On All Fronts

The Education of a Journalist

By: Clarissa Ward

Narrated by: Clarissa Ward

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

“On All Fronts: The Education of a Journalist beautifully outlines . . . what it means to seek the truth. It gave me a new faith in the power of reporting.” —Oprah Winfrey

The recipient of multiple Peabody and Murrow awards, Clarissa Ward is a world-renowned conflict reporter. In this strange age of crisis where there really is no front line, she has moved from one hot zone to the next. With multiple assignments in Syria, Egypt, and Afghanistan, Ward, who speaks seven languages, has been based in Baghdad, Beirut, Beijing, and Moscow. She has seen and documented the violent remaking of the world at close range. With her deep empathy, Ward finds a way to tell the hardest stories. On All Fronts is the riveting account of Ward’s singular career and of journalism in this age of extremism.

Following a privileged but lonely childhood, Ward found her calling as an international war correspondent in the aftermath of 9/11. From her early days in the field, she was embedding with marines at the height of the Iraq War and was soon on assignment all over the globe. But nowhere does Ward make her mark more than in war-torn Syria, which she has covered extensively with courage and compassion. From her multiple stints entrenched with Syrian rebels to her deep investigations into the Western extremists who are drawn to ISIS, Ward has covered Bashar al-Assad’s reign of terror without fear. In 2018, Ward rose to new heights at CNN and had a son. Suddenly, she was doing this hardest of jobs with a whole new perspective.

On All Fronts is the unforgettable story of one extraordinary journalist—and of a changing world.

©2020 Clarissa Ward (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“In On All Fronts, [Ward] combines grace, authority, and a humor so dry it evaporates on contact. Whether Ward is fending off the dissolute, lecherous Saif Gadhafi, son of the brutal former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, in a Moscow Mercedes, or confronting a jihadist leader with video evidence of an execution carried out by his men, she gives off the impression that the story is, above all personal considerations, sacrosanct . . . Ward shows an enduring faith in the power of reporting.” —Annalisa Quinn, NPR

“Ward’s journalism skills shine, putting readers on the front lines. Readers interested in the life stories of intrepid women journalists and the nature of investigative, international journalism will be captivated by this engrossing account.” —Library Journal

“[Ward’s] descriptions of her experiences at all the sites are vivid and precise . . . A thoughtful account of the excitement and pitfalls of war reporting.” —Kirkus

Powerful Perspective

The author conveys the humanity of the people she encounters in her work beautifully

Intelligent,accessible look into a woman journalist’s life

This is a beautifully written, thoughtful look at Clarissa’s career and attempt to humanise war and it’s many victims. Interesting and well written, a great listen, sensitivity read and empathetic in every way. A peak into a worlds we often gloss over. Highly recommend this book.

Riveting!!

Couldn't put it down from the moment I started to listen! Just amazing! Absolutely amazing!

Powerfully moving and informative

Wards first hand experiences of life in most countries in the world literally changed my view on my own life. I knew how lucky we are already but her stories of the suffering of others brought home reality in a new and powerful way. An amazing book!

Excellent

A journey in Middle East exploring wars

Conflicts, culture and religion
The story is attractive even for me living in the region

Insightful, intriguing and well written.

Informative, insightful and entertaining, this story is one that provides insight into the complicated, dangerous and difficult job of modern journalism.

Interesting insights from a brave journalist

Clarissa shares her thoughts, experiences and feelings as she navigates the challenges of making a difference in the world of deadly conflicts and moral ambivalence. Inspires the reader to wonder if it’s possible to make peace and help the innocent find a good life.

Great storyteller and narrator

Quality read, enjoyed the personal female journalist perspective behind the news coverage and context in covering geopolitics today.

Thank you!

I’m learning a lot from this book and these stories deeply resonated with me. Thank you for your service to your viewers and listeners!

A must for those who have lost faith in media

For those that buy the narrative that journalists all lie. I felt her passion to bring to the public facts out in the world. It was exciting and held my interest. Clarissa puts her life on the line to get the story out. I hope that those politicians that are working to rid us of a free press do not suceed. These journalists work to keep our elected officials honest, and that is why they are demonized. Do yourself a favor and give this your ears! It is also an education.