And the Good News Is … by Dana Perino Summary

And the Good News Is… traces Dana Perino’s journey from her rural Western upbringing to becoming the first Republican female White House Press Secretary and a Fox News commentator. Blending memoir and self-help, it shares lessons on resilience, optimism, and professionalism while advocating for civility in public discourse.

Dana Perino served as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush and co-hosts Fox News’ The Five. A descendant of Italian immigrants, she grew up in Wyoming and Colorado, later building a career marked by bipartisan collaboration and media influence.

This book suits professionals seeking career advice, political enthusiasts interested behind-the-scenes insights, and readers valuing resilience strategies. Its blend of memoir and practical tips appeals to those navigating workplace challenges or seeking bipartisan dialogue examples.

Yes, for its actionable advice on communication, optimism, and grace under pressure. Perino’s candid storytelling—from unsatisfying early jobs to presidential briefings—offers relatable inspiration, though critics note lighter policy analysis compared to other political memoirs.

Key lessons include:

• Clear communication: Articulate ideas with confidence and brevity.
• Optimism: Find silver linings in adversity.
• Civility: Foster respectful dialogue across ideological divides.
  Perino emphasizes preparation, adaptability, and maintaining personal integrity.

She recounts overcoming imposter syndrome as Press Secretary and navigating media scrutiny at Fox News. Her advice: stay solution-focused, leverage mentorship, and balance assertiveness with humility—principles honed during her Bush administration tenure.

Perino advocates seizing unexpected opportunities (like her fateful airplane meeting that reignited her political career) and mastering situational awareness. She stresses the importance of punctuality, thorough preparation, and cultivating a reputation for reliability.

Yes. Perino underscores bipartisanship as vital to problem-solving, sharing examples from her governance and media roles. She urges readers to prioritize common ground over divisive rhetoric, reflecting her work on The Five and with the Obama-era Broadcasting Board.

Her ranch upbringing taught resilience and grit, while her career reinforced the value of optimism in crisis management. She credits mentors like President Bush for modeling calm leadership during turbulent events, such as the 2008 financial collapse.

Unlike policy-heavy memoirs, Perino’s focuses on personal growth and universal principles like civility. It blends career insights with self-help, distinguishing it from works by peers like Dee Dee Myers or Jen Psaki.

Some reviewers note the book avoids deep political analysis, favoring inspirational anecdotes over policy debates. However, its accessible tone and practical advice resonate with readers seeking motivational takeaways.

She highlights setting boundaries (e.g., disconnecting after work) and leaning on supportive relationships. Her storytelling underscores the importance of self-care in high-pressure roles, from White House briefings to cable news debates.