This Child Will Be Great - by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Paperback)

About the Book

In this stirring memoir, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf--Africa's "Iron Lady" and first woman president--shares the inside story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice.

Book Synopsis

"Exceptionally well written, a true story that seems as much a thriller as the remembrances of an ambitious and brave woman. . . . This timely book. . . is a lesson in courage and perseverance." -- Washington Post

An inspirational memoir from Africa's first elected female president about her improbable rise to international prominence, her fight for political freedom, and her unwavering determination to rebuild her nation--Liberia--in the wake of civil war

In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by fourteen years of brutal civil conflict, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf--Africa's "Iron Lady"--was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of the West African nation.

In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice. She reveals her determination to succeed in multiple worlds, from her studies in the United States to her work as an international bank executive, to campaigning in some of Liberia's most desperate and war-torn villages and neighborhoods. It is the tale of an outspoken political and social reformer who fought the oppression of dictators and championed change. By telling her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power, and gives us all hope that we can change the world.

From the Back Cover

In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by fourteen years of brutal civil conflict, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf--Africa's "Iron Lady"--was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of the West African nation.

In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice. She reveals her determination to succeed in multiple worlds, from her studies in the United States to her work as an international bank executive, to campaigning in some of Liberia's most desperate and war-torn villages and neighborhoods. It is the tale of an outspoken political and social reformer who fought the oppression of dictators and championed change. By telling her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power, and gives us all hope that we can change the world.

Review Quotes

"Exceptionally well written, a true story that seems as much a thriller as the remembrances of an ambitious and brave woman. . . . This timely book, essential for anyone who hopes to understand West Africa in general and Liberia in particular, is a lesson in courage and perserverance." - Washington Post
"Sirleaf's life was remarkable. . . . [A] larger-than-life persona. . . . Sirleaf, who is considered the Obama of Africa, is up to the challenge. . . . With three years left in her presidential term, Sirleaf will have plenty of fodder for a sequel by the time she's out of office." - Forbes
"A carefully written memoir of life in Liberia. . . . Sirleaf contextualizes contemporary events in the bigger picture." - Kirkus Reviews
"In and out of government, in and out of exile, but consistent in her commitment to Liberia, Sirleaf in her memoir reveals herself to be among the most resilient, determined and courageous as well. She writes with modesty in a calm and measured tone. . . . Widely instructive." - Publishers Weekly
"An inspiring inside look at a nation struggling to rebuild itself and the woman now behind those efforts." - Booklist
"This is the incredible story of a woman who spent her life talking tough to the lunatics surrounding her. It is an accessible walk through Liberian history, told by someone who was somehow always in the center of the political storm." - New York Times Book Review