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Inside Gavin Newsom's upbringing, he recounts both hardship and privilege.
Summary
Gavin Newsom's new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, blends memories of childhood struggles—including undiagnosed dyslexia and his mother's multiple jobs—with episodes of close ties to the wealthy Getty family; comments he made at an Atlanta event about his schooling drew immediate criticism.
Content
Gavin Newsom has been promoting his memoir while describing a childhood he says combined real hardship with moments inside wealthy circles. He recounts undiagnosed dyslexia, teasing and bullying in school, and his mother working several jobs to make ends meet. At the same time, he describes close family ties to the Gettys and experiences such as overseas trips and social gatherings in elite settings. Remarks he made at an Atlanta event about his education and ability to read prompted swift public criticism.
Key facts:
- The memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery, was released this week and seeks to present a fuller account of Newsom's early life.
- At an Atlanta appearance he said he was a "960 SAT guy" and made comments about not being able to read a speech; those remarks drew backlash from figures including Nikki Minaj and Republican senator Tim Scott.
- Newsom describes childhood struggles such as undiagnosed dyslexia, bullying at Redwood High School, and his mother taking multiple jobs, moving frequently, renting rooms, and taking in foster children.
- He also writes about close associations with the Getty family, including travel and social events, and notes early support tied to that circle and the family's investment in his business PlumpJack.
- The article notes he won a partial baseball scholarship to Santa Clara University and reports he also had a letter of recommendation from a family friend, Governor Jerry Brown, which is not included in the book.
Summary:
The memoir presents a mix of personal hardship and episodes of privilege, and recent public remarks about his schooling have led to immediate criticism and scrutiny. How voters and commentators respond over time is undetermined at this time.
