Helpful Score: 14
Very interesting story. This is more or less a chronological journal up through her eight years in the White House. The first couple of chapters tell about Hillary's upbringing in a Republican family in Chicago and her college years when she had realized Democratic views were more in line with her personal ideals. Her character was developed under the upbringing of strongly-principled parents in a time full of opportunities for middle-class America and for women.
Hillary Rodham Clinton's character has only been made stronger by the various personal and political hurdles she and Bill Clinton overcame during his time as President. It appears the purpose of the book was to recognize and thank every person who ever touched her life. And considering her pro-active attitude toward every cause she deemed worthy, the names dropped are seemingly numerous as the stars! I will admit to skimming through certain sections that were more of a factual historical accounting than an insight to the lady. Though Hillary does inject humor and share enough personal stories to keep the book fairly interesting. I was moved to tears more than once.
It is interesting to read of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Hillary's thought processes through the ordeal. Her steely backbone is evident in how she chose to handle this disappointing event and shows that she can rise above acting on emotions when it is necessary.
This story convinces the reader that Hillary Rodham Clinton is an extremely strong person on her own. She reveals Bill Clinton to be very strong and persuasive, also. Hillary invokes the feeling that their marraige is a partnership where they are politically like-minded and support each others' goals.
On a personal note, I must add that I am conservative and still do not agree with Hillary Rodham Clinton's political views, but now respect her as a person with an extremely strong character.
Hillary Rodham Clinton's character has only been made stronger by the various personal and political hurdles she and Bill Clinton overcame during his time as President. It appears the purpose of the book was to recognize and thank every person who ever touched her life. And considering her pro-active attitude toward every cause she deemed worthy, the names dropped are seemingly numerous as the stars! I will admit to skimming through certain sections that were more of a factual historical accounting than an insight to the lady. Though Hillary does inject humor and share enough personal stories to keep the book fairly interesting. I was moved to tears more than once.
It is interesting to read of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and Hillary's thought processes through the ordeal. Her steely backbone is evident in how she chose to handle this disappointing event and shows that she can rise above acting on emotions when it is necessary.
This story convinces the reader that Hillary Rodham Clinton is an extremely strong person on her own. She reveals Bill Clinton to be very strong and persuasive, also. Hillary invokes the feeling that their marraige is a partnership where they are politically like-minded and support each others' goals.
On a personal note, I must add that I am conservative and still do not agree with Hillary Rodham Clinton's political views, but now respect her as a person with an extremely strong character.
Helpful Score: 3
This was a good read..I enjoyed hearing about her childhood..My she is a feisty lady!
Helpful Score: 2
Excellant story of a woman who has a tremendous impact on history- a interesting read .
Helpful Score: 2
Autobiography of Hillary Clinton that comes along at an appropriate time. She is a woman with a broad outlook and a lot of useful experience.
Helpful Score: 1
excellent incite into our next president's life in the whitehouse. The Clinton's met with many leaders throughtout the world and were beloved esp in Ireland where peace was negotiated.
A good read.
A good read.
Helpful Score: 1
I throughly enjoyed her story, if you overlook the danged right wing radicals she's sure is out to get everyone!
Helpful Score: 1
As with most books written by politicians while in office (or at least aiming for one), Living History is, first and foremost, safe. There are interesting observations and anecdotes, the writing is engaging, and there is enough inside scoop to appeal to those looking for a bit of gossip. Hillary Clinton has much to say about her experience as first lady, which is the primary focus of the book. Those interested in these experiences and her commentary on them will find the book worth reading.
Along the way, she offers many apologies, though perhaps not the kind some would expect. She does not shy away from her "vast right-wing conspiracy" comment, for instance, though she does wish that she had expressed herself differently. Regarding the Monica Lewinsky scandal, she maintains that her husband initially lied to her, as he did the rest of the country, and did not come clean until two days prior to his grand jury testimony. Calling his betrayal "the most devastating, shocking and hurtful experience of my life," she explains what the aftermath was like personally and why she has elected to stand by her man. In all, Living History is an informative book that goes a long way toward humanizing one of the most recognizable, and controversial, women of our age.
Along the way, she offers many apologies, though perhaps not the kind some would expect. She does not shy away from her "vast right-wing conspiracy" comment, for instance, though she does wish that she had expressed herself differently. Regarding the Monica Lewinsky scandal, she maintains that her husband initially lied to her, as he did the rest of the country, and did not come clean until two days prior to his grand jury testimony. Calling his betrayal "the most devastating, shocking and hurtful experience of my life," she explains what the aftermath was like personally and why she has elected to stand by her man. In all, Living History is an informative book that goes a long way toward humanizing one of the most recognizable, and controversial, women of our age.
I liked the book because it gave an interesting insight into the woman and her ambitions not only for her husband but for herself as well.
Pretty dull to be honest... and I'm a Democrat. The writing style was stilted and dry. Just goes from one dry event to the next without any interesting stories or "spark." Read Barack Obama's book instead!
Lies and cover ups.
Very interesting to read about this VIP. It helps to understand all sides of this very popular public figure.
I was curious why she stayed with Bill after the Monica ordeal. I learned a bit about their relationship and have a small understanding. According to her they really are life partners, they are best friends, and I too know with faith that almost anything can be overcome. I admire that she persevered with her own goals and that he supported her. The rest of her story is interesting, where she came from, how she got to where she is. She was once an ordinary person like the rest of us and doesn't seem to have forgotten that. Hillary for president!
I really liked this book. A lot of information and names, but still a good read. She is really an intelligent woman who has always been true to herself. It also was a good read about the Clinton administration and what obstacles they both encountered while in the White House.
I really liked it. She was real, honest, shared her life in the context of history with depth & humor. Explained her feelings & why she stayed through & after the Monica Lewinsky affair. Now, I get it. I didn't like her previous book "Takes a Village". It was full of trite well worn platitudes. I don't think she even wrote it. But Living History was well balanced, insightful, enjoyable. A very worthwhile, fascinating read(listen).
Hillary Rodham Clinton is a fascinating and talented author. As she tells the story of her romance with Bill and their years in politics one becomes so wrapped in the details. She includes wonderful little stories about themselves, herself, and their political experiences. The tale about how often Bill proposed before Hillary accepted is a charming glimpse of their love for each other. And, the Boris Yeltsin tales were funnnny! I loved them.
How naive the Clintons were! The political sharks descended on these idealistic young people when they took their place in the white house. Yet they would somehow rally even in adversity. Bill is eternally optimistic. I have long admired Hillary, who was more serious, and how hard she worked to better the lives of Americans, particularly women and children. While they did not accomplish all the goals they set, the Clintons left much they can be proud of. And, a number of the efforts they hoped to accomplish in office came to pass later because they paved the way.
How naive the Clintons were! The political sharks descended on these idealistic young people when they took their place in the white house. Yet they would somehow rally even in adversity. Bill is eternally optimistic. I have long admired Hillary, who was more serious, and how hard she worked to better the lives of Americans, particularly women and children. While they did not accomplish all the goals they set, the Clintons left much they can be proud of. And, a number of the efforts they hoped to accomplish in office came to pass later because they paved the way.
I loved this book even though I'm not a Democrate or a Hillary lover. She tells it like it is/was and doesn't seem to feel she needs to hide anything, even about her husband's antics. If I didn't have so many other books, I'd read it again.
You know, Hillary actually had me won over in this book. Then, more of her truth came out and I really don't respect her any more, sadly :(
I just couldn't get into this book...some of the information was not quite right.
Don't bother to read..
Don't bother to read..
I have not read this book but thought I might list it if someone else might want it.
