The Secretary: A Journey with Hillary Clinton From Beirut to the Heart of American Power by Kim Ghattas
Review by Faith Chatham - Nov. 1, 2013BBC foreign correspondent Kim Ghattas had unparalleled access to Clinton and her entourage
This book was a fascinating "read". I found it difficult to focus on other "tasks" once I began reading Kim Ghattas' journey as BBC foreign correspondent assigned to cover U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A child who grew up in Beirut, who experienced war first-hand, and who saw the impact of the foreign policies of the Big Powers in the East/West power plays, Ghattas's viewpoint of America foreign policy was not an "insiders'" perspective. Given almost around-the-clock access to Secretary Clinton and her entourage during frequent multi-country diplomatic missions, Ghattas grew to understand the limitations of American political influence. Unlike many books about political figures, this one is not written by a supporter or a detractor. Ghattas writes neither to promote nor to vilify Secretary Clinton. She does strive to understand both America, the American system and international diplomacy and Secretary Clinton. Ghattas' book fills in many of the behind-the-scenes realities of key diplomatic events which were not covered or were slanted by news coverage during Clinton's term as Secretary of State.
Women Who Don't Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way by Reshma Saujani
Review by Faith Chatham - Nov. 1, 2013
New York political activist and community organizer, Reshma Saujani addresses women in the workplace, in community leadership, and in the political arena. Her message goes straight to the mind of any woman whose confidence does not match her aspiration.
Saujani's urges women not to wait in line, not to be deterred by those who insist that one must "pay her dues" to the establishment before declaring candidacy for public office or applying for a promotion. She writes about the strength which comes from failure and the opportunity which can be seized through grabbing jobs which are "two steps" beyond your current qualifications. This is a thin volume which is packed full or concrete examples and triggers for introspective evaluation. She undresses how we are conditioned and points her readers toward action.
She inspires women to be unapologetically ambition, and recommends applying for positions which are "two steps higher" than your qualifications. This book makes a great gift for a woman who is serious in pursuing a career path which fulfills the dreams of her heart, and utilizes her skills and talents.
