Talking Back

...to Presidents, Dictators, and Other Scoundrels

By: Andrea Mitchell

Narrated by: Andrea Mitchell

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Andrea Mitchell started her pathbreaking career as the quintessential girl reporter and quickly became one of the first women in broadcast news. She's been labeled a "pushy broad", yet her intelligence, tenacity, and ability to always be "where the action is" have catapulted her to the top of her profession. As one of America's most watched correspondents, Mitchell has regularly shared her observations with millions of television viewers for more than three decades.

Time and again, Mitchell has proven herself by taking on the tough assignments, starting with her first posting abroad in Guyana after the previous NBC correspondent had been murdered by Jim Jones' henchmen. She has had unique access to all the presidents and their staffs from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush, and here gives us her unvarnished insights into these men and those who surround them. Whether it was revealing that Ronald Reagan's napping caused the delay of a space shuttle landing, conducting exclusive interviews with Fidel Castro, or accompanying Condoleezza Rice on her first trip abroad as secretary of state, she is known as the one to beat to the story.

But what sets this book apart is not only the unique front-row seat Mitchell has in the political world, but also the role she plays in the glamorous social scene in Washington. Her marriage to Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, has created professional challenges, but also given her special entree to the "A" list drawing rooms of Washington and other capitals. Here she gives us glimpses of what it's like to go from a 7 p.m. newscast to an 8 p.m. black-tie party, to go from being the reporter staking out a state dinner to being one of the invited guests.

Smart and candidly written, Mitchell's memoir will be a must read for anyone interested in politics and current affairs and will also fascinate anyone who wonders what it's like to be a powerful woman in a man's world.

©2005 Andrew Mitchell (P)2005 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"[Andrea Mitchell [is] the go-to reporter when a big story is breaking in Washington and throughout the world." (Tom Brokaw)

"The reader feels like a rapt cocktail party guest, listening to amazing stories from a bold and admirable career." (Los Angeles Times)

Loved this!

Andrea Mitchell did a terrific job writing her story and also narrating it. I'd like an addendum --- the next 11 years! How 'bout it Andrea! This is a true journalist's story! Right on!

An imprsive look at anewscaster's life.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would if they were interested in learning more aobut the author.

What other book might you compare Talking Back to and why?

I can't think of any comparison to make.

Which scene was your favorite?

She got a chance to interview Castro during the case of the little Cuban boy.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Soeme scens made me laugh such as her meeting with former President Ford.

Any additional comments?

If you're a fan of her or not, I hope you'll like what she has to say.

Mitchell, brought women to the front of the News

Would you listen to Talking Back again? Why?

I love Andrea Mitchell, this book is great and talks about your life, and how she overcame what at that time was known only a Man's Desk, she brought the Women to TV, NEWS and I love her insight and show.

What other book might you compare Talking Back to and why?

None, at this time.

Which character – as performed by Andrea Mitchell – was your favorite?

About her life traveling to other countries

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

Her spirit.