An American Life

By: Ronald Reagan

Narrated by: Ronald Reagan

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Ronald Reagan is an American success story. From modest beginnings in a small Midwestern town to a distinguished career in films and television, he lived the American dream. As governor of California and as the century's most popular president, he embodied and revitalized the American spirit.

Now, in this dramatic and revealing memoir, Ronald Reagan recounts both his life and his beliefs with uncompromising candor and his familiar wit. He discusses his decision to run for president, historic meetings with Mikhail Gorbachev and other heads of state, his frustrations in dealing with an often hostile Congress, his unshakable faith in the American people, and his enduring love for Nancy, who would always be his First Lady. In a moving passage, President Reagan also speaks frankly about the assassination attempt on his life and its effects on him and his family.

An American Life is a richly detailed, definitive account of a great and historic presidency and of a unique American life, from the man who restored America's confidence and strength and shaped the future of the world.

©1990 Ronald W. Reagan. All rights reserved (P)2004 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Reagan's great to hear, but it's too short.

Would have liked for it to be unabridged. It seems like it's just the highlights version. Reagan is excellent as the narrator. He has a way of commanding your attention. The Great Communicator indeed.

My Favorite President Ever

Great story! I only wish it was longer! Great to hear it from the man himself!

Incredible Read

This book is unlike any other book written by an American political figure. Ronald Regan was an incredible man of principle and commitment and he had a great love for America and it’s people.

Great

Love him or hate him, Ronald Reagan has one of the most calming voices around.

Concise Story of Ronald Reagan in His Own Words

I loved this book as it highlights the things about Ronald Reagan that I always liked the most. His decency and his humanity. Also, it gives us the reasons behind his strategy as President. He was opposed to Socialism and he was opposed to oppression of any kind. He understood the necessity of a strong and respected military as well as a strong economy not weakened by entitlements and high taxes. It is doubtful that we will see another one like him in our generation.

Just great

I just wish the book was unabridged, but given that it was read by Reagan himself, that makes up for it.
I loved hearing his life stories and the later parts where he talks about the Cold War era was also very insightful. I love Reagan so much.

A personal one on one with President Reagan

Absolutely incredible journey to hear it from President Reagan himself. This is one of the best books I have ever listened to! God Bless Reagan!

Reagan in his usual form!

If you know what to expect when Reagan speaks, then you know what you will get in this audiobook. Grace, humility, and wit with a backbone. I will come back and re-listen to this one at some point!

Restored my hope that American can again be great!

Would you listen to An American Life again? Why?

I will likely listen to this one over and over when I need a need a renewed sense of hope and optimism.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ronald Reagan was much more of a true American patriot than what history gives him credit. I've recently studied several of the great leaders and presidents of our country and strongly believe that he would be listed among our Founding Fathers if he were born a hundred years earlier. Unfortunately, it's rare to find a history book or class in American History that accurately depicts the significant accomplishments of Ronald Reagan. From taking our economy out of the brink of failure and creating one of the longest and most properous times in our history, to restoring respect for our nation's military and making its men and women proud to wear a uniform, he loved his country and believed it's people were the reason for its greatness.

What about Ronald Reagan’s performance did you like?

It was great to hear about Ronald Reagan's life in his own words. Many of the stories he relayed were spoken with great humility and transparency. However, if you're interested in hearing the details of his accomplishments, I'd recommend one of the other books written by his closest advisors and friends, because he downplayed many of the historical events, including winning the 'Cold War.' But spoken clearly in this book was his proudest accomplishment from his eight years in office - his economic policies that transformed our nation.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's hard to pick a favorite portion of the book. Ronald Reagan seemed to have two things that today's Presidents rarely display together - Optimism and Servant Leadership. These are themes that run richly through the text and are strongly conveyed through his voice.

Any additional comments?

A man with as many victories as what Ronald Reagan achieved during his time in office could write hundreds of pages outlining why history should revere him. But on the contrary, Ronald Reagan was proud of his country and its people more than he was about his policies or successes. I recommend this book for anyone who want a restored hope and a belief that we can again see positive change in our country again.

A Warning for Our Time!

A must read for every American who loves truth and freedom because what Ronald Reagan discovered, still exists!

This book reveals that there is no room for apathy for we are in a continual struggle for good to prevail. Just as Ronald Reagan rose to fight evil philosophy in his time so must we too in ours.

Not only is this book a glimpse into Ronald Reagan’s life, his honesty and depth of character, but it reveals how and what he discovered about the insidious forces of evil and its pervasive and never ceasing work to destroy our country and our way of life.

What he describes in the 1950’s to the 1980’s is even more desperately aggressive now, in 2020, and must be met by a people who are filled with righteous indignation at that evil and passionate to stamp it out, a people willing to stand strong for truth with deliberate, purposeful, and determined action.

There is no room for weakness and apathy. As in “The Lord of the Rings” don’t be naive and stay living in the “shire”.