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Both/And

A Life in Many Worlds

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Both/And

By: Huma Abedin
Narrated by: Huma Abedin
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About this listen

 In this beautifully written and propulsive memoir, Huma Abedin—Hillary Clinton’s famously private top aide and longtime adviser—emerges from the wings of American political history to take command of her own story.

The daughter of Indian and Pakistani intellectuals and advocates who split their time between Saudi Arabia, the UK and the United States, Abedin grew up in many worlds. Both/And grapples with family, legacy, identity, faith, marriage and motherhood with wisdom and sophistication.

Abedin launched full steam into a college internship in the office of the first lady in 1996, never imagining that her work at the White House would blossom into a career in public service, nor that the career would become an all-consuming way of life. Still in her twenties and thirties, she thrived in rooms with diplomats and sovereigns, entrepreneurs and artists, philanthropists and activists, and witnessed many crucial moments in 21st-century American history—Camp David for urgent efforts at Middle East peace in the waning months of the Clinton administration, Ground Zero in the days after the 9/11 attacks, the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States, the convention floor when America nominated its first female presidential candidate.

Abedin’s relationship with Clinton has seen both women through extraordinary personal and professional highs, as well as unimaginable lows. Here, for the first time, is a deeply personal account of Hillary Clinton as mentor, confidante and role model. Abedin cuts through caricature, rumour and misinformation to reveal a crystal-clear portrait of Clinton as a brilliant and caring leader a steadfast friend, generous, funny, hardworking and dedicated. Both/And is a candid and heartbreaking chronicle of Abedin’s marriage to Anthony Weiner, what drew her to him, how much she wanted to believe in him, the devastation wrought by his betrayals—and their shared love for their son.

It is also a timeless story of a young woman with aspirations and ideals coming into her own in high-pressure jobs, and a testament to the potential for women in leadership to blaze a path forward while supporting those who follow in their footsteps. Both/And describes Abedin’s journey through the opportunities and obstacles, the trials and triumphs, of a full and complex life. Abedin’s compassion and courage, her resilience and grace, her work ethic and mission are an inspiration to people of all ages.

‘This journey has led me through exhilarating milestones and devastating setbacks,’ said Abedin. ‘I have walked both with great pride and in overwhelming shame. It is a life I am—more than anything—enormously grateful for and a story I look forward to sharing.’ Politicians Politics & Activism South Asian Creators Women Middle East Funny American History First Lady Memoir

Critic reviews

‘An extraordinary memoir about the most private and public things. With candour, insight and courage, Abedin takes us boldly behind the scenes of many of the most important political events of the past quarter century and dazzlingly deep into the heart of the most poignant, powerful and painful moments of her life—as a daughter, mother, wife and top aide to Hillary Clinton. It’s a story about loss and triumph, resilience and grit; about love, loyalty and letting go. The writing is just gorgeous. I was gobsmacked.’ (Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail)
‘An inspiring roadmap revealing how a little Brown girl from Kalamazoo, Michigan grew up to become a powerful political force navigating unimaginable rooms, relationships and circumstances with incredible resiliency, stunning work ethic and unwavering faith. There is no doubt that Huma’s personal and professional journey, told in her own words, is one of the most unique stories you will ever read.’ (Cleo Wade, author of What the Road Said)
‘A gripping testament to the power of a woman finding her voice, owning her ambition and sharing her truth. Huma's humanity, tenacity and singularity draw us deeply into her personal and professional journeys – and we are left inspired by her will to fight for herself and the world.’ (Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed, and Founder of Together Rising)
'I've long known Huma to be a compassionate and committed advisor and public servant. I've relied on her talents, wisdom and counsel for a quarter-century. Both/And is the beautifully written account of a grand journey, and I’m so delighted she’s chosen to share her story of grit and grace with the world.’ (Hillary Rodham Clinton)
All stars
Most relevant
One can be overwhelmed by all the details. Could have been narrated in a more interesting way.

The life and spiritual depth of Huma is impressive

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Huma tells a compelling and inspirational story of her life and the path she travelled alongside Hilary Clinton.

Compelling and inspirational

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I was riveted to this electrifying memoir, in which Huma recounts her incredible life to date. Intelligent, measured, inspiring & heart breaking. What an amazing lady & what a talented story teller! It was such compelling listening.

Incredible story & outstanding story telling

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Whether discussing politics or the personal, Huma is authentic, inspiring, at times uncomfortably honest and raw. Thoroughly enjoyed each moment of this!

Outstanding!

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First off, this is an excellent autobiography presenting the reader with insights into the multiple worlds the author has inhabited during her full life to date. It is very well written and flows at a good pace. The language is clear and the reader is fully drawn into the book. The narration (by the author) is about a 7/8 out of 10. I found some sections needed a bit more expression given the content. It takes courage and bravery to write a book like this so fair play to the author for opening up so publicly. I bought it after reading a review in my local newspaper.

This is the chronological story of Hillary R Clinton's deputy chief of staff, birth to present day encompassing all the roles she had performed; Daughter, student, intern, staffer, high ranking member of HRC's team, wife, mother, and person of extreme public interest in the last decade due to her marital relationship.


But the content... as someone outside the US who didn't know the ins and outs, what a car crash of a story. You find yourself completely conflicted asking how the hell the author landed where she did with the absolute wreckage stren all around her. This is due to her husbands behaviour which is well documented.

The author is obviously a highly intelligent, efficacious, driven and ambitious person but is a classic case of book smarts vs street smarts. Like sometimes ppl need to be dropped but the author in sacrificing everyday living for the career she had didn't have the street smarts EQ to recognise that in her husband. The other point to make is that the story is told through an Islamic cultural outlook which is very insightful and is well articulated. The first part opens a window into that world for folks outside of the Islamic faith which is very educational. However, the author's faith and conviction appears a factor in the compounded poor decision making in regards to her relationship with her former husband.

There is a reverence expressed re Hillary R Clinton throughout so don't expect much detailed analysis or deep critical thinking on her or her policies both in foresight or hindsight.

Above said, its a deeply personal and emotionally charged account of an extraordinary life that is as much about fate's sliding doors and the consequences of actions that in real-time seem solid but sometimes lead in directions never ever envisaged or wanted.

A 100% definite recommended read. It's even conflicting writing this review as the book is so well written, you feel like you know the author and a little bit guilty writing objectively about the book.



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Excellent memoir but resonates uncomfortably

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