The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope Audiobook

" Though I thought this book would focus on the accomplishments of FDR's first 100 Days, instead the book spends most of its time as a biography of FDR - dissecting and discussing his nuances as a politician to illustrate how he pushed his agenda through not only Congress, but his own administration and the public's feelings towards him. Ultimately, the book is less about empirical evidence of how successful his programs were, but more about how his persona itself and the people's trust in him made his programs succeed in spite of themselves. In today's tough times, the only thing better than a story about how hope for a better future won out over panic, corruption and dissension, is a True story about that victory. "

" Well, after reading this book, I don't idolize FDR as much as I used too. This book does a fair job of portraying Roosevelt's good points and bad. I learned a lot from this book. Some things that I thought FDR created, it turns out he didn't. And there are many things that he created, that I never would've given him credit for. So much debate surrounds this president, but his ultimate vision for our country was a good one. Ps. Ronald Regan idolized the liberal FDR. "

" A fascinating detailed portrayal of FDR's first election and the first 100 days of his presidency. Provides a framework for leadership in troubled times... I read it because it was reported that Obama was reading it, and I'm glad we both did. "

" Now is a great time to read this book. "

" It's hard to imagine the depths of despair in the United States in the early months of 1933 when FDR was sworn in as President. The unemployment rate was 25% or higher and the banks had been closed by the governors of more than 1/2 the States. FDR's first act as President was to declare a bank "holiday" and shut down all the banks in the U.S. Full transcripts of his inaugural address and his first Fireside Chat are contained in an appendix. In the context of the times they are stunningly brilliant and were decisive in lifting the mood of the nation. It was the first step in the recovery of its economy. It's a well-written book; very clear and easy to follow. "

" If you really want a lightweight history overly concerned with the present day, this is the book for you. "

" Not a history buff but this was recommended to me and on sale. I have a hard time connecting to it but it's well written "

" The best chapter is the one on Social Security. And while I appreciate the history, I wish the book had gone more in depth later. "

" This was an excellent book about FDR and showed not only his strengths but his flaws also. "

" This was a lot of information. As one of the most influencial figures for our social reform programs, he is one of my favorite men..although more flawed than I had realized. Now, off to watch the documentaries! Stop laughing. "

" I ended up skimming the last half of this book- it just couldn't hold my attention, I think mostly because it discussed FDR as a man more than discussing the policies of the day. It was a bit redundant- Or maybe I was just not trying hard enough. If you have read it, let me know what you think. "

" FDR was good at instilling hope - a skill that was extremely important during that first 100 days of his presidency. He played the part of president perfectly. "

" A different perspective on FDR, and how his first hundred days may well have prevented the U.S. from abandoning democracy at a time of enormous loss of faith in representative government and the rise of totalitarian regimes elsewhere in the world. A worthwhile read. "

" I'm a big fan of J. Alter so I really enjoyed it. Mostly covers FDR's early history and then up to 1933. It's quite a writing since Alter had to use many secondary sources to piece it together. "

" Really a study of the personality of FDR and its impact on the development of the New Deal. Not much on the details of the "Hundred Days" legislation. Still it is a good overview of Roosevelt and some of the people around him. "

" Loved this book. Very germane (had to use that word) and well written. It illuminated a period in US history that I was not very familiar with, and provide fascinating insights into FDR's character. "

" Seeing as he is always on Countdown, I should read his book and thus far, pretty damn good "

" For FDR devotees like myself, this book is a must-read. You'll learn the story behind the legendary "100 days" and Roosevelt's road to the presidency. Very interesting. "

" This book was well written with excellent research. Roosevelt was not an intellectual but he had great instincts and great leadership skills. Very enjoyable book. "

" A very good historical read. The title implies that a bulk of the book would be spent on the first 100 days and what it meant. I was disappointed that that period wasn't covered in more depth. "

" This was an excellent book about FDR and showed not only his strengths but his flaws also. "

" FDR was good at instilling hope - a skill that was extremely important during that first 100 days of his presidency. He played the part of president perfectly. "

" Great primer on FDR for the new gig. "

" A great work and highly relevant on the cusp of the disastrous Bush years. Emerging historical author Alter relates another President who took office in times of great crisis, and the methods he used to right the American ship. "

" Now is a great time to read this book. "