Wendy Sherman

Wendy Sherman is an American diplomat and government official who served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State from 2021-2023. She previously held the position of Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs during the Obama administration from 2011-2015. Sherman is widely recognized for her role as the lead U.S. negotiator in the Iran nuclear deal negotiations, which resulted in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Her diplomatic work also included key roles in negotiations with North Korea during the Clinton administration and efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. Beyond her government service, Sherman has been Director of Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership and has served as a senior counselor at Albright Stonebridge Group. She authored the book "Not for the Faint of Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power and Persistence" which details her experiences in international diplomacy and negotiations. Sherman's expertise in foreign policy and negotiation has made her a frequent commentator on international affairs and a sought-after speaker at academic institutions and policy forums. Her career spans over four decades of public service, including positions at the State Department, EMILY's List, and the Democratic National Committee.

Readers appreciate Sherman's insider perspective on international diplomacy and negotiations in "Not for the Faint of Heart." Several reviewers on Goodreads highlight her personal anecdotes about the Iran nuclear deal negotiations and practical advice on diplomatic strategy. Readers value: - Detailed accounts of high-stakes diplomatic encounters - Practical negotiation techniques that apply beyond politics - Balance of personal stories with policy analysis Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and technical - Some sections focus too heavily on career achievements - Limited coverage of certain diplomatic events readers wanted to learn more about Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) One reader noted: "Sherman provides valuable insights into the art of negotiation, though the book would benefit from more emotional depth." Another commented: "The Iran deal chapters alone make this worth reading for anyone interested in modern diplomacy."

Not for the Faint of Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power and Persistence (2018) A memoir detailing Sherman's experiences as a diplomatic negotiator, focusing on high-stakes international negotiations including the Iran nuclear deal and North Korea talks, while examining the personal and professional challenges of diplomacy.

Madeleine Albright was Secretary of State under President Clinton and wrote multiple books about diplomacy and her experiences in government. Her memoir "Madam Secretary" provides similar insider perspectives on international negotiations and statecraft as Sherman's work.

William Burns is a career diplomat who served as Deputy Secretary of State and now directs the CIA. His book "The Back Channel" offers detailed accounts of diplomatic negotiations and foreign policy decision-making from his decades in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Samantha Power served as U.S. Ambassador to the UN and wrote about her experiences in foreign policy and human rights. Her memoir "The Education of an Idealist" chronicles her journey from war correspondent to government official, providing insights into diplomatic challenges and international relations.

Richard Holbrooke was a diplomat who played key roles in peace negotiations in Bosnia and Afghanistan. His methods and experiences in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, documented in "To End a War," parallel Sherman's approach to international conflict resolution.

Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State and has written extensively about foreign policy and diplomacy. Her book "Hard Choices" details her experiences leading U.S. foreign policy and managing international crises, similar to Sherman's diplomatic accounts.