Things That Matter

Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics

By: Charles Krauthammer

Narrated by: Charles Krauthammer, George Newbern

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

From America’s preeminent columnist, named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in the nation, a must-have collection of Charles Krauthammer’s essential, timeless writings.

A brilliant stylist known for an uncompromising honesty that challenged conventional wisdom at every turn, Krauthammer dazzled readers for decades with his keen insight into politics and government. His weekly column was a must-read in Washington and across the country. Don’t miss the best of Krauthammer’s intelligence, erudition, and wit collected in one volume.

Listeners will find here not only the country’s leading conservative thinker offering a pas­sionate defense of limited government, but also a highly independent mind whose views - on feminism, evolution and the death penalty, for example - defy ideological convention.

Things That Matter also features several of Krautham­mer’s major path-breaking essays - on bioeth­ics, on Jewish destiny and on America’s role as the world’s superpower - that have pro­foundly influenced the nation’s thoughts and policies. And finally, the collection presents a trove of always penetrating, often bemused reflections on everything from border collies to Halley’s Comet, from Woody Allen to Win­ston Churchill, from the punishing pleasures of speed chess to the elegance of the perfectly thrown outfield assist.

With a special, highly autobiographical introduction, in which Krauthammer reflects on the events that shaped his career and political philosophy, this indispensable chronicle takes the listener on a fascinating journey through the fashions and follies, the tragedies and triumphs, of the last three decades of American life.

©2013 Charles Krauthammer (P)2013 Random House Audio

Nothing Matters if Your Head is in the Sand

Don't think Fox News. Think a political analyst-- a LIFE analyst -- who will open up your mind to things you didn't think mattered. This is a book about all aspects of life, a "best of" from the last 30 years of writings, written so superbly that I bought the book in print.

The only downside (as others have mentioned): Krauthammer narrates a portion -- not the book in its entirety, although he follows up at the end with credits and a brief bio. Don't let that stop you from listening!!! You won't regret it.

Timely and Needed

Excellent. My favorite commentator

Smart but down to earth practical!

I can only highly recommend Charles and any book he writes.

Admiration

During the last few years of his life, I knew Charles Krauthammer only through his appearances on the political panels of Fox news. I thought he was a very smart, informed speaker as the issues of the day were debated. Only upon his death did I purchase this book and have the opportunity to learn of what an impressive human being he really was. The obstacle of his tragic accident at 22 years of age that he overcame to achieve what he has makes most lives seem insignificant, although he would argue that all lives matter. I recommend this book to everyone. His articles are a testament to the extraordinary human being he was.

Gone but not forgotten

They just don’t make men like Charles anymore. Amazing insightful book of a lifetime of geo- political stories. I love this guy and will miss him.

Marry me, Charles!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Things That Matter to be better than the print version?

Probably not. I listen as I exercise,and do need lighter fare normally at the gym. Walking in nature,however, I could listen with rapture.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Most of the topics, and Mr Krauthammer's amazing ability to speak on each topic with such "right on" accuracy. Least? Sorry, Charles, it was chess.

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

Humor. Loved the subtle humor.

Really good overall book

I was disappointed in the narrator changing halfway through the book. I really enjoyed Krauthammer and although the other narrator wasn't bad by the time they switched I was already used to Krauthammer and it took me a while to get used to the other guy. Otherwise great book.

EXCELLENT ARTICLES--PERTINENT TO TODAY'S POLITICS

Very thoughtful, enciteful, and educational NOW, EVEN THOUGH ARTICLE WERE PENNED OVERN THE LAST 30 YEARS!

Best Writer With Amazing Insight

I, personally think that Charles Krauthammer is one of the smartest people to ever walk this earth. The simple, gentle way that he approaches complicated subjects is a joy to read or listen to. I feel much smarter having spent time with this book. The world truly lost one of the great ones.

I wish everyone could hear this.

everyone should hear the logic and evidence in this book. We would understand that we are going down a very dangerous road. Be aware.

Quintessential Krauthammer!

Lucid, factual and insightful discussions about the nature of man and politics with many musings on space and our place in it. A profound perspective on the history of the Jews told in an authentic voice with exquisite Krauthammerian prose. All of “Things That Matter” still keep mattering today.