Reagan

The American President

By: Larry Schweikart

Narrated by: Robert Scott

Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive biography of Ronald Reagan, featuring never-before-seen documents and sources from the Reagan Presidential Library

Number-one New York Times best-selling author Larry Schweikart, armed with previously unseen sources from Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library, uncovers the most important president of the 20th century and details the life and policies of a man who still remains dear to the hearts of Americans. From his time as a lifeguard in Illinois to a sports announcer to a rising actor to a labor union leader, then finally governor of California in the tumultuous 1960s and ultimately President, Reagan's life is told as it has never been before.

©2019 Larry Schweikart (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Fair objective but deep mystery

Big fan…Great orator so much class the way he lived and died
but family life a deep mystery ….as Michael Reagan said “look at family photos…there r none
Patti and junior went of the woke leftist scale long ago
And Nancy is the root of evil always protecting and plotting and made the kids what they are…rebellious and nutty

Must Must Must

The best President Reagan book to date. Great read and sad to see it end. Having served in the military during his Presidency, there was ZERO doubt he loved our Country. 1 year in with Jimmy Carter 2.0, I really am concerned that there will never be the American pride again.

Insightful but Tough

Dr. Schweikart has an amazing ability to put the listener in the room with Ronald Reagan, whether it's a schoolroom in his early years, the negotiating room as the Screen Actors Guild boss, or the Oval Office as the 40th President of the United States. Having come of age during Reagan's first term, this tremendous biography helped me connect dots that were always a bit murky for me.

Larry does a great job of explaining and documenting details that helped illustrate why Reagan made certain decisions. The book doesn't sugar coat the places in history where Reagan made mistakes. Unlike fawning acolytes or relentless naysayers, Schweikart seems to play it down the middle and help us really go deep into the mind of "Dutch." This style helps clarify Nancy's role and those of his closest advisors.

Most importantly, I now have a clearer picture of how Reagan's influence shaped America for decades to come. I also found the epilogue explaining the similarities and unique differences with Donald Trump very enlightening.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Best About Reagan in Decades

First of all the narration is well above average and I have listened to over 250 hours of other audible books.

The insight into specific Presidential Papers shows the expertise of an actual historian. The author nails the impact of RR’s personal diplomatic trips in a way no other has done in a general biography. Reagan’s early years are vivid as well.

While filled with expert observation and insight this is very accessible to the average reader. It comes out at the right time when larger than life characters are good to look back upon and to examine in detail.

Must book on Reagan

I have read other books regarding President Reagan that were good, but this is tops.

Solid story of President Reagan as a leader

I thought this was an excellent overview of President Reagan's life. Similar to "Crusader", it covers a lot of his pre-presidential life. I appreciated learning about President Reagan's days in college, Hollywood and working for GE. I think this book shorted some of the details of his presidency in exchange for details of his pre and post presidential years. The story of Reagan's decline with Alzheimer's disease was heartbreaking without being melodramatic. Overall a good story, but as with Patriot's History, Schweikart neglect's the greater impact of Ronald Reagan and his America upon the world beyond a few paragraph's.

No Jelly Bellies

What keeps us from getting a five star rating? Not one mention of Jelly Bellies on the presidents desk. Is that significant? You cannot captures the true essence of Reagan’s personality unless you understood the Jelly Bellies.

Other than that, it was very good.

One of the best Reagan books

I've listened to many books on Reagan, this one didn't disappoint! Well researched and put together. To me this book highlights Reagans human side.