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The Education of an Idealist

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The Education of an Idealist

By: Samantha Power
Narrated by: Samantha Power
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About this listen

The international best seller.

A New York Times notable book of the year.

An Economist book of the year.

A Times Literary Supplement book of the year.

What can one person do?

In this vibrant, galvanising memoir, Human Rights Advocate and Pulitzer-Prize winning Writer Samantha Power offers an urgent response to this question.

As she traces her path from Irish immigrant to war correspondent and activist to eventually becoming the youngest-ever US Ambassador to the United Nations, Power writes with a unique blend of suspenseful storytelling, vivid character portraits and disarming honesty. Her account illuminates the challenges of navigating the halls of power while trying to put one’s ideals into practice (and raise two young children along the way), and it shows how – even in the face of daunting challenges – each of us can make a difference.

©2019 Samantha Power (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Freedom & Security Politics & Government Women in Politics Human Rights Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Inspiring Imperialism War Iran Middle East Africa American Foreign Policy

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Critic reviews

"Her highly personal and reflective memoir...is a must-read for anyone who cares about our role in a changing world." (Barack Obama)

"Samantha Power's book is honest, personal, revealing. It is about the development of a young woman's inner strength and self-knowledge. But it is also a political book, alert to both the power of political will and its limitations." (Colm Tóibín)

"It’s a profound, heart wrenching, uplifting, and emotional journey through her life and what she’s seen; starting in her youth in Ireland, and taking us through places like Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Sudan, and eventually the White House...All while navigating war zones and political culture as a woman and eventually a mother." (Sophia Bush)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this frank and honest memoir which covers so many major events in recent history, while also being very human and at time funny. I found it interesting that the UK was mentioned only once, as far as I remember. Is the so-called "special relationship" a delusion, as some think, or partly influenced by Irish origins, which would be understandable, even if a little biased as the UK was involved in many of the events documented. Nonetheless, this is an important book, as an idealist myself, I truly value the work of this lady and long for a day when the USA can again hold its head high when it will hopefully return to the values so eloquently depicted here.

enlightening

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Interesting to gain insight into how prominent leaders such a Power think and approach their lives and job. She has an interesting story to tell and it’s worth listening to if interested in international politics & diplomacy

Interesting account

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A deep dive into US foreign policy and the epic rise of an Irish immigrant to lead US diplomacy during the Obama presidency.
Beautifully narrated by Samantha Power.
My only regret was not reading it sooner.

Wonderfully narrated by Samantha Power

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Thought provoking, powerful. Humanity, politics and being the change one wants to see in the world. Loved it.

Beautiful story

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I really enjoyed listening to this book. Given it’s length, it took me time, but I found it hard to stop listening when I did start a new chapter. Truly appreciate the narration by the author and the personal perspective they give on their life, how that impacted their journey (focused on finding themselves and developing as a person throughout their career) and what lessons came to fruition for them from all of their experiences.

As a fellow Irish person, thanks, Samantha!

Wonderful listen

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