What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Narrated by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Contrary to what some people apparently expected, this is not an unbiased look at the 2016 presidential election. It is, in fact, a look at the campaign from the perspective of the candidate. And Mrs. Clinton states just that in the beginning of the book. She says this is not going to be an outside look from a third party, and that perspective is someone else’s job.
I enjoyed the book. It’s not just a look at the campaign. It is also Mrs. Clinton talking about her life, her struggles, her efforts to combat the personal criticism, and the difficulties of being a strong woman in the world of US politics today. The journey starts well before the campaign actually began. Mrs. Clinton talks about her life, her friends, her interests, and her very public image. She outlines the path to the decision to run for President, and the people who helped and inspired her along the way. The campaign itself may be a bit backseated for the more personal stories, but those are the interesting ones to hear from the point of view of the one person at the center of this story. She talks about the people she surrounded herself with, people she seems to truly care about. She relates the challenges and setbacks of being involved in one of the most controversial campaigns in our history. She recounts the shock and disappointment of losing the election, how it affected her in the ensuing days, and how she found the strength to put it behind her. What comes through most clearly is that however bad things got, however harsh the criticisms, Mrs. Clinton recounts how her support system of family, friends, and colleagues were the ones who helped her navigate the deep waters of politics in today’s world. This is not only the story of the campaign, but an intimate account of life under the US political microscope.
======================================================
Available now :
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon, the Yo-Yo Files #1, is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here
Things have been quiet. No demonic possessions, no otherworldly intrusions, nothing. And then Lucifer shows up in Johnny’s living room, claiming that two archangels are missing, and something is definitely not right in the heavenly- and other- realms. Saying he has nothing to do with it- this time- he asks Johnny and Cerise to help him find out what’s happening, and who is behind the disappearances. While they are trying to do just that, Lucifer is devilnapped by a larger-than-life serpent. He manages to get a clue to Johnny before he disappears. Johnny and Cerise are left to puzzle out the disappearances and try to find the missing angels. Oh, and stop what could mean the ultimate destruction of pretty much everything.
Snake’s Alive, the Yo-Yo Files #2 is an urban fantasy novelette with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here.
And So On... 