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swicksy's review against another edition
4.0
It's hard not to be a little jaded when reading a book by a politician (or any celebrity for that matter). There is always the subject of a ghost writer, and most of these books read like a person trying to defend or solidify their place in history. My reading of HARD CHOICES comes on a tail of a few significant events. Hillary has jumped into the 2016 Presidential race - as expected - and I have just finished watching HOUSE OF CARDS season 3 which had the President hiring a Ghost Writer to write a book to help him in his election bid. Going in, I was prepared to read a 600+ page campaign speech, instead I was pleasantly surprised.
HARD CHOICES primarily covers Mrs. Clinton's term as Secretary of State under the Obama Administration, with some instances from her days in the Senate as as First Lady. The book details her decision to accept the post as well as the choices she had to make as she took the office. It then goes into detail into the many political issues she faced while in office including her dealings with several countries, Middle East peace talks, Climate control debates, technology's role in the world (although I couldn't help but think of the recent e-mail scandal that erupted when I read this chapter) as well as gay and overall human rights.
The book reads less as a "look at how great I was" and instead looks at each issue thoughtfully and carefully. Some sections tend to drone on a little longer than they should, but the book offers a pretty detailed insight into what it's like to be the United States' diplomatic face to the world. She gives credit where credit is due, with a lot of praise going towards the Obama Administration. There are a few tsk tsks at the Bush Administration, but even then she doesn't outright slam them or Republicans which most of these books like to turn their opponents into punching bags.
She ends the book addressing the 800 pound gorilla in the room - will she run for President - which reading now, she is officially. Most of these books I find more interesting years away from the events, making it easier to reflect the true impact that the individual has had on society, but this book is different. Even if you may not see thing the way Mrs. Clinton does...it still is worth reading if you're interested in the diplomatic process and world affairs.
HARD CHOICES primarily covers Mrs. Clinton's term as Secretary of State under the Obama Administration, with some instances from her days in the Senate as as First Lady. The book details her decision to accept the post as well as the choices she had to make as she took the office. It then goes into detail into the many political issues she faced while in office including her dealings with several countries, Middle East peace talks, Climate control debates, technology's role in the world (although I couldn't help but think of the recent e-mail scandal that erupted when I read this chapter) as well as gay and overall human rights.
The book reads less as a "look at how great I was" and instead looks at each issue thoughtfully and carefully. Some sections tend to drone on a little longer than they should, but the book offers a pretty detailed insight into what it's like to be the United States' diplomatic face to the world. She gives credit where credit is due, with a lot of praise going towards the Obama Administration. There are a few tsk tsks at the Bush Administration, but even then she doesn't outright slam them or Republicans which most of these books like to turn their opponents into punching bags.
She ends the book addressing the 800 pound gorilla in the room - will she run for President - which reading now, she is officially. Most of these books I find more interesting years away from the events, making it easier to reflect the true impact that the individual has had on society, but this book is different. Even if you may not see thing the way Mrs. Clinton does...it still is worth reading if you're interested in the diplomatic process and world affairs.
thisfeministrox's review against another edition
3.0
It was interesting to read this right after A People's History. Harder to swallow the compromises I think.
anyacrittenton's review against another edition
4.0
This book is dense, it definitely could have been pared down some, and the second half is more engaging than the first. But it's a great insight into so many things: what a hard-working and caring public servant Hillary Clinton is, how layered and complex and difficult diplomacy is, how important and special diplomacy also is, and an interesting backstage look at politics.
I'm still and will always be with her.
Also her first job was at a park so, you know, Leslie Knope. <3
I'm still and will always be with her.
Also her first job was at a park so, you know, Leslie Knope. <3
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it would be good to hear from Hillary Clinton in her own words, seeing as she'll be my usual party's nominee in November. Hard Choices does provide what seems like an accurate picture of Clinton's ideology, positions, and personality. Much like Barack Obama, she's a moderate pragmatist with liberal ideals, although I think she's less progressive (or more moderate) than even Obama.
Clinton's accounts of her experiences as first lady and Secretary of State were very interesting to read, and her descriptions of well-known events, while not particularly self-critical, felt honest. In particular, her account of Benghazi reinforced for the umpteenth time that there was no conspiracy or cover-up in that unfortunate incident.
Clinton's accounts of her experiences as first lady and Secretary of State were very interesting to read, and her descriptions of well-known events, while not particularly self-critical, felt honest. In particular, her account of Benghazi reinforced for the umpteenth time that there was no conspiracy or cover-up in that unfortunate incident.
tani's review against another edition
3.0
It's hard for me to rate non-fiction. My fiction rule is that I rate based on enjoyment, but I don't enjoy non-fiction nearly as much, which makes things difficult. So, this is more like 3.5 stars for me.
Good things: This gave me a much better idea of who Hillary is and what she believes, and I definitely like that person. The last chapter, about human rights, was really great, and in general, I learned a lot about some recent world events that I didn't know about before.
Bad things: I wasn't expecting it to be so episode-focused, so that was a downside for me. I wanted more on what Hillary thinks and less an episodic replay of what she's done. The writing style is readable, but not terribly engaging for the most part, and it felt like there was a lot of name-dropping.
Over all, I thought it was a good look at the role that Hillary played during her time as Secretary of State. If that's what you're looking for, definitely give this a shot. If you're looking for something broader, maybe look elsewhere. It's certainly not a bad book, but it definitely fits in a specific niche that I wasn't quite expecting.
Good things: This gave me a much better idea of who Hillary is and what she believes, and I definitely like that person. The last chapter, about human rights, was really great, and in general, I learned a lot about some recent world events that I didn't know about before.
Bad things: I wasn't expecting it to be so episode-focused, so that was a downside for me. I wanted more on what Hillary thinks and less an episodic replay of what she's done. The writing style is readable, but not terribly engaging for the most part, and it felt like there was a lot of name-dropping.
Over all, I thought it was a good look at the role that Hillary played during her time as Secretary of State. If that's what you're looking for, definitely give this a shot. If you're looking for something broader, maybe look elsewhere. It's certainly not a bad book, but it definitely fits in a specific niche that I wasn't quite expecting.
nightchough's review against another edition
2.0
I read a review that suggested Hillary may indeed have written the book herself -- tone is sincere and the writing is clunky enough that it doesn't seem like a professional writer did it. I'd have to agree!
Some interesting observations along the way, but really it reads like a travelogue. I went here; I talked to this world leader; then I went there; I spoke publicly about situation X; I took into account the sensitivity of the situation; gosh, back room negotiating is effective; etc.
Trying to avoid making any overtly political statements in a book review, so instead I will say: I do believe, after reading about 2/3 of this book, that I gained some insight into Hillary Clinton's values and decision-making processes -- which was, really, what I was reading the book for.
Some interesting observations along the way, but really it reads like a travelogue. I went here; I talked to this world leader; then I went there; I spoke publicly about situation X; I took into account the sensitivity of the situation; gosh, back room negotiating is effective; etc.
Trying to avoid making any overtly political statements in a book review, so instead I will say: I do believe, after reading about 2/3 of this book, that I gained some insight into Hillary Clinton's values and decision-making processes -- which was, really, what I was reading the book for.
ryrichard28's review against another edition
3.0
I love Hillary––truly. But this was purely a learning experience for me. It made me feel accomplished by the end because I had to work to get through it. There's a ton of great information in here about her life, and she's quite a fierce woman in my opinion, but it's not addicting. It won't grab you and pull you in. The language can be a bit formal and stiff. But I'm still very happy that I read it, because a lot of what I read is too self-indulgent. In a food analogy, this book would be a salad, and I primarily eat pizza.
wendybird727's review against another edition
3.0
I say this as someone with positive regard for the author, the book was almost punishing in its level of detail and lacked the infusions of personality that I appreciate when reading memoirs.