Play Audiobook Sample
The Reagan Diaries Extended Selections (Abridged) Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.00) - 1,137 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
During his two terms as the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innermost thoughts and observations on the extraordinary, the historic, and the routine day-to-day occurrences of his presidency. Now, nearly two decades after he left office, this remarkable record—the only daily Presidential diary in American history—is available for the first time.
Edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader. Whether he was in his White House residence study or aboard Air Force One, each night Reagan wrote about the events of his day, which often included his relationships with other world leaders and the unforgettable moments that defined the era.
Seldom before has the American public been given access to the unfiltered experiences and opinions of a President in his own words. To read these diaries—filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor—is to gain a unique understanding of one of the most beloved occupants of the Oval Office in our nation's history.
Download and start listening now!
"A long, long read ... and worth the effort for students (like me!) of leadership, politics and governance. Ronald Reagan wrote compellingly in his diary every day for the eight years of his Presidency. You get very clear insight into the man, his loves, his irritations, his thinking and his priciples. What was especially striking was his commitment to working the "other side of the aisle" to generate relationships and compromise. Like all Conservative Presidents, it's clear he didn't like the media very much but saw the necessity of dealing with them. Historian Brinkley does a great job of summarizing the trivial and leaving the "meat" of each entry."
— Robert (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Not since the nineteenth century has a United States president kept a diary through his entire White House tenure, and this volume tells us more about Ronald Reagan than many of his biographies. Besides which, not a few interpretive bits of gold are sprinkled amid the grit and gravel of diplomatic niceties, Congressional consultations and after-dinner entertainment.”
— New York Times -
“His gift for simple, direct, unerringly right decision-making remained intact until the end of his presidency in 1989. Because of that genius gift, this journal remains a crucial document.”
— Daily Telegraph (London) -
“These diaries will complete the reevaluation of Reagan by the historical profession. Whatever one thinks of his policies, Reagan emerges here as a focused, take-charge president in full control of his cabinet and administration.”
— Foreign Affairs -
“Reagan’s handwritten summary of almost every day of his 1981–89 presidency shows more clearly than ever before the way his mind worked! On the whole, it worked pretty well—especially in his cold-war policy.”
— Economist -
“Conger skillfully portrays matter-of-fact toughness, though he demonstrates equal command of Reagan’s softer side, particularly his expressions of grief during times of national tragedy.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
-
A New York Times bestseller
The Reagan Diaries Extended Selections Listener Reviews
-
" I really enjoyed this one because it was so real. A glimpse of the "man" and not just the President. He was, indeed, a very special man and, I believe, will go down as one of our greatest Presidents! "
— Chris, 4/21/2016 -
" Reagan made entries in his diary each evening during his presidency. Facinating to read what he was thinking about world events as well as normal family interactions. You must read the bible if you consider yourself a christian, you must read the Reagan Diaries, if you consider yourself a conservative. "
— Mike, 2/8/2014 -
" This is our bathroom reading book. It give us an inside view of politics in the 80s...while also reviewing pop culture during that time. Reagan didn't take any crap from anyone!!! Very impressive. Some of the things he felt and did personally would be considered politically incorrect now...but he did it all for his great love of our country. That is evident. "
— Kaeli, 1/19/2014 -
" Probably better used as a "reference book" per se. I found it a little boring at times to be reading someones diary, but there were a lot of interesting insider views mixed in as well. "
— James, 1/15/2014 -
" I really enjoyed reading this book. I found that I had to do a little research to understand the historical events that he was writing about. "
— Kristen, 1/7/2014 -
" I can't say I didn't enjoy the book, but many times I wanted to skip pages. Much more than I wanted to know about Ronald Reagan, but very interesting to look into the life of a president. I was drawn my the book more by the editor than the author of the diaries. "
— Beeb, 1/2/2014 -
" Amazing collection of notes by Reagan. Inspiring. I did not read every page but skimmed through it. "
— Janelle, 12/26/2013 -
" I found it amazing he would write everday. I liked the perspective and personal touch to what was happening in the world as he was President. He was just a good man. "
— Cindy, 12/26/2013 -
" Reagan was quite personable and writes in a folksy kind of style, which is nice for a while, but after a while wears on me personally. I lost interest in the details of stuff I don't care that much about. "
— Larry, 12/20/2013 -
" Really really liked this book! "
— Joe, 12/10/2013 -
" Many people say this book is boring. But it is very entertaining. It is a detailed and intimate account of the Reagan presidency from the President himself. "
— Greg, 8/26/2013 -
" Ronnie is my ace. "
— Debbrowns, 5/28/2013 -
" It was a good book but too much of the same thing. It began to wear thin about half way thru the book. "
— Ronald, 4/8/2013 -
" Very interesting and insightful about Reagan. I especially liked the excerpts of his speeches at the end. His inaugural speech could have been written for today. "
— Kay, 2/3/2013 -
" It was so dry I forced myself to listen to it for weeks, dreading it every time I got in the car. Positive: I know much more about the daily ins and outs of Reagan's administration. But there was more of a list of his schedule than insight or personal emotion. "
— Lisa, 10/26/2012 -
" I just got this in e-book form from my library and I know I won't finish the 800+ pages in the three week period...just a glance for now... "
— Eve, 6/29/2012 -
" Loved the man, but the book wasn't what I thought it would be. "
— Robyn, 6/26/2012 -
" Where is the Gipper when we need him? Great insight into the life of a president. I think he only missed 1 day of writing in his journal and that is when he was in the hospital after being shot. "
— Quentin, 3/4/2012 -
" Provides great insights into the greatest American President I will know in my lifetime... "
— Glenn, 12/28/2011 -
" A bit dry at times, but wonderfully insightful into the thoughts of one of the greatest Presidents of all time! "
— Pinkpeonies, 11/22/2011 -
" An awesome insight in to Histories greatest President of modern times. You get to see what he thought of Legislation, certain people, things that happened around him, and his awesome wife! Everything he writes about Nancy reads as a love story! "
— Dameon, 5/17/2011 -
" Vanilla Coke or Cherry Coke from Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. The real stuff not the stuff in the can. "
— Carla, 2/2/2011 -
" Parts of it are very boring. But overall it's a glimpse into the "day in the life of" of one of the greatest. "
— Monica, 11/28/2010 -
" Interesting historical record of events of the 80s and of the presidency itself. It is obviously a very strenuous job. Also good insight into Reagan himself - important man, whether you agree or disagree with him. "
— Kaworu, 8/26/2010 -
" Difficult to read through, but well worth it. "
— Chris, 8/4/2010 -
" Still reading...it's a lot of pages but since it's a series of journal entries you can read as much or as little as you want in one sitting. A fascinating look into the mind of modern America's most revered conservative icon. "
— Suggesteds, 7/17/2010 -
" We need another one of him. "
— Dan, 5/31/2010 -
" Even though the details at times approach the mundane, the reader gets the sense of the great respect this man had for the office of President of The United States. Not a page turner overall, but some excitement nonetheless. "
— Ben, 4/14/2010 -
" I put this book down to read other books "
— Michele, 3/31/2010
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.
About Eric Conger
Eric Conger is a stage actor, voice artist, and award-winning audiobook narrator. He has narrated more than 125 fiction and nonfiction audiobooks and was a four-time finalist for the Audie Award, both as a sole narrator in 2007 and 2008 and as part of a multicast reading in 2001 and 2012. He has earned numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards. His extensive voice-over work includes more than 5,000 narrations for commercial ventures. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Paris, he also works as a writer and playwright. He has appeared in over fifty plays and has also translated plays of Molière and Feydeau for regional theaters.