The Education Of An Idealist
Samantha PowerAn intimate, powerful, and galvanizing memoir by Pulitzer Prize winner, human rights advocate, & former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power.
Tracing her distinctly American journey from immigrant to war correspondent to presidential Cabinet official, Samantha Power’s acclaimed memoir is a unique blend of suspenseful storytelling, vivid character portraits, and shrewd political insight. After her critiques of US foreign policy caught the eye of Senator Barack Obama, he invited her to work with him on Capitol Hill & then on his presidential campaign. When Obama won the presidency, Power went from being an activist outsider to serving as his human rights adviser and, in 2013, becoming the youngest-ever US Ambassador to the United Nations.
Power transports us from her childhood in Dublin to the streets of war-torn Bosnia to the White House Situation Room & the world of high-stakes diplomacy, offering a compelling & deeply honest look at navigating the halls of power while trying to put one’s ideals into practice. Along the way, she lays bare the searing battles & defining moments of her life, shows how she juggled the demands of a 24/7 national security job with raising two young children, & makes the case for how we each can advance the cause of human dignity. This is an unforgettable account of the power of idealism—& of one person’s fierce determination to make a difference.
“Her highly personal & reflective memoir . . . is a must-read for anyone who cares about our role in a changing world.” - President Barack Obama
“This is a wonderful book. […] The interweaving of Power’s personal story, family story, diplomatic history & moral arguments is executed seamlessly & with unblinking honesty.” - Thomas L Friedman, The New York Times Book Review