A Reason to Believe

Lessons from an Improbable Life

De: Governor Deval Patrick

Narrado por: Governor Deval Patrick

New York Times Best Seller • 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Deval Patrick, “an inspirational figure guided by optimism and hope who presaged the rise of President Obama” (The Boston Globe), recounts his extraordinary journey from the South Side of Chicago to the governorship of Massachusetts.

“I’ve simply seen too much goodness in this country - and have come so far in my own journey - not to believe in those ideals, and my faith in the future is sometimes restored under the darkest clouds.” (Governor Deval Patrick)

In January 2007, Deval Patrick became the first Black governor of the state of Massachusetts, one of only two Black governors elected in American history. But that was just one triumphant step in an improbable life that began in a poor tenement on the South Side of Chicago, taking Patrick from a chaotic childhood to an elite boarding school in New England, from a sojourn doing relief work in Africa to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies, and then to a career in politics.

In this heartfelt and inspiring memoir, he pays tribute to the family, friends, and strangers who, through words and deeds, have instilled in him transcendent lessons of faith, perseverance, and friendship. In doing so, he reminds us of the power of community and the imperative of idealism. With humility, humor, and grace, he offers a road map for attaining happiness, empowerment, and success while also making an appeal for listeners to cultivate those achievements in others, to feel a greater stake in this world, and to shape a life worth living.

Warm, nostalgic, and inspirational, A Reason to Believe is destined to become a timeless tribute to a uniquely American odyssey and a testament to what is possible in our lives and our communities if we are hopeful, generous, and resilient.

Governer Deval Patrick is donating a portion of the proceeds from A Reason to Believe to A Better Chance, a national organization dedicated to opening the doors to greater educational opportunities for young people of color.

©2011 Deval Patrick (P)2011 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“A Reason to Believe... introduces Patrick to a national audience as an inspirational figure guided by optimism and hope who presaged the rise of President Obama.” (The Boston Globe)

“Governor Patrick’s compelling story is a reminder that no matter how unlikely a child’s future chances might seem on paper, sometimes access to the right opportunities is all it takes to allow the enormous talent and potential that is already there to thrive. A Reason to Believe is rich with the lessons Deval Patrick has learned along his journey.” (Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children’s Defense Fund)

“Patrick gives powerful voice to the reflective inner man who has a keen eye for things that really matter… A welcome celebration of idealism in a cynical time.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Patrick 2020

Patrick 2020 Patrick 2020 Patrick 2020 Patrick 2020 Patrick Patrick Patrick Patrick Patrick now that Beto O’Rourke is out he’s our guy!

A Realistic and Incredible Journey

Love it! I found it to be a highly personable, inspirational, and truthful book. i really hope it becomes mandatory reading for middle and high school students. it is sure to give hope to the disenfranchised and the super wealthy alike!

Excellent memoir, Stellar narration

This memoir is one of the best I've encountered! At times, I found myself laughing aloud, crying silently, deeply reflecting on the author's words while simultaneously being filled with inspiration and hope. The audio book is skillfully narrated by the author. His authenticity shines through each chapter from beginning to end. It's so well done, I will listen again.

INSPIRING

Deval Patrick is a wonderful story teller. He managed to weave history into His story and send an inspirational message to the next generation. This book should be taught in a social studies curriculum.

A well told story about a very interesting life.

This is much more personal biography than a political one. It is an inspiring recollection of someone that is truly living the American dream.

A Great Life and a Great Story

What made the experience of listening to A Reason to Believe the most enjoyable?

You felt you knew the Governor and was interested in what happened next in his life. You felt his sincerity and love for the people in his life as well as his honesty about events that shaped him.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Since it is an autobiography - it naturally is Deval Patrick.

Have you listened to any of Deval Patrick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Patrick's experiences in the Sudan as well as his support of his wife, Dianne.

Any additional comments?

I hope he becomes a Supreme Court Justice.