Six-time New York Times bestselling
author and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright—one of the world’s most
admired and tireless public servants—reflects on the final stages of one’s
career, and working productively into your later decades in this revealing,
funny, and inspiring memoir.
In 2001, when Madeleine Albright was leaving office as America’s first female secretary of state, interviewers asked her how she wished to be remembered. “I don’t want to be remembered,” she answered. “I am still here and have much more I intend to do. As difficult as it might seem, I want every stage of my life to be more exciting than the last.”
In 2001, when Madeleine Albright was leaving office as America’s first female secretary of state, interviewers asked her how she wished to be remembered. “I don’t want to be remembered,” she answered. “I am still here and have much more I intend to do. As difficult as it might seem, I want every stage of my life to be more exciting than the last.”
In that time of transition, the former Secretary
considered the possibilities: she could write, teach, travel, give speeches,
start a business, fight for democracy, help to empower women, campaign for
favored political candidates, spend more time with her grandchildren. Instead
of choosing one or two, she decided to do it all. For nearly twenty years,
Albright has been in constant motion, navigating half a dozen professions,
clashing with presidents and prime ministers, learning every day. Since leaving
the State Department, she has blazed her own trail—and given voice to millions
who yearn for respect, regardless of gender, background, or age.
Hell and Other Destinations reveals this remarkable figure at her bluntest, funniest,
most intimate, and most serious. It is the tale of our times anchored in
lessons for all time, narrated by an extraordinary woman with a matchless zest
for life.