Released on July 9, 2024, with signed copies offered in select Michigan stores, “True Gretch” debuted gloriously. Gretchen Whitmer has been the Michigan governor since 2019. Her motto? “Do the next right thing,” from “Frozen II.”
Laced with tasteful pop-culture references, “True Gretch” chronicles some of Whitmer’s defining moments in the political spotlight. Whitmer is a devoted member of the Democratic Party who takes her duty to all Michiganders very seriously and also balances being a devoted wife, mother and leader. Her “gallows humor,” which is riveting from start to finish, is what attracts many and keeps you entertained throughout her book.
Whitmer’s debut novel sets the stage for her future political endeavors. Her age is spry compared to candidates like Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Whitmer has time to run for a higher-level office, and she has not explicitly ruled it out.
“True Gretch” highlights Whitmer’s political achievements in securing women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and protecting Michiganders from a deadly pandemic. Additionally, the book mentions emotional moments from her childhood that made her who she is today.
Bullied in fifth grade for developing earlier than her classmates, Whitmer faced teasing and even violence. One of these incidents knocked out her two front teeth, and her father coined the nickname Gravity Gretchen. What became an inside joke helped Whitmer overcome the embarrassment of the injury and learn not to take herself too seriously.
Throughout “True Gretch,” Whitmer displays her ability to respond: Whether it is to a societal injustice or a Twitter bully, she holds strong to her beliefs in her responses.
“That’s the secret to dealing with bullies: You take their weapon and make it your shield,” Whitmer said. She proves this by using names given to her through teasing and capitalizing on their catchiness.
These nicknames include Gravity Gretchen, Stretchin’ Gretchen, Fetchin’ Gretchen, Big Gretch and That Woman From Michigan.
Whitmer continues to prove her cultural prowess through her ability to laugh at herself and her frequent references to elements of popular culture. The cultural references in “True Gretch” that contribute to its status as a “woke” masterpiece include “Frozen II,” “The Hunger Games,” “Kindergarten Cop” and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinéad O’Connor, “The Rachel Maddow Show,” “Barbie,” “Saturday Night Live” and Cecily Strong, “Ultimate Fighting Championship,” “Ted Lasso,” and the “Irresponsible” Tour and Kevin Hart.
Whitmer is not directly involved in the 2024 presidential election, however, her influence on the Democratic Party and the hearts of Michiganders should not be underestimated. Readers of “True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between” will be left stronger, as better listeners and with a side part in their hair.
