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Both/And

A Life in Many Worlds

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Both/And

By: Huma Abedin
Narrated by: Huma Abedin
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About this listen

 In this beautifully written and propulsive memoir, Huma Abedin—Hillary Clinton’s famously private top aide and longtime adviser—emerges from the wings of American political history to take command of her own story.

The daughter of Indian and Pakistani intellectuals and advocates who split their time between Saudi Arabia, the UK and the United States, Abedin grew up in many worlds. Both/And grapples with family, legacy, identity, faith, marriage and motherhood with wisdom and sophistication.

Abedin launched full steam into a college internship in the office of the first lady in 1996, never imagining that her work at the White House would blossom into a career in public service, nor that the career would become an all-consuming way of life. Still in her twenties and thirties, she thrived in rooms with diplomats and sovereigns, entrepreneurs and artists, philanthropists and activists, and witnessed many crucial moments in 21st-century American history—Camp David for urgent efforts at Middle East peace in the waning months of the Clinton administration, Ground Zero in the days after the 9/11 attacks, the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States, the convention floor when America nominated its first female presidential candidate.

Abedin’s relationship with Clinton has seen both women through extraordinary personal and professional highs, as well as unimaginable lows. Here, for the first time, is a deeply personal account of Hillary Clinton as mentor, confidante and role model. Abedin cuts through caricature, rumour and misinformation to reveal a crystal-clear portrait of Clinton as a brilliant and caring leader a steadfast friend, generous, funny, hardworking and dedicated. Both/And is a candid and heartbreaking chronicle of Abedin’s marriage to Anthony Weiner, what drew her to him, how much she wanted to believe in him, the devastation wrought by his betrayals—and their shared love for their son.

It is also a timeless story of a young woman with aspirations and ideals coming into her own in high-pressure jobs, and a testament to the potential for women in leadership to blaze a path forward while supporting those who follow in their footsteps. Both/And describes Abedin’s journey through the opportunities and obstacles, the trials and triumphs, of a full and complex life. Abedin’s compassion and courage, her resilience and grace, her work ethic and mission are an inspiration to people of all ages.

‘This journey has led me through exhilarating milestones and devastating setbacks,’ said Abedin. ‘I have walked both with great pride and in overwhelming shame. It is a life I am—more than anything—enormously grateful for and a story I look forward to sharing.’ Politicians Politics & Activism Women Middle East Funny American History First Lady Memoir

Critic Reviews

‘An extraordinary memoir about the most private and public things. With candour, insight and courage, Abedin takes us boldly behind the scenes of many of the most important political events of the past quarter century and dazzlingly deep into the heart of the most poignant, powerful and painful moments of her life—as a daughter, mother, wife and top aide to Hillary Clinton. It’s a story about loss and triumph, resilience and grit; about love, loyalty and letting go. The writing is just gorgeous. I was gobsmacked.’ (Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail)
‘An inspiring roadmap revealing how a little Brown girl from Kalamazoo, Michigan grew up to become a powerful political force navigating unimaginable rooms, relationships and circumstances with incredible resiliency, stunning work ethic and unwavering faith. There is no doubt that Huma’s personal and professional journey, told in her own words, is one of the most unique stories you will ever read.’ (Cleo Wade, author of What the Road Said)
‘A gripping testament to the power of a woman finding her voice, owning her ambition and sharing her truth. Huma's humanity, tenacity and singularity draw us deeply into her personal and professional journeys – and we are left inspired by her will to fight for herself and the world.’ (Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed, and Founder of Together Rising)
'I've long known Huma to be a compassionate and committed advisor and public servant. I've relied on her talents, wisdom and counsel for a quarter-century. Both/And is the beautifully written account of a grand journey, and I’m so delighted she’s chosen to share her story of grit and grace with the world.’ (Hillary Rodham Clinton)
All stars
Most relevant
I can't recommend this book highly enough as it describes multiple experiences: the Muslim experience, the experience of being deep in a political campaign and, regrettably, of being a betrayed wife. Because we read so much about Huma' s life in the media when the events she is describing occurred, it can be tempting to think we have already heard it all. We have not.
This audiobook is well read but benefits from.being heard at 1.15 speed.

A fascinating insight

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Due to Ms Abedin’s commitment, experience, background and personal characteristics she became a valuable aid to Hilary Clinton and an asset to the democratic party. So her life in the political world is the road less travelled and hence of interest to the average onlooker (like us, the reader.)She obviously has dignity and an enviable strong moral compass which is unusual in our corrupt society in the western world. But she falls in love with a man where it seems there is a meeting of minds and ambition to make the world a better place. Unfortunately her new husband has tacky secrets for which our dear sweet naive heroine is not in the least prepared. Huma describes the roller coaster of managing his very public indiscretions and indeed crimes, which are the antipathy of who she is. (Must have been horrifying for her.) Long story short, Huma Abedin is an amazing woman working hard to make the world a better place but beset by personal and political hurdles. She writes beautifully. Yes there is much written about Hilary Clinton but i found this added to the depth of the story. Well worth a read about the intersection of contemporary personal and political worlds.

Huma Abedin is a rare woman of integrity intelligence grace strength & humility

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