 [Larger view] | My Life
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Average user rating:  | |
 An Easy, Pleasant Read | |
| I approached the book as though it was written -- not by a former Democratic President -- but a man with amazing life experiences. The insight the author provided on the workings of the executive branch of our government, along with international events were just icing on the cake for me. The writing is very easy to read; the story flows smoothly. All in all, I enjoy the voice that is projected from the author's composition. I found it interesting that on page 811, when Clinton was introspective about his affair with Monica, his revelation is that he is vulnerable to making selfish and self-destructive personal mistakes when he is exhausted, angry, or feeling isolated. This mirrors the 12-step recovery motto of HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired), which recognize our vulnerabilities to succumb to our addictions. I must say that Clinton's description of sleeping on a couch for two months following his admission to Hillary regarding Ms. Lewinsky was hard to believe. Perhaps he was placing himself in the doghouse, making use of the couch adjacent to their bedroom, but still -- there were so many other bedrooms in the White House. Aside from that, I'm glad Clinton disclosed that he and Hillary participated in weekly couples counseling for a year. My favorite parts of the book cover Clinton's reflections on family, friends, and associates who passed away. This is where he shared personal thoughts on the affect these people had on him, and how he mourned their deaths. | |
 An honest appraisal | |
| President Bill Clinton offers an interesting, comprehensive overview of his life and times. The tragedies of his childhood are stark. His emergence from rural Arkansas to become a Rhodes Scholar, governor, and the second youngest man elected president of the United States is a fascinating read and an outstanding accomplishment. The book might better have been written in two volumes; yet it pales in comparison with the length of the first three volumes on LBT by Robert Caro. I skimmed a few paragraphs, but I was quickly drawn back into the text by the interesting material. Although some parts read like excerpts of the White House diary others offer compelling insights into the development of his policies or the background to decisions that I don't remember being written about at the time. Bill Clinton demonstrates more self awareness than most people, especially current political leaders. His explanations of his decisions caused me to rethink some of my disagreements on some of his policies. He would have been a better press secretary for his administration than those who served in this capacity. I was surprised by the strength of his self criticism and his charity to most of his Republican adversaries. He seems to now have an understanding on how his unfelt anger at his abusive, alcoholic step-father, the Neo con Republican witch hunt etc. caused him to act so poorly in his private life and his characterization of Starr's persecution seems right on target. It is amazing that after the pure hatred that was/is heaped on him that he can write with such civility. He clearly is grateful to our country for the opportunities that he was given. Like a few other presidential biographies this is a book I will likely reread a decade from now. I highly recommend it not only for those who were his supporters but for those with an open mind. It's likely to drive those who hated him crazy, but so were the poles showing a 70% job approval rating for him during much of the Starr investigation. I wonder if Ken can be prosecuted for wasting 70 million dollars and causing such harm to many people connected with Clinton? | |
| A Fascinating Look At The Most Controversial President | |
| A Fascinating Look At The Most Controversial President This book will intrigue anyone who cares about America. You get an insider's view from the divisive man himslef. You'll also learn the struggles all presidents must face, and the role the media played in helping and hurting Clinton. |
