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Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics Audiobook
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(3.05) - 296 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, the author of Promise Me, Dad, tells the story of his extraordinary life and career prior to his emergence as Barack Obama’s beloved, influential vice president. “I remain captivated by the possibilities of politics and public service. In fact, I believe that my chosen profession is a noble calling.”—Joe Biden Vice President Joe Biden has both witnessed and participated in a momentous epoch of American history. In Promises to Keep, Joe Biden reveals what these experiences taught him about himself, his colleagues, and the institutions of government. With his customary candor and wit, Biden movingly recounts growing up in a staunchly Catholic multigenerational household in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware; overcoming personal tragedy, life-threatening illness, and career setbacks; his relationships with presidents, with world leaders, and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; and his leadership of powerful Senate committees. Through these and other recollections, Biden shows us how the guiding principles he learned early in life—to work to make people’s lives better; to honor family and faith; to value persistence, candor, and honesty—are the foundation on which he has based his life’s work as husband, father, and public servant. Promises to Keep is an intimate series of reflections from a public servant who surmounted numerous challenges to become one of our most effective leaders and who refuses to be cynical about politics. It is also a stirring testament to the promise of the United States. Praise for Promises to Keep “A ripping good read . . . Biden is a master storyteller and has stories worth telling.”—The Christian Science Monitor “A compelling personal story.”—The New York Times “Moving . . . [Biden’s] response to tragedy and near death [is] both admirable and likable.”—Salon
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"Good read.. the beginning, early years are especially interesting and a bit faster moving. I have alwasy been a fan of Joe Biden and enjoyed reading this immensely. He is a very interesting man with a great, interesting and at times sad background."
— Deb (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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A ripping good read . . . Biden is a master storyteller and has stories worth telling.
— The Christian Science Monitor -
A compelling personal story.
— The New York Times“Moving . . . [Biden’s] response to tragedy and near death [is] both admirable and likable.
Awards
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New York Times bestseller
Promises to Keep Listener Reviews
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" I read this book to get a better understanding of Joe Biden. In the beginning I wasn't impressed with him but as I continued through the book, I began to admire Joe Biden for the choices he made and his comments. He seems to be a man who admits when he's wrong and takes the advice of others when needed. "
— M, 1/31/2014 -
" Truth be told, I liked him more before I read this. The beginning was so strong, because it was pure story-telling, and coming from a culture that was similar to my childhood one. Then it became a mea culpa and an extended resume at times. His lifestory is compelling and heartbreaking, but, to protect his family's privacy or not use his tragedy, he avoided some of the more dramatic parts of his life. I get the impression that writing isn't his forte (I'd say he's best talking off the cuff, telling stories rather than giving speeches or writing narrative). "
— Deirdre, 1/26/2014 -
" Autobiography from birth to his deciding to run for president a second time in 2008. Midwest Tape, LLC. "
— Uncleg, 1/20/2014 -
" Ah, my boss. I recommend his book to those of you who may not be familiar with him. "
— Eileen, 12/25/2013 -
" With Joe Biden, it is never, ever a dull moment!!! "
— Mike, 12/22/2013 -
" Syracuse Alumni!!! "
— Risa, 12/15/2013 -
" I will now be on my political kick leading up to Nov 4th. "
— Rachael, 11/27/2013 -
" Enjoyed reading about Joe Biden. I think he's a good man. Got a little tedious toward the end talking about campaigns, etc. "
— Melvago, 11/9/2013 -
" Interesting insight into the new VP. It's a pretty good political autobiography. Biden is much more self-aware than I would have expected, and I liked the stories about his family. "
— Ellen, 7/14/2013 -
" What I learned from this book is that Joe Biden needs to put a sock in it. He has good intentions but a long history of putting his foot in his mouth. He is so going to embarrass Obama. "
— M, 4/29/2013 -
" I think I've said all that needs saying in my column. "
— Jessica, 10/26/2012 -
" I really enjoyed the chapters on passing VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act and on the Anita Hill testimony at the Clarence Thomas SCOTUS hearing. "
— Zoe, 7/15/2012 -
" As a C-Span junkie I enjoy listening to Sen. Biden's speeches on the Senate floor. I did not realize all the challenges and tragedy he endured in his personal life. His story is inspirational. "
— Andy, 4/24/2012 -
" I didn't know a lot about him. This was a very interesting book. He had some real struggles and came out on top! "
— Ryanjuliep, 3/9/2012 -
" Story of his life growing up into his political career today. Emphasizes the lessons his father taught him of honesty, morality and not making a promise you can't keep. "
— Tammy, 9/16/2011 -
" It was interesting to look at history that I lived through from Biden's perspective, especially the events in the Balkans and the events after 9/11 leading to the war on two fronts. "
— Theresa, 2/3/2011 -
" With Joe Biden, it is never, ever a dull moment!!! "
— Mike, 12/17/2010 -
" Autobiography from birth to his deciding to run for president a second time in 2008. Midwest Tape, LLC. "
— Uncleg, 10/22/2009 -
" I didn't know a lot about him. This was a very interesting book. He had some real struggles and came out on top! "
— Ryanjuliep, 3/9/2009 -
" A great insight into a great man's life. Very compelling reading, even more so now that he is the Vice President of the USA. "
— David, 1/19/2009 -
" Interesting insight into the new VP. It's a pretty good political autobiography. Biden is much more self-aware than I would have expected, and I liked the stories about his family. "
— Ellen, 12/6/2008
About Joe Biden
Joe Biden was first elected to the United States Senate in 1972 and served there until 2009, when he assumed the office of vice president under Barack Obama. He grew up in New Castle County, Delaware, and graduated from the University of Delaware and the Syracuse University College of Law. Since 1991, he has been an adjunct professor at the Widener University School of Law, where he teaches a seminar on constitutional law.
About Mark Deakins
Mark Deakins is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator and actor whose television appearances include Head Case, Star Trek: Voyager, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. His film credits include Intervention, Star Trek: Insurrection, and The Devil’s Advocate. He wrote, directed, and produced the short film The Smith Interviews.