Senator (D) of New York, Kirsten Gillibrand has had an influential political, legal, and public service career including pioneering policies for the prevention of sexual assault in the military and on college campuses.  After taking Hillary Clinton’s seat in the Senate, Kirsten stepped off the sidelines herself and demonstrated the importance of including women in our nation’s political narrative and galvanizing all women to 'reach beyond their busy lives and make a meaningful difference in the world around them' (Gillibrand ix).

Gillibrand’s book is a nation-wide declaration for all women to raise our voices and reinvent a heavily male-dominated societal narrative

In her New York Times bestselling memoir Off The Sidelines, Gillibrand speaks to needing full representation of women in politics, but her message extends beyond that with a call to action that says: We need to elevate, advance, and involve women in all realms of our society.  When we do so, the betterment of society will not be an impossible feat - but rather, a changed world and more inclusive and equitable narrative for our nation.  Gillibrand’s book is accessible, honest, and relatable so that we can personalize her story, experiences, and professional challenges and make them our own.

With our nation’s political sphere still excessively male-dominated and 'boy’s club-esque' Gillibrand’s book is a raw and honest reminder that issues that directly impact women such as paid family medical leave, equal pay, sexual assault, birth control, abortion, and affordable daycare are not being given ample attention nor involving women in instrumental discussions.  Gillibrand comments that not only does this inevitably lead to widespread misrepresentation in our politics, policies, and bills, but it also sends the harrowing and wounding message to women that their lives, values, careers, and opinions don’t matter.

Off the Sidelines brings attention to the hurtful effects of women not being fully represented in politics, but also gives readers hope that in our lifetime, we can work towards gender equality, diversity, and equal representation in all aspects of society.  The reality of women (and marginalized groups) being under-represented can often leave us feeling frustrated, defeated, and cynical.  But if you’re looking for inspiration to re-instill your faith in our nation, political world, and global society, this book is a must-read for your summer reading list.

One of the most discussed themes in Gillibrand’s book is her ability to feel life deeply and how that has been present in all she does - from her political career to her family life.  It’s tremendously refreshing to hear a politician admit their personal motivation that doesn’t involve money, power, and visible leadership.  In her book, Kirsten Gillibrand speaks truthfully to the reasons she got involved in politics and her belief in politicians being the voice for the voiceless and fairly representing the people in their district.  We need more politicians like that.  The moment she entered our nation’s political arena, she 'made it her personal mission to help the women coming up behind her' and demonstrate that being a politician means being a public servant.

It’s hard not to pick up on Gillibrand’s heartfelt, genuine, and dedication to politics and being a public servant.  To Gillibrand, being a U.S. Senator is not just a job - it’s a lifestyle, personal investment, and calling.  And her commitment to making our nation a better, more inclusive, diverse, tolerant, and progressive place is clear in every word she writes.

Purchase Off the Sidelines here.

Off the Sidelines is not a device for self-promotion, an indulgent autobiographical best-seller, or display of professional achievements.  Gillibrand’s book is a nation-wide declaration of support for all women, motivating us to raise our voices, reinvent a heavily male-dominated societal narrative, and be a part of decision-making that helps shape our country and move it forward.  Her motivation for writing this book serves as a reminder that women have come so far, but we’ve got more moving and shaking to do:

"I’m one of only twenty female senators, so I have about as atypical a job as you can find for a woman in the United States.  More to the point, how many girls in [my son’s] preschool class, when faced with some hill to climb, would say brightly, ‘We can do it because we’re women!’?

...that’s why I’m writing this book.  I want women and girls to believe in themselves just as much as men and boys do.  I want them to trust their own power and values and say, ‘We can do it because we’re women!’ - not just for their own sense of self, but for all of us. Girls’ voices matter. Women’s voices matter. From Congress to board meetings to PTAs, our country needs more women to share their thoughts and take a place at the decision-making table.” 

And that’s exactly what she does in her book.  She raises her own voice to set an example for us that we can do it too.  We may not have as much political power as men, but one day we’ll live in a society where gender and identity differences aren’t divisive, but where our dissimilarities are uniting and work to make our country a better place.  Our generation is the next generation of leaders, politicians, mothers, activists, CEOs - you name it.  It’s time we stop waiting for our invitation.  We don’t need permission to start changing the world and Gillibrand will cheer us on the entire way.

She says, 'we need a Rosie the Riveter for this generation - not to draw women into professional life, because they are already there, but to elevate women’s voices in the public sphere and bring women more fully into making the decisions that shape our country.'

And shaping the country she has.  And shape the country we will.  Off the Sidelines should be on your summer reading list and on your bookshelf to refer to when you need that extra boost of confidence to embrace your womanhood, raise your voice, and fight for fair representation in our nation’s most powerful realm. 

Off the Sidelines should be on your summer reading list to embrace your womanhood, raise your voice, and fight for fair representation in our nation’s most powerful realm.