We who don't live in Michigan get only glimpses of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, from time to time. And even when we do, it might be because of bad news. Like the time when members of a local "militia" aimed to kidnap and to kill her, during the pandemic. Yes, that was awful, and we all heard about it. But who IS she? True Gretch serves as a better introduction to this lawyer-turned-politician who has worked as the governor of Michigan since 2019.

This book is a casual memoir with light inspirational insights tossed in for good measure. It does not follow chronological order. Instead, Gretchen brings up a memorable moment in her political career. Then she goes back in time and shows how it was based or mirrored or connected to her early life, especially as she was the oldest of three children in a family broken up by divorce. She explains what it's like to be a high office-holder in the 21st century: someone subject to protests, threats, and acts of violence, and someone who is protected at all times by a security detail. She focuses a lot on social media and how she is represented on online platforms, and how she responds favorably and embraces much of it. She talks about the importance of family and community. We learn the basics of her life story, along the way.

True Gretch offers a quick peek into the background of the current Democratic governor of Michigan. At 156 pages, it should take most readers just one lazy afternoon to polish it off.

One wonders if it was put together in time for the 2024 presidential election, for some special reason. I kind of hope that Gretchen is not expecting to land a position at the federal level in 2025. She seems well suited to remain right where she is now, if her constituents continue to favor her there. However, she IS obviously driven to serve others, in a big way. No matter where she lands, Gretchen Whitmer is certainly someone we will hear more about and from, in the future. Maybe a more in-depth biography will appear someday.