Romney

A Reckoning

By: McKay Coppins

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, McKay Coppins

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

A remarkably illuminating biography of one of America’s most fascinating political figures—including news-making revelations from Mitt Romney himself about dissension within today’s Republican Party—written with his full cooperation by an award-winning writer at The Atlantic.

Few figures in American politics have seen more and said less than Mitt Romney. An outspoken dissident in Donald Trump’s GOP, he has made headlines in recent years for standing alone against the forces he believes are poisoning the party he once led. Romney was the first senator in history to vote to remove from office a president of his own party. When that president’s supporters went on to storm the US Capitol, Romney delivered a thundering speech from the Senate floor accusing his fellow Republicans of stoking insurrection. Despite these moments of public courage, Romney has shared very little about what he’s witnessed behind the scenes over his three decades in politics—in GOP cloakrooms and caucus lunches, in his private meetings with Donald Trump and his family, in his dealings with John McCain, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Joe Manchin, and Kyrsten Sinema. Now, exclusively for this biography, Romney has provided a window to his most private thoughts.

Based on dozens of interviews with Romney, his family, and his inner circle as well as hundreds of pages of his personal journals and private emails, this in-depth portrait by award-winning journalist McKay Coppins shows a public servant authentically wrestling with the choices he has made over his career. In lively, revelatory detail, the book traces Romney’s early life and rise through the ranks of a fast-transforming Republican Party and exposes how a trail of seemingly small compromises by political leaders has led to a crisis in democracy. Ultimately, Romney: A Reckoning is a redemptive story about a flawed politician who summoned his moral courage just as fear and divisiveness were overtaking American life.

©2023 McKay Coppins (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

“Remarkable. Tapping hours of interviews and access to Mitt Romney’s private journals—and revealing a captivating array of insider moments—author McKay Coppins compellingly portrays a man wrestling with his conscience as he tries to do what’s right.”—Susan Page, Washington Bureau chief at USA Today and author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power

“An extraordinary biography. Much of the fun comes from eavesdropping on the shameless things the political class is apt to say behind closed doors. The chance to inhabit those rooms is frequently as entertaining as it is depressing.”—Mark Leibovich, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers This Town and Thank You for Your Servitude

“As the emerging Edward Gibbon of American conservatism, McKay Coppins has written an important, vivid, and memorable portrait of that rare Republican soul who has had the courage to choose the difficult over the easy path in our tumultuous age. Mitt Romney is not perfect, but he has put principle above the strictly partisan in hours when virtually no one else had the wherewithal to do so. This is an essential book for our times.”—Jon Meacham, author of the New York Times bestsellers And There Was Light and The Soul of America

Another reminder that we missed an opportunity

Imagine a world in which Mitt wins in 2012. How different our society would be having not seen the Trump years and his persistent influence. Mitt will have his critics, no matter what they hear. It is demonstrated in this book that he is a genuinely good person. He has operated with the well-being of the country first and foremost in mind. As a lifelong registered republican, I share his feelings on the party’s future.

A rare story of political courage

I was fascinated to peek behind the curtain into this complex and noble character. Quite a contrast with the self serving politicians and media talking heads that now dominate American politics.

Gripping! I couldn’t put it down!

What a great book! Enjoyable and disturbing, moving and infuriating. I am proud to be a #RomneyRepublican.

Surprisingly gripping!

I am a progressive democrat so not the biggest fan of Romney - but I found his story really compelling despite that. Very well written and Jonathan Davis is always great.

Great overview of Mitt

Does a great job outlining Mitts life and showing the good and the bad from his political career

Good man and that’s coming from a liberal

I loved seeing this man, who I thought wasn’t strong enough in his willingness to stand up against Trump, as a human being. He was so thoroughly out of his depth with the current Trump Republican Party but he tried so honestly and methodically to understand them.

His integrity and humanness!

I loved this second reading (listen). I loved that “stupid” was/is part of his vocabulary. I believe he still has something big ahead of him, but let’s let him catch his breath!! Loved the book but love he and Anne more.

Romney as a conduit

This book is more than the story of Mitt Romney. It's a long commentary on our political and social moment and the stories we tell ourselves about what we believe and how we organize our priorities.
Parts gossip, introspection, self deception, and political commentary, the book is well crafted and engaging from start to finish.

Those that dislike Romney will probably feel this is too hagiographic. But the book itself does not strike me that way, but heavily depends on whether or not he reader likes Trump. Sadly, but probably true, the book-like the latter part of Romney's political career- is defined too much in terms of opposition to one person. But that says more about Trump as an intrusive figure than Romney.

I found myself fascinated by how often I found myself asking the same questions that Romney has. In that sense, Romney's story is a cautionary tale of the dangers of political rationalization as well as an inspiring one about who we want running the government.

The reading performance was excellent, particularly in capturing the emotive moments that many of us witnessed first hand.

I voted for Mitt and supported his father

Well written, interesting, and worth your time to understand Mitt's thinking about the things you agreed with and those that you disagreed with.

Behind the curtain

I’ve been ambivalent towards Romney and much of politics since 2016. I’ve walked away with from this book with a profound respect for him and a few others in modern politics, while also experiencing a mourning for a world of reason and pragmatism they may be the last to represent. Very much appreciate the author had 100% editorial control as to not allow Romney to spin anything in his favor if he had desired to. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.