lnetzel's review

5.0

I didn't know much about Chancellor Merkel when a friend recommended this book. What an impressive woman, so dedicated to the principles of democracy and a non-egocentric leader. Merkel proved maddeningly patient and thorough when dealing with the autocrats of the world as well as others dedicated to democracy. While she did not suffer the fools, she wore them down with facts, research and endurance when negotiating.
An interesting aspect of this book is how Germany's history keeps most of its politicians and citizenry from nationalism. I did not realize how little the German flag is flown, mostly just for sporting events. This is due to the shame of the Holocaust and German's commitment to never repeating that part of history.
Very well researched and pretty much a page turner. What a fantastic example Chancellor Merkel is for future leaders.
pepitaphc's profile picture

pepitaphc's review

5.0
funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

I already knew Angela Merkel was my favorite world leader in the new millennium and this book was just wildly affirming. I recommend it to anyone feeling jaded and ground down by the system (as I often am), because if you need inspiration then Mutti Angela is here. I have to give props to Kati Marton, too, because she is exactly the biographer to chronicle and summarize the extraordinary life of a thoughtful, meticulous, and self-effacing woman. I don't even care that her editors missed a few typos. This book deserves all the stars.

sabinsf99's review

4.0
informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

A bit repetitive at times but great overview of a very compelling EU politician.

beabliophile10's review

5.0
informative inspiring medium-paced

casandral's review

4.25
funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

lottie_hartin's review

5.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Mielenkiintoinen kurkkaus Merkkelin elämään ja Saksa  politiikkaan. Opin paljon, mutta aihe tuppaa välillä puuduttamaan.
ljm57's profile picture

ljm57's review

5.0

I very rarely read non-fiction but this book may have converted me. It would have to be one of the most interesting books I’ve ever read. Every sentence held my attention, definitely no thought of skimming. Meticulously researched, not only did I get an insight into the remarkable woman who was Germany’s chancellor for an incredible 16 years, a person who ferociously guards her private life but I also gained an understanding of the machinations behind all the major events in recent European history. While it was certainly a biography full of admiration for Angela Merkel, it also made clear that she didn’t get it right all the time and revealed how her straightforward, unassuming personality often hindered her from getting messages across. Hugely popular for most of her time in office, she was the right person for the German people at the right time. Chancellor from 2005-2021, she was at the helm during tremendous changes in world politics. Navigating these changes and negotiating with the new order of politician would take every skill she had honed. I doubt we’ll see the like of a world leader such as Angela Merkel ever again, just when the world needs it most.

dehndog's review

4.0
informative inspiring medium-paced

baghaii's review

4.5
informative reflective medium-paced