Winner, Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Award
Finalist, APMA Best Atlantic-Published Book Award and George Borden Writing for Change Award

Alexa McDonough’s impact on Canadian politics cannot be measured solely by election victories or seat tallies. As the first female leader of a mainstream Canadian political party, she helped transform Nova Scotian and Canadian politics. In the process, she transcended party affiliation and gender to become simply "Alexa" to Canadians across the country.

In this authorized biography, veteran author Stephen Kimber chronicles Alexa’s life and political career and with it, weaves a narrative of the changing attitudes towards women in politics, from her early battles as the lone female MLA in a hostile Nova Scotian legislature to her leadership of the federal NDP to her role as senior stateswoman in Jack Layton’s shadow cabinet. Along the way, Kimber delves into McDonough’s personal life to uncover the origins of her political career: her upbringing in a wealthy family committed to progressive politics, her tightknit circles of female friends, her personal metamorphosis from "wife-of" to "leader-of," and her emergence as a political leader whose importance goes beyond partisan politics. The result is an engrossing story of one of Canada’s most beloved politicians, whose common touch and lifelong advocacy of progressive causes made her a significant player in Canadian public life.

Stephen Kimber, an award-winning writer, editor, and broadcaster, is the author of 10 books, including two novels and eight works of nonfiction. His most recent nonfiction book—What Lies Across the Water: The Real Story of the Cuban Five—was long-listed for the Canadian Booksellers Association's Libris Award as Nonfiction Book of the Year, won the 2014 Evelyn Richardson Award for Nonfiction, and the Cuban Institute of the Book's 2016 Reader's Choice Award. A journalist for 50 years, he is a professor in the School of Journalism at the University of King's College in Halifax and co-founder of the King's MFA in Creative Nonfiction program.

Stephen Kimber's profile page

• Short-listed, APMA Best Atlantic-Published Book Award
• Winner, Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Award
• Short-listed, George Borden Writing for Change Award

“A powerful and beautifully written biography of an important Canadian activist, feminist, and trailblazing politician. Her inspiring story, illustrating Alexa’s genuine motivation to make real change, is what propels women to run for public office. We are so grateful for Rosemary Brown’s advice ‘You Should’ when Alexa was asked to run for office. ‘You Should’ would be my advice to all young women in Canada. Read this book to better understand that when you add women, politics changes for the better.”

Hon. Carolyn Bennett

“Kimber’s appealing biography sheds light on the dynamics of the charismatic personality of this woman from Nova Scotia.”

<i>Winnipeg Free Press</i>

“Excellent and highly recommended ... Alexa! is a compelling and well-written portrait of a trailblazing, influential politician.”

<i>The Sidebar</i>

“A moving and delightfully descriptive account of Alexa McDonough, who successfully navigated the testosterone-fuelled world of elected office, winning the leadership of both the Nova Scotia NDP and the federal party. As a former political journalist who spent years covering women in politics, I had the opportunity to watch McDonough in action. Kimber’s account is spot on. He sugar-coats nothing, and McDonough, a private person, who was under a spotlight for most of her career, helps him tell the story.”

Jane Taber

“A deeply personal, yet objective, informative, and thought-provoking account of the life of one of Canada’s most inspiring parliamentarians. Alexa McDonough not only changed the face of politics in Canada and her beloved Nova Scotia, but she transformed lives and political processes. Alexa! offers readers a documented legacy of a political leader we could emulate. This book will inspire generations to continue the work she started.”

Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard

“Alexa McDonough tackled important issues for Canada at a time when even talking about these issues would result in anything from laughter to sneers to threats. I’m thankful that this book is written so that a record of her work exists and won’t be taken for granted. It is a gift to those of us who have followed in her giant footsteps and to those who may be inspired yet to do so. Kimber candidly covers her journey but treats her story with great care. Her humanity shines through.”

Megan Leslie

“Kimber writes breezily, creating an indelible portrait of a Politician with fire in her belly, able to stand up to unscrupulous adversaries ... while ceaselessly engaging with her political bases.”

<i>Herizons</i>

“Throughout the 286 pages of the book that author and journalist Stephen Kimber wrote about her, I discovered and understood better the daughter, wife, mother, and most of all, the politician Alexa was.”

<i>Rabble</i>

“No stone goes unturned, no detail spared … Packed with loads of fascinating details, in-depth explanations about how different parts of the government work, and a who’s-who of Atlantic Canadian activists, artists, businesspeople, scholars, and politicians … A recommended read for those interested in the history of the NDP and/or women in Canadian politics.”

<i>Miramichi Reader</i>

“Stephen Kimber has written a wonderful account of Alexa’s unique contributions to politics: a deep commitment to people, not in the abstract but as real individuals and families facing a struggle; to social justice writ large; and to building a movement in Nova Scotia and across the country. More people will get to know a truly remarkable woman whose intelligence, charm, and humour have worked their way into our hearts.”

Hon. Bob Rae

“I never had the opportunity to know or to work with Alexa McDonough — but I really wish I had. Her story is a rich piece of Canada’s political story. Her heart, her compassion, and her commitment to politics connected to real people are a profound counterbalance to the prevailing cynicism that threatens the very foundations of democracy. And we need more women’s stories. It was such a pleasure to read the story of this feisty, principled, brilliant woman who persevered through highs and lows, who defied the odds and the men who tried to bring her down, and who always found the light in the moment. Alexa touched the lives of millions of Canadians. I owe her a particular debt of gratitude for blazing a trail for women in leadership. This book is a delightful, important read!”

Kathleen Wynne

“In Stephen Kimber’s superb biography of Alexa McDonough ... he documents how McDonough — now retired and living with Alzheimer’s — has always worked hard to right wrongs, at home and abroad.”

<i>Atlantic Books Today</i>

“Throughout the book [Kimber] maintains a fine balance between the public and the personal, and the tone is usually just right: friendly and irreverent simultaneously.”

Lydia Perovic

“From the very first page of Alexa!, we’re given a look into the motivating forces that inspired her life and her work to make people’s lives better. From bringing awareness to the challenges faced by Black people in Africville and overhauling Halifax’s welfare system to her important role in advancing women’s rightful place in Canadian politics, this biography chronicles Alexa’s growing determination to build a better Canada.”

Jagmeet Singh

“Stephen Kimber masterfully recounts the life and times of an important Canadian. Kimber’s gift is to present his subject as a fully rounded person — a woman whose life was full of love and joy as well as grit and vision. I was only vaguely acquainted with Alexa McDonough although I know many who admired her. This wonderful biography makes me wish I had known her better.”

Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell