A Fighting Chance

By: Elizabeth Warren

Narrated by: Elizabeth Warren

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

An unlikely political star tells the inspiring story of the two-decade journey that taught her how Washington really works - and really doesn’t.

As a child in small-town Oklahoma, Elizabeth Warren yearned to go to college and then become an elementary school teacher - an ambitious goal, given her family’s modest means. Early marriage and motherhood seemed to put even that dream out of reach, but 15 years later she was a distinguished law professor with a deep understanding of why people go bankrupt. Then came the phone call that changed her life: Could she come to Washington, DC, to help advise Congress on rewriting the bankruptcy laws?

Thus began an impolite education into the bare-knuckled, often dysfunctional ways of Washington. She fought for better bankruptcy laws for 10 years and lost. She tried to hold the federal government accountable during the financial crisis but became a target of the big banks. She came up with the idea for a new agency designed to protect consumers from predatory bankers and was denied the opportunity to run it. Finally, at age 62, she decided to run for elective office and won the most competitive - and watched - Senate race in the country.

In this passionate, funny, rabble-rousing book, Warren shows why she has chosen to fight tooth and nail for the middle class - and why she has become a hero to all those who believe that America’s government can and must do better for working families.

©2014 Elizabeth Warren (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Not What I Expected

I like Elizabeth Warren as both a person and a politician, but this book wasn't what I was hoping to read. I was hoping for something more enlightening in terms of the theory and practice of financial policy. Instead, this book is more of an autobiography of Warren's own journey as a public figure.

That said, the story was compelling, and her communication style is both clear and endearing.

all dog's aside

Really enjoyed hearing about her self determination. Could have done without all the dog asides.

A womam of the people!

This is the story of someone who has worked hard to succeed and remembers where she came from and who helped along the way to get where she is today.

A delightful listen!

I laughed, I cried, I fell more in love with Elizabeth Warren. Her passion for helping regrow the middle class is palpable and moving. A Fighting Chance is inspiring, informative and endearing. Warren's narration is sincere and gives the sense she's not a run of the mill politician, but a passionate fighter for change whose work in financial reform encouraged her to work in politics. A very engaging listen.

Inspiring!

I am so profoundly motivated by Senator Warren's journey. She is definitely the personification of the canary in the mine. Thank God for her courage and commitment to making a difference during this lifetime!!

A True Champion of the People

Would you listen to A Fighting Chance again? Why?

Elizabeth Warren didn't always think she'd go to college, much less become the singular most important Senator/lawyer/Harvard prof in the area of bankruptcy law and consumer protection. But she did just that and her journey, as described in this book, is engaging, amusing at times and always passionate in her belief that everyone deserves a fair shake in life, especially when it comes to their financial future. She is fighting the good fight for the stricken middle-class and there's no doubt that she means to continue her crusade.

Need a hero/heroin? Here she is and she's wonderful. I loved this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Warren is specific without being pedantic and she pulls no punches when it comes to who is destroying the American dream, banks and corporate executives. But she also offers hope. Tireless champion could be another term used for her. She surely is just that.

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth Warren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I have just bought another that she wrote with her daughter, The Two-Income Trap.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Couldn't because it's two parts, but I would have loved to finish it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

My faith in at least one politician is renewed and I have a new and quite strong appreciation for Senator Warren. Long may she engage in this battle because we desperately need her.

Warren is the best!!!

Listen to the book. Listen to what she says. It is important. I admire her even more

Fascinating Bio

I was fascinated at Warren's life path from being unable to afford college to Washington, D.C.. I had no idea she has Native American blood. She's a fighter who is well suited for the Senate where she shines best. I am distrustful re. her emotional display of grief (coming from someone who's now a politician. Call me cynical).

I am appalled but encouraged

Appalling to learn about the reality of big banks and corporations controlling Washington powers. Democracy is in real danger in this country. But it is also encouraging to see how one dedicated woman can make such a difference and give working citizens without lobbying powers an improved chance of fighting back against big money.

Great listening!

If you could sum up A Fighting Chance in three words, what would they be?

Hope is here!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved Elizabeth's constant movement forward, even when the 'yuck factor' was in the way. What a great mission for Americans.

What about Elizabeth Warren’s performance did you like?

I loved that she narrated her own story. It made it personal.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to - even though it wasn't possible.

Any additional comments?

I bought the print version too, so that I can refer back to it.