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Hillary: A Biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Karen Blumenthal
"Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. . . . And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on." -Hillary Rodham ClintonAs a young girl growing up in the fifties, Hillary Diane Rodham had an unusual upbringing for the time-her parents told her, "You can do or be whatever you choose, as long as you're willing to work for it." Hillary took those words and ran. Whether it was campaigning at the age of thirteen in the 1964 presidential election, receiving a standing ovation and being featured in LIFE magazine as the first student commencement speaker at Wellesley, or graduating from Yale Law School-she was always one to stand out from the pack.And that was only the beginning. Today, we have seen Hillary in many roles. From First Lady of the United States to the first female Senator of New York and most recently as the United States Secretary of State. An activist all her life, she has been devoted to health care reform, child care, and women's rights, among others. And she's still not done.Critically acclaimed author Karen Blumenthal gives us a sharp and intimate look at the life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, American politics, and what the future holds in store. Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs, this is the must-have biography on a woman who has always known her public responsibility, who continues to push boundaries, and who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Karen Blumenthal
30 books149 followersKaren Blumenthal is a critically acclaimed author of narrative nonfiction for young people, who is fascinated by controversial subjects and social change. Her books include Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different; Tommy: The Gun that Changed America; Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History, and Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX. Her books have won a Sibert Honor and a Jane Addams Children's Book award and have been a finalist for YALSA's Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults award three times. She lives in Dallas, where Roe v. Wade originated. For more information, go to www.karenblumenthal.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 26, 2016
As an outsider, I was looking to learn a little about Hillary to understand why she is such a divisive figure in the US. So divisive, that an outwardly hateful demagogue has apparently become a plausible alternative in the current race for the presidency. The biographies I saw in the Kindle store could mainly be separated into two categories: hatchet jobs (entitled things like "Hillary: The Antichrist?"... that may be an exaggeration) or autobiography/memoirs. This title seemed to be the only exception - it didn't appear from the surface to be taking too strong a position either way, so I thought I'd give it a bash.
As the only choice seemingly available, I was a little disappointed that it is a book for young adults. I'm not particularly against this on principle, but presumably this is why there is much detail missing in the book. Surprisingly for a biography of a politician, there is very little discussion of her political views or how she came to hold them. This coupled with a lack of detail on political context surrounding the different stages of her life mean that it feels at least half the story is missing.
Then there's the bias - this book is clearly pro-Hillary. I wouldn't go so far as to call it hagiography, but Hillary gets the benefit of the doubt at every turn and criticisms of Hillary are generally brushed over pretty quickly. Having said that, there is just enough balance to allow you to read between the lines to see how she can be seen as a careerist politician, lacking in vision beyond ambition and potentially seen as untrustworthy. To be able to get to this negative portrayal of Hillary though, I think I would need to read another book.
On the whole, it was worth reading to get a brief overview of the main events - much of Hillary's life is very impressive and interesting - but overall disappointing. I still don't really know what she stands for and why people stand against her.
As the only choice seemingly available, I was a little disappointed that it is a book for young adults. I'm not particularly against this on principle, but presumably this is why there is much detail missing in the book. Surprisingly for a biography of a politician, there is very little discussion of her political views or how she came to hold them. This coupled with a lack of detail on political context surrounding the different stages of her life mean that it feels at least half the story is missing.
Then there's the bias - this book is clearly pro-Hillary. I wouldn't go so far as to call it hagiography, but Hillary gets the benefit of the doubt at every turn and criticisms of Hillary are generally brushed over pretty quickly. Having said that, there is just enough balance to allow you to read between the lines to see how she can be seen as a careerist politician, lacking in vision beyond ambition and potentially seen as untrustworthy. To be able to get to this negative portrayal of Hillary though, I think I would need to read another book.
On the whole, it was worth reading to get a brief overview of the main events - much of Hillary's life is very impressive and interesting - but overall disappointing. I still don't really know what she stands for and why people stand against her.
March 28, 2016
This is a great book for raising one's feminist hackles and instilling a sense of fondness toward serious nerd baby Hillary. Also, like a lot of YA nonfiction I've been reading lately, it fills in some gaps in my own historical knowledge (I was a tween when Whitewater etc was happening and never bothered to look it up on Wikipedia).
I've seen reviews about how this is propaganda secretly sponsored by the Clinton campaign, which, okay, maybe? But Hillary didn't grant Karen Blumenthal any interviews for it, and it's targeted at the YA market who... will not be able to vote in the 2016 election, so...if it is propaganda it's off the mark a bit. But it does humanize Hillary in a way that a lot of articles about her fail to do. That's like, the whole point of biographies, though, and it also highlights some of her failings and missteps. Overall though, at least for me, it just fueled my general ire at all the extra hoops Hillary has had to jump through to be perceived as a competent human being. (I'm not saying this entitles her to be president or makes her the most qualified candidate, but I am saying HULK SMASH THE PATRIARCHY.)
I'd recommend it to nerdy youths who are interested in the election/recent history. Also, adults who don't understand what Whitewater is and/or would like to know more about Hillary besides "she is an ambitious monster woman."
It also seems like this would be of high interest right now but will almost immediately become outdated since it ends with wondering whether or not Hillary will win the nomination this year.
I've seen reviews about how this is propaganda secretly sponsored by the Clinton campaign, which, okay, maybe? But Hillary didn't grant Karen Blumenthal any interviews for it, and it's targeted at the YA market who... will not be able to vote in the 2016 election, so...if it is propaganda it's off the mark a bit. But it does humanize Hillary in a way that a lot of articles about her fail to do. That's like, the whole point of biographies, though, and it also highlights some of her failings and missteps. Overall though, at least for me, it just fueled my general ire at all the extra hoops Hillary has had to jump through to be perceived as a competent human being. (I'm not saying this entitles her to be president or makes her the most qualified candidate, but I am saying HULK SMASH THE PATRIARCHY.)
I'd recommend it to nerdy youths who are interested in the election/recent history. Also, adults who don't understand what Whitewater is and/or would like to know more about Hillary besides "she is an ambitious monster woman."
It also seems like this would be of high interest right now but will almost immediately become outdated since it ends with wondering whether or not Hillary will win the nomination this year.
February 20, 2016
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway.
One of the other reviewers alluded to this being campaign propaganda and a whitewash of Hillary's past. I don't know that I'd go that far, but it is very heavily slanted.
The book is a biography of Hillary Clinton and really delves into her distant past and upbringing giving an idea of what influenced her and made her the person she is. It is certainly a book for 'middle readers' or young adults. Many of the political and legal terms are explained or defined which is entirely to be expected. The subtitle is A Woman Living History on my ARC copy anyway, it lists all the 'firsts' she's been a part of e.g. first woman to win a binding primary for president, first First Lady to run and win election to the Senate, etc. I didn't think too much of that when I got it and started reading the book, but the further I got into it, the more it became apparent that the author's intent isn't to provide a full picture of who she is, what she has done and the impact of her decision, but more to paint her in the best light and advocate for her as a future candidate.
The main issue I had with the book is that it NEVER questions anything she said or did. The author takes everything Hillary said at face value and if it turned out to be incorrect or the wrong decision later, it was clearly a misunderstanding or something outside of her control. The author does mention some of the numerous scandals and investigations that have comprised the Clinton's political and legal history, but doesn't really explore why they were scandals, why they were important, or what they meant. The latest and most recent scandal with Hillary's email server while Secretary of State is mentioned in a throw-away sentence as an unusual arrangement.
The problem is this wasn't an 'unusual arrangement' it was unauthorized and quite possibly illegal; certainly ill-advised especially since it seems to have been hacked at least once. Despite Hillary's claims to the contrary, the count of classified, top secret and above emails found on her server have reached over 1,300. There are several instances in the book where the Clintons are under investigation or being quizzed by reporters and they aren't just reluctant to share, but willfully lie and misrepresent the truth. This never seems to be an issue or a concern that anyone mentioned in the book has except for clearly partisan, possibly unstable, people and media outlets. There is not even a cursory exploration of what many people believe to be a pattern of falsehood; there's a reason fewer than 40% of the population think she's trustworthy.
Yes, Hillary has accomplished a lot and yes, she is the first woman to do many things. However the book never explores any of her faults or poor decisions resulting in a fairly one dimensional caricature.
One of the other reviewers alluded to this being campaign propaganda and a whitewash of Hillary's past. I don't know that I'd go that far, but it is very heavily slanted.
The book is a biography of Hillary Clinton and really delves into her distant past and upbringing giving an idea of what influenced her and made her the person she is. It is certainly a book for 'middle readers' or young adults. Many of the political and legal terms are explained or defined which is entirely to be expected. The subtitle is A Woman Living History on my ARC copy anyway, it lists all the 'firsts' she's been a part of e.g. first woman to win a binding primary for president, first First Lady to run and win election to the Senate, etc. I didn't think too much of that when I got it and started reading the book, but the further I got into it, the more it became apparent that the author's intent isn't to provide a full picture of who she is, what she has done and the impact of her decision, but more to paint her in the best light and advocate for her as a future candidate.
The main issue I had with the book is that it NEVER questions anything she said or did. The author takes everything Hillary said at face value and if it turned out to be incorrect or the wrong decision later, it was clearly a misunderstanding or something outside of her control. The author does mention some of the numerous scandals and investigations that have comprised the Clinton's political and legal history, but doesn't really explore why they were scandals, why they were important, or what they meant. The latest and most recent scandal with Hillary's email server while Secretary of State is mentioned in a throw-away sentence as an unusual arrangement.
The problem is this wasn't an 'unusual arrangement' it was unauthorized and quite possibly illegal; certainly ill-advised especially since it seems to have been hacked at least once. Despite Hillary's claims to the contrary, the count of classified, top secret and above emails found on her server have reached over 1,300. There are several instances in the book where the Clintons are under investigation or being quizzed by reporters and they aren't just reluctant to share, but willfully lie and misrepresent the truth. This never seems to be an issue or a concern that anyone mentioned in the book has except for clearly partisan, possibly unstable, people and media outlets. There is not even a cursory exploration of what many people believe to be a pattern of falsehood; there's a reason fewer than 40% of the population think she's trustworthy.
Yes, Hillary has accomplished a lot and yes, she is the first woman to do many things. However the book never explores any of her faults or poor decisions resulting in a fairly one dimensional caricature.
October 3, 2016
I enjoyed it. It was well-written, organized and easy to read. I would have liked a slightly more impartial look at her life. Blumenthal's research seemed exhaustive. GO HILLARY!!
May 23, 2017
A solid, even-handed biography of a major modern historical figure, the book focuses on Hillary Clinton's life from birth until her declaration to run for president in 2016. Because it does not cover her campaign and the 2016 election, it's already a bit dated even though it was published last year. This book is intended for young adult readers, and because of this, it doesn't dig too deep into any of the big events that make Clinton such a divisive personality. But maybe that's the point: It's an overview of Clinton's life without any input from Clinton herself, as she declined to be interviewed for this book. Blumenthal uses a wide variety of sources to tell Clinton's story, and was meticulous in verifying them. What we get is pretty dry, because Clinton still manages to keep a lot of her very public life private.
It is, however, nice to read something about Clinton that relies on facts rather than opinions or gross misinformation. Blumenthal's intended audience is given a matter-of-fact presentation of Clinton that is not found on social media.
Clinton is an interesting figure; more interesting than this book would suggest, because in sticking to the facts we don't delve into what really makes Hillary Clinton tick. Clinton is a woman who has faced sexism throughout her life for being outspoken and intelligent. Her lack of finesse and her difficulty relating to the press are also noted. To say the least, she's been through a lot, but everything she tells the public about herself is guarded and/or shaped by her political advisors, making it very difficult to get to the real person inside, which unfortunately is the person most of this book's audience would want to know.
It is, however, nice to read something about Clinton that relies on facts rather than opinions or gross misinformation. Blumenthal's intended audience is given a matter-of-fact presentation of Clinton that is not found on social media.
Clinton is an interesting figure; more interesting than this book would suggest, because in sticking to the facts we don't delve into what really makes Hillary Clinton tick. Clinton is a woman who has faced sexism throughout her life for being outspoken and intelligent. Her lack of finesse and her difficulty relating to the press are also noted. To say the least, she's been through a lot, but everything she tells the public about herself is guarded and/or shaped by her political advisors, making it very difficult to get to the real person inside, which unfortunately is the person most of this book's audience would want to know.
March 20, 2017
I feel like middle of the road is the most accurate rating for me.
The good- I found the story intriguing and read it in one day (almost one sitting). Which for politics and/or non-fiction history is rare for me. I came away with a new perspective of her accomplishments and countless times her cheating husband humiliated her & obliterated her heart & trust. I fully believe this person is genuine in her endeavors to push not only this nation but this world into a better place after reading this. I believe that her underlying motives are sincere. However, that's not to say I don't see huge mistakes and flaws of her as a person. (As are we all though, I guess)
The bad- I feel like it's not a neutral author portraying the facts. It feels more like a pro-Hillary confidant smoothing the rough edges of her mistakes. It felt like the biggest talking points and controversy (Benghazi & emailgate) were just brushed over as an aside. As a person trying to peel away the bullshit of media spin and form a valid and educated opionin of one of the most intriguing & powerful women of my time I would have liked it to feel a great deal more raw & less powder puff.
Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY! It was a fascinating & fast paced piece that did give a accurate timeline of history. It was engaging & very well structured. If she was the full saint this piece alleges it doesn't portray (but yet it does) it would be extrodinary IMO, but as I know there's three sides to these scandals I ultimately felt it leaned a tad too "ProHillary" to be an unbiased account of FLOTUS.
The good- I found the story intriguing and read it in one day (almost one sitting). Which for politics and/or non-fiction history is rare for me. I came away with a new perspective of her accomplishments and countless times her cheating husband humiliated her & obliterated her heart & trust. I fully believe this person is genuine in her endeavors to push not only this nation but this world into a better place after reading this. I believe that her underlying motives are sincere. However, that's not to say I don't see huge mistakes and flaws of her as a person. (As are we all though, I guess)
The bad- I feel like it's not a neutral author portraying the facts. It feels more like a pro-Hillary confidant smoothing the rough edges of her mistakes. It felt like the biggest talking points and controversy (Benghazi & emailgate) were just brushed over as an aside. As a person trying to peel away the bullshit of media spin and form a valid and educated opionin of one of the most intriguing & powerful women of my time I would have liked it to feel a great deal more raw & less powder puff.
Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY! It was a fascinating & fast paced piece that did give a accurate timeline of history. It was engaging & very well structured. If she was the full saint this piece alleges it doesn't portray (but yet it does) it would be extrodinary IMO, but as I know there's three sides to these scandals I ultimately felt it leaned a tad too "ProHillary" to be an unbiased account of FLOTUS.
June 19, 2016
Phenomenal woman. That was my response when I finished this book. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a phenomenal woman. I hope others take time to read and learn about her accomplishments and her compassion for making the world a better place. And Karen Blumenthal is an excellent biographer! This is a well written, extensively researched biography that is marketed for young adults, and it is perfectly excellent for adults to read, too! I learned a lot of about the impressive career and experience of HRC from this book, which I will not detail in the review, but the telling details did give me a lot of insight and things to think about with women and politics. The challenges and adversity women like HRC face are legion, and it is sad to learn about the prejudice, double-standards, and downright hatred women deal with as they persevere with their commitments to serve in public office (and elsewhere). I amazed, honored, and proud to learn about the good works of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Thank you to Karen Blumenthal for giving such an economically thorough and fascinating account of HRC's life. Clinton's life story is long and complex, and not over yet, and Blumenthal has a good handle on giving her readers the "just right" amount of information to intrigue and not overwhelm. I look forward to reading more works by Karen Blumenthal as she is a gifted writer.
Thank you to Karen Blumenthal for giving such an economically thorough and fascinating account of HRC's life. Clinton's life story is long and complex, and not over yet, and Blumenthal has a good handle on giving her readers the "just right" amount of information to intrigue and not overwhelm. I look forward to reading more works by Karen Blumenthal as she is a gifted writer.
June 21, 2016
I got what I wanted from this book: a clear biography, engaging, neither "rah-rah" nor 'boo-boo." The author placed HRC in history, my history really as we grew up at the same time. She seems a kindred spirit with a passion for women and children's issues, a faith that guides and inspires her choices; a woman to whom hair and make-up were an unnecessary mystery. She is a leader with clay feet (show me one who doesn't suffer from that condition) who picks herself up after mistakes and goes back to work. The book could easily be in a middle school library, but it's a bit long for that setting. It would take a very interested student to pick it up when it's 400+ pages. Definitely could work in a high school library.
April 9, 2017
An excellent and highly readable biography of Rodham Clinton. Blumenthal takes the reader on a journey from Hillary's childhood through the beginning of her 2016 Presidential run. Along the way, the reader is given insight into her character as well as her career and life choices.
This is a great book for teens who want to learn more about a powerful politician and her struggles to shatter the glass ceiling.
This is a great book for teens who want to learn more about a powerful politician and her struggles to shatter the glass ceiling.
March 8, 2016
A must read before you vote in 2016. So many people believe everything the media portrays but this book is easy to understand...no muddy water.
A must read before you vote in 2016. So many people believe everything the media feeds us. This book is informative with no muddy water.
A must read before you vote in 2016. So many people believe everything the media feeds us. This book is informative with no muddy water.
June 30, 2016
I really enjoyed reading about her. I've mostly heard negativity toward her, so it was refreshing to read about her life, experiences, and strength.
August 24, 2017
4.5 stars - more to come
March 13, 2016
Never have I read a more inspiring book about an ambitious woman who seems to defy all odds, prejudices and annoying judgments from the American press. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the AMAZING, the INSPIRING, the AMBITIOUS, the AWESOME HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON!!!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!!!
APPLAUSE EVERYWHERE!!!
This biography follows Hillary on her journey from little girl with a huge amount of talent intelligence to a woman in one the most powerful roles in the world. When I said it was an inspiring read, that was a bit of an understatement. IT IS SERIOUSLY AN INSPIRING READ!!! It’s important for every young woman (or even man) to read about some sort inspiring woman. Especially since Hillary was born in the 40s and grew up in the 50s – an especially patriarchal world – she still manages to overcome the odds. You read about her natural leadership skills and her experience at school. She was smart yet she was social and charming.
Fast-forward; for a woman so talented and gifted, she’s been through some rough shit. Despite the fact that her husband, Bill Clinton was a womanizer, throughout the novel she is the literally the butt of the press. They find every reason to talk shit about her and that was seriously so annoying to read about. WHY DOES THE PRESS HAVE TO BE SO NOSY?! DON’T THEY HAVE BETTER THINGS TO TALK ABOUT?! Well, apparently not.
You read all about her role in campaigning for her husband's presidency and her own to be Senator. And moreover, you read about her and Obama running for President in 2008 - talk about fascinating! No, that was not sarcasm.
I've always found American politics more interesting than Australia's and this is definitely a must read for anyone who feels that same. Also, reading it just gives you more of a reason to vote for her and NOT DONALD TRUMP.
December 11, 2016
My reading experience with this book was very engaging because it very factual, even though it was dry at some points. This is because it was a biography, which had loads of information about Hillary's life, but since it had so much detail it had some boring parts to go along with the interesting ones. The topics in this book include: her education, work, family life, marriage, political career, and even goes into some of her scandals and the early parts of her presidential campaign. Overall, I found the book a worth while read, especially if you are into politics. One example from this book that really shows how Hillary formed her ideas is from a speech Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave in 1966, "King's speech 'Remaining Awake Through a Revolution' was a true wake-up call to Hillary, her first introduction to racial discrimination and the battle against it" (Blumenthal 25). This excerpt from the book was a turning point because before this happened Hillary was quite conservative politically, but after she heard King speak and noticed what blacks and latinos were going through at the time, she became more liberal in her political thoughts. I would recommend Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History to anybody who is interested in politics, either liberal or conservative, but I would someone older than tenth grade as it gets somewhat dry at certain points. All in all, this was an excellent read and I am very glad I chose this book.
March 7, 2017
Karen Blumenthal attempts, in this biography, to get behind the public face of Hillary Clinton, to show readers the real Hillary, both her struggles and her strengths. While many readers may be aware of the 21st century Hillary, this book takes us back to the very beginning, showing how she has always been a force to be reckoned with, someone who always strives to make a given situation better. Blumenthal highlights Hillary's dedication to her religious beliefs, her struggles with her relationship with Bill, and the constant battle between staying true to herself while attempting to meet the demands of the American people (through her appearance, her job, and her family).
The back matter of this book is great, including a timeline of Hillary's life and an extensive bibliography showing where Blumenthal drew her facts and conclusions. In young adult non-fiction, it is so important to show accurate information and citation formats, and this book does an great job!
While this book is wonderful, it should be taken into account that it is biased in Hillary's favor. Those who do not side with Hillary's politics and ideologies may not find this biography accurate in its depictions of certain events or controversies. But remember, there are always two sides to every side, particularly when dealing with politics!
The back matter of this book is great, including a timeline of Hillary's life and an extensive bibliography showing where Blumenthal drew her facts and conclusions. In young adult non-fiction, it is so important to show accurate information and citation formats, and this book does an great job!
While this book is wonderful, it should be taken into account that it is biased in Hillary's favor. Those who do not side with Hillary's politics and ideologies may not find this biography accurate in its depictions of certain events or controversies. But remember, there are always two sides to every side, particularly when dealing with politics!
November 30, 2016
I picked this up at the end of July having read a review of it that claimed it struck a balance between demonizing HRC and hand-waving her faults. Also it was YA and relatively short, which was approximately how much effort I wanted to put into read a book about a presidential candidate (Before you ask why I didn't read a Trump bio, I'm going to offer that I watched a couple of seasons of Celebrity Apprentice -- 3 & 4 according to Wikipedia).
Then the book sat on my nightstand until October, when I decided that if I was going to read it, I better get on with it. I learned somethings about Clinton that I didn't know, and I quickly realized that Blumenthal's main goal was to humanize her and to provide rational defense for some of her actions. My sister has always argued that Clinton's lack of transparency is a defense mechanism developed after year upon year of having to defend herself from vicious attacks, and I don't disagree with that, but it's also clear that it has hurt her.
The one thing that this book really brought home to me is that as long as Clinton continues in politics, the witch hunt will carry on, and I admit to feeling wearied by that outcome. So wearied that I'm looking forward to our first orange president? I wouldn't go that far.
Then the book sat on my nightstand until October, when I decided that if I was going to read it, I better get on with it. I learned somethings about Clinton that I didn't know, and I quickly realized that Blumenthal's main goal was to humanize her and to provide rational defense for some of her actions. My sister has always argued that Clinton's lack of transparency is a defense mechanism developed after year upon year of having to defend herself from vicious attacks, and I don't disagree with that, but it's also clear that it has hurt her.
The one thing that this book really brought home to me is that as long as Clinton continues in politics, the witch hunt will carry on, and I admit to feeling wearied by that outcome. So wearied that I'm looking forward to our first orange president? I wouldn't go that far.
August 20, 2016
Written by the author of several well-received YA non-fiction books, this is a look at Clinton from her childhood through the early part of her presidential run. It ends with her starting the campaign in 2015. Blumenthal writes admiringly of Clinton and her intelligence and drive, but does not pull any punches about her flaws. Although aimed at young adults, this is really a book for ages 13 and up. Issues are clearly defined, put in a historical context, and explained in language that anyone interested in political history can understand.
From her early political activities as a Young Republican leader, to her role in the Watergate investigation, to her life as First Lady of Arkansas and then the US, to her time in the Senate & the State Department, Clinton's activities and motives are explained. With lots of black & white photographs that enhance the story and an unflinching look at the many controversies that follow Clinton, fans & detractors alike will want to read this. And, yes, she does talk about Vince Foster, Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky etc, Benghazi, and even the email controversy.
From her early political activities as a Young Republican leader, to her role in the Watergate investigation, to her life as First Lady of Arkansas and then the US, to her time in the Senate & the State Department, Clinton's activities and motives are explained. With lots of black & white photographs that enhance the story and an unflinching look at the many controversies that follow Clinton, fans & detractors alike will want to read this. And, yes, she does talk about Vince Foster, Whitewater, Monica Lewinsky etc, Benghazi, and even the email controversy.
July 6, 2016
This book is recommended “For young people just beginning to be interested in politics…” (Bob Schieffer, CBS News) and I would concur with that, though through the story of Hillary’s life I learned a lot as well. I appreciated that the author covered the scandals and “issues” around this woman with an eye to the factual, not just the rumors and headlines. This is a complete story of Hillary, from little girl learning to hold her own with the neighbor boys, to co-ed who changed from her father’s Republican views to her own Democratic beliefs. This book has a seven-page timeline, a bibliography and chapter notes, as well as many photographs and some political cartoons to break up the text. It ends as she throws her hat into the ring as a presidential candidate, so it is a timely treatment that I will be glad to offer my students seeking a current biography. I enjoyed seeing the human side of this driven woman.
December 29, 2015
I won this book as a FirstRead.
This book is a biography of Hillary Clinton from childhood until her announcement that she is running for president in the 2016 election. While the book does paint Hillary in a positive light, it does not avoid the problems she has had along the way.
The book is aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds, but I feel it could make a good light read for adults as well. The only parts that seem directly aimed at a younger crowd are a few instances when phrases are explained that a younger person might not have heard before. I learned a lot about Hillary through this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in knowing more about Hillary's background.
This book is a biography of Hillary Clinton from childhood until her announcement that she is running for president in the 2016 election. While the book does paint Hillary in a positive light, it does not avoid the problems she has had along the way.
The book is aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds, but I feel it could make a good light read for adults as well. The only parts that seem directly aimed at a younger crowd are a few instances when phrases are explained that a younger person might not have heard before. I learned a lot about Hillary through this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in knowing more about Hillary's background.
July 25, 2021
Easy to read, entertaining and informative as the book follows the life of Hillary up to the 2016 primaries.
The book briefly covers the early years which were not quite what may be expected for the person Hillary grew to be.
Once in secondary school the target and pace were set, those around her realized the focus and determination would take her somewhere.
For a non-US person and never having been to USA, the book did give me greater dimension of the USA mindset.
The intriguing point is, despite her ability and the positions of power she has occupied, she appears to have difficulty in gaining the feminine confidence.
The book briefly covers the early years which were not quite what may be expected for the person Hillary grew to be.
Once in secondary school the target and pace were set, those around her realized the focus and determination would take her somewhere.
For a non-US person and never having been to USA, the book did give me greater dimension of the USA mindset.
The intriguing point is, despite her ability and the positions of power she has occupied, she appears to have difficulty in gaining the feminine confidence.
May 23, 2017
Was a good book, I remember having seen this on the book shelf and not being sure if I want to read it or not, eventually I did. I like the way the author displayed every time period from youngest to oldest with different chapters rather than jumbled it all together. Gave me a better insight on her husband as a president and also her "way" of engaging with voters and encouraging them. But at the end I have to agree with Trump: I cant believe her with the private email scandal. (It did talk about that). However she is hard working and docent give up, even after all that happened during her husbands presidency, her study and her own presidency .
January 7, 2016
Who is Hillary Rodham Clinton. She began as a promising young attorney. She followed her future husband Bill Clinton to Arkansas. Once there she broke ground and became a law firm partner. After her husbands sex scandal she once again transformed herself and became a senator from New York. She is a supremely confident and strong woman. She is controversial - reviled by some, - respected by others. At the age of sixty eight her determination keeps her going. THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRSTREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK !!!!
March 13, 2016
A well researched book about Hillary Rodham Clinton. I learned important information
about her family, her young adult years, her years in government and her values.
She is an intelligent, compassionate woman who has faced many challenges and given many years to making this a better country and a better world. She is devoted to children and families in
action not just words. She was mentored by Marion Wright Edelman which speaks
about who she is. She has significant experience in politics which many people would
not have the courage to do.
about her family, her young adult years, her years in government and her values.
She is an intelligent, compassionate woman who has faced many challenges and given many years to making this a better country and a better world. She is devoted to children and families in
action not just words. She was mentored by Marion Wright Edelman which speaks
about who she is. She has significant experience in politics which many people would
not have the courage to do.
October 11, 2016
Even though Clinton declined to comment for this autobiography, Blumenthal manages to wade through an enormous amount of material (over 30 pages of notes!) to paint a picture of this reserved politician while focusing mostly on her accomplishments. Scandals and missteps are not glossed over and much time is spent devoted to the double standard Clinton has faced as a professional and political woman.
October 12, 2016
Well written, lots of references. Gives a somewhat neutral view of Hillary, though I wish the author would have dug some more into the scandals. According to the author, this was written without input from the Clintons, so I see this as more neutral than some biographies which are just pep rallies for their subjects.
February 1, 2017
A great biography of Hillary Clinton. This is not one of those boring pieces of writing that teachers make you read. This is a humorous story form Hillary's childhood to the present. This book shows how much Hillary has been through, how much experience she has, the hardships she has gone through. If you want to know more about Hillary Clinton, this is the book to read.
February 11, 2017
I was in my early teens when Bill Clinton was President, was in high school during the Lewinsky scandal. I have vivid memories of watching the impeachment proceedings on TV, but at that age, so much passed me by. This book really helped me understand Whitewater (which I remember was a big deal, but never really knew much about). HRC is a person I will always look up to.
December 25, 2016
This was a "careful" treatment of HRC. I appreciated the perspective for students who might want to know more (facts) about a public figure who tends to get visceral rather than objective responses from many.
January 31, 2017
Very good, balanced look at a divisive figure. It does a good job of humanizing her while not either denigrating or canonizing her. I do wish it were more (or possibly less) timely, e.g. at one point it calls 2008's election something like the most shocking in history. Hahahaha... hahaha... -_-
February 22, 2017
Decent. Gave a pretty holistic view into the life of Hillary Clinton. Could have been more emotionally engaging. Felt that the author was just documenting her life chronologically. Overall, it gave me a good understanding of Hillary Clinton's life and journey.
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