Gavin Newsom Memoir Hits Top of Bestsellers Chart Hours After Release

Hollywood Reporter

by Tim Chan

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Gavin Newsom’s memoir *Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery* has skyrocketed to the top of bestseller charts just hours after its release. The book, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and the moments that shaped his political career, is already making waves on Amazon’s political biographies and memoirs lists. Touted as an “intimate and poignant” account, the memoir delves into Newsom’s journey from a childhood marked by family dysfunction and undiagnosed dyslexia to his rise as California’s governor. The timing of the memoir’s release has fueled speculation about Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential bid. The book, published by Penguin Press, offers a detailed look at Newsom’s early life, including his struggles with dyslexia and his efforts to reconcile two vastly different worlds—his mother’s working-class roots and his father’s connections to San Francisco’s elite. These challenges, as described in the memoir, helped shape his perseverance and deep-rooted love for California. The narrative also highlights key moments in Newsom’s political career, such as his decision to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples during his mayoral term in San Francisco, a move that was ahead of its time. Amidst this backdrop, the memoir arrives at a pivotal moment for Newsom, who has faced criticism from both within and outside California. Detractors, including Hollywood insiders like Halle Berry and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, have pointed to his policy decisions as evidence of potential flaws in his leadership. Despite these challenges, *Young Man in a Hurry* positions Newsom as an underdog, emphasizing his lifelong effort to make California proud. The book also touches on his broader vision for the state, including his efforts to bring Hollywood productions back to California through increased tax incentives

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026