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An American Life (Abridged): Reissue Audiobook
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(4.01) - 762 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Ronald Reagan’s autobiography is a work of major historical importance. Here, in his own words, is the story of his life—public and private—told in a book both frank and compellingly readable.
Few presidents have accomplished more, or been so effective in changing the direction of government in ways that are both fundamental and lasting, than Ronald Reagan. Certainly no president has more dramatically raised the American spirit, or done so much to restore national strength and self-confidence.
Here, then, is a truly American success story—a great and inspiring one. From modest beginnings as the son of a shoe salesman in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan achieved first a distinguished career in Hollywood and then, as governor of California and as president of the most powerful nation in the world, a career of public service unique in our history.
Ronald Reagan’s account of that rise is told here with all the uncompromising candor, modesty, and wit that made him perhaps the most able communicator ever to occupy the White House, and also with the sense of drama of a gifted natural storyteller.
He tells us, with warmth and pride, of his early years and of the elements that made him, in later life, a leader of such stubborn integrity, courage, and clear-minded optimism. Reading the account of this childhood, we understand how his parents, struggling to make ends meet despite family problems and the rigors of the Depression, shaped his belief in the virtues of American life—the need to help others, the desire to get ahead and to get things done, the deep trust in the basic goodness, values, and sense of justice of the American people—virtues that few presidents have expressed more eloquently than Ronald Reagan.
With absolute authority and a keen eye for the details and the anecdotes that humanize history, Ronald Reagan takes the reader behind the scenes of his extraordinary career, from his first political experiences as president of the Screen Actors Guild (including his first meeting with a beautiful young actress who was later to become Nancy Reagan) to such high points of his presidency as the November 1985 Geneva meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, during which Reagan invited the Soviet leader outside for a breath of fresh air and then took him off for a walk and a man-to-man chat, without aides, that set the course for arms reduction and charted the end of the Cold War.
Here he reveals what went on behind his decision to enter politics and run for the governorship of California, the speech nominating Barry Goldwater that first made Reagan a national political figure, his race for the presidency, his relations with the members of his own cabinet, and his frustrations with Congress.
He gives us the details of the great themes and dramatic crises of his eight years in office, from Lebanon to Grenada, from the struggle to achieve arms control to tax reform, from Iran-Contra to the visits abroad that did so much to reestablish the United States in the eyes of the world as a friendly and peaceful power. His narrative is full of insights, from the unseen dangers of Gorbachev’s first visit to the United States to Reagan’s own personal correspondence with major foreign leaders, as well as his innermost feelings about life in the White House, the assassination attempt, his family—and the enduring love between himself and Mrs. Reagan.
An American Life is a warm, richly detailed, and deeply human book, a brilliant self-portrait, a significant work of history.
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"An awesome autobiography about one of the greatest Presidents the United States has had the honor of having. A country boy at heart on his ranch in California and an outstanding orator. The book leads the reader from life in Dixon, IL to Hollywood, the Governorship of CA, and finally the Presidency of the United States. We see the efforts put forth during the Cold War with Gorbechav and the attempts to create arms treaties to reduce the nuclear threat. His frustration with the partisan congress and secret meetings between heads of state driving the goal of nuclear proliferation. A fantastic read about how a boy can reluctantly move into the Presidency and rule the greatest nation on earth."
— Dj (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“An American Life is filled with Ronald Reagan’s good humor and goodwill.”
— Christian Science Monitor -
“One of our classic American success stories.”
— Washington Times -
“Reagan’s charm, as displayed throughout this book, is incontestable; so is his grace under pressure.”
— San Francisco Chronicle
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
An American Life Listener Reviews
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" ((Full review coming soon)) "
— âš¡Blazeâš¡~, 2/17/2014 -
" An amazing man with an amazing life. The greatest US president of my life time. "
— Kash, 2/8/2014 -
" Call me a nerd, but this was my favorite book when I was 8. It actually embarrassed my older sister to see me walking around with this book. "
— Becca, 2/1/2014 -
" No president in the 20th Century has accomplished more, or been so effective in changing the direction of government in ways that are both fundamental and lasting, than Ronald Reagan. "
— Kevin, 1/29/2014 -
" I thought it a good book by a good man. "
— P.e.lolo, 1/28/2014 -
" It was all very interesting and well written. The only parts I did not like were the long letter between Reagan and Gorbachev. I recommend it. "
— Benjamin, 1/17/2014 -
" I don't think all the real details are in this book. "
— Suzy, 1/7/2014 -
" This made me love ol' Ronnie even more. "
— Jason, 1/3/2014 -
" Another Audible and President Reagan is the narrator. So, comforting to hear his calming voice. "
— Audrey, 12/30/2013 -
" Wonderful insight into an exceptional leader as well as a critical time in US History. Made me wish I could have met the man. "
— Sarah, 12/24/2013 -
" This was an interesting read, about an american leader who whether you agreed with his politics or not, definitively reveals his core values and how they shaped his policies! "
— Jim, 11/23/2013 -
" This was a good book. Not only did it educate me on the life of Ronald Reagan, but it also taught me more a bout the Cold War, which I knew little about. The only issue I had with the book was it was quite long. But other than that this was a good read. "
— Evan, 10/29/2013 -
" This was a good laugh. It was required college reading. "
— Ryan, 10/24/2013 -
" A truely fantastic book about a truely fantastic American. His detailed and fascinating description following him from boyhood through the end of his presidency, this autobiography gives us a look at the man behind the administration. "
— Joshua, 9/21/2013 -
" The greatest book about the greatest man to ever hold the office of President of the United States of America. "
— Jeffrey, 9/6/2013 -
" I am a great fan of Ronald Reagan and I loved reading this book. "
— Rebecca, 7/8/2013 -
" Best book on Reagan I've read. "
— Rob, 6/30/2013 -
" Great book. Reading this memoir reminded me of some of the momentous events over which Reagan presided and makes me long for the days when great men occupied the People's House. "
— Jeff, 6/5/2013 -
" An Awesome book about the greatest President! The book brought back sooo many good memories for me. If you enjoy history or if you were a Reagan fan I highly recommend this book. "
— Tim, 3/31/2013 -
" I really enjoyed learning more about Ronald Reagan. I was a teenager during his presidency and not really focused on politics. As more and more politicians claim to be the next Ronald Reagan, I wanted to read Reagan's own words on what his guiding philosophy was. "
— Jana, 11/28/2012 -
" Great bio of an American hero "
— Shane, 9/13/2012 -
" What an interesting recap of a fascinating life in his own words. "
— Jennifer, 9/9/2012 -
" All I can say is "God Bless Ronald Reagan!" and "Wherefore art thou Mr. President?" "
— Paul, 8/2/2012 -
" Very interesting up til the mid-80s. Then couldn't quite finish it. "
— Mr., 4/22/2012 -
" If you want to revel in a rose-colored view of life, you'll want to read this. "
— Douglas, 2/10/2012 -
" What an amazing book! Really got a great sense of what type of man President Reagan was. "
— Tom, 12/31/2011 -
" Not the greatest presidential autobiography, but at least it does not run on and on like Clinton's. "
— William, 7/17/2011 -
" This was an interesting read, about an american leader who whether you agreed with his politics or not, definitively reveals his core values and how they shaped his policies! "
— Jim, 4/21/2011 -
" An inspiring account of one of our great presidents. Love him or hate him, it is difficult to deny the great strides the world made while he was president. While there are no major surprises in teh book, it shows many sides of President Reagan. <br/><br/> "
— Rich, 2/4/2011 -
" A history lesson for me because I was too young during his Presidency. Amazing perspective on the most intriguing office in the world. "
— Brandon, 1/27/2011 -
" I don't think all the real details are in this book. "
— Suzy, 3/3/2010 -
" This made me love ol' Ronnie even more. "
— Jason, 9/21/2009 -
" This is an outstanding book, my favorite look into Ronald Reagan and his life and presidency. "
— Jim, 7/24/2009 -
" This was a good laugh. It was required college reading. "
— Ryan, 7/1/2009 -
" Call me a nerd, but this was my favorite book when I was 8. It actually embarrassed my older sister to see me walking around with this book. "
— Becca, 5/6/2009 -
" Very interesting up til the mid-80s. Then couldn't quite finish it. "
— Mr., 3/24/2009 -
" Not the greatest presidential autobiography, but at least it does not run on and on like Clinton's. "
— Shep, 8/22/2008 -
" If you want to revel in a rose-colored view of life, you'll want to read this. "
— Douglas, 8/20/2008 -
" All I can say is "God Bless Ronald Reagan!" and "Wherefore art thou Mr. President?" "
— Paul, 5/13/2008 -
" What an interesting recap of a fascinating life in his own words. "
— Jennifer, 3/27/2008 -
" I enjoyed it. Gave me a new perspective on the Republican party. "
— Jenn, 3/12/2008 -
" The greatest book about the greatest man to ever hold the office of President of the United States of America. "
— Jeffrey, 12/20/2007
About Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) was born in Illinois. After a career as a television and film star, he was twice elected the governor of California before becoming the fortieth president of the United States. He is now remembered as one of the country’s most beloved presidents.