Getting Real

A wonderful example that women today follow. Her book gives us an inside look at her daily life, along with her professional career. From her Miss America title, two days later, her first national press conference, her marriage, along with her two children, she's a powerful woman. Being as I enjoy pictures, one of the best portions of her life that she shares with us is the center of her book. This portion gives us a six page photographic view of her entire life.

I think she wrote an excellent book from her early childhood to her current status as a senior news person and owner of her Fox News show. She is quite a person, wife, mother, commentator, and author. All men and women should read this book.

I enjoyed every single page, every single word. This memoir respectfully, has woven throughout it; the importance of faith, some parenting advice, and there’s even a little self-help in the book. Mostly what stood out for me is that Gretchen and I “think alike”. Our opinions on many issues are similar. There is no language barrier when I hear her words. Gretchen's opinions bring a sweet comfort to my ears. It’s a book that will greatly inspire young people. Thank you Gretchen for writing this book!

Great book Gretchen, brought back some memories from Anoka. I didn't know you that well growing up in Anoka & going to school together but I feel I know you now. I guess everyone has a story. You look great!

Rhonda Mickelson

Very good book. I really enjoyed reading about Gretchen's childhood and career. Problem in our society today is children aren't taught you can be or do anything you want. You have to work for it. I give 5 stars.

Determination and perseverance are two central theme Gretchen Carlson used to guide her life. She has met many challenges and disappointment but never took her eye off the prize. That prize has changed frequently for her during her life. Each time she had a clear goal and through determination experienced much success. Her family has been the driving force behind her. They gave e her strong values, a love of God, the knowledge to give back, and a drink e to always do her best. great read!

This book greatly saddened me with her message, "you can do anything". She had an extraordinary childhood to build on. She thoroughly covers all of her "hard work" to get where she was, but I found she is completely not relatable. Her bar that she seemed to always exceed, made me feel like a failure. Fortunately for her she never experienced the true test of human tenacity - the deaths of immediate family members. Very few of us are gifted prodigies and lead lives within constant privilege.

Generally, drama is the only thing that draws me to a biography. Down and out rock stars, actors and actresses hitting rock bottom or those who’ve endured/survived horrible situations … they have a tale to tell. I find the worst biographies are written when the subject is “on top” (at a peak in their life) … those books tend to be a little arrogant, preachy and oftentimes, pre-mature. I didn’t know what to expect with Gretchen Carlson’s GETTING REAL as she seems to be at a peak in her career … then I found out she was a former Miss America and wondered if there may actually be a story worth reading.

On television, Gretchen Carlson presents herself as a strong-willed and assertive individual. I will admit, at times, she comes across as somewhat tough and maybe even a little rigid, but I figure those traits are necessary with her line of work. But the tough and serious image doesn’t mesh with the Miss America title and I became curious to learn more about her. GETTING REAL proved to be an eye and mind-opener for me as I discovered there is a much more complex and talented individual behind the person I was seeing/hearing on television.

No, GETTING REAL is not a flame-throwing, bomb-dropping tell-all that reveals dirty, disgusting secrets that shock. Carlson’s story is more can-do than cautionary and while it lacks a certain “danger”, it definitely proved to be an interesting and worthy read. What I enjoyed most about the book is that behind the on-air persona is a deep and immensely talented individual with a personal drive that commands respect. Told in a self-deprecating manner, Carlson reveals a great deal about herself throughout and proves that success was never something handed to her … she’s worked hard and earned every bit of it. A self-described chubby girl whose immense skill with the violin earned her right to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra as a young child. While strong bonds to her faith and family keep her grounded, it also contributed to an inner strength that has guided her independence, the ability to stand by decisions and face challenges. The focus and drive necessary for her to maintain the highest level of academics (she was Valedictorian in high school and earned Summa Cum Laude honors at Stanford) and music is both impressive and inspiring.

The chapter dedicated to the Miss America contest was particularly interesting and educational. I learned a great deal about what Miss America is all about (much more than swimsuits) and how Carlson saw it as an opportunity to crush the negative “tall-blonde-bimbo” stereotype associated with its contestants. Even though she admittedly blew the “question/answer” phase of the competition, she stunned judges with her violin talent (this prompted me to see her performance on YouTube and believe me, it’s extraordinary). While the Miss America title served a boost to Carlson’s confidence, it proved to be a double-edged sword as the pageant stereotype was still a formidable obstacle to overcome when starting her broadcasting career. In fact, she took efforts to steer attention away from that achievement.

Other revelations in the book include a struggle with self/body image (even through the Miss America phase of her life), dealing with sexism (attempted sexual assault) and a frightening experience with a stalker who haunted her for almost two decades. Carlson has been through some trying times in her life, but always managed to pull herself together and successfully move forward, regardless of the challenge. And while most know her for the gig she has at FOXNews, it is only a small part of the life she’s lived.

GETTING REAL is a relaxing read that puts you in a position of understanding the person you see on TV is just the tip of the iceberg. Gretchen Carlson proves to be a person of substance, not appearance. Her book not only reveals her as highly intelligent, but genuine and kind … a successful role-model for anyone, not just women.

After reading this book I learned that humility is not Miss America's aka Carlson's strong suit. In the book Carlson repeatedly reminds us that she was Miss America and sets out to show us how she had to right many wrongs against people who were not fair to her. I think my problem with the book is I tend to read books about people who are beautiful inside and out; people who've overcome real obstacles. If you just happen to like this woman and want to get her take on how great she is, then buy this book; otherwise, spend your money on a biography that will truly inspire you.

I’ve lost all respect for Gretchen Carlson after reading this book! I never write book reviews but couldn’t resist. Page 222: “I was pleased to find out that Roger Ailes is also a big believer in handwritten notes. To honor that, I still write him notes instead of e-mails.” Page 259: “Special thanks to Fox News CEO and chairman of the board Roger Ailes for continuing to believe in me and giving me the opportunity to do what I love every day.”
This book was published about a year before she blasted Roger Ailes for sexual harassment after her contract wasn’t renewed. So Gretchen was schmoozing up to him until the very end?! How convenient. Not to mention she spends the entire book bragging about how everyone thinks she’s so smart. Not a fan. Thankful I found this book at Dollar Tree for a buck! Obviously it wasn’t a hot seller.

For a woman who has been Miss America, graduated Stanford, and had her own major cable new talks show, Gretchen Carlson has led an incredibly boring life. At least based on what she writes in this book you come away with the conclusion that the woman is a living Barbie doll. Too good to be true.

The first problem is that she is a perfectionist, so the book is written in a style that makes sure everything she puts in print is meant to make her look good. She brags--a lot--about her accomplishments. She is a violin prodigy and has too much success too soon which goes to her head based on what she writes here. However, she really doesn't accomplish much else. She mentions struggling academically at Stanford but then spends the rest of the book reminding us that she ended there as an honor student! What she considers a struggle or set-back is laughable (coming in 2nd place in a contest?) and while it's possible that she had the perfect parents, the perfect husband, the perfect jobs, etc. it makes for a dull read.

The second problem is her mother, a woman who pushed Gretchen into everything. Carlson thinks she is drawing an image of her mother being a loving, caring parent but the woman comes across as a nosy, bossy helicopter parent who is still telling her daughter every little thing to do as an adult. You'll cringe as you see 22-year-old Gretchen's unhealthy reliance on her mother, and throughout her adult life she expects her mom to constantly rescue her.

Another issue that isn't addressed is that Carlson grew up in a privileged home. She tries to make it sound like she was raised normally in small town America--when in truth she lived on a huge river property that the average American could never afford in suburban Minneapolis, and her parents' wealth (from owning a car dealership) allowed her to travel the country paying for the best of everything when she needed to get ready for the Miss American pageant.

Some Christian female readers may like the book. Carlson presents herself as a feminist and role model for women. There are detailed stories of workplace harassment. While these are sad stories, at no point did Carlson seem to react to the harassment properly when it occurred. As far as being a Christian, there's actually very little mention of her faith in this book. She claims to be a cultural warrior by standing for Christianity, but other than her being raised in her grandpa's Lutheran church we don't really know what exactly she believes.

One of the biggest issues with Carlson is that she has absolutely no qualifications for being in the television news business. She did not major in news, TV, or politics in college. She doesn't mention ever taking a class in it. Yet after her tour as Miss America she finishes college and has nothing to do, so she tries TV as if it's a fun game to play after being interviewed so many times during her reign. She then complains when she doesn't get the first jobs she applies for or she gets criticized for her inabilities. There are thousands of female college graduates that have more talent and better preparation for the field, it's just too bad that a woman of privilege can turn her Miss America fame into a TV news job without any training. That's not to say she didn't become talented in it by working hard, it's just that her story here is not typical and something that may not be good for potential future TV journalists to read.

The worst part of the book are the errors and hyperbole. She makes everything she or her family are involved in the biggest or best or greatest. There are a number of factual mistakes, and for a person who claims to be a perfectionist it's surprising that she doesn't know better.

She also doesn't reveal anything remotely interesting--nothing about sex, drugs, rebellion, on-set blow-ups, behind the scenes at Fox, etc. The only interesting reference in the book is about the 45-year-old Miss America celebrity judge that flew around the country to have clandestine meetings with her during her reign, which raises questions of the fairness of her winning the crown and the integrity of her meeting secretly with a man old enough to be her dad! But we never get any detail nor does she address the underlying issues.

For a book called "Getting Real" she appears to fear revealing deep truths that might suggest that she has anything other than a perfect life.

Gretchen has a great story to tell about what molded her into who she is today and what it took to get where she is. I found that amazing. However, for someone as "smart" as she keeps telling us she is, I was a little disappointed in the writing. Where was her editor? Too many trite and repeated phrases, e.g., "to this day." Under a photo at the end of the book she states she is the "one in the middle." Really? There was only one woman in the photo.

A candid inspiring story of Gretchen's life that is a great read for all ages and especially significant for young adults just starting out in their career or those who just met failure. Her book weaves the topics of perseverance, hard work family and faith into critical factors for her success. You appreciate how Gretchen, as a violin prodigy and former Miss America daily transformed her discipline and talents to pursue her career and family goals. After reading the book, you will have a new appreciation about what it means to be a very smart career woman in the demanding world of television. And yet her dedication and love for family and deep faith continue to make her "for real."

This is a memoir of Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson. It is an easy read that is interesting as is explores Carlson’s life path which brought her to Fox.

As someone who has watched Carlson on Fox I liked the book. It paints her as a hardworking, talented woman who has managed to be a success not only as a Miss America Pageant winner but as an award winning reporter and television personality.

Carlson worked hard to get to Fox. The book talks about her starting out at local television stations and working her way up the ladder. She talks about covering a number of stories including 9/11. She is married and has two children so she talks about being a working woman and mother.

It is easy to assume a Miss America Pageant winner would be handed a television job based on her looks. This is far from the case. Carlson combined hard work and talent to get where she is.

This is a light, enjoyable book. It is a fun read.

Gretchen gives readers a glimpse at a real woman who has maximized her life with external solidifiers. The first time I saw her appear on Fox and Friends, I saw an up and coming professional who used her talents and skills to further her value to the network while enhancing her life. Add a husband and children along with her violin playing (she is pretty good at that too.) talents and it is understandable to see why shge wrote her first book.

I aplaude Gretchen and her handlers for publishing a book to coincide with her new Fox show, The Real Story. I do not, however, see much coincidence between the book and the show. Neither is closely related which is fine with me. Those short segments that are so highly time measured to assure advertisers sufficient air time generally conflict with her written words.

Gretchen's desk sign stated who she was and still is: A person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing and is nothing." I cannot tell how much she risks on the new show; however, in her book she appears to be beyond neutral in her manner of operation both on and off air.

I've been reading through the other reviews of this book and it's a real mixed bag...much more than I would expect if they were just based upon writing style and substance. Politics notwithstanding, her fundamental messages are powerful. Work hard. Believe in yourself and in a higher power. Family is important.

This is a well-written memoir about an extraordinary person. Gretchen Carlson came from a small town. She was a violin prodigy, attended Stanford, won the Miss America competition and became an accomplished reporter for the Fox New Network. There aren't many people with that kind of CV, Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with her, Gretchen has a strong message that's worth reading.

Recommended.

When you watch a broadcast journalist like Gretchen Carlson on Fox News, I wonder what personal journey this person has traveled to be there. The answer is inside GETTING REAL. This memoir reveals a personal look at Carlson's journey and it is filled with key turning points and insights for every reader (whether you are in journalism or not).

I loved the storytelling and transparency which Carlson writes into the pages of this book. In particular I found the final chapters of the book moving and insightful. This journalist who reaches millions and a former Miss America (1989) is thoughtful and open about the words in this book. For example on page 243, she writes, "I've carried the Carlson family dictum--"To whom much is given, much is expected"--with me as a core philosophy my whole life. When I think about it I can still hear the rich tones of my grandfather's voice as he preached about love and charity from the pulpit. I can see my parents opening their hearts and their checkbooks time and again to help others in our community in Anoka. I can recall the intense feelings of compassion when we traveled overseas and met families who could barely afford to put food on the table. We were blessed, and my parents were determined that we could not squander our good fortune or feel prideful, but learn humility and use our advantages to help others."

As I read the pages of GETTING REAL, I gained immense respect for Gretchen Carlson. While I have not watched her regularly on Fox, I'm going to be setting my DVR to capture some of her programs. For a unique and rich reading experience, I highly recommend this title.

Gretchen Carlson really does get real in this extremely candid, touching - and very inspiring book about her journey from a chubby violin prodigy to the halls of Stanford, the stage of the Miss America pagaent and her 25 years in journalism. Her determination to call her own shots & chart her own mega watt path, relying on family, faith & her formidable will makes for a great story - she is a fabulous role model for young women today. She is candid, humble & thankful - and very clear about the trials & tribulations of her journey. Her powerful sense of self-determination shines through on every page. Highly recommended.

What I most appreciate about this biography is its surprising political neutrality. It does not come across as a "bang the right-wing drum loudly" kind of book, but rather an inspirational story of success, talent and perseverance. Whether you agree or not with Gretchen's political views, this book demonstrates time and time again how success so often stems from determination and desire. I enjoyed reading about her personal relationships, of her difficult pregnancies, of the Miss America drama, and of her courage to stand up for her beliefs in difficult situations (men-run networks).
This courage is universal and transcends political points of view, so I can recommend this as a positive read. I rarely if ever watch her show, but I do appreciate her journey so far.

"Gretchen loves all food and gobbles it down as fast as you can feed her."

"Gretchen talks like crazy."

"Gretchen can turn somersaults!"

Gretchen is awesome.

That last is not one of the entries in Gretchen Carlson's baby book, but it's my personal entry.

I am a fan of Gretchen Carlson's, so in the interest of being fair and balanced, I'll disclose that right away. I chose this book to review because I'm a fan of hers as well as of the supposed "dumb blondes of Fox News." A tired stereotype Carlson kicks to the curb with this book and even pointedly addresses it on page 215: "I've learned sometimes when people don't like what you have to say, and don't want to debate you on ideas, it's just easier to call you a dumb blonde from Fox News." Amen.

That isn't the only label the violin-playing Minnesota Miss America has had to contend with. The screenwriter William Goldman also body-shamed her by calling her "Miss Piggy" (and that's just for starters).

And no. Ms. Carlson does not whine about any of this. She talks candidly about her weight, her faith, the bizarre Swedish (and midwestern) concoction known as lutefisk, the discipline to play the violin and the life choices that made her put the violin aside...maybe not permanently, clashing with Bill O'Reilly (while giving him thanks for giving her a platform as a Culture Warrior), her stalker nightmare, her Minnesota family, behind-the-scenes on the pageant circuit, getting fired, raising a family (kids Kaia and Christian) with sports agent and former athlete Casey Close, September 11, the Sandy Hook school shooting, feminism (yes, Fox does hire feminists and independents--and Democrats) and so much more.

Ms. Carlson is not only "Getting Real," she is real. Reading the book is like having a chat with a great gal pal over coffee. Okay, she also happens to be Miss America and a major cable network star, but she hasn't lost touch with any of her Midwestern warmth and candor. Highly recommended, even for those who aren't exactly Fox News fans. You just might learn something.

Gretchen Carlson's book Getting Real was a great read and enjoyed finding out more about her life which is out of the ordinary. Not many become a wonderful violin player at six and wow's the crowds as she plays the violin for the Minnesota Orchestra at 15. It was a delight to read about the life of Gretchen as she pushes her talents and becomes a regular on Fox News. I have watch Gretchen on Fox News and admire how she handles herself in the busy world of news and makes it real to the listeners. Fox news has many talented women on their station and have been a Fox News listener since they started in 1994. Not many received this station back then but it soon raced to the top with their "We Report You Decide. Roger Ailes knew he had a winner with Gretchen as she handled herself so well.

Her life story in this book Getting Real were several surprises as I don't remember her winning Miss America but then I am sure I watch it back then but did not remember any names of the winners. All her dedication to make herself the best it could be at everything she tried was great and it should tell all young girls to follow her examples for success. She never left her religion and always lived her life this way by staying true to herself and her family and the religion they taught her. Coming from a small town in Minnesota she shows that it does not matter where you life you can become what ever you want in this world. Good Job Gretchen I loved your book and love your time on Fox News.

Of the many, many things the Left hates about Fox News, one of the most oft mentioned is their penchant for hiring beautiful women as anchors,... as if the Left Wing "Mainstream" News Media wasn't doing the exact same thing; however, conservative journalism, like conservative ANYTHING, is no career for those desiring a life where acquiescing to whatever is popular counts as conscious thought, and it is only a surprise to Leftists that Ms. Carlson has a brain,...

and is not afraid to use it.

Fox News anchorwoman Gretchen Carlson has written a snappy and entertaining autobiography which is inspiring and very informative of how it was during each of the three stages of her life. She was a violin prodigy as a growing child and her love and knowledge of music shines through. However by the time she was college age, she chose Stanford and while there entered he state's beauty pageant and ultimately became Miss America in 1989. The telling of the pageant itself and her year as the reigning Miss America is thoroughly related. But the ultimate part of the book goes into first her career in TV journalism starting with local stations and finally at Fox News. Along, she takes us readers along with us so we can vicariously experience her successful struggle to prove herself as a broadcaster.

The book is continually informative, inspirational, and humorous. You certainly don't have to be a Fox news watcher to thoroughly enjoy this memoir/autobiography. Her light writing style carries us through the three stages of her life. In addition, she goes into the challenge of balancing her career along with her life as wife and mother. All in all,, this is a great book to read.

Gretchen Carlson is an interesting woman in that, I believe, she sincerely is more than just a pretty face on a controversial news station. She documents her rise from Miss America to her beginnings in small time news to her eventual ascension to FoxNews. Carlson is a true success story and she does a good job conveying her personal beliefs of going all out to achieve one's goals.

As for the obvious political elephant in the room, I didn't find much cause for concern as she tends to keep to her "success story" narrative rather than what others would expect; an anti-leftists essay. I simply did not see it.

All in all, Getting Real is a good read about a woman who wouldn't quit and utilized her talents to their fullest. I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a women's study on success.

I chose this book because I absolutely love Gretchen Carlson. She is so smart and so conscientious and I think the people who criticize her simply because she's on FoxNews know nothing about her. This is a personal memoir and not a media tell all. You will get to know her personally and where she came from. I can see how all she did prepared her for where she is today. It's easy when watching her and just seeing how beautiful she is to forget just how smart she is. She has earned what she has and has worked hard to get where she is. I'm glad she shared her life and I look forward to watching her even more. This is a quick and enjoyable read.

I was not disappointed, the author is smart and certainly knows how to tell a story. I have watched Fox local news but none of their other news programming, so the author was familiar to me, but in name only. The picture on the cover was a little off-putting (reminded me of the demented Reese Witherspoon character in the movie Election. I ordered it anyway because of Vanessa Williams blurb, I always listen to Vanessa Williams.

A Minnesotan. A violin prodigy who burned out at age 16. She began entering beauty pageants and was Miss Teen runner-up. She got into Stanford University (no small feat). She also went on to win the Miss America Pageant where her amazing violin performance knocked everyone off their feet (I think I vaguely remember that). The year spent post-win opened her eyes to a career in TV journalism. She made her next career goal of being a CBS news broadcaster (this is probably where I came to know her) and then as a Fox talk show host (this is where she vanished off my radar).

I was surprised with all her accomplishments she isn't the strong feminist I would have thought her to be. The power brokers really seem to have done a number on her. She might have benefited by being more Nel and less Georgia, the characters on the TV show Ally McBeal. I also wonder if in the dog eat dog atmosphere at FOX doesn't foster the need to make less of other people while telling your own story. I am sure the intent was not there, but for every proud accomplishment seemed to included a knock or put down on someone else.