My Life

By: Bill Clinton

Narrated by: Bill Clinton

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

President Bill Clinton's My Life is the strikingly candid portrait of a global leader who decided in early life to devote his intellectual and political gifts, and his extraordinary capacity for hard work, to serving the public. It is the fullest, most concretely detailed, most nuanced account of a presidency ever written, and a testament to the positive impact on America and on the world of his work and his ideals. Here is the life of a great national and international figure, revealed with all his talents and contradictions. Filled with fascinating moments and insights, it is told openly, directly, in President Clinton's completely recognizable voice.

©2004 William Jefferson Clinton (P)2004 Random House Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Clinton's legendary charisma shines through in his reading, making this audiobook a rare treat." (Publishers Weekly)
"Bill Clinton's reading of My Life is the perfect way to experience the former president's voluminous memoir....Always a compelling, articulate speaker, Clinton is in his element." (AudioFile)

Easier to listen to than to read

Its a good book and Clinton reading it in own person makes it more real and interesting to listen to. I would have liked Clinton to go further into detail on some issues like the peace-talking in Middle East and the Monica Lewinsky matter. You can feel his frustration at the end of his presidency when the Democrats lost to the Republicans in the presidential election and the votes in Florida were ruled out of favor to the Democrats.

Overall a good book to listen to, an easier listen than a read.

Not very Captivating

I read Tony Blair's and Dick Cheney's book. They give a very interesting story. Bill didn't do justice to the details. For instance how did the Arafat and Rabin meeting go? What were the interesting things? When be heard his Embassy in Tanzania had been bombed, what did he do first? Those details are missing in his book.

Great autobiography really loved the story

very amazing story. A story of one of the best US presidents. was a great listen

Why no Unabridged version?

I was disappointed not to find an unabridged version. I still purchased the abridged version but am still disappointed. However, having Bill Clinton narrate the book is great.

Easy listening

Cannot help to think that Starr was yesterday’s Muller and the democrats are getting their own back.
Nice to Remember that democrats can manage an economy, and that the Middle East nearly had peace and that Al khadia was on the seen before Bush.
Well worth a listen, missed that voice.

A Good Listen

Where does My Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I Liked It

Would you recommend My Life to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes.

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

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

Bearing in mind this is an abridged book, it has facts and figures that may mean nothing unless your well versed in American politics. If you read other books against Bill then his book will leave you feeling he hasn't mentioned the darker side of his political life.

His life in his own voice

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listen to my audio books on my commute to and from work. This is one of the few books that i finished in back to back listens.

Any additional comments?

The book is all the more listenable as it is read by Clinton himself. The first part of his book is about his childhood and also the relationships within his own family, grandparents, mother, step father. While he claims he had a wonderful childhood, he doesnt hesitate to discuss the troubled parts either. I am from India and it is not common for our contemporary leaders to talk about as openly about the unvarnished parts of their personal lives.

Some topics tend to dominate the reading
-his not taking part in the vietnam war - and long justification and rationalisation of this
-his multiple legal tangles - whitewater, paula jones, ken starr etc
-the "uncooperative" republican party and especially newt gingrich

There is less said about the economy and his views regarding America's economic future (Clintons presidency saw multiple years with surplus budgets ), China , or radical fundamentalism.

I am unsure of the value of this book to an American, i found it a worthwhile listen for someone outside but interested.