We're Better Than This

My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

By: Elijah Cummings, James Dale

Narrated by: Nancy Pelosi, Laurence Fishburne, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings

Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

This audiobook contains beautiful memories of Representative Elijah Cummings narrated by Laurence Fishburne and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, with a foreword written and read by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Included are the eulogies from his funeral delivered by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harry Spikes, Kweisi Mfume, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Jennifer Cummings, Adia Cummings, and James Cummings. Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings was known for saying “We’re better than this.”

He said it in Baltimore, a city on the verge of explosion over police treatment of citizens. He said it in Congress when microphones were shut down, barring free speech. He said it when the President flaunted his power and ignored the Constitution. He said it when the President resorted to bullying, name-calling, and feeding racial divisions. We are better than this. He continued to say it until his final days last October. He said it because he believed we must call out what is wrong and call on our better selves to make things right.

In We’re Better Than This, Cummings details the formative moments in his life that prepared him to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his actions while in office. Cummings powerfully weaves together the urgent drama of modern-day politics and the defining stories from his past. He offers a unique perspective on how his upbringing as the son of sharecroppers in a South Baltimore neighborhood, rampant with racism and poverty, laid the foundation of a life spent fighting for justice. Cummings was known for his ability to referee contentious members of Congress and reach across the aisle for the sake of justice. Since his early days in politics, Cummings proved his abilities as a leader and legal mind who could operate at the highest levels of democracy, always working with - and for - the underserved. Part memoir, part call to action, the book goes behind the scenes with the House Democratic leadership, offering an eye-opening account of the relentless and unprecedented obstructionism by both the President and GOP. Cummings’ final words present a vital defense of how government oversight defines our collective trust and makes the case that, even in the face of our nation’s most challenging times, we must remain rooted in the politics of optimism.

©2020 Elijah Cummings (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

We ARE better than this!

This was a wonderful boost to this old Civics teacher! So many of the ideas shared here are the foundations of the things taught in Civics and the ideas that I believe in also! Our great nation is in a in a tough spot. The division just May tear us apart if we can’t remember a key part to our rights, we have to give those rights to others. Especially when we don’t agree! We must find a way to see the things that are similar so we can continue to “form a more perfect union!”

Great listen.

The book that carried me through 2020!

Elijah is a prophet in his own right and Lawrence Fishburne masterfully narrates his message. In the darkest days of 2020, this book reminded me of what we could be and what we truly are as a nation of people. It’s a tragic and beautiful tale that ultimately leads the reader to hope and a renewed strength.

Inspiring Leadership Mr. Cummings

This was such an inspiring listen. I am truly amazed at such a rich and inspiring life.

The most inspiring piece of work I’ve heard in my adult life.

I am not a politician; just a regular guy who aims to serve his community. I knew of The Very Honorable Elijah Cummings before listening to this audiobook but not in this way.

His insight into community, his relationships with family and friends; as portrayed through the readers is absolutely awe inspiring.

This book hit me right in the feels and motivates me to be not only a better statesman but a better human.

The Very Honorable Elijah Cummings is truly a Godsend. I thank him and his family for finishing what he stared and allowing us a small glimpse into his storied life.

Breathtaking

I enjoyed the various voices their enthusiasm of what a great man is and should represent

Awesome Giant of a Man

Absolutely loving it,,, such powerful messages therein. I'm embracing close to heart what is expressed and those who loved and admired him!

May we meet in heaven

I never met him but I know him now. I could ask for a better chance meeting in my life it didn't happen so I hope we meet in heaven. I wish that all the Republicans that are spreading the lies could read this they would find their way back to where they began. Because "we are better than this."

A Must Listen

This is one of the best biographies I've listened to in a string of biographies. This man was quite the human being. His drive to do good was lived in everything he did. The eulogy chapter brought me to tears. There was so much more to Elijah Cummings than we ever saw. So glad I listened.

A wonderful story of an American hero!

This book is a great read and is so inspirational. I will read and listen to it more in the future so I can be better and honor Elijah's memory.

Wish I knew this man!

Amazing man and story both by Elijah and those who eulogized him. We need more people like him. Uplifting book!