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Summary: This book really opens your eyes about Pres. Clinton
Review: I used to support President Clinton until I read this book. It's really an eye-opener. I recommend it to those who think they like Clinton -- it will give you a whole new perspective.
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Summary: nothing much really new
Review: Stephanopoulos reveals very little of importance. His main themes are that Clinton lies constantly, Hillary is deep into coverup of Whitewater and denial of the President's adolescent sexual persona and the total absence of integrity at the top is mirrored by staff and cabinet who value their positions above the truth. Donate the money you would spend on this to some good cause.
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Summary: Exceptionally smart & a wonderful social commentary.
Review: This is an exceedingly well-written book that surprises with a rare degree of intelligence, honesty (we hope), and decency. There are excerpts whose impacts are only realized through re-reading. Those short, well-alliterated phrases, about politicians and "first deal"[s]and what one will compromise for what one believes in, until finally one's forgotten or simply no longer cares what that belief is. This is a candid book that does more than exploit the last, arduous years. It humanizes them--and this book is worth the read.
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Summary: Riveting, Shocking, and Edge-of-Your Seat Stuff. Buy It!
Review: Stephanopolous takes the reader on a riveting,shocking and enlightening journey through the Clinton White House as a first hand observer to history. The read is not just a rehash of gossip, innuendo, and rumor--but an analysis of the policies and behaviors advocated and displayed by the 20th century's most tragic figure. There is tons of titilating new information that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a true page turner--can't put down book that will leave you asking for more!
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Summary: Insight into youth, ego, power, and the struggle of spinning
Review: This is a fascinating book about George Stephanopoulous. Not Bill Clinton, George Stephanopoulous. If you've ever wondered how a 30-something law school graduate can become an influential person with the ear of the president, this is your primer. Mr. Stephanopoulous is ruthlessly honest about his inexperience and the near disasters that resulted, and I found myself cheering for him to find his way as the memoir progressed. He covers his childhood to his resignation from the Clinton White House in 1996, with an epilouge about Monica & Impeachment, and the deterioration of his relationship with the President once Mr. Stephanopoulos became a member of the other side -- the media. He talks about a life filled with minute-to-minute firefighting, and frustration at not being able to accomplish the political missions closest to his heart and the President's. Yes, he suffers from depression and anxiety, but that is not the focal point of the book. The focus is on his personal relationships with the President and others in the White House, struggling to maintain his position of power and close proximity to the President, and the political infighting that occurred between him and the (nefarious) Dick Morris. He is very tough on himself, and more than willing to be honest even when his motives were not pure. After reading this book, I feel it was an act of bravery to write so candidly, and I have more respect for "Boy George".
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Summary: A Great Inside Look
Review: An intelligent yet accessible look at life inside the White House and on the Clinton campaign trail.
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Summary: An attention-getting, class act of political courage
Review: In a year painfully short of acts of political courage, George Stephanopoulos has provided one. Those reading this book for an "insider's" view of the Clinton White House will find one, but hopefully they will stay for a fascinating journey of self-discovery and growth. It is a rare thing when a public figure is this open, this honest, and this willing to share the hopes, pains, and dilemmas of being a public figure. The book caught, and held my attention. It will do the same for other readers no matter what viewpoints they bring to it. In a parallel that I'm sure was intended by the author, his title "All Too Human" applies to each of the individuals that share this story -- and of the electorate they hope to serve. It raises interesting questions for every voter. What do we expect, and what are we willing to accept from our politicians? How do our expectations mold the political process? Mr. Stephanopolous' book is the type of primary source material that historians in the future will salivate over. It's balanced, readable, and interesting. Let's hope this is not the last we will hear from him as an author.
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Summary: The Best and the Brightest
Review: This is a memoir full of lessons for everyone interested in the human side of politics. Bill Clinton and George Stephanopoulos formed an interesting and intelligent partnership for nearly all the eight years of the Clinton Administration (and the previous campaign.) I still can't figure out the reasons that made Stephanopoulos finally turn away from the man that gave him the greatest opportunity in his political life, even when he tries really hard to explain those reasons in "All Too Human" (in "My Life", Clinton says he didn't have a clue about George's dissapointment until he read this book.) May be Dick Morris (that brilliant and cynical mercenary) had a lot to do with it, and also Clinton's lack of emotional closeness with Stephanopoulos in the really difficult period between the elections of 1994 and the victory of 1996.
Be what it may, "All Too Human" is a highly readable political memoir. Stephanopoulos is a fine writer and has a sharp talent to comunicate feelings and images. That's the case of the fascinating encounter, for example, between him and Bob Woodward. One can see the "draculesque" atmosphere when the author met Woodward in his Washington house. Woodward was writing "The Agenda" then, and wanted to get information from Stephanopoulos. "The Agenda", unfairly it seems, resulted in accussations of leaking for Stephanopoulos and was one of the reasons for the beggining of the decline of his fortune in the Clinton White House. Imagine that: the rising and youngest star and the ultimate wolf of journalism in town meeting face to face. It's just captivating.
The best and the brightest of the Clinton era tells it all here. His is a story not to be forgotten. Beware: Politics in Washington is indeed the most fascinating, seductive and dangerous of games.
Read it. You'll end reading it again. Then read it one more time and after that watch some of "The West Wing" episodes. You'll find certain, how to put it?... Distance.
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Summary: An Interesting Insiders Account
Review: George Stephanopoulos' "All Too Human" is a very interesting insider's account of the Clinton Presidency. The amount of spin that goes on in today's public life is astounding. Spin has always been there to one extent or another, but the amount of time expended on it from both sides boggles the mind.
Stephanopoulos gives a good account of the more liberal side of the Clinton story. He is often too critical of the President assuming that any move to the political center was a sell out for the sake of polls and not inspired by conviction. Clinton was elected and for several years had preached the gospel of pragmatism; activist government through practical means. He was a prophet of moving the Democratic Party closer to the political center. Above all he wanted to get things done. His is an honest accounting of a flawed person with great potential, and the frustrations of what might have been. Growing up just across the Arkansas state line in Missouri, I watched Clinton's rise on the local news since the early 80s. His convictions are very real and his political skills are amazing. His goal is to make progress and get things done.
This is a really good read however. I couldn't put the book down. Balance it with other views of the Clinton White House, but definately include it if you want to see things from all sides.
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Summary: A piece of the puzzle
Review: With this book George Stephanopoulos provides yet another inside look into the Clinton administration. He is clearly a very intelligent person with a good grip on the power games in Washington.
The book is filled with descriptions of situations and events from his time in the White House, but lacks real analysis of his and Clintons achievements or lack of same. One wonders if he might have been better off waiting a few more years to gain more perspective on his own performance. He was a very young Senior Advisor and perhaps some more time would have helped him understand how that influenced the decision making.
Even with the lack of true analysis the book is an important piece of the puzzle if you want to understand the Clinton White House and George Stephanopoulos writes well and keeps the reader interested all the way through. Hopefully there will be a sequal at some point.
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