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An American Son  By  cover art

An American Son

By: Senator Marco Rubio
Narrated by: Senator Marco Rubio
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Publisher's summary

Few politicians have risen to national prominence as quickly as Marco Rubio. Here is the full story of his unlikely journey. Florida Senator Marco Rubio electrified the 2012 Republican National Con­vention by telling the story of his parents, who were struggling immigrants from Cuba. They embraced their new country and taught their children to appreciate its unique opportunities. Every sacrifice they made over the years, as they worked hard at blue-collar jobs in Miami and Las Vegas, was for their children. Young Marco grew up dreaming about football, not politics. In this fas­cinating memoir, he reveals how he ended up running for the West Miami City Commission, and then the Florida House of Representatives. In just six years he rose to Speaker of the Florida House. He then won his US Senate campaign as an extreme long shot. Now Rubio speaks on the national stage about the better future that’s possible if we return to our founding principles. In that vision, as in his fam­ily’s story, Rubio proves that the American Dream is still alive for those who pursue it.

©2012 Marco Rubio (P)2012 Penguin

Critic reviews

"His success is an affirmation of the sacrifices members of his parents' generation made so that their children could have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream." (Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about An American Son

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Can't wait to hear the rest

If you could sum up An American Son in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, inspiring, inspiring!

What other book might you compare An American Son to and why?

Reagan In His Own Hand...Both are chock full of logic and inspiration.

What does Marco Rubio bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can hear the earnestness...the words ring true.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could not afford that luxury, but I can't wait to get back to it.

Any additional comments?

For the pessimists among us who worry about the future, Marco is a bright shining light that radiates hope.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good info, not too fluid

Annoying that it wasn't chronological. But he seems like a good dude and this book is a nice explaination for how he became such a tea party phenomenon without being too radical.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Biography did not flow smoothy.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Time was well-spent for the overall message.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I prefer UNABRIDGED and it should follow a proper time line.

What aspect of Marco Rubio’s performance would you have changed?

The Authors performance was good, he is easy to listen to.

What else would you have wanted to know about Marco Rubio’s life?

He should go deeper into his patriotisim.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I admire Marco Rubio even more now

Would you listen to An American Son again? Why?

No, but I would recommend it to others to read

Who was your favorite character and why?

Next to Marco? There are so many - probably his grandfather and Marco's wife

What does Marco Rubio bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has a great reading voice - I felt as if he was telling me his story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not necessarily.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • KC
  • 07-24-12

My favorite audible book so far.HIGHLY RECOMMEND

If you could sum up An American Son in three words, what would they be?

1)Heartwarming 2)Inspiring 3)Motivational

Who was your favorite character and why?

Marco Rubio. He just proves to me haw anyone can achieve the American dream if they just put their mind too it and accept the things that come your way without complaining and move on to the next step.We all have stumbling blocks along the way but we need to figure out our next step and move on without whining . Very inspirational man.

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

First one I've listened too. He is very good reader.

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

There were many. I think his love and respect for his family especially his grandfather.

Any additional comments?

This book has really made me see Marco Rubio as a perfect example of a person who is living the American dream and has not lost sight of his humble beginnings. Really respect this man.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Rubio Self-Vetted

Would you consider the audio edition of An American Son to be better than the print version?

This is a great title for listening as you drive, or do other tasks. The structure is somewhat convoluted, as it isn't a straight time-line. It was probably easier to follow the storyline and to maintain interest in audio that it would have been in print.

Would you recommend An American Son to your friends? Why or why not?

There could be some interest in this story simply as biographical material on Cuban exile and migration resulting from pressures of the early Castro regime. Its primary appeal would be to those interested in the current political scene.

Which character – as performed by Marco Rubio – was your favorite?

Rubio's father and grandfather were appealing characters because of the obstacles that they doggedly worked to overcome. The development of Rubio's personality and values is of interest as viewed in light of his recent arrival on the national political scene, and as he is being considered as a possible Romeny VP running mate.

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

The tenacity of Rubio's parents and ancestors in working to secure freedom and a reasonable life station for their children is particularly moving.

Any additional comments?

The story is seemingly edited to bring some focus to Rubio's stance on immigration issues. It attempts to clarify statements he has made regarding whether his parents actually had to "escape" Castro's Cuba. It seems that they were already in the U.S. when Castro came to power, but that his mother faced some challenges in being allowed to return to the U.S. after a visit with her ailing father in Cuba.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

self serving political speak

What would have made An American Son better?

his views , his real views. not the stuff that is middle of the road drool, that is seemingly self serving.

Would you ever listen to anything by Marco Rubio again?

never say never, but I would be more careful about the purchase.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

more passion it was like he was reading a canned speech.

What character would you cut from An American Son?

can't cut real life.

Any additional comments?

It was reading a press release that you paid for. put aside political beliefs, it was not deep , or insightful or even interesting just a cooked autobiography.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Blueprint to becoming a politician

Him sharing his experience as well a his roots. he got my vote. loved it

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good

Good book about Marco .. He tells in detail his story , political and the one of his life and family ... A son of immigrant he became someone .. A powerful message

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Quality issue

The chapters of this book were not numbered correctly, so were not read in the proper order.

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