Unfettered

By: John Fetterman

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff, John Fetterman

In this candid memoir, United States Senator John Fetterman shares the story of his journey in public service (which started by winning his first election by a single vote in 2005), including unvarnished details of his life-threatening stroke and struggles with depression, the truth about what really happens in Washington, and his vision for navigating our divided country’s future.

In his early twenties, John Fetterman seemed to be set for life. He had an MBA, a job in the risk management industry, and a comfortable future ahead of him. Yet something felt missing, insufficient, lacking in purpose. Having paired with Big Brothers and Big Sisters after a close friend’s tragic death, Fetterman decided to make a change and devote his life to public service instead—first in AmeriCorps, then as the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, later as the state’s lieutenant governor, and now as its senior senator.

Today, Fetterman is the consummate anti-politician, instantly recognizable for his 6'8" height, his choice of facial hair, and his signature hoodies. A contrarian by nature, he quickly developed a reputation as a pugilist willing to take on Republicans and Democrats alike, in public if necessary. Little did the world know that his biggest fight was being waged in private, and often inside his own mind.

In Unfettered, Fetterman reveals, for the first time, the full story of a life and career marked by battles, from his work with community leaders to revitalize Braddock to his recovery from the stroke that nearly ended his political career, to his lifelong struggles with the depression that landed him in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and nearly ended his life. At each step, Fetterman displays a rare level of candor for a sitting senator, sharing insights into the difficult and nonlinear path to mental health, the strain his challenges have placed on his family, the auditory processing issues he’s still overcoming, and more—all in the hope of paying it forward for anyone who has struggled with the depths of depression in their own life.

Despite the toll the past few years have taken on him, Fetterman’s passion for making change remains. Raw and visceral, this memoir is an unapologetic account of his unconventional life, a reminder that public service comes in many forms, and a vision for fighting the battles that matter in a divided country.

Critic reviews

“A candid, brave and affecting account of dealing with profound mental health challenges. . . . A story exceptionally well told, enlightening and often humorous.”—The Washington Post

“Unlike any politician’s book you’ve read.”—The New York Times

“[Fetterman’s] portrait of his breakdown is harrowing and believable. . . . It’s a relief to hear a major political figure speak of at least some of his beliefs and why he holds them.”—The Wall Street Journal

“His description of the effect of depression on both its victims and their loved ones is as true as a thing can be, and anyone who has suffered from the disease will identify with Fetterman. . . . [A] raw, honest, and searing account of how close he came to the brink, and how he fought back.”—The Free Press

“Unfettered recounts a hugely compelling life story, one that is at times deeply traumatic but also utterly humble. . . . America has no more absolutely authentic an elected official than John Fetterman.”—Washington Free Beacon

“Fetterman lays himself bare in this memoir, and it is a compelling read. . . . There’s a lot about Fetterman’s story that will engage readers regardless of their political affiliation. His writing . . . never feels forced, contrived or motivated by politics. Rather, he comes off as wholly original, both as an elected official and a human being.”—The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

Finding Fettetman

John is.not who I thought. Congrats for Sharing your journey and coming out the other side to enjoy your family and life to come.

Very Honest

I thought the book was very honest. I could relate as a tall awkward self conscious girl,young woman and adult who battled with depression all my life. My only question to John is has he ever found God. God was never mentioned in the book and I believe he would see things in a different light if he had. I could never write a book as honest as I felt this one was. I read the negative reviews and I don’t agree.

a story of resilience

The story was a little hard to follow due to jumping around. The story was heartfelt and I'm sure was hard to put onto paper. Reliving some aspects of his life had to be hard. I do not agree with him on most things politically but admire his honesty. Thank you for sharing.

im a Republican and he's a Democrate.

I really enjoyed reading this story of John Fedderman. I came to respect him a lot. he loves family and also children. All children. what i like about him the most is that he votes his heart and conscience. Its how Congress is supposed to be. thanks John. i often disagree with his votes, but he a good man.Not a party line guy.

Courageous in so many ways!

What a story and what a truly reasonable guy. Literally. He is a man of reason and holds true to his values and principles, putting people before party.