Choosing the Hero: My Improbable Journey and the Rise of Africa's First Woman President

ISBN-10: 1937247031
ISBN-13: 9781937247034
Category: Biography
Language: English
Published: 2016
Author: K. Riva Levinson

Description

Literary Nonfiction. Memoir. Women's Studies. Politics. African Studies. The rise of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to become the president of Liberia and the first woman elected to lead an African nation is one of the most inspiring stories of our time. But Sirleaf could not have done it alone. Among the people who worked tirelessly to help her achieve her victory was Washington, D.C.-based international consultant and lobbyist K. Riva Levinson. "A wonderful book about the extraordinary camaraderie between Africa's first woman president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her loyal friend and political ally, Riva Levinson... a must- read for all those interested in... Liberia's recent and turbulent history, and the immense power of friendship and loyalty."—Johnnie Carson, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs "A deeply moving story of two extraordinary women, from very different backgrounds, who worked together through thick and thin and achieved so much... I would highly recommend this book to all."—Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi "A riveting and compelling story that restores one's faith in humanity... a profound lesson to all of us on the vital importance of courage and perseverance to the pursuit of a life of purpose."—Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Nigeria "A deeply personal and thoughtful book on some of the most important foreign policy issues of our time and a great read!"—Lloyd Pierson, former Director, U.S. Peace Corps, former President, African Development Foundation "A compelling set of stories... about how political capital was built by addition, multiplication, patience, and strategy by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Riva Levinson."—William R. Sweeney Jr., President and CEO, International Foundation for Electoral Systems "Riva's story reminds us that often the best, most challenging work comes to us when we least expect it and most need it. Her connection with President Sirleaf helped Liberia turn an important page in its history and further cemented the long existing bond between our countries."—U.S. Senator Chris Coons "Peace and democracy seemed far, far off to Liberians when brutal warlord Charles Taylor ruled. This fast-paced, crisply told story of Liberia's rebirth under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is inspiring and impressively honest."—U.S. Representative Ed Royce "Riva Levinson gives us a peek behind the curtain of how American foreign policy is formulated and practiced. A thoroughly engaging read from cover to cover."—U.S. Senator Jeff Flake "The inspiring story of two brilliant women who overcame the odds to make positive change in Liberia. A must-read for any aspiring global change maker!"—Dr. Rajesh Panjabi, CEO, Last Mile Health, associate physician, Harvard Medical School, one of Time's 100 Most Influential People, 2016, and one of Fortune's World's 50 Greatest Leaders "A book that reads like Le Carr�, if Le Carr� was a combination of killer politico and Tina Fey... smart, heartbreaking, funny, inspiring, and an unbelievably entertaining read."—Dan Gordon, screenwriter of The Hurricane

Get the book

Similar books

The Biography Book: A Reader's Guide to Nonfiction, Fictional, and Film Biographies of More Than 500 of the Most Fascinating...
By Daniel S. Burt
... for the general reader . nology uphold Rooseveldt's New Deal legislation . ... Louis D. Todd , A.L. Justice on Trial : The Case of Louis D. Bertolt ...
People in History: N-Z
By Susan K. Kinnell
... Michael Edward 3394 Bell , Millicent 3488 3489 Bell , Robert H. 2331 Bell , Susan N. 3684 Bell , Virginia 5284 Bell , Whitfield J. , Jr. 979 3195 3919 Bell , William Gardner 3500 Bellamy , Donnie D. 6899 Bellamy , Marjory 473 Belman ...
The Risks of Knowledge: Investigations Into the Death of the Hon. Minister John Robert Ouko in Kenya, 1990
By David William Cohen, E. S. Atieno Odhiambo
Minister John Robert Ouko in Kenya, 1990 David William Cohen, E. S. Atieno Odhiambo. ed., Democracy and Difference: Contesting the Boundaries ... Ogot, Bethwell A., and William R. Ochieng, eds. Decolonization and Independence in Kenya.
Her Way: A Guide to Biographies of Women for Young People
By Mary-Ellen Siegel
ELLEN CRAFT c . 1826 – c.1897 Fugitive slave , abolitionist Light - skinned Ellen Craft and her husband escaped from slavery by travelling north in disguise . Ellen Craft dressed as a man and assumed the role of a deaf and ill white ...
Vasco Da Gama and the Sea Route to India
By William H. Goetzmann, Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
This Portuguese navigator's initial voyage to India in 1497-1499 opened up the sea route from Western Europe to the East by way of the Cape of Good Hope.
Newsmakers '07: Cumulation
By Laura Avery
... W. James 2006 : 3 Mellinger , Frederick Obituary 1990 : 4 Mello , Dawn 1992 : 2 Melman , Richard Brief Entry 1986 ... Les 2004 : 2 Moreno , Arturo 2005 : 2 Morgan , Dodge 1987 : 1 Morita , Akio 1989 : 4 Morita , Akio Obituary 2000 ...
The Name's Familiar: Mr. Leotard, Barbie, and Chef Boyardee
By Lee, Laura
Paulmier , Madeleine Madeleine Paulmier was a pastry cook in 19th century Comercy , France . She concocted a small shell - shaped cake that we know today as madeleines . Phillips , Charles Henry Charles Henry Phillips moved from England ...
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
By Anne M. Todd, Daniel E. Harmon
Belt, Don, ed. The World of Islam. National Geographic Society, 2001. Daniel, Elton L. The History of Iran. Greenwood Press, 2001. Gordon, Matthew. Ayatollah Khomeini. Chelsea House Publishers, 1988. Greenblatt, Miriam. Iran.
Susan B. Anthony: Activist
By Anne Todd
A biography of Susan B. Anthony, a women who worked to bring equality to women and African Americans.
Who's Who in the Midwest

Office : State Police Dept 714 S Harrison Rd East Lansing MI 48823 DAVIS , JOHN RAYMOND , physical education teacher ; b . Chgo . , Aug. 23 , 1940 ; s . William Meade and Ruby Elvira ( Pearson ) D .; m . Judith Anne Osborn , Aug.