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kinzakhan's review against another edition
3.0
Glad I finished reading because I appreciated the second half way more than the first half. The first half on its own was very idealistic, as if the author saw the world through rose-colored glasses and wrote in the same way. It's hard to tell whether she was actually this naïve/privileged, or if she wanted to just portray her life that way. The second half felt way more real, sincere, and relatable. I appreciated the way she was unapologetic and when she explained both - what was going on outside and what was going on in her own head & heart simultaneously. Her commentary of the Clinton administration was so "perfect" that it was almost cringe at times and warranted eyerolls. This is not shocking given the nature of her work. The parts I appreciated most were her unapologetic display of her intersectional identity and how that played a role in her everyday life at the white house, especially after Trump's election. This book, like Michelle Obama's Becoming, did show the costs of being a public figure rather than just focusing on the "perks," so it would be helpful to read for a WOC or someone thinking of pursuing a similar career. I also wish the title showed up more in the book - the title got me excited to read it, but not once did she actually highlight or state the both/and perspective - it rarely went that deep, and I think it would have been much better if it had.
emilykaegi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Abedin has had such an interesting life. She is very reflective and a great story teller. Loved learning so much about Hillary - most of which I did not know
guardianang's review against another edition
4.0
This is a MEATY book. I could not put it down. 4.5 stars only because I would have loved a bit more Huma and a bit less Hilary. Otherwise it's intelligent, honest, and gripping. I listened on audible and Abedin's narration was perfect. Read this!
mamaorgana80's review against another edition
5.0
What a tremendous offering and unique perspective.
klaraperko's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
5.0
livredujour's review against another edition
5.0
Raw and thoughtful. It’s a difficult feat to summarize your life over 25 years of public service, marriage, divorce, many scandals, motherhood and putting your life back together but she does a stunning job. Gave an intimate look at some moments in history and the legend that is Hillary Clinton. Overall thought provoking and a great read for anyone still trying to figure out how we ended up with Trump.
lilmissjanet's review against another edition
5.0
Wow- not only was this a beautifully written memoir, but it was a close-up look of historical moments from the eyes of Huma Abedin, one of Hillary Clinton’s closest aides. Not only do you get to know Huma, who has been private in the media, but also her famous boss.
I spent the first half of the book living vicariously through this fascinating woman who traveled the world as a civil servant, who met kings and queens, and who had a front seat to Washington politics for 20+ years. She had the career I thought of pursuing once upon a time but instead chose a different path of journalism— which interestingly enough was the path she almost took.
But the second half of the book was a reminder that no life is perfect— with highs come lows and there are consequences to choices we make- even if we’ve calculated the risks. I appreciated her honesty in sharing her private struggles during the very public downfall of her marriage to Anthony Weiner, yet she stays so graceful even speaking about that heartbreak.
Keep in mind that it is HER account of history and people, so not everyone will agree with her views. For me, it was a chance to relive history from closer seats than I had!
I spent the first half of the book living vicariously through this fascinating woman who traveled the world as a civil servant, who met kings and queens, and who had a front seat to Washington politics for 20+ years. She had the career I thought of pursuing once upon a time but instead chose a different path of journalism— which interestingly enough was the path she almost took.
But the second half of the book was a reminder that no life is perfect— with highs come lows and there are consequences to choices we make- even if we’ve calculated the risks. I appreciated her honesty in sharing her private struggles during the very public downfall of her marriage to Anthony Weiner, yet she stays so graceful even speaking about that heartbreak.
Keep in mind that it is HER account of history and people, so not everyone will agree with her views. For me, it was a chance to relive history from closer seats than I had!
m_l_valentine's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25