow. This book will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about her, and in a very gushing way. I would say it is not very even handed. Yes, she is brilliant and an overachiever, and she wants everyone to know she is gay by announcing it publicly. Two things I noticed, 1) her father is Jewish and apparently converted to Catholicism but still named his daughter a very Jewish name, and 2) she thought her parents were angry when she announced her sexual preference publicly first. I don't think so on either account and parents know if their kids are cisgender or not long before they get to college. ( )