Personal History

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational read
Review: Katharine Graham's Personal History is an inspirational account of one woman's personal and professional development. Written in a very neutral tone, the book sheds light on the difficulties of being one of the first women in business. An inspiration for those of us trying to make our mark on the world today.

Rating:
Summary: Stilted prose killed my interest almost immediately.
Review: I dove into this book with high expectations, but it read like a time line. Little synthesis, bad prose. Very disappointed - maybe I didn't hang in there long enough?

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Summary: A Powerful Woman Reveals Herself
Review: What woman has NOT felt the things Katherine Graham reveals in this beautiful story of her life? The gift of this novel is the bond of sisterhood that Katherine weaves as she discloses the honesty of her life. I found myself turning each page wondering how she would find her way and taking notes on how she does exactly that for my own future reference! Her life, stunning and dotted with the names and places of the famous, shares the commonality of what it means to be a woman -- the power of love, the depth and breadth of motherhood, the overwhelming weight of insecurity and despair, the elation of personal achievement. This is what makes this novel timeless, beautiful and a gift to us all.

Rating:
Summary: Stopped doing housework to finish this book!
Review: Having bought this memoir for my mother per her request, I was eager myself to read it! I was not disappointed! I tore through this large book in no time flat-a true feat since I have an energetic 2 1/2 year old! The writing moves along and has a conversational tone. Even though there are many references to so many different people, I never felt overwhelmed or confused. Having been born into such wealth, it would have been easy for Mrs. Graham to rely on her father's fortune. She was a self conscious child and adolescent. This would permeate her adult life, even after bringing the Post into the forefront.Having survived the many tragic and cruel events of her life, she appears to be a gracious and humble person! This is a truly remarkable memoir!

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Summary: A great personal and pro. perspective into the life of KG.
Review: This book had huge impact on breast-fed Republican ideals I've had(I am now aligned with the Independant Party) in understanding a legitimate, passionate liberal working in the media. A rich trip down memory lane when Katherine tackles the 60's, 70's to current times. If you like bio's, you will really like this one!!!

Rating:
Summary: A dissapointment from a great woman.
Review: While this book is interesting, it is also slightly artificial. Other female meditators, like Frida Kahl an Anne Truitt, have been far more successful.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinatimg account of one woman's personal journey
Review: Having read of Katharine Graham in Gerald Clarke's portrayal of Truman Capote I was intrigued to learn more about her and was pleased to hear she had published an autobiography. The book was of a good length, seeing me through the later stages of pregnancy and into the establishment of breast feeding! I enjoyed the read and did feel that I got to know the author quite well. I agree with comments that her self affacing manner was at times a problem and there were some times when it was slow. Overall I found it a interesting book to read from both historical and personal perspectives.

Rating:
Summary: 80-Year History of Washington Post Publishing Empire.
Review: This is a fascinating look at the rarified world of money, power, and politics circling the Washington Post publishing empire. Katharine Graham was content in the shadow of her father and husband, but is eventually cast into a leadership role where she discovers that she has worth and power in her own right. Her story is packed with amazing tidbits and inside accounts of famous people and major historical events. Despite the inordinate length (and small type), it was a fast read -- very hard to put down. I recommended it highly.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, a difficult book to put down!!!
Review: I bought this book in a bookshop in London. It was on the floor under a great pile of books waiting to be put on the shelves, completely out of the way...I swear it called to me! Now I know why. It is an excellent book written by an amazing woman. Once I started reading it, I found it so difficult to put it down. I have immense respect for this lady, and feel as though I have watched her life from afar, without interferring or wanting more information. All matters are dealt with in depth, but none are lingered on to long. Everyone must read this book once in their lives.

Rating:
Summary: Lacks warmth, but the facts alone make an amazing story.
Review: Most of us baby-boomers have felt that our mothers could have done extraordinary things if only they'd not been so completely repressed and shoved down by the male-dominated culture of the 50's and 60's. Katharine Graham proves us right with her Cinderella story of being thrust into a leadership position completely unprepared and lacking in confidence. She rose to every occaision, mostly by sheer will and tenacity, and has become one of the most successful publishers and business people in the twentieth century. I'd have liked to hear more about the toll this took on her children's lives, but the choice to omit that portion of the story was obviously carefully and thoughtfully made. This book completely deserves the Pulitzer prize it earned Ms. Graham.