|PIC1|Christian publishing giant Zondervan, the company behind Rick Warren's megahit The Purpose Driven Life, has announced it will release the biography of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin next month.

The formerly little known Alaskan governor raised much curiosity after her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention last week where she showcased her no-nonsense attitude, passion and moral convictions.

Now that the entire country is familiar with the name Sarah Palin, people want to know more about the woman that could be second in line to the presidency.

The new biography Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader by Joe Hilley seeks to address some of the questions and allay curiosity by exploring how she became the leader she is today. The book looks back at Palin's political career, life as a hockey mum, and her strong Christian faith.

"We live in an age that values relationship over authority and instant information over accuracy, so breadth of knowledge and depth of conviction are the most prized commodities for our leaders," author Hilley said in a statement. "Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin brings both of these qualities and more to her new role as John McCain's running mate and I'm eager for readers to have the opportunity to know her and her brand of leadership more thoroughly."

Palin is the first woman governor of Alaska and the first woman to be on the Republican presidential ticket. She is known for her anti-corruption campaigns and likes to portray herself as a political outsider.

She was raised in a Pentecostal church and belonged to the Wasilla Assembly of God church in her hometown of Wasilla, Alaska, from her teenage years to 2002. Since then she has attended a nondenominational church in Wasilla.

"Regardless of your political persuasion, it is clear that Sarah Palin has quickly electrified the 2008 election and sparked a nationwide dialogue and debate," said Moe Girkins, president and CEO of Zondervan - the world's leading Christian publisher. "We are honoured to publish this book that will provide readers with a comprehensive look into the life and rising political career of Sarah Palin."

The book is scheduled for release on October 10.