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

Charles K, author and narrator ..... enuf said

FREEZE ! DON'T HIT THAT NO BUTTON YET ....

Charles Krauthammer is by far the most revered and most respected political columnist in Washington today. For thirty years, he has written editorials first as a Mondale democrat and today as a born again conservative. This book is a collection of Charles' writings that go back 30 some odd years.

It is interesting to witness the author's evolution from liberal to conservatism. According to the author, he didnt leave the democratic party, they left him. The chapter dealing with his brother Marcel was heart warming.

I have a challenge to all liberals who feel compelled to vote no on this review simply because the author is a conservative fox news commentator. Listen to the 5 minute sample. If there are any factual errors, then feel free to vote no. But if everything the author said is true, then spend the credit and buy this book. Even if you disagree with the authors political stance, there are many areas of this book that will grip you.

The best part of this book is the author reading this to us instead of someone else.

5* if Mr. Krauthammer had narrated complete book.

Any additional comments?

Would have been 5* for performance and overall had Mr. Krauthammer narrated the complete book.

Great book, why did Krauthammer only read 1/2???

What did you love best about Things That Matter?

Krauthammer's text is incredible, and the half of the book that he personally narrates.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Things That Matter?

His logic is so clear... Wonderful cross between a great story teller and a brilliant observer of the world.

What aspect of Charles Krauthammer and George Newbern ’s performance would you have changed?

Charles SHOULD HAVE READ THE ENTIRE BOOK. Charles Krauthammer's voice versus Newbern's is like fine scotch versus rot gut whiskey... Fine wine vs. sour juice. I was extremely disappointed when the story changed over from Krauthammer to Newbern. Did I mention Krauthammer has an incredible and soothing voice that is perfect for the audiobook format?

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

The format makes the book fly by! The best of Krauthammer neatly packaged in one book, but for God's sake Mr. Krauthammer narrate the ENTIRE BOOK.

Thank you, Charles Krauthammer!

As I write this review Charles Krauthammer died 30 hours ago. The book consists of selected Krauthammer newspaper columns written over 30 years as well as three longer pieces separated into chapters based on subject content. In my opinion in the quality and insight of his pubic political commentary Krauthammer is second only to Thomas Sowell (who retied 18 months ago at age 86). As the result of an accident at age 22 Krauthammer's spinal column was severed in his neck area, yet he lived a very productive life until cancer struck late in 2017. He narrated approximately half of his book and George Newbern did a fine job of narrating the rest.

The US is worse off from losing the syndicated columns of these two intellectual giants (Krauthammer and Sowell) during a brief period. Thankfully, Dr. Sowell also leaves a wealth of books and he is still writing books.

Krauthammer: Great writer/narrator!

I really enjoyed this book, but felt so let down when Dr. Krauthammer was not narrating. The material seemed so special in his own voice (which I often enjoy hearing on FOX News), but I lost interest in the second narrator. This is a book that can be enjoyed in starts and stops and touches on so many topics!

Insightful, Intelligent, Don't miss this one

Where does Things That Matter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My favorite book so far. Charles has a wonderful way of putting things into perspective making it easier to get one's head around today's and yesterday's issues.

No one better than the Doctor.

Outstanding book! But should come with a warning: "Beware, some articles may contain hilarious topics and/or be presented in such a way as to make you laugh so hard you cry, which may be hazardous if operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery...." Doctor Krauthammer presents such a broad spectrum of interesting subjects that one cannot brand it a mere political work. It is much too interesting to be so limited, ranging from dogs to chess, baseball to Judaism, and yes: even the pesky comma! Had to listen to it twice to get the full meal deal, and am looking forward to listening to it a third time on my next long drive (I'll pull over when the too hilarious articles come up!). Can't go wrong with this one!

Krauthammer is wonderful to listen to

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

Yes, it's well written and meaningful. Some essays are a bit dated, 1980's vintage.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Things That Matter?

I loved the way Krauthammer framed his argument with regard to Israel and foreign policy issues.

Which scene was your favorite?

Many, but I liked to listen to Krauthammer's voice in the first part. It felt comfortable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

My world, my take!

Any additional comments?

There's a sudden and unexpected change to narration by George Newbern. Newbern does a great job as always but the change was abrupt...threw me for a loop. I wondered if I had switched books or something.

Unfortunately Krauthammer doesn't read entire book

Where does Things That Matter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best. But was shocked when in the middle of the book someone else started to read instead of Krauthammer.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Liked Krauthammer reading. When the other reader took over I totally lost interest. Took a month and a half to get back into it and finish.

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

Wanted to but couldn't as explained above.

Any additional comments?

Krauthammer is a genius and absolutely fascinating.

Amazing

What an amazing book I highly recommend it to everybody regardless of age, profession, political affiliation