Over a long and storied career, Hillary Clinton has broken countless barriers for women in politics – becoming the first to top the presidential ticket of a major party in the U.S. and embracing feminism as central to her campaign. With bittersweet candor, she chronicles the highs and lows of one of the most controversial presidential elections in history in her 2017 memoir What Happened. She also shares the values, lessons and tools that helped her reach the highest levels of public service in her Masterclass on the power of resilience.
Sharing some of her personal favorite books with O Magazine, Clinton’s picks delve into patriarchal oppression and the strength and determination of women who survive it with their humanity intact. From the early resonance she found in Little Women to the brutal truths of Alice Walker’s seminal work, find a selection of Hillary Clinton’s book recommendations below. For a deeper look at the Then, dive into the reading lists of other pathbreaking politicians right here.
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen
“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.” -HC
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (also rec’d by Glennon Doyle, Gloria Steinem, John Lennon, Maya Angelou & Shonda Rhimes)
“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.” -HC
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
“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.” -HC
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (also rec’d by Chimamanda Adichie, Emma Watson, Gabrielle Union, Glennon Doyle, Gloria Steinem & Janet Mock)
“Alice Walker tackles some of American society’s most vexing issues—race, gender and violence—through a memorable protagonist named Celie. The story of her growing up as a victim of abuse and her ongoing journey of self-discovery is a brutally honest assessment of human nature at its best and worst.” -HC
The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
“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.” -HC
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang (also rec’d by Richard Branson)
“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.” -HC
West with the Night by Beryl Markham
“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.” -HC
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (also rec’d by Kamala Harris)
“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.” -HC
(via O Magazine)