Bella Abzug : How One Tough Broad from the Bronx Fought Jim Crow and Joe McCarthy, Pissed Off Jimmy Carter, Battled for the Rights of Women and Workers, Rallied Against War and for the Planet, and Shook Up Politics Along the Way

"A remarkable work of oral history [and] a fond, provocative testament to a remarkable life."*

"A fabulous read about a breed of politician now largely extinct . . . Levine and Thom have crafted a history that brings to life one of the great political personalities of the twentieth century."
—ALICE ECHOLS, Bookforum

"Incorporates . . . interviews with excerpts from the influential feminist's unpublished memoirs to create a kind of conversation about the woman, the politician and the times in which she lived."
—*SUSAN SALTER REYNOLDS, Los Angeles Times

"Abzug was certainly a major player in our change in attitudes in the second part of the past century [and] Suzanne Braun Levine and Mary Thom give us a fascinating glimpse into [an] inspirational but undeniably peculiar period that is receding, all too quickly, into the past."
—CAROLYN SEE, The Washington Post

"[A] fluid, sharply edited book . . . Abzug was a force of nature, and the stories about her are consistently feisty."—JON DOLAN, Time Out New York

"Explodes with the energy that Bella Abzug possessed." —DONNA BRAZILE

“This is like being a fly on the wall for some of the most important moments in political history over the past fifty years. Being a part of this conversation makes you not just appreciate Bella's fierceness, but want to emulate it. ” —MANIFESTA co-author and former Bella colleague, Amy Richards

“Bella was a radical, patriotic and passionate about transforming the system--with the courage to work from outside and the patience to work from inside. Like her life, this book radiates drama, humor, tactical brilliance-- and heart. Bella mattered. So does this book.” —Jane Fonda

“The authors have captured one of the most principled, vibrant figures of the twentieth century in this equally unique oral history. It seems fitting that an inimitable and influential maverick such as Bella Abzug would find her life recounted in a book brave enough to include the voices of family, friends, and foes.” —Ashley Judd

“Stumped about what to do in this messed up world? Just get to know Bella Abzug, one of the most important activists of the twentieth century. By gathering the reminiscences of people who lived their personal and political lives right along with her--and sometimes had the courage to break the rules alongside her too--the authors have created a memoir in many voices that captures the suspense, humor, and contradictions of this great woman. Read this book and then ask yourself, What would Bella do?” —Gloria Steinem

“Bella Abzug didn't vet her opinions through consultants and polls. She wasn't a highly orchestrated pre-fab candidate sprung from a well-oiled multi-million dollar corporate machine. She was the real deal. Pro peace, pro worker, pro women. Angry, authentic, grassroots, alienating and alive. And, she actually got elected. This book is a call to all of us, but particularly those in government to run and lead through their own moral steam rather than blowing more hot air.” —Eve Ensler

“Bella Abzug is an important, inspiring piece of history. There's nothing we need more right now that this kind of cogent reminder of what it takes to make change in the halls of power--and what's at stake if we don't.” —Lisa Jervis, co-founder Bitch magazine