Lessons From the Corridors of Power: 10 Best-Selling Political Memoirs of All Time
Wise words from seasoned politicians that can inspire and guide
In the era of political memoirs, influential figures who have proved their mettle in elections and beyond have penned narratives that resonate with readers beyond the pages. From Barack Obama's introspective exploration of his identity and journey to the presidency in "A Promised Land," to Hillary Clinton's candid account of her diplomatic challenges in "Hard Choices," and Joe Biden's deeply emotional recounting of a pivotal year in "Promise Me, Dad," these memoirs offer readers a unique glimpse into the lives of key political players. Here we dive into the intricacies of politics, leadership, and personal journeys through thought-provoking memoirs.
"A Promised Land" by Barack Obama
Barack Obama's "A Promised Land," released on November 17, 2020, sold a staggering 890,000 copies within just 24 hours, showcasing the immense interest in his presidential journey. In the highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Obama chronicled his remarkable journey from a young man in search of his identity to becoming the leader of the free world. He wrote about a period marked by profound transformation and turbulence, and his reflections on the presidency along with the scope and constraints of his authority.
"Hard Choices: A Memoir" by Hillary Clinton
"Hillary Clinton's memoir, 'Hard Choices: A Memoir,' released on June 10, 2014, garnered significant attention with first-week sales reaching 100,000 copies. Within its pages, Clinton reflected on her tenure as secretary of state during the Obama administration, delving into the challenging decisions that she and her colleagues faced, be it managing two wars or navigating a global financial crisis. She wrote that these choices "define our paths and shape our character."
"Promise Me, Dad" by Joe Biden
In "Promise Me, Dad," Joe Biden recounts the transformative year of 2014, marked by his son Beau's battle with a malignant brain tumor. Amidst family traditions and devastating uncertainty, Biden, as Vice President, juggled global crises while pondering a presidential run. The memoir delves into the emotional turmoil, detailing Beau's fight and eventual loss, juxtaposed with Biden's political responsibilities. The narrative highlights Biden's resilience, grounded in family, faith, and friendship with Barack Obama. The memoir came out in November 2017 and has sold over 300,000 copies.
"My Life" by Bill Clinton
"My Life," penned by former President Bill Clinton, hit the shelves on June 22, 2004, and swiftly achieved resounding success with first-week sales soaring to a staggering 1 million copies. This political memoir delves deep into the life of the 42nd President of the United States, offering readers an intimate journey through his personal and public battles. Clinton wrote about his humble beginnings to his ascent as a prominent public figure, culminating in the tumultuous impeachment that marked his presidency. The memoir catered to the enduring intrigue and curiosity surrounding the lives of influential political figures.
"Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man" by Mary L. Trump
Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" by Mary L. Trump made a thunderous entrance into the literary world on July 14, 2020, with an impressive first-week sales record of 1.35 million copies. As a trained clinical psychologist and the niece of President Donald Trump, Mary delved into a profound analysis of her uncle and the dynamics of the family that played a pivotal role in shaping his persona. Her revelations about the Trump family and its impact on Trump's character and behavior have drawn considerable attention after his eventful presidency. Notably, Donald's brother, Robert Trump, made multiple legal attempts to halt the book's publication, adding another layer of controversy to its release. Mary L. Trump's memoir offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary politics.
"The Downing Street Years" by Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, released her memoir "The Downing Street Years" on October 1, 1993, providing an intimate account of her remarkable 11 1/2 years at 10 Downing Street, the official Prime Ministerial residence in London. In addition to "The Downing Street Years," Thatcher penned "The Path to Power," a prequel of sorts that chronicles the pivotal years leading up to her historic ascent to the role of Prime Minister. With first-week sales of 120,000 copies, Thatcher's memoirs garnered substantial interest.
"A Journey: My Political Life" by Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair released "A Journey: My Political Life" on September 2, 2010. In this deeply personal memoir, Blair provides readers with candid revelations and insights into his transformative stint in office, between May 1997 to June 2007, when events such as 9/11 and the Iraq War shook up the world. Garnering significant interest, the book achieved first-week sales of 92,060 copies.
"True Compass" by Ted Kennedy
"True Compass" is the poignant memoir penned by former Senator Ted Kennedy, and it was released on September 14, 2009, shortly after his tragic passing. Kennedy, following a diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor, embarked on this memoir, offering a deeply personal reflection on his life and legacy. With a remarkable first-week sales figure of 170,000 copies, the book served as a posthumous testament to his impact on American politics and society.
"A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership" by James Comey
"A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership" is a revealing memoir by James Comey, who held the position of FBI director from September 2013 until his abrupt dismissal in May 2017. Released on April 17, 2018, the book garnered significant attention with an impressive first-week sales record of 600,000 copies. Comey's memoir offers insights into his tenure at the FBI, where he navigated the complex terrain of both the Obama and Trump administrations. It delves into high-profile cases, including the Hillary Clinton email investigation and the examination of potential connections between the Trump campaign and Russia.
"Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" by Barack Obama
"Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" stands as former President Barack Obama's debut memoir, released in 1995. In its initial week, the book sold only 10,000 copies, but sales picked up later in the run-up to Obama's presidential bid. The memoir offers readers a profound journey into Obama's life, marked by his determination to unearth the complexities of his familial heritage, particularly his African roots. The book was published during Obama's tenure as a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, a significant milestone in his life preceding his entry into the realm of politics.
