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

About the Book

"The first thing to be said about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's This Child Will Be Great is that it is 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 perseverance." --Washington Post

From Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf--Africa's first elected female president--comes an inspirational memoir about her improbable rise to international prominence, her fight for political freedom, and her unwavering determination to rebuild Liberia in the wake of civil war.

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

In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf 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. Her compelling story is a tale of survival and the determination to succeed in multiple worlds--from her work and study in America to village-to-village election campaigning in some of Liberia's war-torn desperate areas and neighborhoods. It is also the story of an outspoken political and social reformist who, despite danger, fought against the abuses of ruthless dictators to champion change. By sharing her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to seek leadership roles at the highest levels of power--and offers hope for everyone that, with perseverance, we can change the world.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"An inspiring inside look at a nation struggling to rebuild itself and the woman now behind those efforts." -- Booklist

"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