In the Arena

By: Pete Hegseth

Narrated by: Pete Hegseth

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Fox News contributor and decorated Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran reads his vigorous call to arms to reignite American citizenship at home and restore American power abroad using the timeless truths of Teddy Roosevelt's iconic "Man in the Arena" speech.

Pete Hegseth makes an impassioned and experiential argument for how Teddy Roosevelt's articulation of "good citizens", "equality of opportunity", and unapologetic US leadership - "good patriots" - can renew our imperiled American experiment and save the free world in this fascinating, firsthand challenge to elite progressivism, ahistorical foreign policy, and status quo politics.

Despite contention surrounding Teddy Roosevelt's legacy, Hegseth argues that the Rough Rider's exhortation serves as a timeless wake-up call for our republic. Hegseth resurrects Roosevelt's famous "Citizenship in a Republic" address - best known for the "man in the arena" quote - as a road map for addressing the massive challenges facing America today. In order to rejuvenate what makes America exceptional, we must unapologetically get back into Roosevelt's arena - as engaged "good citizens" at home and powerful "good patriots" in the world.

Bolstered by gripping personal experience, Hegseth channels Teddy Roosevelt's words to make a case for turning America's highest ideals into action through the gritty virtues of citizenship, the dogged pursuit of equal opportunity, and aggressive commitment to winning the wars we fight - including the Iraq War. An exceptional American experiment was entrusted to "average citizens" in 1776 and has been perpetuated by every generation since...until now. If we won't fight for America, then what will we fight for? And if not now, then when? Get in the arena!

©2016 Pete Hegseth (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

So good I've bought 20 hard copies & counting

Would you consider the audio edition of In the Arena to be better than the print version?

Absolutely. The historical heft of Roosevelt's speech married to Pete's commonsense conversational style makes "In the Arena" an enlightening & convicting read across all spectrums. That is why I give a copy to anyone who deserves, or needs it. And quite frankly, that's a lot of people.

What other book might you compare In the Arena to and why?

Reading "In the Arena" was a relief because it is very different than any other "Conservative" book. Other 'Let's save America' pieces are too ambitious. Don't misunderstand, "In the Arena" is not Disney's Guide to Citizenship in the 21st Century. Pete can be fierce, & some parts, I imagine, are frightening to people with only a shallow knowledge of world events.

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

Pete does an amazing job of conveying conviction without being abrasive. He has a friendly passion, which makes the reader feel encouraged instead of scolded. Pete is a happy warrior that makes the audible version much better than reading.

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

Extreme? Read the title of my review. I suppose buying copy after copy and giving them away could seem extreme... No laughing or crying, only conviction & a real sense of purpose. I hope Pete writes more books & sees fit to narrate them. "In the Arena" should be required reading for Civics courses in high schools & universities.

Any additional comments?

I am disappointed that at 36 Pete does not have the audacity to write an autobiography.

2 people found this helpful

loved the energy

was inspired by the history. so much behind the man. amazing how words from 100 years ago can be so pertinent today.

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Refreshing read!

I gave this to both of my sons and look forward to discussing it with the both of them!

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A Book That Should be in Classrooms

I was led to Pete’s book in my search for The Man in the Arena, by Teddy Roosevelt. At that time I didn’t know what I was looking for was a 35 page speech given in France. Pete’s book is his exposition on Teddy’s speech. He lays out very well his treatise for America and how her good citizens should think and act in behalf of their lives in this great country. Of course, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. You’ll love it as much as I have.