Everybody Matters: My Life Giving Voice Paperback – February 25, 2014

I love Mary Robinson and I loved her even more after I read and re-read her memoir. Hers is a life blessed with opportunity and the fact that she grabbed every opportunity that came her way makes her even more wonderful because she used her opportunities for the good of people who needed her voice in the public place. As the first woman to be president of the Republic of Ireland, she exercised her compassion and used her influence to further the good of all people. She keeps a light burning in her window for the diaspora; she herself is a light burning for the good of the world.

I have long admired the achievements of Mary Robinson and many years ago was fortunate to attend a speaking engagement at which she spoke. It was inspiring to listen to her discuss her inclusive approach to her role as President of Ireland. Her much-awaited autobiography does not disappoint. I have to discipline myself not to read it all in one sitting, not that you really could as it is charged with detailed analysis and discourse. A truly compelling read.

I could not put the kindle down. Having grown up in Ireland in the seventies, the book made sense for me of a lot of political and social events of the time. Mary is an inspiration to women of Irish origin. I loved the story of her life from childhood and the gradual awakening of her social consciousness. The affect of her family, the church and her education on her development was very interesting. The balancing act of family and politics was very real and her progression from Irish politics into European politics and into the work of the UN and social justice was amazing. I would recommend this book to others and particularly people of Irish origin.

I found this book inspiring. Mary Robinson describes her journey from quite ordinary beginnings to become the president of Ireland and when that came to its natural conclusion she was able to go on to more inspiring humanitarian work. She also managed to steer a sensible path through the religious conflict in the north. As I have said inspiring!

I read this book with my book group. We were all impressed with Robinson, and couldn't believe that we hadn't heard of her before. We could only blame US media for that lack, as we're all politically active, and aware. She is now right up there with women I most admire. Her work on climate justice is so important. You go, Mary Robinson!

Dr. T. J. Hannan says:Mary Robinson is a true Clarissa Pinkola Estes "Woman who runs with wolves". Her lair minder Nick has also allowed the wonderful woman be a true example that "Everybody matters".He literary "almost destruction" of UN internal politics confirms the dysfunctional nature of this organisation and its lack of "unitedness" and where NOT everybody matters.I particularly enjoyed the application of her core principals in "Everybody Matters" as this was very relevant to work I was involved in that was to manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. In fact I thought she may have even "touched" these programs in Kenya (AMPATH) and other African locations (OpenMRS).A core aim of these programs id the "Everybody Matters" and to inculcate hope and self sustaining sufficiency and reduce the brain drain.Nick, Mary's husband needs acknowledgement for his role of allowing Mary to be herself.This book gives me and I other HOPE.

A wonderful book, by an exceptional Stateswoman. Mary Robinson changed Aras an Uachtarainn from a retirement-home for has-been political hacks into a meaningful political institution. And her work at the UNHCR, although she did not succeed in changing the culture, was courageous and principled

It was an interesting, incisive, informative and challenging book.The author writes in a clear, open, honest and compassionate wayand was equally critical of her own mistakes as well as themistakes made by others.She is a public figure to be admired as an advocate for human rights,who was prepared to take on issues that many political leaderssought to avoid.She has made a difference.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I seem to be having a 'feminine political autobiography season' right now. I read and reviewed Shirley Williams' 'Climbing the Bookshelves' last week here on Amazon. Indeed, there are parallels between the two women. Both were from a privileged background; both were committed feminists, with a vision of social justice and fairer society. Mary's willingness to take on her country's very constitution where it's enshrined Catholic stance compromised those goals is quite remarkable, as was her work as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Any autobiography, by it's very nature, has it's objective limitations compared to an authorised biography, but this is definitely one of the best, most honest political memoirs and well worth a read.

I so admire Mary Robinson and what she stands for.Reading her book I feel I can actually hear her voice.Her style of story telling is sensitive to her subject and I love her humourous approach.I can well understand her pain and hurt at the stance her parents took regarding her marriage to Nick Robinson.This is a book about a very strong, caring woman, who is not afraid to stand up for her less fortunate fellow human beings.A very poweful, passionate account of someone who felt born to serve.

I loved this book. i couldn't put it down especially the early part of the book when she talked about her experiences in Ireland. thankfully an Ireland that is long gone and it's thanks to the efforts of Mrs Robinson and others like her that moved the law and the country away from a narrow view of morality to system that enshrines the rights of many.I was less interested in her time at the UN although the fact that a woman from Mayo on the extreme western fringe of Europe could make it to the UN is amazing and an inspiration.

Mary Robinson's early story as an Irish politician then President was interesting enough, but what she really reveals in this book is the endemic bureaucracy and corruption at the United Nations. It was scary to understand how the old guard united to destroy this women because she dared to try to make changes.

This should be read as a companion to Lean In.Mary Robinson is a remarkable woman and has subtly pushed boundaries for women and for the underdog since the 1960's. This is an inspirational read.

Very interesting and detailed account of Mary Robinson's experience as UN Representative and her heroic stance against some austere prejudices by some Nations to oppose the group of colleagues linking ideas of human rights and development. Well done Mary Robinson for sticking to your guns despite the opposition of USA, as she sought reach across political and idealogical divides for meaningful dialogue, at the risk of criticism and bad press in her efforts to maintain the decade old job, one of the most important in the entire United Nations system.

The book was delivered quickly and was in excellent condition. Interesting summary of a powerful womans life.Mary Robinson's work has made and will make a vast difference to the freedom of an idividual to choose their destiny.

Everyone should read this book. It tells of an inspirational women who fought for the rights of others not getting a fair shout whoever they are all over the world. Read on holiday expecting it to be a bit heavy but on the contrary a most interesting uplifting book.

After hearing Mary Robinson's Desert Island Discs, I wanted to know more so bought the book.It is exactly as I had hoped. Full of warm, inspirational tales which makes you revise opinions of those who stand for high office.A thoroughly good read.

Interesting in parts although did not finish the book as found it fairly boring as a whole. Admire Mary Robinson and what she accomplished but found the story as given by her daughter pretty sterile.

A truly inspirational memoir, many thanks Mrs Robinson. I recommend this book to all. A wonderful Christmas present for your friends.

Bought this book for my boyfriend and he really enjoyed it :)Also, postage was really quick and I can even trade this in once he has finished with it to get him another pressie!

Bought this book after seeing Mary Robinson on TV. Haven't finished it yet but husband has read it and enjoyed. Arrived virtually by return post

I chose this book because I have always thought that Mary Robinson was a lovely lady and this book proves it. I also proves what grit and determination can achieve Well done a very good read

One doesn't need to be 'bolshy' to get things done on a grand scale. Mary Robinson, along with others has scaled new heights in making sure everybody matters. Great read, thoroughly recommended.