Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st Century Memoir [Unabridged CD]

Description

Six-time New York Times bestselling author and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright-one of the world's most admired and tireless public servants-reflects on the final stages of one's career, and working productively into your later decades in this revealing, funny, and inspiring memoir. In 2001, when Madeleine Albright was leaving office as America's first female secretary of state, interviewers asked her how she wished to be remembered. "I don't want to be remembered," she answered. "I am still here and have much more I intend to do. As difficult as it might seem, I want every stage of my life to be more exciting than the last." In that time of transition, the former Secretary considered the possibilities: she could write, teach, travel, give speeches, start a business, fight for democracy, help to empower women, campaign for favored political candidates, spend more time with her grandchildren. Instead of choosing one or two, she decided to do it all. For nearly twenty years, Albright has been in constant motion, navigating half a dozen professions, clashing with presidents and prime ministers, learning every day. Since leaving the State Department, she has blazed her own trail-and given voice to millions who yearn for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age. Hell and Other Destinations reveals this remarkable figure at her bluntest, funniest, most intimate, and most serious. It is the tale of our times anchored in lessons for all time, narrated by an extraordinary woman with a matchless zest for life. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Madeleine Albright served as America's sixty-fourth Secretary of State from 1997 to 2001. Her distinguished career also includes positions on Capitol Hill, the National Security Council, and as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. She is a resident of Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

"A humorous, self-deprecating account of her past two decades as a professor, businesswoman, mother and grandmother." --Wall Street Journal "By turns poignant and hilarious." --New York Times "In a blunt and revealing memoir, the former secretary of state reflects on the final stages of her career, working productively in her later decades and the state of the world since she left office in 2001." --USA Today "The book reflects the energy and churn of her post-State Department life...What resonated with me most were the human moments...her successes and her failures. The changes she's witnessed and the glass ceilings that remain." --NPR "Former secretary of state Albright weaves geopolitics with her own life story in this intelligent and personable memoir....She proves to be a capacious storyteller, willing to share personal disappointments, such as the dissolution of her marriage, as well as professional accomplishments. This appealing memoir will charm readers interested in contemporary politics and women's issues."--Publishers Weekly "This passionately told account of Albright's 'afterlife' will inspire readers to become involved in the issues meaningful to them. Recommended for all interested in politics, leadership, and women's studies."--Library Journal (starred review) "This richly detailed memoir by the former Secretary of State covers the period since her departure from government, in 2001. With clarity and wisdom, Albright recounts moments of pride, like receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2012, and acknowledges recent criticisms of her record, including those concerning the human cost of the sanctions that the Clinton Administration imposed on Iraq. Ultimately, the book presents an intricate portrait of a diplomat, and her ardent belief in democratic values and human rights, transatlantic partnerships and arms control, and open economies and sturdy institutions."--New Yorker