Tang Yi

111 When I decided to read the book of “ My Life ”, I know it is a big challenge. Not only it is written in English and inches thick, but also the author, Bill Clinton who was an ambitious politician and knowledgeable lecturer.

111 In my opinion, Mr. Clinton's biography is entirely divided into four parts, including his childhood life, his education experiences, his political career and his family. It shows me the progress of a remarkable American. Before I read the book, my memory of Bill Clinton dated back to the year of 1992 when he was elected the first term of presidency. I knew he was a famous president in the super power, the USA . Now my idea of the president was enriched into a full picture, from his childhood to the life when he retired. This great guy wrote his magnificent life in a casual style, just like telling a familiar story. I found myself a good listener who was sorrow for his miserable experience and touched sometimes in reading.

Rough childhood:

111 As a boy, Bill was not as lucky as other children. His father died in a traffic accident a few months before he was born, In order to earn themselves, his mother left her young son to finish her training and became a nurse in New Orleans . Little Bill had to stay with his grandparents. Fortunately, both of his grandparents were incredibly kind and generous, they taught Bill to look up to people others looked down on, because we're not so different after all — in President's own words.

111 Then his mother remarried, his abusive stepfather impressed his young heart with an insurmountable obstacle. As a little man, he began to take the responsibility to protect his mother and little brother. That's just like a nightmare.

High-spirited and vigorous youth:

111 Georgetown University in Washington D.C. , then Oxford University in England and finally Yale Law School where he met his future wife, Hillary. In Hot Spring High School, Bill was Principal Johnnie's brightest protege. Under her mentoring and sincere help, Bill got the chance to shake hands with his idol, president Kennedy at his seventeen. In Washington D.C. , Bill, through his own enormous energies and efforts, was push to the top in student government. Though lost in the run for president of the student council, his personal charm and political sense made him different from his opponents.

111 Out of question, Bill was widely recognized as a young man of rare talent and ambition.

Successful president:

111 In the 1992 presidential race, Bill defeated George Bush and third party candidate Ross Perot, won the election. During the administration of Bill Clinton, the U.S. enjoyed more peace and economic well being than at any time in its history. He was the first Democratic president since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second term. He could point to the lowest unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in 30 years, the highest home ownership in the country's history, dropping crime rates in many places, and reduced welfare roles. He proposed the first balanced budget in decades and achieved a budget surplus. He was a successful president, as the world knew. Even many critics said he was the cleverest president in American history. In fact, amount of truth can prove their opinion.

111 While in the scandal, Bill's affair with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, Mr. Clinton really suffers his major setback during his administration. He was reelected to a second term; American people evidently cared less about the president's marital affairs than about his success in reducing deficit and obtaining economic prosperity.

Supportive family:

111 Bill ‘s wife Hillary and their only child Chelsea whose name came from the popular 1960's song, “Chelsea Morning” form the unique First Family. It is a so special family. Any behavior of each member was under the attention of people, especially, the media. You may be curious that how they led their harmonious life. After reading the book, we made the sense that the couple was all very passionate to politics, which made these two active public figures have same pursuit. And their daughter Chelsea was a strong-minded girl, even in the most embarrassed time, she can control herself and support her dear parents to pull through the difficulty.

Conclusion:

111 Because the book is quite thick, I just get a general idea in the short period of time. But what I get from his story is quite much. As Marta Salij, Detroit Free Press said that “t here's a wonderful naturalness to Clinton's writing in My Life and enough insights into this puzzling man that it's well worth plunking down the price of the book for 957 pages of his almost-unfiltered musings." I agree this point whole-heartedly. The book also gives us a space to understand America and American politician.

111 “ My Life ” is an interesting book. I hope to get this opportunity to commend the book to all my friends, wish you like it.

Sep. 20, 2005