Lenny Robredo: Inspired by Atticus Finch

Maria Leonor “Lenny” Robredo first came into the national spotlight when her husband Jesse Robredo, then Local Government Secretary, died in a plane crash last year.

Today, Lenny is a congresswoman of Camarines Sur province and is seen as a staunch advocate of women and clean government.

Here, she shares her book list.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. “The first time I read this in high school, I was already awed by the protagonist Atticus Finch. He has become my literary hero. He had everything that a lawyer should have — integrity,  courage, and compassion. I read it so many times more in my adult life and I guess it sort of inspired me to be the kind of lawyer that I have been.”

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. “I am usually not drawn to philosophical books but Gibran’s chapters on Children, Joy and Sorrow, Good and Evil, etc. are very insightful and full of wisdom. The language used is beautiful and almost poetic. The topics are spiritual but universal and timeless. It is one of those books you read over and over again.”

Love: Ten Poems by Pablo Neruda. “I already knew some of his poems but I got hooked when I watched Il Postino and got a copy of its soundtrack. This is a collection of some of Neruda’s poems that became the heart and soul of the movie. This is a very slim book that you can just leave at your bedside or bring everywhere with you. Neruda’s poems are heart-warming and very passionate.”

All Too Human by George Stephanopolous. “The author was once in President Bill Clinton’s inner circle. I found the book very entertaining because it is a candid and (hopefully)honest account of the highs and lows of his being ‘one of the President’s men’.” 


Green Eggs And Ham. “My children grew up on Dr. Seuss’ books but this one has become their favorite and mine, too. We have memorized the entire book from cover to cover and I am sure that they will likewise keep this close to their hearts when they start having kids of their own.”

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. “My husband Jesse bought this at some airport during one of his trips abroad and brought it home.  Full of very practical and reasonable advice but not preachy at all. I have learned so much from this book and have learned how to keep my cool in almost all aspects of my life.”

James Patterson’s, John Grisham’s, Robert Ludlum’s and Patricia Cornwell’s books. “They are staples on my bedside table and when I travel. Needless to say, I am partial to espionage, suspense and legal thrillers.”

The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo. “The book analyzes what makes good people do bad things and how moral people can be seduced to act immorally. I got this book from my husband and I have not even finished reading it. But I think this is a must-read for many of us so that we will always be conscious of the thin line that separates good from evil and be wary of crossing it.”