As chief executive of America's largest state, Sarah Palin had built a record as a reformer who pushed through changes other politicians only talked about: energy independence, ethics reform, and the biggest private-sector energy infrastructure project in U.S. history. While revitalizing public school funding and ensuring the state met its responsibilities to seniors and Alaska Native populations, Palin also brought Big Oil to heel.

She was a Main Street American woman: a working mom, wife of a blue-collar union man, and the mother of five children. But as the presidential campaign unfolded, Palin became a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. And few knew the real Sarah Palin.

In this eagerly anticipated memoir, Palin paints an intimate portrait of growing up in the wilds of Alaska; meeting her lifelong love; her decision to enter politics; the importance of faith and family; and the unique joys and trials of life as a high-profile working mother. She also opens up for the first time about the 2008 presidential race, providing a rare, mom's-eye view of high-stakes national politics - from patriots dedicated to "Country First" to slick politicos bent on winning at any cost.