July Read/2

Title: Angela Merkel

Author: Mills, Cliff

Call Number: B M563M 2008

Subjects: Merkel, Angela, 1954-Juvenile literature; Heads of state-Germany-Biograplhy-Juvenile literature; Germany-Politics and government-1990

Number of Pages: 120

ISBN: 9780791094969

Book Description (from the back cover)

            Born in West Germany but raised in East Germany, Angela Merkel has known both repression and freedom. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Merkel started her meteoric rise to become Germany’s first female chancellor and one of the world’s most powerful women. A scientist by training, Merkel possesses analytical skills seldom seen in a world leader, and she confronts issues in Germany, Europe, and the world with diplomacy and tact.This biography is the inspiring account of an intriguing leader who is a tireless force for progress.

My Read:

            It’s a good read though it’s a book aimed for the juvenile. The picture of Ms. Merkel on the book cover is a good catch of her: reserved, shy, shrewd, and intelligent. I Google Ms Merkel and found plenty of images of her. The one I like the most is a picture of her in peach color dress or suit and she applied makeup. She was well-known of no makeup. Pictures from later years showed her with slight makeup and this change did make her look more appealing and softer than before. Looks and appearances are indeed important for pubic image.

            Readers will find that the fact Ms. Merkel raised and grew up in East Germany gave her a different perspective and cognition about the world and the way this world revolves. It proves again that if a person is able to view the world in others’ shoes or perspectives the society we are living might be in different shape. People might be more empathetic and cases of belligerence or violence would dramatically decrease and lessen. If only we could feel and know what others might have been feeling and thinking…

            Finally we are witnessing a strong leader who is also a scientist and an expert of analysis and pragmatism. The analytical side of her helps her to focus and target on the crucial issues right on the spot and enables her to make justified decisions that would eventually amend problems and make a huge impact on the human affairs. The cool mind of a scientist provides her methodical and systematical methods and solutions to break apart dilemmas and hit on the hot spots. Honest and straightforward she wasted no time to play games and let her people know she is determined and committed to serve her country, her people, and the world. Who wouldn’t admire such person of intelligence, wisdom, and cleverness?

            I didn’t see her as a female world leader. Instead, to me, she is a scientist who, at the same time, with political shrewdness. Her interest in politics is purely simple: she discovered years ago that the power of government is great and she might be good at it to help her people to have a better world to live in. In her eyes, power of government could benefit the people if used and exercised by righteous and right hands.

            Her success dealing with world issues is inspiring. And it got me wonder how this world might be different if more good-brained and kindhearted scientists get engaged in the politics. May there be more leaders like Ms. Merkel!