📖 Overview
Susan Rice served as United States National Security Advisor from 2013-2017 and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009-2013 under President Barack Obama. She currently works as the Director of the Domestic Policy Council under President Joe Biden.
Beyond her government service, Rice is the author of two books: the memoir "Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For" (2019) and "Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family" (2010). Her writing focuses on both her personal journey and insights from her extensive diplomatic and national security experience.
Rice's academic background includes a doctorate in International Relations from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. Before entering government service, she was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and served in various roles at the National Security Council during the Clinton administration.
Her areas of expertise include foreign policy, national security, and public service, with particular focus on African affairs, global poverty, and transnational security threats. Rice has received multiple honors including the Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year Award and the NAACP Image Award.
👀 Reviews
Readers approach Rice's books through their political perspectives, with reviews often reflecting their views on Obama-era policies.
What readers liked:
- Personal family stories and insights into her upbringing
- Behind-the-scenes details of diplomatic negotiations
- Clear writing style and structured presentation
- Balance of professional achievements with personal challenges
- Candid discussion of race and gender barriers in diplomacy
What readers disliked:
- Policy explanations seen as defensive by some
- Limited self-reflection on controversial decisions
- Too much focus on career achievements over personal narrative
- Some found the tone self-promoting
Ratings across platforms:
- "Tough Love" (2019):
Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,000+ ratings)
- "Extraordinary, Ordinary People" (2010):
Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ reviews)
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,000+ ratings)
One reader noted: "Rice provides valuable perspective on national security decisions, though at times reads like a defense of her record." Another wrote: "The family history segments were compelling, but policy sections felt like official statements."
📚 Books by Susan Rice
Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For (2019)
A memoir covering Rice's life and career in public service, including her roles as U.S. National Security Advisor and U.N. Ambassador during the Obama administration.
Uncertain Greatness: Henry Kissinger and American Foreign Policy (1980) An analysis of Henry Kissinger's foreign policy decisions and leadership style during his tenure as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.
Democracy's Triple Challenge (2018) An examination of the challenges facing democratic institutions, focusing on economic inequality, political polarization, and global power shifts.
Uncertain Greatness: Henry Kissinger and American Foreign Policy (1980) An analysis of Henry Kissinger's foreign policy decisions and leadership style during his tenure as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.
Democracy's Triple Challenge (2018) An examination of the challenges facing democratic institutions, focusing on economic inequality, political polarization, and global power shifts.
👥 Similar authors
Anne Rice writes supernatural fiction focused on vampires, witches and immortal beings. Her Gothic settings and complex character relationships align with Susan's approach to paranormal storytelling.
Christine Feehan creates paranormal romance series with psychic abilities and supernatural creatures. Her multi-book storylines feature interconnected characters and dark elements similar to Susan's work.
Laurell K Hamilton combines urban fantasy with detective noir elements in her series. She builds detailed supernatural worlds with complex politics and relationships between different species.
Karen Marie Moning writes about Celtic mythology and supernatural beings in modern settings. Her stories blend romance with dark fantasy and feature strong female protagonists navigating dangerous paranormal worlds.
Sherrilyn Kenyon develops extensive mythologies around immortal warriors and supernatural beings. Her work incorporates elements of various cultural mythologies with contemporary settings and ongoing character arcs.
Christine Feehan creates paranormal romance series with psychic abilities and supernatural creatures. Her multi-book storylines feature interconnected characters and dark elements similar to Susan's work.
Laurell K Hamilton combines urban fantasy with detective noir elements in her series. She builds detailed supernatural worlds with complex politics and relationships between different species.
Karen Marie Moning writes about Celtic mythology and supernatural beings in modern settings. Her stories blend romance with dark fantasy and feature strong female protagonists navigating dangerous paranormal worlds.
Sherrilyn Kenyon develops extensive mythologies around immortal warriors and supernatural beings. Her work incorporates elements of various cultural mythologies with contemporary settings and ongoing character arcs.