Heart of Fire

Reviews

“[A] sparkling, revelatory memoir.” —Oprah Daily

“Absolutely incredible.” —Mika Brzezinksi, co-host, Morning Joe

“An epic, heart-tugging journey.” —Glamour

“[A] multigenerational tale...built around her political and feminist awakening…most powerfully, Heart of Fire is about Hirono’s growing determination to loosen her tongue.” —Rebecca Traister, The Cut

“[A] courageous and vivid depiction of growing up in Hawaii as a poor immigrant.” —The Washington Post

“Inspiring and compassionate.” —Seattle Times

“[A] book unique among those by politicians, written more in the tone of a late-night conversation between two close friends, or a journal entry, than a town hall or stump speech.” —Politico

“By no means does Hirono present her story as just one victory after another, or as simply a political parable. She tells amusing stories about her foibles . . . [and] confesses to setbacks in her love life . . . Grit is the through line of Heart of Fire.” —San Francisco Chronicle

“There are odysseys, and then there’s the epic journey of Senator Hirono...This sparkling, revelatory memoir insists that the personal is always political.” —Oprah Daily

“Inspiring . . . insightful . . . you won’t want to put it down.” ­—Cosmopolitan
 
“Beautiful . . . You can't help but be moved by her book.” —Salon
 
“Candid, courageous and inspirational, this memoir tells a crucial story of the U.S. at its best.” ­—Ms. Magazine

“At first glance, Heart of Fire is a political memoir. At its core, it's an ode to a mother who changed her daughter's life.” —Marie Claire

“The powerful story of an immigrant family and how they held together through poverty; xenophobia; and abuse as they pursued American ideals of equality, justice, and freedom…One of the most inspiring and authentic political memoirs…of recent years.” —New York Journal of Books

“One of the finest political memoirs in the history of the genre . . . An astoundingly compelling glance into U.S. politics . . . [and] an honest look at how much grit it takes for people from less privileged backgrounds to make it in American politics . . . A must-read.” —Library Journal, Starred Review

“A gripping read . . . Hirono is fierce and forthright as she shares the life experiences that led to her becoming a U.S. senator . . . While Hirono’s ideological evolution over the various stages of her political life is fascinating, her grit and determination make this a motivating story even for those who are not ordinarily interested in politics.” —Booklist

“With both ferocity and compassion, Hirono chronicles her experiences in Congress, exposing the rampant hypocrisy and illogical behavior she has witnessed. At the same time, warmth and love shine through, as she attributes her success and determination to the example set by her mother. A heartfelt and fiery political memoir and immigrant story.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Heart of Fire is an urgent read for a nation in need of healing, inspiration and introspection. It vividly captures Mazie Hirono’s journey to the Senate, which is both strikingly unique and yet speaks to compelling universal spiritual themes. A profound testimony to the glorious possibility that is our nation, this important book is a gift to the reader, just as Mazie’s life of breaking barriers and her leadership as a champion of the people continue to be gifts to all Americans.” —Cory Booker, United States Senator and New York Times bestselling author of United

“If a life can be called implausible, Mazie Hirono has lived it. In Heart of Fire, she tells an astonishingly compelling story. As a child born in postwar Japan, she crossed an ocean with her brother and mother, grew up in poverty in paradisiacal Hawaii, and emerged as a fiery voice and agent of change in the male-dominated, rough-and-tumble worlds of American politics. Powerful, poignant, and beautifully told, Heart of Fire is her inspiring, singular story.” —George Takei, New York Times bestselling author of They Called Us Enemy Expand reviews