Hillary Clinton is a prominent political figure known for her role as the former First Lady of the United States, U.S. Senator from New York, Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, and the Democratic Party's nominee for President in 2016. Born in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, Clinton has been at the forefront of American politics for decades, advocating for issues related to children's health and rights, gender equality, and healthcare reform. Her political career is marked by a deep commitment to public service and a firm belief in the power of government to make positive changes in people's lives.
❝Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible, from complex word problems and the meaning of scientific articles to understanding contracts and the fine print on financial documents.❞ — Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton is also an avid reader, a trait she has discussed publicly and demonstrated through her engagement with a wide range of literary works. Her memoirs, including "Living History" and "What Happened," provide insights into her personal and professional life, showing how literature has influenced her worldview. Clinton has often spoken about how reading has not only provided her with a source of relaxation and escape but also deepened her understanding of complex global issues and human relationships. Her book recommendations often include works that address significant social issues, reflect on human nature, and inspire public service.
Hillary Clinton's Favorite Books
Last Updated: June 2024
Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date: Jan 23rd, 2007
This timeless children's book features a gentle, rhythmic story of a young bunny saying goodnight to the various objects in his room, creating a soothing bedtime ritual beloved by generations of readers.
Our Divided Political Heart: The Battle for the American Idea in an Age of Discontent
Author: E.J. Dionne Jr.
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Date: May 22nd, 2012
Dionne examines the historical roots of America's political divide, exploring the tensions between individualism and community and proposing ways to bridge the ideological gaps in contemporary American politics.
The Clan of the Cave Bear
Author: Jean M. Auel
Publisher: Bantam
Date: Nov 1st, 2001
This prehistoric novel tells the story of Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl who is orphaned and adopted by a clan of Neanderthals, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the clash of cultures in ancient times.
However Long the Night: Molly Melching's Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph
Author: Aimee Molloy
Publisher: HarperOne
Date: Apr 30th, 2013
This inspiring biography chronicles Molly Melching's three-decade-long dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Africa through education and advocacy against practices like female genital mutilation.
Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again
Author: Johann Hari
Publisher: Crown
Date: Jan 25th, 2022
Hari explores the various factors contributing to our decreasing attention spans and provides strategies to regain focus and improve our ability to think deeply in a world full of distractions.
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
Author: Jung Chang
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Apr 2nd, 1991
This family memoir spans three generations of Chinese women, from the warlords and concubines of early 20th-century China to the Cultural Revolution, providing a vivid and personal perspective on the tumultuous history of modern China.
The Brothers Karamazov
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Date: Jun 14th, 2002
This profound novel delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on their internal moral struggles, profound philosophical dialogues, and the search for faith and meaning amidst personal tragedy.
Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Author: Lynne Olson
Publisher: Random House
Date: Jan 28th, 2010
Olson chronicles the crucial roles played by three influential Americans in London—Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant—during World War II, highlighting their efforts to bolster British morale and secure American support.
The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him Home
Author: Sally Mott Freeman
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: May 9th, 2017
Freeman's gripping historical narrative follows the harrowing journey of three brothers during World War II, detailing their efforts to locate their missing sibling and showcasing the bond of family amidst the turmoil of war.
The House at Sugar Beach: In Search of a Lost African Childhood
Author: Helene Cooper
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Date: Sep 2nd, 2008
Cooper's memoir recounts her privileged childhood in Liberia, the country's descent into civil war, and her eventual reconciliation with her past and her family's legacy after emigrating to the United States.
Decision Points
Author: George W. Bush
Publisher: Crown
Date: Nov 9th, 2010
In this memoir, former President George W. Bush provides an insider’s account of the pivotal decisions that shaped his presidency, offering candid reflections on both his personal life and key moments of his administration.
After the Music Stopped: The Financial Crisis, the Response, and the Work Ahead
Author: Alan S. Blinder
Publisher: Penguin Press
Date: Jan 24th, 2013
Blinder, an economist and former Federal Reserve vice chairman, analyzes the causes and consequences of the 2008 financial crisis, evaluating the responses and outlining the necessary steps to prevent future economic disasters.
Faith of My Fathers
Author: John McCain
Publisher: Random House
Date: Mar 7th, 2000
McCain’s memoir chronicles his family's military history, his own experiences as a naval aviator, and his harrowing five-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, highlighting the values of honor, courage, and resilience.
Schindler's list
Author: Thomas Keneally
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Date: Apr 2nd, 1982
This historical novel tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories, blending detailed research with narrative storytelling to honor his legacy.
Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Publisher: Penguin Books
Date: Dec 31st, 2002
This beloved novel explores the complexities of manners, marriage, and morality in early 19th-century England through the tumultuous relationship between the intelligent and spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy, aloof Mr. Darcy.
Missing You
Author: Harlan Coben
Publisher: Dutton
Date: Mar 18th, 2014
In this gripping thriller, NYPD detective Kat Donovan discovers her ex-fiancé on an online dating site, which sets off a series of events that lead her into a dangerous web of deception, murder, and conspiracy.
The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Publisher: Viking
Date: Sep 22nd, 2022
This psychological thriller follows a group of elite college students who fall under the spell of their charismatic classics professor and become entangled in a murder, leading to a chilling exploration of morality, obsession, and the consequences of their actions.