Sure to be a best seller!:
Terry Branstad is an avowed Iowa history buff, and now his life story and record-setting tenure as governor have been recorded for the annals of state history.
Branstad’s biography, titled “Iowa’s Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story,” will be published in December, the governor announced Tuesday at a news conference with the book’s author, illustrator and publisher.
Branstad said the goal is to have the book published by Dec. 14, which is when he will break the country’s record for longest-serving governor.
Branstad the book does not dive deep into politics and issues, but focuses more on his personal story.
“It’s not an effort to write history on various issues. It’s really a biography telling about my life and of the influences growing up on the farm, the work ethic I gained from that, the great teachers that influenced me to want to go into a public service career,” Branstad said. “It does deal with issues, but it isn’t designed to give my viewpoint on issues. In fact, a lot of times (what’s in the book are) media reports on issues that came up over the years.”
The book was written by Iowa writer Mike Chapman, a Waterloo native and former newspaper editor and publisher. According to his website, Chapman has written 26 books.
The book was illustrated by Iowa artist Brian Duffy, who is known for his political cartoons.
It will be published by Des Moines-based Business Publications, which publishes the Business Record.
All proceeds from the book will go into a new fund that will benefit historical preservation projects throughout the state, Branstad said.
“Obviously, (history) is a great passion of mine,” Branstad said.
One thousand limited edition hardcover editions will be sold for $29.95. Paperback copies will sell for $19.95 and an e-book version for $9.95.
Branstad asked Chapman to write the book; he has been working on it since 2013.
Chapman said he interviewed nearly 50 people across the state, read thousands of newspaper articles and researched the exhibit dedicated to Branstad at Mansion Museum in his hometown of Forest City.
Chapman said he was most struck by Branstad’s work ethic, comparing him in that respect to Iowa wrestling legend Dan Gable. Chapman said he also enjoyed unearthing stories from Branstad’s past, including that he was an honorable mention all-conference football player in high school and that in eighth grade he told his teacher and classmates that he wanted to be governor one day.
“In all truthfulness, this is one of the hardest tasks I’ve ever tackled, but one of the most gratifying,” Chapman said. “I’m a huge fan of the man Terry Branstad. And I think you will be, too, after you read the book.”
Branstad said his office will hold a book release event closer to the publish date. He said if there is interest, he will hold book-signing events across the state.
http://thegazette.com/subject/news/branstad-biography-coming-in-december-20150811
Terry Branstad is an avowed Iowa history buff, and now his life story and record-setting tenure as governor have been recorded for the annals of state history.
Branstad’s biography, titled “Iowa’s Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story,” will be published in December, the governor announced Tuesday at a news conference with the book’s author, illustrator and publisher.
Branstad said the goal is to have the book published by Dec. 14, which is when he will break the country’s record for longest-serving governor.
Branstad the book does not dive deep into politics and issues, but focuses more on his personal story.
“It’s not an effort to write history on various issues. It’s really a biography telling about my life and of the influences growing up on the farm, the work ethic I gained from that, the great teachers that influenced me to want to go into a public service career,” Branstad said. “It does deal with issues, but it isn’t designed to give my viewpoint on issues. In fact, a lot of times (what’s in the book are) media reports on issues that came up over the years.”
The book was written by Iowa writer Mike Chapman, a Waterloo native and former newspaper editor and publisher. According to his website, Chapman has written 26 books.
The book was illustrated by Iowa artist Brian Duffy, who is known for his political cartoons.
It will be published by Des Moines-based Business Publications, which publishes the Business Record.
All proceeds from the book will go into a new fund that will benefit historical preservation projects throughout the state, Branstad said.
“Obviously, (history) is a great passion of mine,” Branstad said.
One thousand limited edition hardcover editions will be sold for $29.95. Paperback copies will sell for $19.95 and an e-book version for $9.95.
Branstad asked Chapman to write the book; he has been working on it since 2013.
Chapman said he interviewed nearly 50 people across the state, read thousands of newspaper articles and researched the exhibit dedicated to Branstad at Mansion Museum in his hometown of Forest City.
Chapman said he was most struck by Branstad’s work ethic, comparing him in that respect to Iowa wrestling legend Dan Gable. Chapman said he also enjoyed unearthing stories from Branstad’s past, including that he was an honorable mention all-conference football player in high school and that in eighth grade he told his teacher and classmates that he wanted to be governor one day.
“In all truthfulness, this is one of the hardest tasks I’ve ever tackled, but one of the most gratifying,” Chapman said. “I’m a huge fan of the man Terry Branstad. And I think you will be, too, after you read the book.”
Branstad said his office will hold a book release event closer to the publish date. He said if there is interest, he will hold book-signing events across the state.
http://thegazette.com/subject/news/branstad-biography-coming-in-december-20150811
