The Truths We Hold tells of Vice President, Kamala Harris’ journey from daughter of immigrant parents to the second-highest position in the country. Reading about her parents’ divorce, her mother’s intelligence and service to those in need, and her family’s own community, we learn how Harris was shaped into the inspiring woman she is today. Most importantly, we can see ourselves in her.

The book is not an autobiography in the traditional sense, but Harris weaves in personal narrative with the complex, political reform discussed in the book. Written with an obvious bias toward Democrats, it can feel like preaching but her easy-to-read language and conversational tone help to make it feel more personable. Tough topics are not to be shied away from but embraced – scars and all. In less than three hundred pages, issues from women’s rights to gay rights to the ongoing battle of racism are on the forefront. This is what makes it feel like a book about America. At times, the sheer number of issues can arouse a feeling of shame and hopelessness for our country. It is important to bear in mind that this book was written in early 2019 before the world had experienced COVID-19 and Harris was elected to office. Nonetheless, we are given glimmers of hope not only through the current initiatives that Harris and others are working towards but also reminding us, as individuals, of our own power and impact. Marching in solidarity, peaceful protest, and writing to state legislatures are just a few ways that ordinary citizens have made extraordinary change. Because no matter how bad we may fall, we can always rise back to the top. These are the Truths We Hold.