Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box

The 2-pages side-by-side formatting in the print version is how the book was intended to be viewed, so that the i.e. the pin or pins Ms Albright is talking about at the moment remain next to or under the relative text. The single-page Kindle formatting also puts photo captions in odd places, thereby disrupting the intended flow of her otherwise delightful narrative. Even on a Kindle Fire, I could not enjoy this book as much as I would have the print version, so I'll be looking for the actual book at my local library.

I bought this book as a gift, and it was loaned back to me so I could read it. It is excellently written, full of true stories of her life while as a Secretary of State, and how she used her pins to express diplomatic feelings. I could not help but wonder how she stores all of these wonderful pins, but the book does not give you a clue! Pictures of the pin, where they were worn, what they met are all explained in the book. My girlfriend loved the book, and likes to wear pins. The museum was selling copies of "Breaking the Glass Ceiling" pin, which was hard to resist after seeing it in the book. If you ever listened to an interview of Ms. Albright and enjoyed hearing her speak, you will enjoy this book!

I am a collector of vintage 'brooches' for 50 years and love them. When I saw this book by an intelligent, important lady in government, AND she collected pins and used them quite strategically actually, I just had to read it and see the items. The stories are interesting, the photography is excellent and I read it in about 1 hour, spending most of my time just looking at the photos! I got it for a good price, quality condition hard cover book with the duster and it's a keeper in my book collection now. Also shows that a woman's physical beauty, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with intelligence and importance and power...!

The author details how her love of pins blossomed into a diplomatic tool. Her love of pins became known the world over, and provided a glimpse to negotiators of her mood and resolve. The pin collection is beautifully photographed. Each piece, whether costume or precious stones, is given its due. This underscores what a uniquely brilliant Secretary of State she was! And it's fun to see her wonderful and diverse pin collection!

I enjoyed the thoughts of the author regarding her large pin collection. Many of them are very beautiful. She explained those that had been gifts and where she shopped. I thought some were overwhelmingly large, but given the scrutiny she was given, still entirely appropriate.My mother was a hospital nurse at a time when white starched uniforms were required. Yet my mother had a lovely small collection of pins that were her sole accessory at work. I guess talking with my mother about those pins gave me an affinity for them and contributed to my delight in seeing Secretary Albright's collection.

I was intrigued by Mrs. Albright's use of pins- no matter how expensive they were or weren't- to express her feelings as she navigated the world of the Secretary of State. I wish she had spent more time on the diplomatic situations. Granted, some things would be classified, but many situations have been publicly documented. It would have been interesting to get to 'meet' some of the leaders of other governments via the stories indicated by her pins.

We’ve read most of Madeline Albright’s books, starting with “Facism — A Warning” which is a must read for every American who embraces democracy. This book about her pins is fun, and contains many interesting anecdotes about a life we’ll lived, historical sketches, and stories about the many world figures she’s met and worked with, and the places she’s been to.

I bought this book for an elderly friend. She gave it back to me when she went into the care center. It's an interesting read and has excellent photos. I was lucky enough to see this pin collection when the exhibit came to our town, and my husband bought a replica of the Irish Thorn pin for me.

Excellent reading. Completely different insight to a diplomats 'world'. So interesting I read in two days.

Very inspiring for anyone who likes jewellery and "strong women". Albright has presented a small memoir in connection with her brooch obsession, and I imagine all collectors could tell similar stories about how their particular interest has affected their lives in unexpected ways.

Really liked it

love this book, well recommended!!!!

Gostei muito do texto. Gosto de história e acho interessante ler relatos pessoais. No caso, uma ex-diplomata e ex-secretária de estado de um dos países mais poderosos do mundo tem muito a contar, embora o foco seja nos broches que coleciona e o uso diplomático que fez deles. Ótima percepção. Linda a história do broche 'Katrina'. O que não gostei: da qualidade das fotos na edição eletrônica do livro. Embora nas considerações finais e agradecimentos a autora tenha elogiado a qualidade das fotos e o fotógrafo, não é possível percebê-lo. Às vezes se questiona porque comprar livros tradicionais versus eletrônicos. Quando se trata de fotografias, o Kindle não é apropriado. Lamentei não poder ver as fotos em detalhes.