Synopsis:

A memoir from Valerie Biden Owens, longtime political strategist, one of the first female campaign managers in United States history, and younger sister of Joe Biden.

In this revelatory, engrossing memoir, Valerie Biden Owens shares stories from growing up in Delaware as the only daughter of the close-knit Biden family. Later, after the tragic accident that killed her niece and sister-in-law, Valerie moved in to help raise Beau and Hunter while then-Senator Biden commuted to Washington, DC.

But beyond their deep sibling relationship, Valerie has been in lockstep with her brother throughout both of their political careers. She has run almost all of her brother’s political campaigns—starting from his run for high school class president. From speechwriting to debate preparation, Valerie has played an integral role in shaping her brother’s message and strategy.

Growing Up Biden details Valerie’s decades-long professional career in politics, and her fundamental presence in her brother’s life as a close confidante. This memoir, full of candor and warmth, brings readers into the Biden home, watching as the siblings were raised to live with deep empathy, to work hard, and to help wherever they can.

I enjoyed this moving and touching memoir by Valerie Biden Owens about the enduring love and determination of the Biden family through changes, grief, and political campaigns. It’s my first non-fiction read of the year and my first Biden memoir—which means I have no other account of the Biden family to compare it to—but I thought it did what any good memoir should do: illuminate, educate, and inspire.

At the heart of this quick read is a story about a brother and sister, their unfailing loyalty and commitment to each other, and the people who shaped them along the way. Readers learn how and where the Biden story began, what influenced this political family, and the long and arduous road to the White House.

There’s a lovely chapter solely dedicated to the loss of President Biden’s first wife and daughter, and I thought it was respectful and emotional, bringing me to tears. I was unaware of many of the details, which were devastating, or that it had occurred so soon after Joe was elected to the Senate for the first time. Valerie recounts those dark days, how she stepped in to help take care of Joe’s young sons by moving into their house, where she would remain for several years.