Bill Clinton

So... My Life by Bill Clinton is one of those books that I moved around in my to-be-read pile for years. Yes, you read that right, years. I long wanted to read it in an attempt to better understand what happened when his presidency because his presidency changed the way I view both Democrats and Republicans, but I kept putting it off for a multitude of reasons. I wanted to read it to understand his point of view, particularly about his presidency. Clinton's telling of his life before his presidency is more interesting and more detailed than I expected. As verbose as he is by his own admission, I often felt like what he shared walked a fine line between emotional detachment and overly emotional. I felt like I got some insight into his presidency as well as his life leading up to his presidency, but the details seemed to obscure the person behind the persona. Some of the paragraphs just listing things that happened during a month felt a bit mundane. His descriptions of his relationship with Hillary, his wife, often showed a restraint that felt like a reluctance to share that part of his life, which I can understand. His love and pride for Chelsea, his daughter, though, screams through every time he mentions her. The references to his religious beliefs felt a bit overdone. It's also interesting to read it now, more than a decade after the paperback was released and more than two decades after his presidency ended because what he got right and what he got wrong seem all the more evident now. Some of his best intentions had circumstances he didn't seem to foresee. Reading My Life made me want to go back and research some events, laws, bills, etc., especially those that seemed to have had short term benefits that somehow didn't last. At times, he seemed to have quite a good grasp on how best to navigate situations while at other times he seemed to have a severe misunderstanding of the people involved creating problems in being the bridge he wanted to be. Clinton, in telling his story from his point of view, acknowledges his flaws and mistakes more than I expected while also showing great pride in his accomplishments.… (more)

Book Review: Citizen by Bill Clinton

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the world today. Clinton's writing is clear and engaging, and he offers a thoughtful and insightful perspective on a wide range of issues, from the global economy to climate change to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

What sets this book apart is its focus on the power of individual action. Clinton shares stories of people from all walks of life who are making a difference in their communities and around the world. He also discusses his own efforts to create positive change through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on Clinton's post-presidential work, including his efforts to help rebuild Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Part II discusses the challenges of rewriting history, including the false revisionism surrounding the 1994 Crime Bill and the 1996 welfare reform bill. Part III focuses on the Clinton Foundation's work in a variety of areas, including global health, climate change, and economic development.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the book:
There are no quick and easy solutions to complex problems. Clinton emphasizes the importance of patience, persistence, and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Everyone has the power to make a difference. Clinton inspires readers to take action in their own communities and support organizations that are working to create positive change.

We must resist the forces of division and hate. Clinton warns against the dangers of tribalism and the erosion of truth in the digital age.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a hopeful and inspiring read about the possibilities for positive change in the world.

Here are some specific examples of Clinton's work that are discussed in the book:
Haiti: Clinton's deep commitment to Haiti's recovery is evident in his detailed account of the Clinton Foundation's work in the country. He discusses efforts to support Haitian entrepreneurs, promote tourism and investment, and improve access to healthcare and education.

Smallholder farmers: Clinton's work with the Clinton Development Initiative (CDI) is highlighted as a successful model for empowering farmers in Africa. The book describes CDI's focus on connecting farmers to markets, providing training and resources, and helping them access better prices for their crops.

HIV/AIDS: Clinton's leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS is evident in his discussion of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). The book details CHAI's efforts to negotiate lower drug prices, expand access to treatment and prevention programs, and save millions of lives around the world.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Clinton's post-presidential life and work. It is a testament to his enduring commitment to public service and his belief in the power of people to create a better world.

The full Deep Dive review of this book can be watched from our YouTube channel...
https://youtu.be/J0X0QRgn3Lk… (more)