Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer In Conversation with Tracy Forner

Learn about the power of your voice and becoming a leader from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer through the lens of her new book, True Gretch. The young adult edition of this unconventionally honest, deeply personal, and sharply funny account is packed with remarkable insights for young people wishing to make a difference in the world.

Books are available for purchase from local independent children’s bookstore . Pre-order your copy of True Gretch today and pick it up at the event!

When Gretchen Whitmer was growing up, her beloved grandmother Nino taught her that you can always find something good in other people. “Even the meanest person might have pretty eyes,” she would say, a piece of advice that Gretchen carries with her today in her role as the governor of Michigan. (And one that resonated more than another her grandmother offered: “never part your hair in the middle.”)

From navigating a kidnapping and assassination plot in which she herself was a target to facing monumental challenges during a global pandemic, Big Gretch (as she’s now known) shares the key pieces of wisdom that have shaped her trailblazing career and personal experiences in this often hilarious, always uplifting book. Along the way, she tells stories about growing up gutsy in the Midwest, the wild comments she’s encountered as a public figure, and how to neutralize high-profile bullies with a fearless sense of humor. This new edition includes a Q&A with Governor Whitmer's two teenage daughters, along with resources relating to sexual assault and gun violence.

Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan and a rising figure in U.S. politics. Known for her bold and plainspoken style, Whitmer is a national voice on the rights of women, voters, and the LGBTQ+ community. She rose to national prominence for her leadership in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when her efforts to save lives in the state earned her the nickname “That Woman from Michigan” from the president. Later that year, a domestic terrorist cell began planning to kidnap and K*ll her, a plot that was foiled by the FBI and state police. Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander who first ran for office at age twenty-nine, has served in both state houses, and has never lost an election. She is the proud mother of two daughters, a huge Detroit Lions fan, the subject of the song “Big Gretch” by rapper GMac Cash, and the New York Times bestselling author of True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between.

Tracy Forner as co-anchor of a regional Emmy award-winning news team, a correspondent for a syndicated DIY program, a field reporter, and a host, has worn many hats in his broadcasting career. Talking to everyone from presidents and governors to Mike Tyson and The Tiger King, he has spent decades honing a disarming interview approach. It’s a style that, while approachable and seemingly informal, is no less informative for the audience. Tracy and his wife Elizabeth are Michigan natives who currently live in Brownsburg, Indiana. They are the proud parents of Ailish, Duncan, and Beckett who all continue to exceed expectations.

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