The Courage to Be Free

Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival

De: Ron DeSantis

Narrado por: Ron DeSantis, John Pruden

#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.

Informative and well-written, but slightly disappointing

I read this mostly to gain more perspective into the relatively unknown Ron DeSantis prior to the 2024 Presidential elections—assuming DeSantis does decide to run.

Things I enjoyed about this book (assuming they are all true): background from his early life, including college and military career. Insight into his ways of thinking and motivation. The one or two deeply personal stories he shares (although barely).

Things I was hoping for, but were not present: any amount of respect for members of the opposite political party (which I argue we haven’t seen since the 2008 election between Obama and McCain). Any amount of understanding or credence given to beliefs or movements by the other political party. Any condemnation of his own political party and/or its members. Any mention of the 2021 Capitol attack at all.

Things I did not like: seemed very self-centered, hardly giving credit to anyone else other than to the extent that they voted for him and otherwise stood out of his way.

Overall, I appreciate the insight DeSantis has provided prior to the 2024 presidential elections. I think he would be a strong Republican primary nominee, and Presidential candidate. I miss the days of Obama vs McCain, where you could disagree with a candidate while still liking them as a person. I’m not sure we’ll see that in 2024 or anytime soon. I don’t know if I would like DeSantis as a person if I met him. However, I think this book has given me more confidence in knowing that he would likely lead by principle and with good intentions, even if I didn’t like the result at times.

I get it!!

I have a better understanding of where RD is coming from, where the media has sensationalized some of his decisions, and I think I understand where RD would steer the country if he ran for president.

Refreshing Record of Competence

There are some powerful principles in this book, with the receipts to back them up. It was frustrating to watch so many ignore the data and destroy lives and livelihoods “out of an abundance of caution” during Covid. This book sheds light on many of the behind the scenes decisions and events that helped Florida get it right. There are also some great anecdotes that shed a bit more light on the Desantis family. If you want some insight into the leadership philosophy and decision-making of Ron Desantis, this is a must read.

Truth about our country. A must for all Americans

the way that Ron wrote this book is extremely easy to understand even though some of the content can get dry because it's about political stuff it is a great book and gave me a great understanding of where this country is headed if we do not change our ways.

Outstanding!

Fantastic book by a courageous man who has made such a difference. He has my vote for President.