The Courage to Be Free

Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival

By: Ron DeSantis

Narrated by: Ron DeSantis, John Pruden

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER / #1 WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER / #1 PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BESTSELLER / #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER

No American leader has accomplished more for his state than Governor Ron DeSantis. Now he reveals how he did it.

He played baseball for Yale, graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, and served in Iraq and in the halls of Congress. But in all these places, Ron DeSantis learned the same lesson: He didn’t want to be part of the leftist elite.

His heart was always for the people of Florida, one of the most diverse and culturally rich states in the union. Since becoming governor of the Sunshine State, he has fought—and won—battle after battle, defeating not just opposition from the political left, but a barrage of hostile media coverage proclaiming the end of the world.

When he implemented COVID-19 policies based on evidence and focused on freedoms, the press launched a smear campaign against him, yet Florida’s economy thrived, its education system outperformed the nation, and Florida’s COVID mortality rate for seniors was lower than that in thirty-eight states. When he enacted policies to keep leftist political concepts like critical race theory and woke gender ideology out of Florida’s classrooms, the media demagogued his actions, but parents across Florida rallied to his cause. Dishonest attacks from the media don’t deter him. In fact, DeSantis keeps racking up wins for Floridians. In 2022, the governor delivered a historic, record-setting victory, winning by nearly 20 points and more than 1.5 million votes.

A firsthand account from the blue-collar boy who grew up to take on Disney and Dr. Fauci, The Courage to Be Free delivers something rare from an elected leader: stories of victory. This book is a winning blueprint for patriots across the country. And it is a rallying cry for every American who wishes to preserve our liberties.

©2023 Ron DeSantis (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Inspirational and Worth a Listen!

Being a Florida resident since 2013, I've seen how horrible governors (Rick Scott) can be... Ron DeSantis is a breath of fresh air and knowing his story makes him even more desirable as a leader!

Evan's Review

I strongly recommend the book. Rod has shown strong leadership in Florida. I really think is a strong candidate for President with his leadership. He is only 44 years old. He would have most of policies l agree that Donald Trump had without the Trump baggage. He has to over come the Trump following voters. Trump has the advantage becomes he been there.

Learned a lot about Florida's Gov.

Thoroughly enjoyed! Even though I have been following Gov DeSantis since the pandemic I did not realize how much he has been able to accomplish for the state.

Outstanding.

What an awesome audiobook!!!!
Highly recommended.
I truly believe he will be president one day.

This book is a must read/listen for any freedom loving American!

Ron Desantis is a good man and a brilliant leader he has done an admirable job as Floridas Governor and I hope will make a great president of the US.

Excellent

This book was well written, holds your interest with just enough info to leave the reader with a sense of who Ron DeSantis is, what his values are and how he views a public servants role should be.

Good read - getting to know the person

Appreciated this book and the honest reasoning behind the Governor’s point of view. Helps get to know him if he runs for President.

Insightful

Overall a great book
this gives great insight on who Ron Desantis was and is and the character of the man
DeSantis mentions Trump throughout the book. Never was attacking nor insulting, in fact always complimented Trump for what he has done for DeSantis's state.
It is worth noting that he and Trump love for the country and defending and standing for what is right makes them both appealing.
The main take away I see between him and the former president is one is the adult and the other lashes out with a narcissistic child like man-child because he demands to get everything his way with no competition (like a dictator) similar to a tantrum you expect from a child, resorting to insults and name calling.
As of the day of writing this review, DeSantis has not announced he is running for president (only rumors). I do not know he will run or not, however, I believe he will be the Reagan of these times we need
The left has gone off the rails since Trump became president. I do not regret voting for him and respect that he did everything he promised, even with the numerous attacks, lies, impeachment trials, fake everything, riots and downright hate. The left has, and still are insane with Trump Derangement Syndrome.
I really do not want the next presidency to be the communist power continuing to rape us of our rights and freedoms and taxing us all into poverty. I also do not want the next president to be about insults, twitter feeds and bragging about how great they are. We need a person that can be intelligent and able to unite as many Americans as possible, along with addressing the border and restoring much of what the democrats destroyed.

Should be required reading for any governor.

This book should be required reading for every Governor, let alone anyone who has been elected to any government position. Especially those in need of gaining a back bone. So many have given in to the “woke” culture that they’re going to lose our freedoms for us.

It is rather sickening to get the insight on just how corrupt the GOP is. I always knew government was corrupt, just not how horrifically self serving it actually is.

Thank You Governor DeSantis for having the courage to run your state the way it should be run and to fight the corruption of big business and government bring in bed together.

DeSantis shows that it can be done.

you have to have the power to do it and where he governs he has the power to do it and look at all the pushback that he got just to do the right thing for the American people. I feel he has a bright future and he would have my vote.