SALON

Bill Clinton loves to blurb

The former president has very important things to do, like endorse every book in America

Topics: Bill Clinton, Books, Writers and Writing, Politics, Political Books, Blurb, , ,

Bill Clinton loves to blurbBill Clinton speaks during a campaign event for President Obama. (Credit: AP/Carolyn Kaster)

Bill Clinton is a blurber. He reviews mysteries and memoirs, tomes on climate change and guides to weight loss. He might not be master blurber Gary Shteyngart yet, but he is closing in.

View the slide show to see which books earned Bill Clinton’s highest reviews.

Bill Clinton loves to blurb

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  • Andrew Solomon's "Far From the Tree"

    “In “Far From the Tree,” Andrew Solomon reminds us that nothing is more powerful in a child’s development than the love of a parent. This remarkable new book introduces us to mothers and fathers across America—many in circumstances the rest of us can hardly imagine—who are making their children feel special, no matter what challenges come their way.”

  • Peter Beinart’s "The Crisis of Zionism"

    “Peter Beinart has written a deeply important book for anyone who cares about Israel, its security, its democracy, and its prospects for a just and lasting peace. Beinart explains the roots of the current political and religious debates within Israel, raises the tough questions that can’t be avoided, and offers a new way forward to achieve Zionism’s founding ideals, both in Israel and among the diaspora Jews in the United States and elsewhere.”

  • Marcus Samuelsson's "Yes, Chef"

    “The Red Rooster’s arrival in Harlem brought with it a chef who has reinvigorated and reimagined what it means to be American. In his famed dishes, and now in this memoir, Marcus Samuelsson tells a story that reaches past racial and national divides to the foundations of family, hope, and downright good food.”

  • Thomas Caplan’s "The Spy Who Jumped Off the Screen"

    “There is wisdom as well as considerable pleasure to be extracted from the stylish, involving, utterly contemporary puzzle that is this novel.… The Spy Who Jumped Off the Screen will keep you under its spell and stiffen your resolve to make the world a safer place for our children.”

  • Ian Smillie’s "Freedom From Want: The Remarkable Success Story of BRAC, the Global Grassroots Organization That's Winning the Fight Against Poverty"

    “Ian Smillie insightfully chronicles the work of BRAC and its founder, Fazle Hasan Abed, whom I was proud to present with a Clinton Global Citizen Award. BRAC’s enormous contributions to health, education, and economic development have improved the lives of over 100 million people across the globe. Dr. Abed’s story proves just how much people with vision and commitment can change the world.”

  • Eli Broad’s "The Art of Being Unreasonable: Lessons in Unconventional Thinking"

    “In “The Art of Being Unreasonable,” my friend Eli Broad lets us in on his secrets to success in business, philanthropy, and life—and he asks the right questions, looks for the right answers, and never stops working until he gets results. At a time when our country needs to focus on what works, Eli’s book is a blueprint for effective public citizenship.”

  • William Holstein’s "The Next American Economy: Blueprint for a Real Recovery"

    “While Washington may practice the politics of conflict, the rest of America is showing that cooperation between the business, government, educational, and foundation sectors can foster innovation and create new jobs. William J. Holstein’s The Next American Economy: Blueprint for a Real Recovery is an essential roadmap for America’s renewal and an insightful reckoning of the global challenges ahead.”

  • Frederic Block’s "Disrobed: An Insidel Look at the Life and Work of a Federal Trial Judge"

    “Judge Block gives the reader an engaging, often humorous account of his life, as always, and a compelling introduction to the world of a Federal judge whose decisions are subject to plenty of public scrutiny but whose decision-making process remains a mystery for most Americans.”

  • Charles D’Angelo’s "Think and Grow Thin: The Revolutionary Diet and Weight-Loss System That Will Change Your Life in 88 Days!"

    “I’ve seen several of my friends benefit from their work with Charles. His book “Think and Grow Thin” proves the enormous power of healthy food and exercise combined with the personal determination to stay with it. Charles gets amazing results. Read the book, follow it, and you will too.”

  • Anthony Giddens’s "Politics of Climate Change"

    “A landmark study in the struggle to contain climate change, the greatest challenge of our era. I urge everyone to read it.”

  • Polly Price’s "Judge Richard S. Arnold: A Legacy of Justice on the Federal Bench"

    “Polly J. Price offers an intimate look into the brilliant legal mind of Judge Richard S. Arnold. A key witness to, and strong supporter of, the civil rights movement, Judge Arnold sat on the bench during a tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Price carefully examines Arnold’s personal papers to reveal his motives, deliberations, and integrity in the face of great moral debate…. [This book] provides fascinating insight into the inner workings of the federal judiciary as reflected by the life of one of its most exceptional and courageous members”

  • Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s "Failing America's Faithful: How Today's Churches Are Mixing God With Politics and Losing Their Way"

    Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is a woman of passion, integrity, and faith. Her Christian witness requires her to remember and act on Jesus’ repeated instructions to love our neighbors, care for the poor, and repair the breaches among us. She makes a compelling case for those who share her faith to do the same.

  • Mark Hyman's "The Blood Sugar Solution: The Ultra Healthy Program for Losing Weight, Preventing Disease, and Feeling Great Now!"

    “In the last decade, the rise of obesity and diabetes has emerged as a crisis that threatens our families, the global economy, and the success of our next generation. I’ve made drastic changes to my own diet and exercise routine since my heart troubles surfaced in 2004 and I hope Dr. Hyman’s new book will inspire you as he has inspired me.”

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Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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