Living History

By: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Narrated by: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Hillary Rodham Clinton is known to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet few beyond her close friends and family have ever heard her account of her extraordinary journey. She writes with candor, humor and passion about her upbringing in suburban middle-class America in the 1950s and her transformation from Goldwater Girl to student activist to controversial First Lady. Living History is her revealing memoir of life through the White House years. It is also her chronicle of living history with Bill Clinton, a thirty-year adventure in love and politics that survives personal betrayal, relentless partisan investigations, and constant public scrutiny.

Hillary Rodham Clinton came of age during a time of tumultuous social and political change in America. Like many women of her generation, she grew up with choices and opportunities unknown to her mother of grandmother. She charted her own course through unexplored terrain - responding to the changing times and her own internal compass - and became an emblem for some and a lightning rod for others. Wife, mother, lawyer, advocate, and international icon, she has lived through America's great political wars, from Watergate to Whitewater.

The only First Lady to play a major role in shaping domestic legislation, Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled tirelessly around the country to champion health care, expand economic and educational opportunity and promote the needs of children and families, and she criss-crossed the globe on behalf of women's rights, human rights and democracy. She redefined the position of First Lady, and helped save the presidency from an unconstitutional, politically motivated impeachment. Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice - as a woman and as a formidable figure in American politics.

©2003 Hillary Rodham Clinton (P)2003 Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved. AUDIOWORKS. is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Within the limitations of the genre, Clinton has produced a surprisingly engaging and, at points, even compelling book." (The Los Angeles Times)

Braver than she knew

What made the experience of listening to Living History the most enjoyable?

The thing that I found most enjoyable was that Senator Clinton is the narrator. She wrote the book and then took out the time, energy and calm to read it to us. I think she's an amazing woman.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Living History?

I really enjoyed hearing about her family, her young years, how she and former President Clinton met, dated, and his proposal-to which she said....(I won't tell you. You'll have to read or listen to find out how many times he proposed before she accepted...or did she.) (chuckle)

Have you listened to any of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first of her books. I WILL be certain to purchase the rest as well-one at a time.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh and cry as the book was being read by its author. It was Mrs. Clinton telling us all about her life, as if we were friends having coffee.

Any additional comments?

I have had respect for Mrs. Clinton since I knew of her as the President's wife. I think she's brave, logical and funny when the time is right. I've long wondered what made her tick. Now, I know. She was raised by a very strong family. She has endurance and I find that most appealing in a President. I hope she does run for President one day. I believe she'll be sending those Republicans running for the hills. Not only do I hope she runs; but that she, of course, wins. I liked this book, this author/narrator, and Audiobooks that now I'm on to Senator Clinton's next book.

Listen if you want to know HRC

Her story as told in her words answers so many questions I had about who she is and what she stands for. Is her version kinder to her legacy than someone else’s might be? Of course. Nearly impossible not to be. However, I was happy to be able to reference many of her accomplishments to find them not only true, but more beneficial for the American public than this book lets on, I would definitely recommend to anyone curious about HRC and her living legacy in our history.

Brilliant!!

A brilliant account of life in a spotlight of malice. After millions spent on an investigation, no charges stuck. Whose lies are worse? The lies spoken to protect one's family, or the lies told to wage war?

Some fluff, but otherwise informative

At times I grew weary hearing about the school-girl style crush-speak about when she met Bill Clinton, but other than that I found this to be rather informative, and interesting hearing the stories from her perspective, unclouded by conservative psychobabble.

Living History

A wonderful commentary. Clarifying, thought provoking and informative. This book left me with understanding, admiration and respect for Senator Clinton.

Thought provoking.

Hillary gives a thought provoking account of life in the White House. I thought she was sincere. Her love for her daughter and husband it greatly evident. Bravo for Hillary, finally having her say.

Honest & Thorough

Living History provides deep insight into who Hillary Clinton is as a person. For anyone trying to understand her lif

Very good

I really enjoyed listening to this reading. It was very good and informative. We say a different side of the Clinton era. Recommend to anyone.

Loved it!

Highly recommend and love that Hillary was the reader. I first read Woman in Charge, and then Hard Choices. Living History was my favorite and I'm glad I read the others as it have everything a balanced perspective.

Understanding Hillary

Any additional comments?

I am not going to speak to Secretary Clinton's accomplishments here because the book does that amazingly. And you can get a condensed version from Bill's, Joe's, President Obama's, Chelsea's, and Secretary Clinton's speeches from the DNC this summer as well as a variety of think-pieces and the Clinton website. What I can speak to is this: this book is a treatise on her entire belief system. It maps her influences from childhood until the present, and will give you a deep understanding of what makes this fascinating woman tick. It is warm, it is humorous at times, it is terribly heart-breaking, and will make you wonder why anyone would willingly put themselves into such a harsh public spotlight. The history is engaging, the writing is smooth and enjoyable, the drama is gripping and ALL of it is just a fraction of Hillary's experiences.

If you in any way think Hillary Clinton is false, corrupt, or too entrenched in career politics; read this book. If you are unsure of her as a candidate, a leader or in any way questioning why you should vote for her; read this book. But most importantly, if you want to hear the life story of an incredible, history-making woman who will not be beaten down and will not rest until that glass ceiling is shattered; read this book.