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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
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I loved hearing Samantha Power’s story. Very disappointed when I reached the end. Fascinating to hear what was happening behind the scenes on issues on the world stage and those little known about. Great to also hear some of the personal family details to understand what led her to be so driven and the impact such an important role has on family life. Would highly recommend.

Highly recommended

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Power's reflective memoir over a varied career and full life is inspiring and moving. Hearing the personal and the professional mixed together, one can understand that she evokes and lives the essence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In addition, as a gay man listening to a straight ally discussing her loving and long sustained support of LGBT+ equality, I felt at home in her book, which I had not expected.

Vote for Power!

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Great book. Educational and interesting, I just wish it was longer :). I have enjoyed it.

Great book

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Samantha Power is a true inspiration around the world. I am grateful for this book which gives hope in uncertain times.

a true inspiration

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Audiobook, read very well by Samantha Power herself. An interesting life that includes war journalist, teaching as a Professor at US University and US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power is a serious and thoughtful woman full of vigour to make a change in this world. Such interesting stories about her own experiences, personal and professional, good and bad. This is an intelligent and genuine woman who forms long-lasting bonds with people, suited therefore to diplomacy. Long hours of work, particularly as US Ambassador, highlighted the work-life balance problem, particularly as she had young children at the time. This memoir dove-tailed nicely with Barrack Obama’s memoir, which I listened to last year.

Interesting Memoir

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Good but at points a little one sided, really enjoyable to listen to an great to hear about the UN

Loved it

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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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What a read, so personal, passionate, provoking and inspiring. Thoroughly enjoyed and relished every word.

Inspiring

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Absolutely brilliantread by the author I would highly recommend everyone to read it Mary

Absolutely brilliant read I would highly recommend

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I am also immigrant who arrived around the age as you. Currently in my 20s and trying to decide my path. Thank you for showing me it is possible to have the balance in life and the needed emotional support from my own female community.

Working Mum as its Best

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