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What Happened Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 11,150 ratings

“An engaging, beautifully synthesized page-turner” (Slate). The #1 New York Times bestseller and Time #1 Nonfiction Book of the Year: Hillary Rodham Clinton’s most personal memoir yet, about the 2016 presidential election.

In this “candid and blackly funny” (
The New York Times) memoir, Hillary Rodham Clinton reveals what she was thinking and feeling during one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in history. She takes us inside the intense personal experience of becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major party in an election marked by rage, sexism, exhilarating highs and infuriating lows, stranger-than-fiction twists, Russian interference, and an opponent who broke all the rules.

“At her most emotionally raw” (
People), Hillary describes what it was like to run against Donald Trump, the mistakes she made, how she has coped with a shocking and devastating loss, and how she found the strength to pick herself back up afterward. She tells readers what it took to get back on her feet—the rituals, relationships, and reading that got her through, and what the experience has taught her about life. In this “feminist manifesto” (The New York Times), she speaks to the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age, and appearance, and the double standard confronting women in politics.

Offering a “bracing... guide to our political arena” (
The Washington Post), What Happened lays out how the 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented assault on our democracy by a foreign adversary. By analyzing the evidence and connecting the dots, Hillary shows just how dangerous the forces are that shaped the outcome, and why Americans need to understand them to protect our values and our democracy in the future.

The election of 2016 was unprecedented and historic.
What Happened is the story of that campaign, now with a new epilogue showing how Hillary grappled with many of her worst fears coming true in the Trump Era, while finding new hope in a surge of civic activism, women running for office, and young people marching in the streets.
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Editorial Reviews

Review

What Happened is not one book, but many. It is a candid and blackly funny account of her mood in the direct aftermath of losing to Donald J. Trump. It is a post-mortem, in which she is both coroner and corpse. It is a feminist manifesto. It is a score-settling jubilee…. It is worth reading.”
The New York Times

What Happened is a raw and bracing book, a guide to our political arena.”
The Washington Post

“The writing in
What Happened is engaging — Clinton is charming and even funny at times, without trying to paint herself in too flattering of a light…. Ultimately, the book might be a historical artifact most of all — the chronicling of what, exactly, it was like to run for president as the first woman major-party candidate (and, yes, a Clinton as well). Plenty may disagree with Clinton’s opinions on what went wrong for her, but her story will still be an important part of that history when America looks back on the melee that was the 2016 election.”
NPR

“An engaging, beautifully synthesized page-turner.”
Slate

“Here is Clinton at her most emotionally raw.... While
What Happened records the perspective of a pioneer who beat an unprecedented path that stopped just shy of the White House, it also covers territory that many women will recognize.... She demonstrates that she can mine her situation for humor.”
People

“Contains... insights into Ms. Clinton’s personality, character, and values, and the challenges confronting women in politics.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

What Happened is not a standard work of this genre. It’s interesting; it’s worth reading; and it sets out questions that the press, in particular, has not done enough to face.”
The Atlantic

“The most useful way to read
What Happened is as one last instance of Clinton doing what she calls her civic duty.”
Los Angeles Times

“This is an important book, and anyone who’s worried by what happened last November 8 should pick it up.”
Entertainment Weekly

About the Author

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party and the winner of the national popular vote. She served as Secretary of State after nearly four decades in public service as an attorney, First Lady, and US Senator. She is married to former US President Bill Clinton and is a mother and grandmother. Visit HillaryClinton.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MYE7QP0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (September 12, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 10293 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 513 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 11,150 ratings

About the author

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Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Hillary Rodham Clinton became the first woman in US history to become the presidential nominee of a major political party in 2016. She served as the 67th Secretary of State—from January 21, 2009, until February 1, 2013—after nearly four decades in public service advocating on behalf of children and families as an attorney, First Lady, and Senator. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
11,150 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the content fascinating, serious, and optimistic. They describe the writing quality as thoughtful, competent, and clear. They praise the character traits as intelligent, courageous, and sex-free. Readers appreciate the humor and emotional tone as heart-wrenching, kind, and hurtful. They also appreciate the tenacity and grace of the author. Customers also appreciate her honesty, truthfulness, and depth of critical thinking. They say the book documents a historical election and provides an example of a serious look at politics.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,505 customers mention "Writing quality"1,467 positive38 negative

Customers find the writing quality thoughtful, well-written, brilliant, and accessible. They describe the author as intelligent, competent, experienced, well informed, and encouraging. Readers also mention that the book makes too much sense.

"...showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love...." Read more

"...This is the clearest, most direct, and -- yes -- angriest Hillary has ever been while addressing the topics of sexism and misogyny, and the roles..." Read more

"...The closing chapter was Onward Together, most of which is very nicely done - but she really has to get a new slogan team...." Read more

"...Her words make too much sense. Not a sentence rings untrue. Do we need more of a change than even she may be visualizing and working toward?..." Read more

1,140 customers mention "Insightfulness"1,114 positive26 negative

Customers find the book insightful, compelling, and necessary. They say the author's insider's perspective and personal experience are useful, enlightening, and saddening. They also say the information is well cited and clearly delineated. Readers say the book provides a true insider’s view into how everything went down. They find it a great exercise in seeing a whole picture.

"...HRC proposes, take it or leave she has painfully and graciously delivered the message...." Read more

"...If nothing else, this book is a valuable primary source document, an insight into what became a much more bizarre election than any of us even..." Read more

"...The remaining chapters are insightful, intelligent, respectful, and pointed. I agree with her pretty completely...." Read more

"...Every page in this book is informative and well worth reading, and those who come to it with open minds will finish it with increased admiration for..." Read more

530 customers mention "Truthfulness"516 positive14 negative

Customers find the book honest, humble, and well-written. They also appreciate the biographical elements and strong evidence that supports the story. Overall, readers say the book is civil and on point.

"...HRC didn’t let me down, she showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love...." Read more

"...Her words make too much sense. Not a sentence rings untrue. Do we need more of a change than even she may be visualizing and working toward?..." Read more

"...the author chose to tell "her story" and the existence of strong evidence that supports it...." Read more

"...This book is exactly like Hilary, direct, detailed, and fascinating." Read more

267 customers mention "Emotional tone"232 positive35 negative

Customers find the emotional tone of the book engaging, honest, and heart-wrenching. They also appreciate the warmth, compassion, and loyalty of Hillary. Readers also say the memoir gives a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who rarely speaks. They mention the end is very sad and painful, but it still rings true to her own voice.

"...the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love...." Read more

"...It is her language, it is her analysis, it is H proud, H defensive, H regretful, H angry, H strong...." Read more

"...Hillary’s book is the powerful, heart-wrenching and heart-warming, insightful and inspiring story of the first woman candidate of a major political..." Read more

"...meddling isn't breaking any new ground, but it's compelling and interesting to hear from HRC's point of view...." Read more

202 customers mention "Character traits"202 positive0 negative

Customers find the character traits in the book very intelligent, courageous, confident, and modest. They also describe the book as heartfelt, funny, and tough. Readers also say that Hillary is a brilliant leader with unparalleled experience. They say the book accurately portrays the hurdles women face everyday when taking a leadership role.

"...the book, and I'm writing this review to say that it is an honest attempt by an able and intelligent woman to come to terms with what must have been..." Read more

"...I do think she is smart. I do think she is diligent and a hard worker...." Read more

"...She is quite simply, the real deal, a hard worker, brilliant, statesperson who might not have left us breathless but would have allowed all to..." Read more

"...think of this book, it's an important read by a passionate, smart, sensible woman who has much useful lived experience to share about gender, in..." Read more

197 customers mention "Humor"192 positive5 negative

Customers find the humor in the book surprisingly upbeat and healing. They also appreciate the poetry and quotes included throughout the book.

"...Writing with trenchant wit and self deprecating humor, she nevertheless tackled her dissection with intelligence and logic...." Read more

"...It is healing to read a funny (the specifics of the phone and email stuff are laugh-out-loud funny!),..." Read more

"...I like the poetry and quotes included throughout the book...." Read more

"...The book reveals Clinton to be intelligent, funny, nice person who also is - not was - tough, shrewd and determined to make a difference...." Read more

115 customers mention "Content"112 positive3 negative

Customers find the content fascinating, chillingly candid, and surprising. They also describe it as a cautionary tale, an intimate glimpse, and a call to arms. Readers also mention that the book is easy to read, troubling, and ends on an optimistic note.

"...What Happened is a lot of things. A memoir, a recap, a cautionary tale, a warning, a call to arms, an airing of grievances...." Read more

"...It's a very interesting chapter, certainly the one that will be most read and re-read...." Read more

"...a good deal of time discussing the Democratic Convention and these stories really work, building her both as a representative of her party and..." Read more

"...articulate, sane person admit her flaws, take responsibility for most of them, introspectively process what happened, learn, and consider new..." Read more

105 customers mention "Character strength"105 positive0 negative

Customers find the character strength of the book to be admirable, defensive, and poignant. They also say the opinions and arguments are well-supported by data and survey stats. Readers also say that the book pushes them to continue to fight.

"...down, she showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love...." Read more

"...It is her language, it is her analysis, it is H proud, H defensive, H regretful, H angry, H strong...." Read more

"...for Democrats and progressives, but there is also a lot of good, solid, life philosophy grounded in her Methodist faith and her native optimism...." Read more

"...I admire her record of service, obvious intelligence, and her astonishing toughness when up against misogynistic bullies like Trump, Putin, and..." Read more

Get the Message: Not the Messenger: Clean the Mess!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Get the Message: Not the Messenger: Clean the Mess!!!
I was excited to get a copy of this book because yes I am a woman, an admirer of HRC but above all a global citizen interested in political science and curious to know ‘what happens’. By virtue of my profession as a lawyer, and all other work I do for human, women and mental health rights, I will proceed to review this book which was a cathartic read to be honest. Not being an American (nor involved in any gerrymandering or etc) gives me the audacity to title my review as I do. I have therefore divided my review into three sections respectively and I will conclude with a probably more audacious stance. Spoiler: Message not in any EMAILS!!!1) Get the MessageI would have been disappointed if the only message I got from this book was about what happened during the 2016 sagacious presidential election in the USA. I am therefore appreciative of the fact that the book is about what happened before, during and after not only the elections but also what happened and happens to HRC – and well the USA. The book is not titled say ‘what happened that I lost in 2016’ …The message or should I say messages HRC share in her book are therefore about her, the campaign and elections saga, and the country as a whole. I keep likening what I think of the US now to a person who has fallen from such Grace to Grass. HRC in her usual candour which I have appreciated all along reading her various books, sounds the clarion call, pointing fingers to all including herself. Putin may not like her, Trump may not (obviously), ‘Little Rocket Man’ too, the Republicans without doubt, even some Democrats presumably, but the message has to be given and just like other great messengers in the world (Start maybe from Jesus, Mahatma Ghandi, MLK, Malcom X, Mandela, you name them I mean even Barack Obama), HRC ( a brave woman for a change) had no choice but to follow that inner nudge and deliver the message (s) in this book.Not the MessengerI think the world or to be more honest the US, has held HRC to an unreasonably terrifying standard while at the same time expecting her to just ‘disappear’. No doubt HRC was the candidate and should, and in my candid opinion does take a lot of responsibility, she is not the reason the country is in such chaos. She is a messenger sent bearing a torch under a scorching scrutiny, and facing immense challenges and sabotage from different angles it could only take Amazing Grace to see her through it all (had she ended up in an asylum or in Jail maybe there would have been more ‘celebration’?).Yet truth be told, the records she has set not only as the first female presidential nominee of one of the great parties in that country, but also in her long and impact full public service to the country and the world at large, will in another country probably grant her immunity from whatever, for life, period. It is therefore shameful and dare say embarrassing that several other reviews I have read, and some media outlets take pleasure in trying further ‘character or emotional assassination’ of HRC. Hold up USA, you seem not to know the gem you have in HRC the messenger. She is just a human being for crying out loud but the choices she has made and the message she delivering in this book should not be overlooked because someone in the Oval office or somewhere doesn’t like her face, voice, shape, sight etc.Clean the MessIn this book, I gather and undeniably think that the country is in a mess. I mean blame it on HRC and the Clintons if you want, blame on Barrack and the Obamas, on the democrats maybe, blame it on Russia if you are bold enough to follow through with your investigations – that is if it is already obvious blaming the Republicans too right?, I can even blame my US Buddy who keeps putting up those blogs posts with such alien like updates! The bottom line is: The great Super Duper US of A is currently in a mess and I recently said they had become “a global embarrassment and case study”. Seriously some real cleaning has to be done because it ain’t wrong to fall, but it’s appalling to stay down when you know how to get up!!!In conclusionRead this book and think about the solutions HRC proposes, take it or leave she has painfully and graciously delivered the message. Take it or leave she deserves a medal (the highest honour that exists in your country). Take it or leave HRC is your modern day Eleanor Rooselvelt (No doubt she finds such inspiration from this exceptional icon). I am glad that HRC did not choose to FOLD IT ALL AND RUN but to FACE IT ALL AND RISE after she lost the presidential elections (that may have deprived Charlotte and Aidan of their awesome grandma just too soon), and that she has pulled herself back together and is continuing to do all the good she can as seen in the creation of ‘Onward Together’. Thank you so much HRC you have inspired so many young girls and women the world over you can’t imagine. I was hoping you’ll be the Ellen Sirleaf of the US but I think the country wasn’t ready for you. You were not angry enough, resentful enough, nasty enough, persistent enough, bashful enough, elite enough, middle class enough, poor enough; you were over educated, over composed, dreamt too much, nodded too much, spoke too much, spoke too little, smiled too much, wore blank suits all the time, had friends from Kindergarten and couldn’t even fire a single campaign manager… I can go on and on and on… In the meantime, I cling on to the T-Shirt of Madame President which I bought and had dhl-ed to me. One day hopefully before my time here below is up, I’ll clap when that utmost glass ceiling is shattered once and for all. HRC didn’t let me down, she showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love. Americans do yourself some service and read this book – I give it a 5 star without reservation!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2017
I was excited to get a copy of this book because yes I am a woman, an admirer of HRC but above all a global citizen interested in political science and curious to know ‘what happens’. By virtue of my profession as a lawyer, and all other work I do for human, women and mental health rights, I will proceed to review this book which was a cathartic read to be honest. Not being an American (nor involved in any gerrymandering or etc) gives me the audacity to title my review as I do. I have therefore divided my review into three sections respectively and I will conclude with a probably more audacious stance. Spoiler: Message not in any EMAILS!!!

1) Get the Message
I would have been disappointed if the only message I got from this book was about what happened during the 2016 sagacious presidential election in the USA. I am therefore appreciative of the fact that the book is about what happened before, during and after not only the elections but also what happened and happens to HRC – and well the USA. The book is not titled say ‘what happened that I lost in 2016’ …

The message or should I say messages HRC share in her book are therefore about her, the campaign and elections saga, and the country as a whole. I keep likening what I think of the US now to a person who has fallen from such Grace to Grass. HRC in her usual candour which I have appreciated all along reading her various books, sounds the clarion call, pointing fingers to all including herself. Putin may not like her, Trump may not (obviously), ‘Little Rocket Man’ too, the Republicans without doubt, even some Democrats presumably, but the message has to be given and just like other great messengers in the world (Start maybe from Jesus, Mahatma Ghandi, MLK, Malcom X, Mandela, you name them I mean even Barack Obama), HRC ( a brave woman for a change) had no choice but to follow that inner nudge and deliver the message (s) in this book.

Not the Messenger
I think the world or to be more honest the US, has held HRC to an unreasonably terrifying standard while at the same time expecting her to just ‘disappear’. No doubt HRC was the candidate and should, and in my candid opinion does take a lot of responsibility, she is not the reason the country is in such chaos. She is a messenger sent bearing a torch under a scorching scrutiny, and facing immense challenges and sabotage from different angles it could only take Amazing Grace to see her through it all (had she ended up in an asylum or in Jail maybe there would have been more ‘celebration’?).

Yet truth be told, the records she has set not only as the first female presidential nominee of one of the great parties in that country, but also in her long and impact full public service to the country and the world at large, will in another country probably grant her immunity from whatever, for life, period. It is therefore shameful and dare say embarrassing that several other reviews I have read, and some media outlets take pleasure in trying further ‘character or emotional assassination’ of HRC. Hold up USA, you seem not to know the gem you have in HRC the messenger. She is just a human being for crying out loud but the choices she has made and the message she delivering in this book should not be overlooked because someone in the Oval office or somewhere doesn’t like her face, voice, shape, sight etc.

Clean the Mess
In this book, I gather and undeniably think that the country is in a mess. I mean blame it on HRC and the Clintons if you want, blame on Barrack and the Obamas, on the democrats maybe, blame it on Russia if you are bold enough to follow through with your investigations – that is if it is already obvious blaming the Republicans too right?, I can even blame my US Buddy who keeps putting up those blogs posts with such alien like updates! The bottom line is: The great Super Duper US of A is currently in a mess and I recently said they had become “a global embarrassment and case study”. Seriously some real cleaning has to be done because it ain’t wrong to fall, but it’s appalling to stay down when you know how to get up!!!

In conclusion
Read this book and think about the solutions HRC proposes, take it or leave she has painfully and graciously delivered the message. Take it or leave she deserves a medal (the highest honour that exists in your country). Take it or leave HRC is your modern day Eleanor Rooselvelt (No doubt she finds such inspiration from this exceptional icon). I am glad that HRC did not choose to FOLD IT ALL AND RUN but to FACE IT ALL AND RISE after she lost the presidential elections (that may have deprived Charlotte and Aidan of their awesome grandma just too soon), and that she has pulled herself back together and is continuing to do all the good she can as seen in the creation of ‘Onward Together’. Thank you so much HRC you have inspired so many young girls and women the world over you can’t imagine. I was hoping you’ll be the Ellen Sirleaf of the US but I think the country wasn’t ready for you. You were not angry enough, resentful enough, nasty enough, persistent enough, bashful enough, elite enough, middle class enough, poor enough; you were over educated, over composed, dreamt too much, nodded too much, spoke too much, spoke too little, smiled too much, wore blank suits all the time, had friends from Kindergarten and couldn’t even fire a single campaign manager… I can go on and on and on…

In the meantime, I cling on to the T-Shirt of Madame President which I bought and had dhl-ed to me. One day hopefully before my time here below is up, I’ll clap when that utmost glass ceiling is shattered once and for all. HRC didn’t let me down, she showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love. Americans do yourself some service and read this book – I give it a 5 star without reservation!!!
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Get the Message: Not the Messenger: Clean the Mess!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2017
I was excited to get a copy of this book because yes I am a woman, an admirer of HRC but above all a global citizen interested in political science and curious to know ‘what happens’. By virtue of my profession as a lawyer, and all other work I do for human, women and mental health rights, I will proceed to review this book which was a cathartic read to be honest. Not being an American (nor involved in any gerrymandering or etc) gives me the audacity to title my review as I do. I have therefore divided my review into three sections respectively and I will conclude with a probably more audacious stance. Spoiler: Message not in any EMAILS!!!

1) Get the Message
I would have been disappointed if the only message I got from this book was about what happened during the 2016 sagacious presidential election in the USA. I am therefore appreciative of the fact that the book is about what happened before, during and after not only the elections but also what happened and happens to HRC – and well the USA. The book is not titled say ‘what happened that I lost in 2016’ …

The message or should I say messages HRC share in her book are therefore about her, the campaign and elections saga, and the country as a whole. I keep likening what I think of the US now to a person who has fallen from such Grace to Grass. HRC in her usual candour which I have appreciated all along reading her various books, sounds the clarion call, pointing fingers to all including herself. Putin may not like her, Trump may not (obviously), ‘Little Rocket Man’ too, the Republicans without doubt, even some Democrats presumably, but the message has to be given and just like other great messengers in the world (Start maybe from Jesus, Mahatma Ghandi, MLK, Malcom X, Mandela, you name them I mean even Barack Obama), HRC ( a brave woman for a change) had no choice but to follow that inner nudge and deliver the message (s) in this book.

Not the Messenger
I think the world or to be more honest the US, has held HRC to an unreasonably terrifying standard while at the same time expecting her to just ‘disappear’. No doubt HRC was the candidate and should, and in my candid opinion does take a lot of responsibility, she is not the reason the country is in such chaos. She is a messenger sent bearing a torch under a scorching scrutiny, and facing immense challenges and sabotage from different angles it could only take Amazing Grace to see her through it all (had she ended up in an asylum or in Jail maybe there would have been more ‘celebration’?).

Yet truth be told, the records she has set not only as the first female presidential nominee of one of the great parties in that country, but also in her long and impact full public service to the country and the world at large, will in another country probably grant her immunity from whatever, for life, period. It is therefore shameful and dare say embarrassing that several other reviews I have read, and some media outlets take pleasure in trying further ‘character or emotional assassination’ of HRC. Hold up USA, you seem not to know the gem you have in HRC the messenger. She is just a human being for crying out loud but the choices she has made and the message she delivering in this book should not be overlooked because someone in the Oval office or somewhere doesn’t like her face, voice, shape, sight etc.

Clean the Mess
In this book, I gather and undeniably think that the country is in a mess. I mean blame it on HRC and the Clintons if you want, blame on Barrack and the Obamas, on the democrats maybe, blame it on Russia if you are bold enough to follow through with your investigations – that is if it is already obvious blaming the Republicans too right?, I can even blame my US Buddy who keeps putting up those blogs posts with such alien like updates! The bottom line is: The great Super Duper US of A is currently in a mess and I recently said they had become “a global embarrassment and case study”. Seriously some real cleaning has to be done because it ain’t wrong to fall, but it’s appalling to stay down when you know how to get up!!!

In conclusion
Read this book and think about the solutions HRC proposes, take it or leave she has painfully and graciously delivered the message. Take it or leave she deserves a medal (the highest honour that exists in your country). Take it or leave HRC is your modern day Eleanor Rooselvelt (No doubt she finds such inspiration from this exceptional icon). I am glad that HRC did not choose to FOLD IT ALL AND RUN but to FACE IT ALL AND RISE after she lost the presidential elections (that may have deprived Charlotte and Aidan of their awesome grandma just too soon), and that she has pulled herself back together and is continuing to do all the good she can as seen in the creation of ‘Onward Together’. Thank you so much HRC you have inspired so many young girls and women the world over you can’t imagine. I was hoping you’ll be the Ellen Sirleaf of the US but I think the country wasn’t ready for you. You were not angry enough, resentful enough, nasty enough, persistent enough, bashful enough, elite enough, middle class enough, poor enough; you were over educated, over composed, dreamt too much, nodded too much, spoke too much, spoke too little, smiled too much, wore blank suits all the time, had friends from Kindergarten and couldn’t even fire a single campaign manager… I can go on and on and on…

In the meantime, I cling on to the T-Shirt of Madame President which I bought and had dhl-ed to me. One day hopefully before my time here below is up, I’ll clap when that utmost glass ceiling is shattered once and for all. HRC didn’t let me down, she showed me the way and she keeps striving with humility, persistence, modesty and love. Americans do yourself some service and read this book – I give it a 5 star without reservation!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
It’s difficult to review anything Hillary Clinton writes without turning it into a review of Hillary Clinton the person (in this way, it’s much like reading a review of any new Madonna album). It’s particularly difficult to talk about What Happened, nearly 500 pages of Hillary talking about Hillary, without talking about... Hillary (and, before I see “Egomaniac! Self Obsessed!, etc, I’ll remind you -- writing a book about one’s experiences in the first person is called a memoir, and anyone can write one -- yes, even a woman!) Trying to review this like any other book solely in a vacuum of its own literary merits is not only impossible, but somewhat disingenuous.

What Happened is a lot of things. A memoir, a recap, a cautionary tale, a warning, a call to arms, an airing of grievances. Hillary Clinton has always been a walking PowerPoint presentation. What it is not -- and never tries to be, despite everyone’s assumptions based on a few leaked excerpts -- is a long diatribe of blame deflection and an attempt to be the definitive source of analysis on the strangest and ugliest political contest in the history of the United States. Clinton states in the very first chapter that it is not intended to be such a book -- that she is too close to the events, too caught up in the rawness of the emotion. The question of should she/shouldn’t she write this has been dominating the conversation about this book, and it’s another question that I find irrelevant: she wrote it, deal with it, don’t read it if you don’t want to. I know that I, and millions of others, were eager to hear her perspective, and find her analysis both insightful and cathartic.

It’s bizarre to me that I feel compelled, as a 33 year old nobody, to take to the internet to defend the right of a former First Lady, Secretary of State, and two time presidential candidate, a figure at the forefront of American politics who has dedicated her entire life to public service and has just had a singularly unique experience unshared by anyone in history, to write a book about those experiences. But such is the polarizing effect Hillary Clinton has. Those that hate her hate her with a fury and a frenzy that seems almost medieval, way out of proportion to any of her supposed crimes. Those people will not enjoy this book, unless they intend to get pleasure out of hate-reading (the way I do when I watch American Horror Story).

What Happened, like so much of everything Hillary Clinton has done in public life, finds itself in sort of a no-win situation. No matter what the tone of it -- was she self deprecating enough? Did she properly chastise herself enough? Does she sound bitter? Does she sound smug? Did she take all the sins of the 63 million Trump voters and carry them on her back to the pyre, and allow us to burn her in effigy? -- it wasn’t going to be acceptable. Accused throughout her career of being overly cautious and guarded (I wonder why?), we were promised a more open, direct Hillary here.

We get that, sort of. Her previous two books, Living History and Hard Choices, were each accused of two of the big Clinton Cardinal sins: the former, a chronicle of her early life and White House years, of being cautious/careful. The latter, recounting her time as Secretary of State, of being boring (I personally liked the...many, many pages of “boring” policy overview from a person who not only has a knack for that sort of thing, but actually seems to enjoy it. I wake up every morning wishing we had a person like that in the oval office today). What Happened may not read like the no holds barred celebrity tell-all scandal book many wanted it to be, but by Clinton standards, it’s the closest we’ll probably ever get to her hearing her speak openly and honestly about her joys and frustrations.

I want to cite, in particular, the chapter Women in Politics. In the past, Hillary has always had to be careful when talking about gender -- and if reading that sentence annoyed you just as much as it annoyed me to type it, this chapter alone may be worth the price of the book for you. This is the clearest, most direct, and -- yes -- angriest Hillary has ever been while addressing the topics of sexism and misogyny, and the roles they’ve played in her political and personal life. But beyond venting frustration and citing the challenges, she also addresses the unique joys and rewards that come with often being the only woman in the room.

She also does something that her detractors will hate even more than her feminist venting: she has the audacity to talk about her accomplishments. This is something that women are conditioned never to do -- in my opinion, it’s part of why Clinton’s campaigns have always struggled with getting her message and point of view out to the voters -- and it’s refreshing here to see her take deserving pride in what she’s done for women and children over the years. So much has been twisted and fabricated, and when coupled with the genuine problems and mistakes of her husband’s administration, that Hillary’s very real fight and achievements for women and children are always overshadowed.

While Clinton is careful (as always, maybe too careful) to balance her overview of the combination of outside forces conspiring against the campaign with taking responsibility for her own mistakes (apologizing many, many times -- did we ever hear Mitt Romney do the same?), and while she tries to balance her Cassandra-like warnings with uplifting and inspirational quotes -- What Happened is still often very hard to read. In particular, the chapter on Election Night, and the excerpt she gives us from what would have been her victory speech, felt like I was ripping off a scab all over again.

And that was one of the biggest criticisms surrounding this book. Why look back? Setting aside the fact that our current president still seems obsessed with talking about the election and brings it up any time there are cameras in his face, there are a lot of reasons why it is valuable to assess the problems, the mistakes, and the aftermath from as many perspectives as possible. And while I hope one day we will look back and shake our heads in disbelief at how we were all so stupid, with the benefit of hindsight, time, distance, and qualified analytical minds to write about it in the years to come, I think it is absolutely imperative to get the perspective of the woman who was on the front lines the entire time fighting for us all, taking every single direct punch and getting up again, never giving up the fight. I also think, for many of us, there an be a shared sense of catharsis to hearing Hillary vent a little bit. Is this book the most academic thing she’s written? No, but people were unhappy with THAT as well. If nothing else, this book is a valuable primary source document, an insight into what became a much more bizarre election than any of us even imagined.

On the morning of election day, I woke up feeling hopeful. After voting, I wrote in my journal, thinking -- somewhat morbidly -- about my future children, who may come across my notebooks in a box one day after I’m dead. I wrote thinking about the daughter that I might one day have, addressing her and saying that I was proud and hopeful to be able to show her that, in a pivotal moment in history, we were all able to come together and make the right choice. I was excited about the idea of her maybe growing up and having her first image of the oval office be one with a woman sitting behind the desk. I was excited to tell her one day that the country came together to stand up to the bully, put aside our differences, and proved that hatred doesn’t always win. Hillary Rodham Clinton -- the woman who is somehow, every year, voted simultaneously the most admired woman in the country as well as the most reviled -- after enduring years of sexism, abuse, and the most violent and disgusting political attacks I’ve ever seen -- stood tough through it all and, on the merits of being the most qualified person for the job, became the first female president of the United States.
Of course, this is not what happened. This time, the bully won. But, as cliche as this is, sometimes the most important lessons are the ones learned in defeat and loss. As Hillary enters the later years of her life, her career as an elected public official may be over, but there is still so much we can learn from her. And that’s why I think this book is so valuable: right now, it’s helpful for processing and starting a conversation about what to do in the aftermath of this mess we’re in. But I’m also glad it exists for future generations to read when they look back on 2016 and think: what the f--?

The reality in life is sometimes the bully DOES win. This is a hard, unpleasant, but necessary truth that all children need to face sooner or later. Sometimes the big, stupid bully, lurking behind and looming over the hard working straight A student who does all the extra credit assignments and color-codes her highlighters when making notes, does not get punished, indeed gets rewarded for his bumbling mediocrity. This is What Happened. What happens next?
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Magdalena
5.0 out of 5 stars An easy read on the current affairs
Reviewed in Italy on April 17, 2020
the story of Hillary’s run for presidency and her view on what has happened that let her towards losing. Very interesting, biographical book, easy read.
Sumit Dhamija
5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: What Happened
Reviewed in India on January 22, 2020
14-Jul-19: Finished reading (a long-overdue book) “What Happened” by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Hillary is the first woman in U.S. history to become the presidential nominee of a major political party.

In this breathtaking book, Hillary reveals what she was thinking and feeling during one of the most controversial and unpredictable presidential elections in history. In her most personal memoir thus far, she describes (in minute detail) what it was like to run against Donald Trump, the mistakes she made, how she has coped with a shocking and devastating loss, and how she found the strength to pick herself back up afterwards.

With humour and candour, she speaks about the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age and appearance, and the double standard confronting woman in politics. Hillary goes on to be a living example of what Eleanor Roosevelt had once said, Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be “damned if you do and damned if you don’t”.

In a poignant recollection, she tells the world, how the 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented assault on American democracy by a foreign adversary. By analyzing the evidence and connecting the dots, Hillary shows just how dangerous the forces are that shaped the outcome, and why Americans need to understand them to protect their values and democracy in the future.

There’s an African proverb, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Hillary’s campaigning slogan - Stronger Together, resonates with this proverb and is a fine example of what teamwork can accomplish.

Finding both solace and inspiration in the words of Nelson Mandela, “If our expectations - if our fondest prayers and dreams are not realized - then we should all bear in mind that the greatest glory of living lies not in the never falling, but in rising every time you fall”; Hillary displayed resilience in her character and went ahead to form www.OnwardTogether.org” in an attempt to contribute towards causes she deeply cares about, and build the infrastructure America needs to succeed.
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Marcos Luz
5.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff inside
Reviewed in Brazil on May 3, 2018
What Happened? Trump has got 2016 President Election but it does not mean that everybody else lost it. This book is about history told from inside. It has good insights and facts that are fundamental to understand the goings of a national campaign like 2016 battle between Democrats and Republicans. It still brings some delicate references to a new (and not always better) way of doing politics and the perils that lay ahead with hackers, states, and media mingling with it all. All in all, it is a book that a reader like me ends it better prepared for the future. Thanks for that Hillary. Good information inside. Recommend.
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JesusIsaac
5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary book.
Reviewed in Mexico on October 7, 2017
Great insight into one of the most controversial elections in modern history. Although she shows how painful it was (and keeps being) to grasp the full magnitude of the event, it is without doubt a necessary learning for all of us political geeks.
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Lynn
5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-Written and Thoughtful Analysis
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2017
I don't think this book will be evaluated objectively because of the fierce divisiveness of current U.S. politics, but I hope in the future it will be an important document for students of history and political science in determining "what happened" in the 2016 election.

As a Canadian who followed the media coverage in the months leading up to election night, I witnessed the following (many but not all of which were covered in Clinton's book): the media used Donald Trump for rating spikes, thus largely reinforcing a candidacy that should never have been taken seriously. Bombastic rhetoric outweighed a rational discussion of policy, and in the end the fact that Clinton handily won all three presidential debates meant nothing.

Most of the coverage of Clinton was negative, relating to her e-mails.

At times it seemed that Bill, not Hillary Clinton, was running for presidency, and Trump was able to create false equivalencies between his sexual assault of women and Bill Clinton's behaviour toward women, even parading Bill Clinton's accusers in front of the American people like a circus sideshow.

Bill Clinton was a liability, not an asset, to her campaign in his ill-advised meeting with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, which made Americans suspect that the Comey investigation was a farce. Later Bill Clinton would also play directly into Trump's hands by criticizing the Affordable Care Act without offering alternatives to address such issues as high premiums.

Because of Trump's populist appeal, many Republicans felt they had to ignore their conscience and support him or lose their seats. The Republican Party was ironically one of the biggest losers in the election, having compromised their beliefs to support a nationalist, alt-right candidate.

The press scolded Clinton for not telling them that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia, and her health became a main staple of alt-right news.

Clinton made a major blunder in her "basket of deplorables" comment and reinforced the elitist view of her that the press was already pushing.

Trump's racism, xenophobia, and his disdain for and abuse of women only endeared him to his base and made him seem more colorful in their eyes.

When Hillary Clinton tried to warn the American public of the dangers of a Trump presidency, she was criticized by the press, the Republicans, and after the election by Democrats of running a negative campaign. Given that he has now been president for less than a year and has insulted and alienated U.S. allies; withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accord; removed regulations that protected not only the environment, but consumer health and safety; has imposed a travel ban without any supporting evidence of risks to the U.S.; and has taunted the leader of North Korea into the real possibility of a nuclear war, was she wrong in her warnings?

Bernie Sanders did almost as much as Trump (and was in fact frequently referred to by Trump in his speeches) in undermining Clinton's candidacy. Sanders was at the other end of the political spectrum from Trump, but shared a major trait with him: his rhetoric was devoid of any detailed policy to support his position. Sanders' "support" for Clinton at the Democratic National Convention was totally lacklustre, thus freeing up his supporters to vote for third-party candidates.

Biden's "support" for Clinton also struck me as being mediocre, and he further undermined her in the campaign by saying he would have won if he'd run.

At the time of Comey's revelation of re-opening the Clinton e-mail investigation, Trump's campaign seemed to be losing steam and Clinton's was on the ascendancy. Comey's announcement gave new life and bombast to Trump's campaign and demoralized the Clinton camp. In her book, Hillary Clinton cites focus group findings and polling to show that Comey's interference had an impact on voters who would otherwise have supported her.

I have not even mentioned Russian interference and the planting of false news stories, as well as attempted manipulation of voting at the state level. It is difficult to quantify the impact of the Russian campaign against Clinton, but I suspect that more and more facts will be uncovered in time.

All of this leads me to the heart of the matter: the analysis of WHAT HAPPENED. It is a well-written and sometimes intimate account of a woman who has spent most of her adult life in politics, and who won the popular vote, but lost an election to the most unqualified candidate for president in American history. You could not fault Clinton if she was embittered by her defeat, but in fact she accepts blame herself where it is due; displays a heartfelt sorrow because she feels she has let Americans down by allowing Trump to be elected; expresses bewilderment at the fact that there was so much talk during the election of the "real" Hillary Clinton when her life had been laid bare for years as First Lady of Arkansas and later of the United States; senator; Secretary of State; and former presidential candidate. It also troubles her deeply that there is so much hatred still directed toward her.

She analyzes the various factors that led to her defeat using statistical sources whenever possible to support her position. In her place, I would have been much harder on Sanders but she is fairly restrained in her criticism of him, acknowledging that he did support her in the end. She does not give much credence to the idea that her own husband may have sabotaged her campaign with his lack of judgment, but she perhaps can be forgiven for this because he is, after all, her husband, a man whom she still loves deeply.

In all, Hillary Clinton has outlined many of the major factors that doomed her candidacy.

But she also looks toward the future and recognizes that the Democratic Party must listen to their grassroots supporters if they are to remain relevant as a party.

That Clinton is able to look toward a brighter future is in itself remarkable and a sign of her resiliency.
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