summary ofGrowing Up BidenBook by Valerie Biden Owens

first KEY POINT

The undeniable power of familial ties

Very few people haven't heard about Joe Biden — the 46th U.S. President and renowned statesman. On the other hand, Valerie Biden Owens is a much more unknown name even though she's been President Biden's loyal companion and adviser throughout his entire career.Valerie Biden Owens was happy to remain in her brother's shadow for most of her life. It was an unspoken agreement between them, which worked well for both. Valerie and Joe Biden’s secret to a long-lasting partnership comprised two things: 1. They never held grudges against each other. 2. They shared a common worldview and values.Since early childhood, they spent so much time together (playing, discovering the world, and learning) that they became absolute experts on the subject of each other. They stayed silent in the most critical moments of their shared history because they did not need words to express their mutual trust and understanding.

Having close and profound relationships is an advantage, and it was one of the few that the Bidens had growing up. They didn't have wealth or status, but they had each other and the power of hope; this legacy helped them throughout their careers, and they passed it on to their children.Valerie Biden Owens' story is a familiar one for many. She grew up in a patriarchal society in the latter half of the 20th century in a middle-class Irish Catholic family. Valerie was the only girl in the family and grew up with three loving brothers — Joe, Jimmy, and Frankie. Their parents always encouraged them to stand up for themselves and each other, and all Bidens deeply cherished this helpful advice. Later, this family maxim motivated Joe Biden to offer his sister a career opportunity that wasn't an option for women at the time.