The Education of an Idealist

A Memoir

By: Samantha Power

Narrated by: Samantha Power

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best seller

One of Audible’s Best Audiobooks of 2019
A New York Times Notable Book of 2019
An NPR Best Book of 2019
One of Time’s Must-Read Books of 2019
An Economist Book of the Year
A Washington Post Notable Book of 2019
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019

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

An intimate, powerful, and galvanizing memoir by Pulitzer Prize winner, human rights advocate, and former UN Ambassador Samantha Power.

In her memoir, Power offers an urgent response to the question "What can one person do?" and a call for a clearer eye, a kinder heart, and a more open and civil hand in our politics and daily lives. The Education of an Idealist traces Power’s distinctly American journey from immigrant to war correspondent to presidential Cabinet official. In 2005, her critiques of US foreign policy caught the eye of newly elected senator Barack Obama, who invited her to work with him on Capitol Hill and then on his presidential campaign. After Obama was elected president, Power went from being an activist outsider to a government insider, navigating the halls of power while trying to put her ideals into practice. She served for four years as Obama’s human rights adviser, and in 2013, he named her US Ambassador to the United Nations, the youngest American to assume the role.

Power transports us from her childhood in Dublin to the streets of war-torn Bosnia to the White House Situation Room and the world of high-stakes diplomacy. Humorous and deeply honest, The Education of an Idealist lays bare the searing battles and defining moments of her life and shows how she juggled the demands of a 24/7 national security job with the challenge of raising two young children. Along the way, she illuminates the intricacies of politics and geopolitics, reminding us how the United States can lead in the world, and why we each have the opportunity to advance the cause of human dignity. Power’s memoir is an unforgettable account of the power of idealism and of one person’s fierce determination to make a difference.

"This is a wonderful book.... The interweaving of Power’s personal story, family story, diplomatic history and moral arguments is executed seamlessly and with unblinking honesty." (Thomas L. Friedman, The New York Times Book Review)

"Honest, personal, revealing...about the development of a young woman’s inner strength and self-knowledge." (Colm Tóibín, author of Brooklyn and Nora Webster)

©2019 Samantha Power (P)2019 HarperAudio

Incredible memoirs by an outstanding US statesperson

I wish I could refrain from flatter but this book is simply extraordinary! A rare insight into the world of US and global politics, as well as personal life of a brilliant woman, presented in elegant and exquisite language.

Inspirational read

This book is a powerful testament to what modern female leadership is. Samantha Power is a human rights advocate, brilliant intellect and mother. She is paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps with her humor and honesty.

A Remarkable Intimate and Relevant Story

This is a wonderful memoir, of a compelling personal, professional. and political journey. Power’s experience represents the best of the American ideals and values: relentless optimism and hard-nosed realism about what it takes for a person, a family, a country, or the international or to survive and thrive in today’s complex world.

Extraordinary

Extraordinary life story in the form of a book narrated by the author. With insights into history, conflict, negotiation, compromise, tenacity, courage and hope - all in international contexts - this autobiography captures the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian challenges from 1999-2018. The author and her book earned my highest accolades.

A international educator who has lived and world across the world and loves an earnest, compelling, complex book.

Irish girl with a big heart

A very interesting about her life growing up in Ireland with a good, but drunken Father. When came to to America with her mother going school learning to fight for the depressed, trying to get the powerful to do something to save their lives.

This is truly a life well lived

Thanks to Samantha for coming in to our lives. She is a positive force in this World. I feel she has served our Nation well, and with a President that is the greats in my life time.

Want to read more by Ms. Power

Hands down, this has to be one of the best books I have read this year. I don't like politics and this was filled with it but it didn't read like it. Ms. Power put so much of her personal life intertwined with the politics that I did not mind them so much. The life and experiences this woman had were astonishing to hear. I will admit, because I don't like politics and don't follow closely, I did not know who she was. However, this book has made me really want to search for more on her and definitely read more of her books. She is a powerful writer and really grabs your attention. Her writing makes you want to be on her team. I read Becoming by Michelle Obama earlier this year and I have to honestly say, with Ms. Power's and Mrs. Obama's books, Barack Obama was a fabulous president, and I WISH I would have paid more attention to his presidency. These two books really made me feel like I was just sitting on the front porch with my best friends sipping lemonade out of a mason jar with a straw. Bravo!!!!

Extremely insightful and inspiring ...

Before seeing this book offered as a Daily Deal, I had no knowledge of Ms. Power, but after reading the summary I was hooked.

Like so many in America, I've become very disturbed at the rhetoric and incivility the comes out of Washington pretty much daily, and for the first time in my life I feel shame as an American citizen when I look at the leadership elected in this country. I know of no period of time when things were this bad and divisive, other than the time leading up to the Civil War. This book shares not only the fascinating story and experiences of Samantha Power, it provides insights and experiences that teach me about government at the highest levels of the Executive Branch and in the United Nations. It gives me hope that America can be strong and inspiring once again. It relates to me personally helping by helping me why I am feeling the way I do about our current situation and political climate. After reading it, I'm a better person. I'm certainly a fan and admirer of Samantha Power ... as she has lifted me to a higher level, and helped me grow in issues on which I too will now take a stand.

one of those books that shakes me out of complacen

Truly inspiring book. Out of habit I normally disregard or gloss over foreign affairs and focus on more domestic policy. Samantha is one of many authors that have pushed me to pay closer attention to foreign policy and humanitarian efforts.
Her reliving election night and knowing that Trump would likely unravel her accomplishments, was hard to listen to.

Outstanding!

Because the author is reading the narrative. It makes you feel like your their in the moment. I could picture sitting next to her in a meeting or hearing. Thank you for the enjoyment !