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

4 stars for changing reader midstream.

Great content and structure. These are enjoyable stories about life. 4 stars for performance because Dr. Krauthammer only reads about 1/2 of the book and the 2nd reader does not hold our interest as tightly as the Dr.

Narrator

Any additional comments?

I agree with many people here, the sudden switch of narrators was disappointing. George Newbern wasn't bad but nothing beats the author narrating his own book.

Great stories from a great mind

What did you love best about Things That Matter?

He has seen it all from both sides and expresses himself with class and style.

A tremendous survey of CTs columns and essays

Whether you agree with him or not, Charles Krauthammer's logic and prose are a beauty to behold and a challenge your thinking. His commentary is on a wide variety of topics from Politics to Sience to Human Nature. A great exploration of life and meaning. He will be missed.

This book matters

A nice overview of national events that have a direct impact on our lives. Superb and enlightening book.

Discovering Krauthammer

What a wonderful insight into this mans thinking. If your exposure to Krauthammer was his appearance on Fox News you need to read this book. I came away with an entirely different perspective on him. Great book.

Excellant

Great book by a great American, man I really miss this guy, thankfully his son just finished his last book

Print Better than Audio

Would you listen to Things That Matter again? Why?

I'm planning on it. It was such a dense book with so much wisdom that I know I missed a lot of the points. Krauthammer is obviously an intelligent man with quite the vocabulary, sometimes making it difficult to listen to and understand thoroughly - especially only reading in 20 minute increments...if that's your style.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Things That Matter?

Krauthammer goes into great detail about the Jewish people group. Mostly, I will remember their successes and impressive history.

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

The author's voice made his points seem that much more intelligent. Newbern did a fine job, just wasn't the authentic Krauthammer sound...

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

My reaction was one more of awe and wonder. I found myself thinking deeply about a majority of his points.

Any additional comments?

I plan to reread. Next time in print, to highlight and make notes.

Dr Krauthammer-an unbelievable man so intelligent

The first part made me think I was listening to him on Fox News again. Each chapter almost brought me to tears knowing his life had ended and how much we, the people, had lost. How insightful he was! An honest man who told us how it was regardless of party affiliation. What a contributions made for 30 years as a journalist. We need more like him! If you read or listen to this book I’m sure you will agree.

Great book

Didn’t get full 5 stars in performance because middle section wasn’t narrated by Charles. Great articles. Great for the long road trip I took.