Hillary Clinton's Reading List
Former US Secretary of State, Senator, and 2016 presidential candidate. Avid reader who has shared favorite-book lists in O Magazine and elsewhere.
Open in WellRead Daily app →Hillary Clinton's O Magazine Favorites (2014)
Books Clinton highlighted to O Magazine as personally meaningful.
Source: www.oprah.com
Henri Nouwen · 1992 · Buy on Amazon
"It had a profound effect on me; a friend gave it to me in 1994 after I experienced tragic and painful losses."
Louisa May Alcott · 1868 · Buy on Amazon
"Like many women of my generation who read this novel growing up, I really felt like I lived in Jo's family. It was one of the first literary explorations of how women balance the demands of their daily lives, from raising families to pursuing outside goals."
Barbara Kingsolver · 1998 · Buy on Amazon
"One of the most powerful books I've read about the evil consequences of patriarchal oppression — be it personal, cultural, or political."
Amy Tan · 1989 · Buy on Amazon
"This exploration of mother-daughter relationships and the immigrant experience fits Hillary Clinton's interest in women's stories and diverse cultural perspectives. It aligns with her long-standing advocacy for women and families."
Elena Ferrante · 2011 · Buy on Amazon
"This saga of female friendship and ambition, set against a changing Italy, fits Hillary Clinton's interest in women's roles in society and the complexities of long-term relationships."
Favorite books (2022)
Favorite books recommended by Hillary Clinton, as compiled by radicalreads.com. Source article: https://radicalreads.com/hillary-clinton-favorite-books/.
Source: radicalreads.com
Henri J.M. Nouwen · Buy on Amazon
"Nouwen’s book contains universal, timeless lessons for people of all religions, backgrounds and cultures. It really is about how our heavenly Father, God, loves us despite our shortcomings and failings. For me it was a call to the discipline of gratitude and also to forgiveness. And I certainly have had plenty of occasions to use both. I would encourage everyone to read it, particularly if they are going through difficult times."
Louisa May Alcott (also rec’d by Elizabeth Warren , Glennon Doyle , Gloria Steinem , Hillary Clinton , John Lennon, Maya Angelou & Shonda Rhimes ) · Buy on Amazon
"Like many women of my generation who read this novel growing up, I really felt like I lived in Jo’s family. This book was one of the first literary explorations of how women balance the demands of their daily lives, from raising families to pursuing outside goals. The book was written more than a century ago, but its message resonates today."
Barbara Kingsolver · Buy on Amazon
"This is the story of an American missionary who moves his family to the Congo at the end of Belgian rule. It’s one of the most powerful books I’ve read about the evil consequences of patriarchal oppression, be it personal, cultural or political. The story is movingly told through the voices of four sisters and their mother. It reminded me that every woman faces unique challenges and choices, and that all too often women find themselves trapped by their circumstances."
Jean M. Auel · Buy on Amazon
"I’ve been interested for a long time in archeology and anthropology, and this novel about life in prehistoric times is a rich blend of imagination and information about everything from plants that were used for medicine to the rituals and taboos of Neanderthal man. It is also about Ayla, a little girl who is orphaned when her parents are killed in an earthquake. Maybe because I’m a mother, I was very moved by the story of her survival and growing up."
Jung Chang (also rec’d by Richard Branson ) · Buy on Amazon
"Chang traces the lives of three generations of women born in China during the 20th century. Set against the historical backdrop of imperialist China, the rise of Communism and, finally, Mao’s cultural revolution, Wild Swans is an inspiring tale of women who survived every kind of hardship, deprivation and political upheaval with their humanity intact."
Beryl Markham · Buy on Amazon
"Talk about inspiring! I can’t get over the amount of daring, courage, determination and self-confidence it took to accomplish what Beryl Markham did in 1936 when she became the first person to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic Ocean. This is a beautifully written life story of one of the greatest woman adventurers of all time, from her growing up in sub-Saharan Africa to her exploits as a pilot."
Amy Tan (also rec’d by Kamala Harris ) · Buy on Amazon
"This novel opened my eyes, not only to the distinct and special traditions of the Chinese-American culture but also to the ways in which immigrant women of different generations adapted and adjusted to life in this country."