John Fetterman's compelling biography, "Unfettered," isn't enough to distract from his political record

Nov. 11, 2025

In "Unfettered," U.S. Sen. John K. Fetterman (D-Pa.) presents an examination of personal hardships in his life, which include suicidal thoughts and depression, requiring the constant support he's received from his family. But his personal struggles can't overshadow the political. Book reviewers highlight Fetterman's decisions to support President Donald Trump (R), Israël, and the reported immigration crackdown even as the Democratic Party searches for a backbone with which to resist.

Further Reading :

• John Fetterman makes a case for himself. It’s not very convincing. [The Washington Post]
  Nov. 11, 2025 — In his memoir ‘Unfettered,’ the senator addresses his depression and other struggles. It doesn’t mitigate concerns about whether he is up for the job.
• John Fetterman’s Memoir Is Unlike Any Politician’s Book You’ve Read [The New York Times]
  Nov. 11, 2025 — The senator from Pennsylvania chronicles his stroke, unlikely election victory and battle with depression. Just don’t expect him to try to win you over. “Unfettered” includes surprisingly little about his political positions. The pages that do have him defending himself from progressives who have been startled by his eagerness to work with President Trump, whom he visited at Mar-a-Lago before the inauguration.
• Sen. Fetterman slams Democrats for shutting down government [NPR]
  Nov. 11, 2025 — Fetterman spoke with NPR in a conversation tied to his new memoir, "Unfettered," about his 2022 Senate campaign, which saw him suffer a stroke and fall into a deep depression.

Key Words :

• 2025 U.S. Government shutdown threat
• Gisele Barreto Fetterman
• Harry G. Bissinger III
• John K. Fetterman