Things That Matter

Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics

By: Charles Krauthammer

Narrated by: Charles Krauthammer, George Newbern

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

From America’s preeminent columnist, named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in the nation, a must-have collection of Charles Krauthammer’s essential, timeless writings.

A brilliant stylist known for an uncompromising honesty that challenged conventional wisdom at every turn, Krauthammer dazzled readers for decades with his keen insight into politics and government. His weekly column was a must-read in Washington and across the country. Don’t miss the best of Krauthammer’s intelligence, erudition, and wit collected in one volume.

Listeners will find here not only the country’s leading conservative thinker offering a pas­sionate defense of limited government, but also a highly independent mind whose views - on feminism, evolution and the death penalty, for example - defy ideological convention.

Things That Matter also features several of Krautham­mer’s major path-breaking essays - on bioeth­ics, on Jewish destiny and on America’s role as the world’s superpower - that have pro­foundly influenced the nation’s thoughts and policies. And finally, the collection presents a trove of always penetrating, often bemused reflections on everything from border collies to Halley’s Comet, from Woody Allen to Win­ston Churchill, from the punishing pleasures of speed chess to the elegance of the perfectly thrown outfield assist.

With a special, highly autobiographical introduction, in which Krauthammer reflects on the events that shaped his career and political philosophy, this indispensable chronicle takes the listener on a fascinating journey through the fashions and follies, the tragedies and triumphs, of the last three decades of American life.

©2013 Charles Krauthammer (P)2013 Random House Audio

Brilliance!

Charles Krauthammer is probably the most brilliant political commentator of the modern world. This should be mandatory reading for political science students, and politicians alike.

He might have been a modern-day prophet.

Could not stop listening to it. We will miss his wisdom and insight. It also brought back memories of past issues.

An Incredible Man

This book is a collection of the author's columns and essays over his last 30 years. What a delight. Just read or listen to it.

Icredible intellect

What a mind Charles has. He will truly be missed. At least we have his writings.

Loved It!

If you could sum up Things That Matter in three words, what would they be?

Poignant; humorous; intelligent

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author. Mr. Krauthammer has a wonderful ability to communicate. His use of the English language is such that it carries emotion, humor, seriousness - and all when it is appropriate. It is a clever author that can mix politics, private events, and personal insights between the covers of one book and make it flow...but he did it.

What about Charles Krauthammer and George Newbern ’s performance did you like?

I wish that Charles had continued to narrate. Mr. Newbern wasn't unpleasant, but he just didn't deliver the way Krauthammer did. That is why I would have given five stars to the entire book, but when Newbern took over the audio, my interest waned...but just a little!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book had a mix of everything for me. I am not an easy crier...but there was a moment when the author spoke of his dog that was a very sensitive segment. And yes, I did laugh out loud a couple of times.

Any additional comments?

This book made me want to hear more from Mr. Krauthammer. And I definitely would rather that he read his own creation. I love his language, his thoughtfulness, and his wit.

Where is Charles Krauthammer When We Need Him?

Never one to be much on the cutting edge of things and certainly never confused with an intellectual, I "stumbled" across Charles Krauthammer many years ago on Fox News. What a find!

I came to wait eagerly for his commentary, rebuttals, and dry wit on baseball, politics, world affairs and...well...everything else. Listening to his calm and measured voice again, enjoying the cadence created by those ever so brief pauses while he grabbed a breath as he read his own words spanning three decades, has been one of the nicest interludes this summer in a world that is increasingly scary and agitating politically for this septuagenarian Boomer. I enjoyed being amazed at opinions written in the 1980s that seem so relevant at today. If only he was opining at this very moment, placing issues in historical context, railing against people or issues in a manner that sounded like he was reading a bedtime story to a small child - no moral indignation or hyperbolic outrage, just pure common sense supported by a command of the past and undergirded by an understanding of human nature. Dear Charles, could you drop me a line? I have a few things I'd like to talk over with you.

an incredible historical accounting of politics

Over 30 years of opinions in reaction to political actions and news of the day. a must read for everyone.

Genius

If you want a good rendition of politics, and human affairs over the last four, or five decades. This is a tremendous book, written by a confirmed genius.

things that do matter

Would you consider the audio edition of Things That Matter to be better than the print version?

Haven't read print edition.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charles

Have you listened to any of Charles Krauthammer and George Newbern ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

yes

Any additional comments?

The introduction alone is inspiring enough that everyone should read and appreciate by those believe in 'things that matter'.

intellectually honest

Will miss Charles intellect for the future generations and his tim on fox for he speaks the truth