Rating: 
Summary: Well Done
Review:
I truly enjoy reading memoirs, in fact I try to get a new book weekly and have it finished the next week for the next good book. Why I waited to buy this one I don't know. It is insightful and brilliantly written. I wish that the Authors could have spilled the beans a bit more about Ms. Clinton-but we can't get all the dirt can we? As a whole this is an excellent book. I have told all my friends about-it is well rounded and a great read.
Also recommending other best memoirs: Nightmares Echo, Running With Scissors,A Child Called It, Beauty For Ashes,Color Purple...and so many more
Rating: 
Summary: Hillary lives up to the Wellesley Motto
Review: I picked up Hillary Clinton's LIVING HISTORY during a pause at a booksigning for my new book at Borders and had a hard time putting it down to greet book buyers. Clinton's engaging memoir is very readable and gives the Senator from New York a chance to share with readers her deep committment to community service.
Clinton embodies the Wellesley College motto of "non
ministrari sed ministrare" -not to be served, but to serve. As a Wellesley Alum (1975), Hillary's stories about the campus on Lake Waban brought back memories. When she writes about how the Wellesley of her day was so different from when Madeleine Albright attended ten year previously, it brought home how much the women's college changed from Clinton's time there to the Wellesley I describe in my own memoir.
Despite the political and social changes over the decades, some things stayed the same. I laughed aloud with recognition at Clinton's description of the Ivy League Mixers and boys racing back to Cambridge on Rte. 9 on Saturday nights.
Clinton captured the unique millieu of Wellesley where young women were encouraged to excel and contribute to the world. In LIVING HISTORY, she relates how she took the call "to serve, not to be served" to heart and made a difference in the world. Although it petered out a bit and could have had a stronger ending, Clinton's memoir is a good read, highly recommended especially for girls and young women who will see that a life of service, while challenging, is worth the struggle.
Rating:
Summary: Living in Reality
Review: First, this review is actually based on reading the book.
It is clear that many of the reviewers here have not actually read the book, but just used this forum to express their dislike against our former First Lady. While it's certainly up to each person to form and express their own opinions about Clinton, I seriously doubt that typing a few lines of malicious words in an Amazon book review is an effective use of anyone's time.
Hillary Clinton, oft demonized and misunderstood First Lady, has finally added her voice to the cacophony in her new book, "Living History". After reading the book, it is amazing to see how much "living in history" this woman and her much addled husband have endured over the course of their political lives.
The book starts with a recounting of her early years, and ends with her dramatic U. S. Senate victory in New York. Between those two events, this books serves as a partial memoir, partial explanation of events, and partial lambasting of the biased forces so intent to remove the Clintons from Washington DC.
These are the two parts of the book that I enjoyed the most, the beginning and the endings, possibly because I had a sense Hillary was really speaking to me in these sections. She comes across as warm, supported, and encouraged as she retells her childhood and her families stories. As she deals with the Lewinsky scandal towards the ending, she also seems to drop her defenses and explains her anger.
The parts in the middle seem the most distant to me, though. As she recounts the entire Whitewater disaster (a scandal that admittedly I'm still confused about), and the early years of Bill Clinton's presidency, there is a distance. She lists the facts and her viewpoints succinctly, but the passion of the early and later chapters is simply not there. That is one reason I took off a couple stars.
What impressed me most about her book is the wealth of incredible experiences she's had, and her utmost devotion to being Chelsea's mother. Also, her drive to improve the rights and options for women worldwide should be applauded warmly. I also appreciated how she shared her struggles about whether or not she should stay married, and how she reconciled that within herself. Frankly, she didn't need to write that; it's her own business.
Speaking of which, for those who claim this book is nothing but lies, I'd like more specific clarification what are the lies: that women worldwide are still constantly suffering rights abuses? That Hillary doesn't love her own child? That she was very upset when her husband confessed the truth about Monica? That she won the New York U.S. Senate campaign? The book is full of truths, her truths, and I suggest we allow her the opportunity to share them.
Disagree with Hillary as much as you want, but give her the right to explain and express her thoughts as she sees them. As it is with all of the critics who denounce her, Hillary should not be silenced.
Rating:
Summary: Up close and not too personal
Review: Frankly I expected this book to be somewhat dull -- the careful musings of an ambitious politician. But in fact the book held my interest far more than I expected.
A lot can be explained by Hilary's Beaver Cleaver upbringing. She grew up in an old-fashioned small town where the kids played outdoors and she felt loved at home. Her high school teachers encouraged her to attend college at Wellesley, where she excelled, and she later chose Yale Law School, where she met Bill Clinton and pursued her own fascination with child protection law. She describes her moves to Arkansas and her life in Washington, where she was determined to protect Chelsea. And she clearly loved campaigning for Senator from NY, where by all accounts she has done an outstanding job.
True, there are no "tell-all" tales. While many readers will want to hear her version of the Monica Lewinsky scandal, she dismisses the episode with a reference to marital counseling and a statement that Bill should tell why he lied and "betrayed" her. But she does discuss her frustrations with answering questions about her marriage.
But while Hilary focuses on her professional rather than personal side, we do get a glimpse into her personality. She shares the scene of helping Chelsea settle into her dorm room (Bill says, "Can't we come back after dinner?"). She describes Bill's instant bonding with the chocolate lab, Buddy. And we get a sense of how life is lived when your many of your friends are household names, like Cronkite and Kennedy.
We also get stories of meetings with heads of state who visit Washington and others Hilary meets as she travels around the world. She's diplomatic and careful but we do get a sense of what it's like to sit through dinners with the likes of Prime Minister Bhutto and Prince Philip.
Reviewers complain she didn't share enough, but those same reviewers might be quick to complain if she came across as whiny or soul-baring. When people achieve on a high level, they're not ordinary and we have to respect their differences. I enjoyed getting to know more about Hilary Clinton's life and I admire her intelligence, energy and tenacity.
Rating:
Summary: Hillary's Journal
Review: Hillary Clinton writes candidly about her eight years as first lady. She survived the inevitable media criticism with dignity and does not use this memoir to "get even".Americans cannot dismiss her efforts to inform us about world problems, especially women and children's issues. She writes about her many travels throughout the world, her friends she made in high places, her ability to listen, and her personal trials. The first part of the book is interesting as the author relates her early years, college experiences, and her move to Arkansas. Keep in mind, Hillary Rodham Clinton was just a plain ordinary girl growing up in the midwest who made choices which led her on a path straight to the white house and a place in history as first lady. She devised a plan and worked it. The book deserves a 5 star rating since it thoroughly describes the eight years of the Clinton presidency from her point of view, and will be valuable for the next generation as they study and judge it. The second part of the book is too long in my opinion for us who lived through these eight years of history and had to endure the endless investigations and partisan politics. Mrs. Clinton describes her feelings well and one wonders why there were so many roadblocks in her life at the white house. Hillary Clinton attempts to humanize herself in this book. She wanted to make a difference and to do it "her way". She wanted to be outstanding and set a precedent for other first ladies to follow. (this may not be a wise thing) She traveled extensively, mostly without her husband it seems. One wonders if she had stayed at home more and limited herself to what she could actually accomplish, perhaps she could have avoided the harsh criticism she received in the media. Perhaps her husband wouldn't have gotten "caught". She gives us a glimpse into her private life with her complex husband but she is not quite believable in this area. Mrs. Clinton wisely wrote her memoir as first lady quickly, so we would "get the facts straight". She adequately covered those facts. She is a woman of determination and self confidence. Some reviews indicate she is"inspiring". I was not inspired by her nor do I stand in awe of her except for the fact she could endure trauma and put on a brave public face. I have memoirs by several first ladies. Hillary Clinton is only one of many outstanding women. She is controversial because she appears to lack warmth of spirit. I felt closer to the real Hillary when reading her excellent book "It Takes A Village". My review and personal opinion of this book is from the standpoint of a female senior citizen who votes independently. I do not find this author to be "formidable". I enjoyed reading of her visits to other countries and her impressions. I believe she is mostly honest as she writes and edits her book. I admire her for attending the women's conference in China. I am pleased she has such a good relationship with Chelsea. I wondered tho, why she feels she has to constantly remind us of her "great" husband and his attempt to "change" America. Some other first ladies have excessively praised their husbands in their memoirs and I felt it unnecessary. I want to know about what life is like for a president's wife and how she can best be a role model for other women. Eleanor Roosevelt used her position to educate women and was genuinely interested in America. Mrs. Clinton takes a worldview of women's roles and this is also good. We can expect another memoir of Hillary's senate experiences which hopefully will not include her husband's input. Hillary Clinton includes insights concerning her Christian faith. She tells us of her experiences in Methodist youth groups when she was young and that her faith sustains her. I would like to add to this review a Bible verse found in 1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever gift he (she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." Go Hillary.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book
Review: I just love Hillary Clinton, but this is only after I read this book. I never really cared for her, but I decided to give this book a shot. Now that I've read it, I can see what an incredible woman she really is. I admire her greatly. As for the book itself, it wasn't the best thing I had ever read. Some of it was a little boring, but overall I thought it was worth reading. I enjoyed reading about her childhood and I loved hearing about her getting involved in politics. I now see her relationship with Bill in a new light, and I am glad she didn't dwell on the Monica Lewinsky scandal. She had a much bigger story to tell, and I am glad she did it. The reason some people may not like this book is because it reads more like a political manifesto rather than an out-and-out memoir. The times when she went into too much detail on foreign policies were things I could have done without. Still, I am glad I gave this book a shot because it really does make you see her in a new light. She is no longer the ice woman I once thought she was. Then again my family is predominantly Republican, so it's no wonder I thought that. It's hard for me to think I once thought so little of this incredible woman. Another reason people may not like this is because they were expecting a juicy gossip rag about the Lewinsky scandal. Like I said earlier, Ms. Clinton does not dwell on this and I love her for that. That is a time in her life she has moved on from and we should all take a page from her book. I have a newfound respect for Hillary Clinton. She has inspired me to become more involved in politics and I think she is just an amazing woman. Thanks to her, I have come to embrace my liberal views and am not afraid to be the only Democrat in a family full of Republicans. Go out and buy this book to get a glimpse into who this woman really is. She will get my vote if she ever decides to run for the presidency of the United States.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting and engaging book
Review: I started reading this book because I had to write a paper on Hillary Clinton. I only intended to read enough to write the paper but I found it diffuclt to stop myself after I started. I ended up reading the entire book. By detailing her struggles in life, this book made Hillary seem human instead of the polarizing figure that most people think of. However, if you desire Hillary's scoop on the Lewinsky scandal, you will be disappointed. Hillary got over the scandal quickly and this is reflected in the book. Hillary's account of the scandal is scattered over 4 paragraphs and mainly talks about her path to forgiveness. This book portrays Hillary as the woman that she really is. It is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A brillant book by a brillant woman
Review: In this awesome book, Hillary Rodham Clinton reveals the brillance of her mind, her character, her humility, and her enormous strength and dedication. The book tells the story of her life from childhood thru the White House years. I learned a lot about history, and the behind the scenes things that occur. Hillary Clinton is a woman with great visions for the world, and who has worked very hard her whole life to make those dreams a reality. Keeping in mind she did this at a time when women were just expected to play supportive roles to their husbands. Her character and strength of character, courage, wisdom, compassion, and high intelligence, has served her country and the whole world well. Hillary Clinton is a gem of a woman, a gem of a human being, whose brillance shines on the world and makes it a better place for all of humanity and for our children and grandchildren.
Rating:
Summary: The most controversial American woman of our time. . .
Review: Reviews of "Living History" are all over the lot, just as people's opinions of this controversial woman. The book itself is a well-written, political autobiography of a woman whose political career is far from over, and therefore you'll find few revelations, and not much candid self-reflection. But there's a reason this was a surprise best-seller--Hillary is a smart, complex woman, who continues to shape American politics in a way her husband no longer does. Hillary had modest, conservative, Midwestern roots, growing up in the Chicago area and starting her political life as a young republican. It seems clear that she was going places long before she met Bill Clinton--she knew Vernon Jordan before she met her future husband, and Wellesley and Yale are hardly run of the mill schools. But Bill clearly provided the platform for her to shine. Bill and Hillary are two totally political animals, and focussed on little else--lost in the publicity surrounding the purchase of the house in New York State after Bill left office was the fact that the Clintons had somehow neglected to acquire a home they could return to, and New York was as good a place as any, even if Hillary had not decided to run for senator. Money and material possessions seem not to hold a lot of atttraction for these two--but power is another story. Hillary's first years in office were painful--she struggled to create a real job where none existed, and what worked in Arkansas didn't work nationwide--thus the health care fiasco. Smarting from that experience, she spent the next few years in a more traditional role, using her position to raise awareness of women's and children's issues. Then the scandals hit. She portrays herself and Bill as remarkably self-possessed throughout, and her analysis of the legalities of Whitewater, Travelgate and the impeachment are excellent--I had forgotten that she worked on the Nixon impeachment as a young lawyer and was something of an expert in the field. And critics--of which there are many--forget that the Clintons were exonerated of all wrongdoing. Is this book something of a whitewash? Of course! Nothing is said of her famous temper, the Clintons' abandonment of friends when they got into hot water, Bill's crazy work habits. And it's easy to weary of her constant references to her prayer group and Eleanor Roosevelt. But this book is an intriguing look at life in the White House, and a glimpse, carefully controlled though it may be, into the mind of a woman we haven't heard the last of.
Rating:
Summary: full of fascinating details
Review: The book has disappointingly little about Hillary's life before she became famous. Also missing are meaty, flowery descriptions of anything. This is a pretty overwhelming collection of trivia.
Most of the text focuses on Hillary as First Lady. In some sense this is two books. One part focuses on big political issues like health care reform and the Ken Starr investigation. The other is a travel log, documenting fascinating trips and meetings. The frustrating thing is switching back and forth between the two. It's a bit like dealing with a split personality. Perhaps it would have been better to write two volumes: one full of political essays and advocacy, and the other full of charming stories about all the wonderful things she did.
She tends to describe feelings and settings in a few words. This has lead some readers to think she's very tight-lipped and political. I wonder instead to what extent she even dwells on what she is experiencing. Perhaps she's just too busy to have much internal life. Maybe she's not hiding anything at all. Maybe she's not reflective, but rather action-oriented.
I get the impression of a woman very much in love with her husband, very protective of her daughter, fiercely loyal to the people who work for her, and acutely sensitive to political complexities. Sometimes she seems reluctant to reveal herself. Other times she's startlingly candid, like when she throws up in a Russian limo.
Later, perhaps when she retires, I hope we'll get some more leisurely, reflective articles about what all those trips and meetings were like.
On the whole, the book is very worthwhile reading, and packed full of useful, educational information.
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