In 2005, her critiques of US foreign policy caught the eye of newly elected senator Barack Obama, who invited her to work with him on Capitol Hill and then on his presidential campaign. The Education of an Idealist traces Power’s distinctly American journey from immigrant to war correspondent to presidential Cabinet official.

In her memoir, Power offers an urgent response to the question 'What can one person do?'-and a call for a clearer eye, a kinder heart, and a more open and civil hand in our politics and daily lives. “Power’s compelling memoir provides critically important insights we should all understand as we face some of the most vexing issues of our time.Pulitzer Prize winner Samantha Power, widely known as a relentless advocate for promoting human rights, has been heralded by President Barack Obama as one of America's 'foremost thinkers on foreign policy.' In her memoir, Power offers an urgent response to the question 'What can one person do?'-and a call for a clearer eye, a kinder heart, and a more open and civil hand in Pulitzer Prize winner Samantha Power, widely known as a relentless advocate for promoting human rights, has been heralded by President Barack Obama as one of America's 'foremost thinkers on foreign policy.' “A beautiful memoir about the times we’re living in and the questions we must ask ourselves…I honestly couldn’t put it down.” -CHERYL STRAYED, author of Wild “Truly engrossing…A pleasure to read.”-RACHEL MADDOW The interweaving of Power’s personal story, family story, diplomatic history and moral arguments is executed seamlessly and with unblinking honesty.”-THOMAS L. This is an unforgettable account of the power of idealism-and of one person’s fierce determination to make a difference. Along the way, she lays bare the searing battles and defining moments of her life, shows how she juggled the demands of a 24/7 national security job with raising two young children, and makes the case for how we each can advance the cause of human dignity. Power transports us from her childhood in Dublin to the streets of war-torn Bosnia to the White House Situation Room and the world of high-stakes diplomacy, offering a compelling and deeply honest look at navigating the halls of power while trying to put one’s ideals into practice. When Obama won the presidency, Power went from being an activist outsider to serving as his human rights adviser and, in 2013, becoming the youngest-ever US Ambassador to the United Nations.

After her critiques of US foreign policy caught the eye of Senator Barack Obama, he invited her to work with him on Capitol Hill and then on his presidential campaign. Tracing her distinctly American journey from immigrant to war correspondent to presidential Cabinet official, Samantha Power’s acclaimed memoir is a unique blend of suspenseful storytelling, vivid character portraits, and shrewd political insight. is a must-read for anyone who cares about our role in a changing world.”-President Barack Obama

“Her highly personal and reflective memoir. A NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLERĪn intimate, powerful, and galvanizing memoir by Pulitzer Prize winner, human rights advocate, and former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power.

The education of an idealist a memoir