Between Hope and History: Meeting America's Challenges for the 21st Century

by William Jefferson Clinton

Between Hope and History is the President's articulation of his political philosophy - a philosophy that underpins all his policies and programs as America enters the twenty-first century.

The book is also a concise statement of the fundamental principles and values that have guided his administration since its inception in 1993. It continues, as he writes, "the conversation I have had with the American people about our destiny as a nation."

In Between Hope and History , President Clinton sees America poised on the edge of "the age of possibility." He declares that "the era of big government is over," and asserts his belief that the global economy will place a premium on education. The President also discusses the roles that individuals, families, businesses, and government must play as America prepares for the twenty-first century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Presidents

178 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written to coincide with President Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign, the book is heavy on lofty ideas and light on specifics. However, the book is worth reading in order to gain a sense of what issues and ideas were prescient in America in the mid-1990s.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coinciding with his re-election campaign in 1996, President Clinton gives an overview of the America he wants to see take shape in his final four years. While some people have cited he is very light on specifics (which is true), specifics would have made the book a complete bore for most readers.

Reading the book in 2013 has given me the opportunity to look at his presidency in hindsight. While no president is ever able to complete much of what he sets out to do, President Clinton did come awfully close in most areas and did complete quite a bit of what he set out to do.

The book is a quick and inspiring read that many Americans can get behind. While some of the material is dated, it is still an enjoyable read!

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was only okay because it outlines some of the laws and policies he tried to pass with homeland security before 9/11 even occured. But it seems strange that he knew these forces needed to be in place before George W Bush stepped into office, but was turned down by Congress where the laws were not passed...and did not take it seriously. I am wondering now what dealings he had as a President to foresee it coming....

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was organized well, although embelished to the way he might have wanted to be. Most ten year white males were not concerned with blacks sitting in the back of the bus. It does give insight of his presidential priorities and his way of influenceing the masses.

[Cws]

92C

[Joe Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved both this president and this book.

[Evanhinkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more from this book. Basically a big crappy speech. . .

[Liam Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated, but the chapter on responsibility is especially pertinent more than 20 years later

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I recognize Clinton's observations as valid and prescient, I do not agree that the Government owns the monkey. Society in general must act cohesively to accomplish his proposed goals. I did not return regularly to continue reading.

[Kendal · Rating 3 out of 5]

"And he did do justice unto the people, but not unto himself because of his many whoredoms; wherefore he was cut off from the presence of the Lord." Ether 10:11

[Logan Gifford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really profiles President Clinton in a pivotal moment. The reason for my review being 3 stars is due to the fact that it didnt shed enough light.

[Gordon Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of President Clinton's governing philosophy...a Third Way of sorts, achieving liberal ends through conservative means.