• Governator

  • From Muscle Beach to His Quest for the White House, the Improbable Rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger
  • By: Ian Halperin
  • Narrated by: Greg Itzin
  • Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (37 ratings)

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Governator  By  cover art

Governator

By: Ian Halperin
Narrated by: Greg Itzin
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Publisher's summary

Who is the real Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Investigative journalist and number-one New York Times best-selling author Ian Halperin reveals the true and untold story about this larger-than-life and often outrageous figure

From his childhood in Austria to his rise as a star of American conservative politics, the story of Arnold Schwarzenegger's life reads like the script of a Hollywood B-movie penned by Horatio Alger. In this exclusive peek behind the curtain, award-winning scoop hunter Ian Halperin wades through the myths and rumors to discover the real Arnold behind the icon, a man defined by unbridled ambition and an unending quest for power.

Based on extensive research, undercover forays, and candid interviews with many of the Terminator's close friends and peers, Halperin brings the myth to life with:

  • A riveting journey through Schwarzenegger's past to explore his relationship with his abusive father and his feelings toward the Nazi party
  • Insights into the shadowy world of bodybuilding and Schwarzenegger's early steroid use
  • An investigation of Schwarzenegger's reputation as a bully and a womanizer, including his alleged affairs and public accusations of sexual harassment - behavior that earned him the nickname "the Groper".
  • An in-depth look at his long-standing fascination with the Kennedys and his remarkably seamless assimilation into his wife's fabled family
  • A detailed look into Maria's startling weight loss
  • An analysis of Schwarzenegger's political career, revealing him to be a surprisingly effective and talented governor
  • The behind-the-scenes machinations of the Kennedyf amily to influence Schwarzenegger's political agenda

And finally, Halperin uncovers the never-before-told details of an incredible and audacious plan for Schwarzenegger to attempt to rewrite the Constitution and run for president of the United States.

©2010 Ian Halperin (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Governator

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Derogatory content and narration

If you’re looking for tabloid garbage narrated in the voice of an infantile bully , this is your book. Otherwise, skip it. It only exists to demean Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very interesting, well written and read story.

I really enjoyed this book. It seemed like a fair account. Even though there is quite a bit of negative controversy throughout Mr Schwarzeneggars life there is still a place for great admiration. He truly understands the secrets of success which he has applied throughout his whole life.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Balanced

A fairly balanced take on Schwarzenegger, from his childhood, bodybuilding days, to Hollywood and the Governor's mansion. Doesn't shy away from the controversies while at the same time is a bit sensationalist at times though that is probably warranted given the subject. The author's inherent fondness for his subject shines through.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

could not get into the story due to the narrator

What disappointed you about Governator?

the narrator had to strong of an American accent and i could not get into the story

What do you think your next listen will be?

attached

How could the performance have been better?

not as strong american accent in the narrator

What character would you cut from Governator?

none

Any additional comments?

no

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Starts good, ends poorly

Good information and well-referenced. My biggest problem is that the author sometimes tries to pass speculation as truth and offers his personal, Canadian, socialist opinions to judge Arnold's political policies as tries to pass them off as main-stream American.

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