Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

1. Roots: Rural and Right 1

2. Two Steps Forward 62

3. Finding My Voice 131

4. Politics, Prestige, and Peril 196

5. Queen for a Day 267

6. Call Me Swanee 329

7. Tender Mercies 381

Index 395

“Half-Life of a Zealot, the compelling memoir by Swanee Hunt, the daughter of oil magnate H. L. Hunt, draws the reader in from the first page and refuses to let go.” — Ruth Dawson, Philanthropy News Digest

“[A]n extraordinarily frank account of an unusual life, and one that is only half over. There is much more to come from Swanee Hunt. In fact, you get the impression that while the old man might have been apoplectic at his daughter's philosophical and religious beliefs, he would be favorably impressed by her determination and drive to accomplish all but impossible goals. Lord knows, readers will be.” — Sandra Dallas, Denver Post

“[E]ngaging. . . . Her ability to wield power and yet not lose the common touch is what makes Hunt's memoir so intriguing, and, indeed, what has helped her improve the lives of so many.” — Karen Fragala Smith, Newsweek International

“[Hunt is] her daddy’s daughter in the sense that she is an overachiever, but boy! Is she not the parsimonious H. L.’s political heir. Nor is she boring. Good book. Inspiring woman.” — Blue Ridge Business Journal

“[O]ften intimate and revealing, Half-Life of a Zealot also looks past Hunt’s own life to confront the challenges facing the world’s women today—from the global perils of poverty and poor healthcare to the more personal challenges that come with juggling kids and a demanding career. Through it all, Hunt’s abiding hope is to engage women in the political process. Her message: think big, ask a lot of questions, and know that you have a place at the table.” — Ruthie Ackerman, Salon.com

“Having inspired leadership among women worldwide, [Hunt’s] is a story of the double-edged blade of inherited fame and influence coupled with a constant search for the greater good.” — Kelley Carmichael, World Pulse

“Hunt has written hundreds of articles in newspapers and academic journals. In this book, she is also an engaging raconteur of such tales as her computer being hacked in spy-ridden Vienna and her failure to raise a herd of bison. All in all, Hunt’s memoir provides insights into women’s philanthropy and international diplomacy.”
— Richard Magat, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

“This must-read book is a great example of the power of one. Hunt's remarkable compassion and accomplishments stand tall as a lesson to us all.” — Verna Noel Jones, Rocky Mountain News

"Hunt may not be a literary giant, or even a legitimate politician, but she is clearly a compelling individual. Her charisma makes her memoir a surprisingly engaging read." — Carolyn F. Gaebler, Harvard Crimson

“Half-Life of a Zealot, the compelling memoir by Swanee Hunt, the daughter of oil magnate H. L. Hunt, draws the reader in from the first page and refuses to let go.” —Ruth Dawson, Philanthropy News Digest

“[A]n extraordinarily frank account of an unusual life, and one that is only half over. There is much more to come from Swanee Hunt. In fact, you get the impression that while the old man might have been apoplectic at his daughter's philosophical and religious beliefs, he would be favorably impressed by her determination and drive to accomplish all but impossible goals. Lord knows, readers will be.” —Sandra Dallas, Denver Post

“[E]ngaging. . . . Her ability to wield power and yet not lose the common touch is what makes Hunt's memoir so intriguing, and, indeed, what has helped her improve the lives of so many.” —Karen Fragala Smith, Newsweek International

“[Hunt is] her daddy’s daughter in the sense that she is an overachiever, but boy! Is she not the parsimonious H. L.’s political heir. Nor is she boring. Good book. Inspiring woman.” —Blue Ridge Business Journal

“[O]ften intimate and revealing, Half-Life of a Zealot also looks past Hunt’s own life to confront the challenges facing the world’s women today—from the global perils of poverty and poor healthcare to the more personal challenges that come with juggling kids and a demanding career. Through it all, Hunt’s abiding hope is to engage women in the political process. Her message: think big, ask a lot of questions, and know that you have a place at the table.” —Ruthie Ackerman, Salon.com

“Having inspired leadership among women worldwide, [Hunt’s] is a story of the double-edged blade of inherited fame and influence coupled with a constant search for the greater good.” —Kelley Carmichael, World Pulse

“Hunt has written hundreds of articles in newspapers and academic journals. In this book, she is also an engaging raconteur of such tales as her computer being hacked in spy-ridden Vienna and her failure to raise a herd of bison. All in all, Hunt’s memoir provides insights into women’s philanthropy and international diplomacy.”
—Richard Magat, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

“This must-read book is a great example of the power of one. Hunt's remarkable compassion and accomplishments stand tall as a lesson to us all.” —Verna Noel Jones, Rocky Mountain News

"Hunt may not be a literary giant, or even a legitimate politician, but she is clearly a compelling individual. Her charisma makes her memoir a surprisingly engaging read." —Carolyn F. Gaebler, Harvard Crimson

“For a dozen years I’ve watched Swanee Hunt transform her resources into possibilities for others. This book shows the creative nexus of personal values, political savvy, and global reform that has made hers a life well lived.” — George Soros

“Swanee Hunt is the woman behind the women, supporting their leadership throughout the world. Through them, she touches millions who will never have the privilege of browsing in a bookstore. This beautiful book tells why and how.” — Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia

“Swanee Hunt’s life reads like a novel. Born into a powerful, conservative, and patriarchal American family, a young girl grows up to use her part of that power to support the powerless and to encourage peace and women’s leadership around the world. To discover the fascinating story in between, you must read Half-Life of a Zealot.” — Gloria Steinem

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