Crude Awakening explains the growing pains and tribulations of a new state coming of age in the modern era – a state of wilderness, and Sourdoughs, thousands of years of Native culture, fishermen, prospectors and pioneers, brilliant minds and brave souls writing their own Constitution. In some ways comparable to the spirit of newness, hope and optimism of Philadelphia in the 1830s, Alaska’s coming out party had a darker and more raucous side.

Longtime journalist and award-winning author Joe McGinniss’ newest book, The Rogue, is the latest – but by no means last – book about Sarah Palin. Palin is not only the most famous Alaskan in history, she has uniquely combined political activity, celebrity, motherhood, grandmotherhood, a spousal relationship, borderline religious beliefs, professional victimhood, the American gossip universe, pop culture, legal obfuscation, new media and social networking. Increasingly known for being thin-skinned and somewhat lacking in spatial awareness, Palin, more than any American politician in a generation or so, almost begged McGinniss – or any investigative author – to move next door.

In the sea of Sarah Palin books that have been released since she slammed into the national consciousness, Blind Allegiance is unique. With access to the woman, the gubernatorial candidate, the governor, the VP candidate and the quitter, Frank Bailey was a true insider. He showed up at Palin campaign headquarters literally on Day One with a paintbrush and a mop. By virtue of his loyalty and work ethic, he played an integral role in her campaign, and rose in the ranks to become Palin’s powerful Director of Boards and Commissions during her administration as Governor.