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An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,835 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A remarkable account of the amazing life story of the man who inspired the film Hotel Rwanda
Readers who were moved and horrified by Hotel Rwanda will respond even more intensely to Paul Rusesabagina’s unforgettable autobiography. As Rwanda was thrown into chaos during the 1994 genocide, Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, turned the luxurious Hotel Milles Collines into a refuge for more than 1,200 Tutsi and moderate Hutu refugees, while fending off their would-be killers with a combination of diplomacy and deception. In An Ordinary Man, he tells the story of his childhood, retraces his accidental path to heroism, revisits the 100 days in which he was the only thing standing between his “guests” and a hideous death, and recounts his subsequent life as a refugee and activist.
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"I got exactly what I wanted from this book. I thought the film "Hotel Rwanda" told a great story, but it didn't tell it well. I don't think the film did justice to the story, so I got the book in the hopes that I would be able to get the story in a more appealing way. That is exactly what I got. While Rusesabagina isn't the most literary writer I've read, his account of the horrors of the Rwandan genocide is honest and straightforward. The end offers some poignant ruminations and an examination of evil that carries a lot of weight because of the writer's personal experiences. This book offers an amazing story told by the man who lived it."
— Michael (4 out of 5 stars)
An Ordinary Man Listener Reviews
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" I recommend this book to everyone. It is inspiring, raw and gripping. You learn more than you thought you would about the genocide that took place in Rwanda and about the power of human communication. "
— Heather, 1/27/2014 -
" A great memoir of a great man. I got to meet Mr. Rusesabagina at a book signing he had at BYU after he gave a forum here. It was great to hear his experiences during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. A great read. "
— Jack, 1/26/2014 -
" I read this book after watching Hotel Rwanda. The story is even more moving and courageous on paper "
— Kimberly, 1/9/2014 -
" The end was the best when he discusses more of the nature of humankind liked that part. Really a heart wrenching story said it's not just that, a story. Interesting though to see how big of a role the media played in what had happened "
— Katie, 1/9/2014 -
" Changed the way i thought about life. Completely compelling and I couldn't put it down! "
— Ninny, 11/27/2013 -
" If you want to know about the Rwandan genocide, this book along with Philip Gourevitch's We Wish To Inform You... will teach you everything you need to know. Beautifully written and easy to understand. "
— Samantha, 9/19/2013 -
" I liked this book a lot. It was hard to read only because of the graphic nature of what happened to the people in Rwanda. It really makes you realize how quickly things can change for a country and how lucky we are to live where we live. But it is a good warning for everyone! "
— Pam, 3/18/2013 -
" This is a fantastic book about an extraordinary man. I had previously seen the movie and really thought it was first rate. Now that I've read the story I've ordered the Hotel Rwanda again from Netflix. "
— London, 1/12/2013 -
" Excellent! Paul Rusesabagina played an important role in saving lives of many people during the Rwandan Genocide. An amazing man, he has much to say that changed the way saw the world. it is a book about genocide but one you finish feeling good, hopeful for the future. "
— Michelle, 12/29/2012 -
" This is a remarkable story from an incredibly humble man. "
— Jennifer, 12/2/2012 -
" I thought this was a very well written book. It goes to show you how easily people can be swayed... convinced of an idea that is totally ludicrous and only the strongest can maintain idependent thought and morals during these darkest of times. "
— Kim, 11/19/2012 -
" Couldn't put it down. I must re-read Good News About Injustice. "
— Madelyn, 10/30/2012 -
" very good book about the rwandan genocide. paul rusesabagina, manager of the hotel des mille collines, saved almost 1300 of his countrymen from death by machete. quick read, sad, true. "
— Kristen, 7/27/2012 -
" Paul was a hero, he does not doubt that, but he credits it to his people skills, not to his bravery or inner strength. This is one thing that makes his autobiography seem more real than others. "
— Bonnie, 4/10/2012 -
" I've always been intrigued by the Rwandan genocide and I (there is no way to say "enjoyed" this book) am glad I read this book. However, the author seems very bitter and it somewhat turns into a rant near the end. "
— Julie, 9/17/2011 -
" Embarrassed by the response of the US, overwhelmed by a history I did not know. Moved by a man who thought he was ordinary and what he did. May I have so much courage if ever needed. "
— Sheila, 7/31/2011 -
" I was pretty enthralled with this book. Rusesabagina has an outlook that everyone should have. "
— Seth, 7/11/2011 -
" Audiobook version. Very, very good. Very sad and disturbing. The real story of 'Hotel Rwanda.' I don't think I can see the movie now. Amazing true story. "
— Sarah, 5/27/2011 -
" I believe this should be required reading for every human being. Profound wisdom and insight from an incredible man. A MUST READ! "
— Dawn, 5/18/2011 -
" Paul tells the tragedy of Rwanda with raw honesty; I still have not seen Hotel Rwanda. Anybody own a copy? "
— David, 5/17/2011 -
" Great book. Highly recommended. "
— Catherine, 5/15/2011 -
" Couldn't put it down, a riveting and chilling true story about the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and one man's quest to save a few lives and the difficulties he struggled with while doing it. I saw the film Hotel Rwanda when it came out and this book gives good background to that. "
— Mia, 3/22/2011 -
" Heart Wrenching. It reminds me of what is going on in Lybia and reminds me that although war is expensive sometimes it is necessary to preserve innocent lives. This book will caputre your attention and hold it for years to come. "
— Liz, 3/20/2011 -
" I believe this should be required reading for every human being. Profound wisdom and insight from an incredible man. A MUST READ! "
— Dawn, 3/9/2011 -
" A fantastic book providing a brief history of Rwanda's struggles, an overview of the tragedies in 1994, and his role in saving the lives of hundreds. "
— Jennifer, 1/27/2011 -
" Skimmed some but still, a really good book "
— Lisa, 12/17/2010
About the Authors
Tom Zoellner is the author or coauthor of nine nonfiction books, the politics editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books, an associate professor of English at Chapman University, and a visiting professor of English at Dartmouth College. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Harper's, Men's Health, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and many other places. He is the recipient of fellowships and residencies from The Lannan Foundation, the Corporation of Yaddo, and the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation.
About Dominic Hoffman
Dominic Hoffman, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for narration, has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice. He is a Los Angeles–based actor of stage, screen, and television. He has appeared in such television shows as The Shield, NYPD Blue, and The Jamie Foxx Show. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as well as the American Conservatory Theater.