By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has a tale to tell and he does so in his forthcoming book, No Turnin’ Back.
Parson believes there’s something unique to his story.
“I don’t know that there’s ever going to be another one that kind of comes from the ranks like I did,” Parson tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “My mom and dad were sharecroppers. I come from a little town. We didn’t have a lot when I grew up.”
Parson, a Republican, grew up in the small town of Wheatland in southwest Missouri.
Parson’s move to become governor is a story in and of itself.
Parson became governor in mid-2018, when, while serving as Lt. Governor, he took over the office upon the resignation of then-Governor Eric Greitens, who stepped down due to scandal.
Parson says he tried to be honest in the book.
“As I went back through it, there’s some fun times in there, some funny stories in there, there’s probably some stories in there once you read it, you’ll think, why did I ever vote for that guy?” Parson says. “It tells all about my life history and I’m pretty honest about it, even the times I wasn’t a model citizen.”
Parson served as Polk County Sheriff before being elected to the Missouri House of Representative, then the Missouri Senate. Parson won election at the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri in 2016. It would prove pivotal. Parson, who had flirted with running for governor that year, became the state’s 57th Governor, sworn in June 1st of 2018, replacing the disgraced Greitens.
Parson hopes his journey from poverty to the top office in the state inspires others.
“I hope it turns out to be where people look at, look at that story, and say, you know if that guy got to be governor, there’s no telling what I could do, either.”
Parson wants Missourians to see the opportunities available when they read about his life story.
“But the main thing I want people to realize (is) that no matter where you come from, no matter what the beginnings were like, you can do whatever you want to do if you, and for me, if you are willing to try it and have the faith to believe you can,” Parson says.
Parson reflects on his faith in the book as well, declaring only God can be the true author of the story of Mike Parson.
Net earnings from the sale of No Turnin' Back will go to the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Jobs for America's Graduates–Missouri, children with special needs, and other programs focused on children across Missouri.
No Turnin' Back will be released in March 2024. You can find out more at https://www.safeordering.com/G57