George "Bud" Sinner was the governor of North Dakota from 1984 to1992, one of the most difficult periods in North Dakota history. Sinner became governor during a time of crisis on the northern Great Plains: the traditional problems of outmigration and uncertain commodity prices were dramatically worsened by a protracted drought, weak tax revenues, high interest rates, and one of the greatest farm foreclosure crises in American history.

Written in Sinner's warm, approachable style, his memoirs touch upon the serious, the hilarious, and the heartbreaking. This is the story of a Catholic farm boy who studied for the priesthood but discovered that his true vocation was public service. Turning Points exhibits Bud Sinner's characteristic outspokenness about life and power, friendship and faith, agriculture and community, public affairs and personal ethics.