I was really excited to read a biography of Chisholm; I think she is a great overlooked figure in American history and that she never has been done justice. Curwood corrects that by exploring her life and her politics, showing a woman who stood on her convictions and provided the template for strong female success in male dominated realm.

Through Chisholm's campaigning, Curwood shows the importance of good political organizing, and how it is so influential to being a representative of the people. In looking at Chisholm's presidential bid, Curwood focuses not necessarily on winning (which she clearly states Chisholm knew was not going to happen) but on the goals. She puts the events in the context of the time and looks at the strengths and challenges of running as a woman in the late 1970s. It also is a fascinating insight into personality, as Chisholm's impressions and poetry are used to help readers understand who she truly was.

The book is acutely aware of the intersection of issues surrounding Chisholm, most notably Vietnam and poverty. We often think of this as a civil rights movement issue, but it didn't go away and wasn't confined to King or Malcolm X.

Ultimately, this book informs readers and gives those interested a roadmap with the goal of facing the system and to bring a bigger sense of inclusivity to politics.

A great biography on Shirley Chisholm, something that is long overdue! I liked how the author attempted to separate fact from fiction in finding the real person behind the Shirley Chisholm mythos. In doing so, you see a full portrait of the outspoken, charismatic rule breaker who paved the way for so many in federal government.