This book was such a great read. Learning how Diahann Carroll had a hand in politics but also seeing the parallels between the moments in Shirley Chisloms run to current day politics. It was very interesting. I loved hearing how Diahann was so influential in politicals at this time!

A More Perfect Party had me at the first line. It tells the background and details of April 29, 1972. A private whimsical event held in Beverly Hills with a guest list full of surprises. Hosted by Diahann Carroll for Shirley Chisholm's 1972 presidential campaign. I could feel the magic in the room from the pages of this new political nonfiction book. Juanita Tolliver's descriptive writing transported me to this party as if I were really there, carrying on conversations with Hollywood stars, activists, feminists, media moguls, comedians, music executives and the like.

Being the Bates Brat that I am, I already knew facts about Shirley Chisholm. We used to play a competition called Bates Battle where we learned little known Black History facts and battled for a prize every February. It was the highlight of the school year. Fast forward umpteen years later and the history I studied stuck with me. So while reading about Shirley Chisholm in A More Perfect Party, it was somewhat of a refresher.

But MSNBC political analyst Juanita Tolliver taught me facts that had me highlighting and reading twice! Each chapter begins with a quote and highlights one of the guests at the party. No spoilers here—you have to read to find out who was there! I had no idea about Shirley Chisholm's artistic talents. She wrote poetry, played the piano, was a dancer and designed clothing. Who knew that Diahann Carroll was so much more than the Black Godmother of Hollywood? Her connections and networking quite impressive. And how fitting to include the roles that Barbara Lee and Maxine "reclaiming my time" Waters played in coordinating the lavish event.

Most importantly, the book delves into the values that each woman holds and the clear parallels between their careers. Also clearly stated is the parallel to our current state of politics in 2024. Before Vice President Kamala Harris, there was Shirley Chisholm. I recommend A More Perfect Party for many reasons. Perfect title. Perfect account of events. Perfect context. Perfect power to the people nod. Perfect time to publish.

Happy Early Pub Day, Juanita Tolliver! A More Perfect Party will be available Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

In A More Perfect Party, Juanita Tolliver delivers a compelling account of a seminal party hosted by Diahann Carroll in support of Shirley Chisholm's 1972 presidential campaign. The book sheds light on the event's enduring impact on the American political landscape, particularly for Black women. Tolliver meticulously reconstructs the interactions and relationships forged during this historic gathering, which brought together esteemed guests such as Huey P. Newton, Barbara Lee, and Berry Gordy.

I enjoyed the focus on one attendee in each chapter with individualized stories while still building the overall narrative and found it very engaging. I do wish that there were photographs of the attendees at the event to further illustrate and enhance the reading experience. I thank you for the opportunity to read and review this offering and look forward to the final copy.

I came of age in the 70's but I really didn't know much about the politics in the early 70's. Of course I had heard about Shirley Chisholm. But I really didn't know much about her.

This book was so enlightening to me from a look at Chisholm's political career; the marginalization of all women, black women in particular; and the interplay between celebrity and politics. I also learned things about the Black Panthers. While this book was written before the end of the 2024 Presidential race, I could see so much of what Tolliver says almost as a foreshadowing.

If you are at all interested in women's rights, black rights, politics, or history, this is the book for you. I encourage you to read it and better inform yourself. Shirley Chisholm cracked some ice, Hillary put some cracks in the glass ceiling and Kamala deepened those cracks. One day, hopefully in my lifetime, we will watch it all shatter and elect a woman to be in the White House.

This book was given to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I learned a lot from this book and thought it was a fascinating read. The historical elements worked overall and had that research element that I was looking for. Juanita Tolliver was able to create a strong nonfiction book and enjoyed learning about the reshapement of politics.

Thank you, Grand Central Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I just finished A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics, by Juanita Tolliver.

This book will be published on January 14, 2025.

The title of this book gives the appearance that is just about a party that Diahann Carroll threw to serve as a fundraiser for Shirley Chisholm’s campaign in 1972. But, the book was far more than than that. The focus on the book was far more on the issues that Chisholm’s campaign faced in terms of racism and sexism and how those issues are still with us today.

This book did a great job balancing both the political times of 1972 and today’s world.

I give this book an A. Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, an A equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at NetGalley, Goodreads and my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews

i finished reading this on September 25, 2024.