Living History, A Short Analysis

Hillary Rodham Clinton's autobiographical Living History does exactly what an autobiography is supposed to do. Keeping in mind that this book is not a substitute for history itself but merely the memoirs of the 42nd First Lady, Living History becomes a fascinating read marked by well-mannered eloquence and genuine emotion. This is not another feeble attempt to salvage Bill Clinton's reputation; this is the story about a woman of achievement; a story of an independent, strong-willed individual whose courage, strength, and intellect is truly admirable. This is Hillary's story.

The reader learns, in depth, that Senator Clinton is an intellectual, a voracious reader, a policy expert, a strong advocate for the poor, a guardian of children, a clever politician, an outstanding American citizen, a committed mother, a dedicated wife, and a never-say-die woman who seeks power without apology. That which may be new to the reader, however, is the profound impact Hillary's family and upbringing had on her political beliefs and eventual political career, which has made her into somewhat of a celebrity in the American culture.

In a simplified version of her childhood, the reader learns that Hillary "grew up between the push and tug of [her] parents' values and [her] own political beliefs reflect both" (11). Hillary shares that her father was quite a conservative Republican and that her mother was a Democrat, though she kept quiet about her political beliefs in their predominantly Republican neighborhood of Park Ridge, Illinois. Senator Clinton's father was very tight with money and, when Hillary or one of her brothers would ask for cash, Mr. Rodham (Hillary's dad) would make the children fully explain why they needed the money. ...

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..."Exactly what I suspected!"

Living History makes Hillary look stronger and even more practical as a Presidential candidate to those already supporting or admiring her. To her critics, however, she will do nothing but reinforce the notion that she is a revisionist; a liar, bent on seeking fame and glory rather than serving the cause of truth. Perhaps she's somewhere in-between. And what is truth, anyway? According to our laws, is truth not always said to be circumstantial if not speculative?

The benefit to reading an autobiography such as this one is huge. If we were to closely examine everybody's experience of any given event our picture of history would probably be significantly more accurate. People like Hillary Rodham Clinton lead extraordinary lives and they

deserve to have their stories captured in time and recorded as a part of our history.