The Accidental Activist: A Personal and Political Memoir

By Candace Gingrich

Book Overview

Candace Gingrich chronicles her path to gay rights activism after her brother, Newt Gingrich, made a name in politics in favor of anti-gay legislation.

When the Republican landslide of 1994 propelled her brother, Newt Gingrich, to the top of national politics, Candace Gingrich knew her life would never be the same. Alarmed at the epidemic of gay bashing in America and her own brother's support for anti-gay legislation, Candace felt she had to act. The Accidental Activist chronicles her journey from being an unknown, part-time truck loader for UPS to a nationally renowned activist for gay rights.

Whether she is exposing the hypocrisy in Newt's "family values," discussing the experiences of famous families with gay members, or trying to reconcile her love for her brother with her hatred of his politics, Candace Gingrich's poignant memoir--now updated with a new epilogue--reflects her extraordinary candor and courage.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684836556
• ISBN13: 9780684836553
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

The Accidental Activist

This personal and political memoir clearly depicts the struggles and warmth of her experience. The determination to explain what it is like to live as a homosexual in America has been successful. One of the most heroic works I have read.

Absolutely Activating!

Candace Gingrich has in her own way scared me into becoming more of an activist than I would ever have considered myself being. Living my everyday life believing that I knew what was going on in Washington has all changed thanks to the Accidental Activist. Candace goes out of her way to give "Brother Newt" every oppurtunity available to counter her words, but is always snubbed instead. Critics blasting her for using Newt's "fame" as a way to boost her own popularity obviously haven't read the book! Candace proves that she's a leader in her own right, and obviously, this Gingrich knows the true meaning of words such as "power" and "family values". A MUST READ for ANY and ALL people interested in what's going on in government and human rights today!