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When Character Was King (Abridged): A story of Ronald Reagan Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,137 listener ratings
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From the bestselling author of What I Saw at the Revolution comes an elegiac tribute to one of America's most beloved leaders. It is twenty years—a full generation—since Ronald Reagan first walked into the White House and ignited a revolution. From the beginning, he enjoyed the American people's affection but now, as he approaches the end of his life, he has received what he deserved even more: their deep respect. What was the wellspring of his greatness? Peggy Noonan, bestselling author of the classic Reagan-era memoir What I Saw at the Revolution, former speechwriter, and now a columnist and contributing editor for The Wall Street Journal, argues that the secret of Reagan's success was no secret at all. It was his character—his courage, his kindness, his persistence, his honesty, and his almost heroic patience in the face of setbacks—that was the most important element of his success. The one thing a man must bring into the White House with him if he is to succeed, Noonan contends, is a character that people come to recognize as high, sturdy, and reliable. Noonan, renowned for her special insight into Ronald Reagan's history and personality, brings her own reflections to Reagan to bear in When Character Was King and discloses never-before-told stories from the former president's family, friends, and White House colleagues to reveal the true nature of a man even his opponents now view as a maker of big history. Marked by incisive wit and elegant prose, When Character Was King will enlighten and move readers.
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"Noonan gushed over the way Reagan lived his life, emphasizing his positive traits, primarily that he did what he said he would do throughout his life. His road to the presidency was certainly unique, starting with a humble upbringing and then an acting career. Glad to have an up close perspective on his personality and decision making."
— Jill (4 out of 5 stars)
When Character Was King Listener Reviews
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" This was excellent. Needed to learn more about the Reagan Administration. I was a teenager during his time in office and didn't pay attention. "
— Pamela, 2/16/2014 -
" This is a great biography of Ronald Reagan. "
— Sarah, 2/11/2014 -
" Love Noonan's style. It is a sensitive memoir of Raegan, but never gets sticky or sappy. Well written about an amazing man. "
— Jenni, 2/8/2014 -
" Like him or not, he did EXACTLY what he said that he would do as President of the United States. "
— Daryl, 1/29/2014 -
" Peggy Noonan's beautifully written reflections on one of our greatest presidents. I loved it. "
— Ann, 1/28/2014 -
" It was not a bad book, but it was not great either. I have heard a lot about the Reagan administration and wanted to know more. I went into this book knowing it was a personal memoir of someone who worked with him. She does an okay job of being detached, but you can definitely tell that she idolizes this president. I just read it as that going in, and was skeptical about the idolization of his finer points and his defense. Take it for what it is and don't take everything word for word. "
— Tamara, 1/22/2014 -
" Ronald Reagan was such an incredible leader, politician, and person. It's sad to realize how far the leadership of America has fallen since then and how much if his work has been undone. "
— Erin, 1/18/2014 -
" Fantastic biography, so much of which is taken from primary sources. Written before President Reagan's death in 2004. Best book on Reagan I've ever read. "
— MJ, 1/5/2014 -
" Peggy Noonan does a tremendous job of studying the life of Ronald Reagan. After reading this book, I had a better appreciation of why he was the great, moral leader of this nation. I was a Ronald Reagan fan before I read this book, but a fanatic afterwards. "
— Bishop, 1/5/2014 -
" Wonderful book on the best president the United States has ever had! Insights into the private life of Ronald and Nancy, shows Reagan's faith throughout the book. "
— Sean, 12/14/2013 -
" A great man who actually believed what he said and said what he believed. His example of leadership, courage, and wisdom should be must reading for anyone interested in political leadership. This book is a great place to start. "
— John, 12/14/2013 -
" While I love reading about the greatest president of my life time, this book was very dry. "
— Mark, 11/24/2013 -
" Very good - Noonan is skilled writer. "
— Nathan, 11/20/2013 -
" What an amazing man! The title says it all...a man of extreme character and such an example to the world! "
— Janelle, 11/11/2013 -
" If you like Ronald Reagan you will love this book, if you hate Ronald Reagan this book will change your mind. "
— Mike, 6/23/2013 -
" Excellent, especially if you get the audio version of Peggy Noonan reading it herself. "
— Courtney, 4/1/2013 -
" This is my favorite book on Reagan. I fell in love with Reagan by reading this book. "
— Dee, 2/15/2013 -
" I learned so much about this amazing president of the United States. "
— Deborah, 1/6/2013 -
" What we need more of............CHARACTER. "
— Karen, 4/26/2012 -
" Peggy Noonan writes so beautifully. Whether or not you are a Reagan fan, you can appreciate that he was indeed a man of character. "
— Tom, 10/2/2011 -
" 4.5 stars. I already liked President Reagan so enjoyed learning more about him. Now I like him even more. =D "
— Jan, 10/2/2011 -
" What an awesome book! Now I know why my party afilliation changed after Jimmy Carter. Peggy very skillfully puts him up there with the greatest presidents we have ever had and rightfully so. This is a book to read and read again. "
— Rob, 4/15/2011 -
" I really enjoyed reading this and learning more about Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately some of the quotes included had less than ideal language... Overall, I thought it was a good book. Reagan had some great political ideas and approaches. I enjoyed learning and thinking more about them as I read. "
— Heather, 9/28/2010 -
" One of my favorite books about one of my heroes. This book is very readable and shows not only the warts of this great American but the qualities that made him great. "
— Dale, 9/20/2010 -
" Excellent look at the greatest President in the history of the United States! "
— Chris, 8/4/2010 -
" Fantastic biography, so much of which is taken from primary sources. Written before President Reagan's death in 2004. Best book on Reagan I've ever read. "
— MJ, 6/28/2010 -
" loved this book! Great look into the life of one of our presidents. "
— Margaret, 7/8/2009 -
" This is an excellent book. I enjoyed learning more about Ronald Reagan in such a loving, warm, positive bio. Ronald Reagan was a man of courage, character, and he raised America up at a time when it needed it. "
— Jennifer, 6/26/2009 -
" If you like Ronald Reagan you will love this book, if you hate Ronald Reagan this book will change your mind. "
— Mike, 6/22/2009 -
" I love Peggy Noonan's writing. She has the ability to make dry information come alive without being overly wordy. Eloquent and lovely. "
— melanie, 6/2/2009
About Peggy Noonan
Peggy Noonan, author of the bestselling When Character Was King, has contributed articles and essays to Time, Newsweek, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and many other publications. She is currently a columnist and contributing editor at the Wall Street Journal.