Cover of True Gretch by Gretchen Whitmer. A photo of the governor giving a speech.

About the Book

Title: True Gretch: Young Adult Edition
Published: 2025

Cover Story: Say It Loud!
Drinking Buddy: Black Tie Gala
MPAA Rating: PG (historical violence)
Talky Talk: Political Memoir
Bonus Factor: Women in Politics
Bromance Status: We Need You

Cover Story: Say It Loud!

There’s Big Gretch herself. I’m not sure this cover would draw young readers who don’t know who Governor Whitmer is.

The Deal:

An abridged (170 page), YA version of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s memoir, including dealing with COVID in her state, an obnoxious president, the January 6 riots, and the time some psychos planned to kidnap her.

Drinking Buddy:

Two pints of beer cheersing

Current Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer tells us how she got the nickname ‘Big Gretch,’ lost her front teeth in a childhood accident, and how she first entered politics. For kids who might be too young to really remember the chaotic 45th presidential administration, this might be interesting. On the other hand, it may seem as distant Watergate did to my generation.

MPAA Rating: PG (historical violence)

So during the COVID crisis, Governor Whitmer followed the CDC’s recommendations about social distancing and stay at home orders. This, along with her conflicts with the president, made certain reactionary elements angry, and there was a genuine plot afoot to kidnap her and her family. Possibly even kill the governor. While all perpetrators were arrested, very few were punished. Sometimes being in politics requires not only mental courage, but physical bravery as well. And when you family is put in danger, it might feel easier just to walk away.

Talky Talk: Political Memoir

While this is a neat girl power book, it’s also a political book, with all the spin. It’s also very short. I’d probably recommend the original version to adults, but maybe not this one to teens. I just don’t see it really connecting with them.

Bonus Factor: Women in Politics

Dealing with a hostile president with less than a stellar track record on women’s rights was hard enough. But when FOX news airs an entire segment featuring internet trolls commenting on the governor’s body…we have a long way to go.

But hey, when Cecily Strong does a sketch about you on SNL, you know you’ve made it (Whitmer thought it was hilarious).

Bromance Status: We Need You

I get the impression that this book was written before the 2024 election, and a gremlin we thought we’d never see again has returned. We need strong women like Big Gretch now more than ever.

Literary Matchmaking

President McKinley: Architect of the American Century

Robert W. Merry’s President McKinley is…also about a politician. Sorry, we don’t review a lot of political works here.

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Brian wrote his first YA novel when he was down and out in Mexico. He now lives in Missouri with his wonderful wife and daughter. He divides his time between writing and working as a school librarian. Brian still misses the preachy YA books of the eighties.