Being George Washington

By: Glenn Beck

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

If you think you know George Washington, think again.

This is the amazing true story of a real-life superhero who wore no cape and possessed no special powers—yet changed the world forever. It's a story about a man whose life reads as if it were torn from the pages of an action novel: Bullet holes through his clothing. Horses shot out from under him. Unimaginable hardship. Disease. Heroism. Spies and double-agents. And, of course, the unmistakable hand of Divine Providence that guided it all.

Being George Washington is a whole new way to look at history. You won't simply read about the awful winter spent at Valley Forge—you'll live it right alongside Washington. You'll be on the boat with him crossing the Delaware, in the trenches with him at Yorktown, and standing next to him at the Constitutional Convention as a new republic is finally born.

Through these stories you'll not only learn our real history (and how it applies to today), you'll also see how the media and others have distorted our view of it. It's ironic that the best-known fact about George Washington—that he chopped down a cherry tree—is a complete lie. It's even more ironic when you consider that a lie was thought necessary to prove he could not tell one.

For all of his heroism and triumphs, Washington's single greatest accomplishment was the man he created in the process: courageous and principled, fair and just, respectful to all. But he was also something else: flawed.

It's those flaws that should give us hope for today. After all, if Washington had been perfect, then there would be no way to build another one. That's why this book is not just about being George Washington in 1776, it's about the struggle to be him every single day of our lives. Understanding the way he turned himself from an uneducated farmer into the Indispensable (yet imperfect) Man, is the only way to build a new generation of George Washingtons that can take on the extraordinary challenges that America is once again facing.

©2011 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2011 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Interesting listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, would recommend, because there might be a piece of history you might have forgotten and this might jog your memory.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Being George Washington?

Understanding more fully the role Napolean Bonapart played and his relationship with George Washington was very interesting. Also, getting a deeper understanding of how George Washington was respected and admired.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I'm not sure I liked his character voice for George. Also, some of his accents were not so good, like the french accent.

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

Yes, understanding how much George Washington sacrificed for his love of country and how much he was away from home.

Any additional comments?

It is pretty amazing to realize just how long and arduous this war was against the British and how many men sacrificed their lives for a better way of life. At least they knew who the enemy was back then. Today, sadly, our enemies are like ghosts.

Lessons and Inspiration from History

Enjoyed learning about George Washington with many original quotes from our first and greatest president.
Would like to check out the writings of George Washington that UVA is publishing. How much better we could be as a country if we followed his counsel.

Great book for all who love the USA

Best book Glenn has done. I’ve listened 3 times and learn more each time about the brilliance, character and majesty of our great leader George Washington. The book does an outstanding job of showing why to USA’s government was established as it was. It explains we were conceived by God fearing men who were uniquely guided by God to form the great experiment called the United States of America. The vision of our founders is as real and timely today as it was in the 18th century. Loved this book!

A self help history book…

I had read about Washington before, and felt the need to be a better person. But Glenn really put it in my face, by helping me realize if I can take a portion of Washington’s character, I will be a better person for it.

Excellent Book

If you could sum up Being George Washington in three words, what would they be?

Riveting......Inspiring.......Proud Makes you feel like you were with Washington witnessing the birth of our country.

History come alive!

Great historical retelling. Love the insight into George Washington's character and loved the ideas of how we can use George Washington's life as an example and model our behavior after him. Too much negative about today's politicians and a little too much commentary about politics in general. But loved the focus on the constitution.

Should be required reading!

Im not going to get too in depth on this one but I will say that I learned so much and was truely inspired by a great man such as Washington. This book should be required reading for EVERY student and adult in America!

Entertaining history

This book was an entertaining and inspirational account of George Washington's life mixed with the thought provoking insights of Glen Beck.

I've listened to it multiple times.

whether you agree or disagree with his political views, the man knows how to tell a story.

fantastic

very interesting way of telling the story. A person would be without any grace or gratitude not to realize America and most of the world owes Washington a debt of thanks. I highly recommend this book even if you already know a lot about the man this is well done