An American Life: Ronald Reagan Audio CD – CD, January 11, 2011

His way of thinking is what our country now needs more than ever

"An American Life" sat on my bookshelf for a couple years, its 700+ pages just appearing too daunting each time I perused my library for my next selection. Finally, six to eight weeks ago I mustered a head full of steam and bored straight into the life and times of Ronald Reagan. Without a doubt, it was more than worth the effort put forth on the reader's part.This autobiography is divided into six parts: his life until arriving in Washington, his first year in office, economic recovery, the Middle East and Grenada, Iran-Contra, and arms negotiations with the Soviets. I buzzed through the part on his childhood through winning the 1980 election. It was as engrossing as it was informative. Amidst his family story, governorship, and presidential campaigns, the words that are most striking are those dedicated to Nancy. His description of his love for her and their relationship would be worth its own book.As the autobiography moves into his presidential years, the narrative slows its pace considerably. It might take the reader a few chapters to adjust. This is greatly due to the inclusion of diary entries (at one point the entries themselves take up many consecutive pages) and letters. While the reader must become more deliberate in his or her reading, it is well worth the insight and intimacy Reagan shares. The letters between him and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev detail the travels from opposed leaders, to negotiation partners, to friends. It gives insight to the final chapters of the Cold War that can be seen nowhere else."An American Life" also gives great insight to the inner-workings of an administration. President Reagan gives honest analyses of those who served closest to him: their highs, their lows, their strengths, their short-comings, and everything in between. Reagan shares his and his advisors' discussions on policy, on leadership positions, and how they all functioned (or malfunctioned) together.President Reagan attempts to set the record straight on issues ranging from Grenada to the Iran-Contra affair. The challenge for a president to balance his confidential duties and be transparent to the people cannot be easy. After the fact he is able to share some information that was not privy to the general public at the time. Again, it's his honesty and frankness that is appreciated by this reader. Regardless of your thoughts or stances on the Iran-Contra affair, it is necessary to read the President's own words to give thorough criticism or support."An American Life" is a piece of unceasing literary importance. For eight years Ronald Reagan oversaw the greatest nation in history. Although not a perfect presidency, it is difficult to comprehend any argument that the United States was not better off in 1989 than it was in 1981. This autobiography is worth reading for Democrats and Republicans alike (not to mention Libertarians, Independents, any other political party members). Many Republicans (particularly those labeled as Neo-Conservatives) are quick to misunderstand his presidency, especially on the foreign affairs front. Meanwhile, Democrats are quick to forget that his ability to speak with and work with the opposing party was not an example of a man who sacrificed his principles to get things done.In "An American Life", President Ronald Reagan gives a first-hand account of eight years that shaped the world. Its significance over the years will only increase, as we look to the past to learn about the future.

What a leader. Today we have feckless and self-centered government officials. I fear for America. This book makes clear what we need to do going forward. Read this book. Learn from this book.

I was born in the late 90s so I never really knew much about Reagan growing up. He had the most interesting view on government (from his days as Governor of California to the final days of his presidency) because he believed in decreased spending and very small government. Hard to believe considering he was once the president of the Screen Actors Guild. It's funny how people called him racist but poor minorities seemed to be thriving in the 80s. As far as foreign policy goes, he was probably the most successful president. The book writes about his handling of the Falklands, Grenada, USSR, and Israel.Also, the book itself is easy to read. There's no way a 79 year old man could write something this good but it's still an amazing book none-the-less.

All presidents and all politicians should be required to read this book. Much can be learned about how to govern.

Reagan was loved by both sides of the isle. I wish Trump would take a chapter out of this book, so he could also go down as one of America's great Presidents.

Reagan's autobiography is a must read for anyone seeking to better understand the 40th president. The writing is clear and flowing. The book provides a fascinating look at Reagan's early life, growing up in Illinois, finding work during the Great Depression as a radio announcer and later actor, and ultimately becoming a TV personality and actor's guild labor union leader. The bulk of the book covers the core issues of his presidency - fighting inflation, supply-side economics, Iran-Contra, and negotiating an end through the Cold War via "peace through strength". I would have liked to read more about his family life; his children are rarely mentioned and his first marriage - which lasted nine years - is hardly discussed. Another minor criticism: in the later half of the book, while discussing his two terms as president, letters or speeches are often quoted at length. This is sometimes useful for the reader, but at times I felt that correspondence between Reagan and others - particularly his Soviet counterparts - could have been summarized rather then quoted in their entirety.

My husband bought this book for me. I loved the book! It was hard to put down. I highly recommend it!!

This is an engaging autobiography and I could not put it down. It covers Ronald Regan's early life and achievements. His progressive development and education by experience. He is always portrayed as an actor who becomes President of the United States. The reality was that he had been involved in politics for many years and had been President of the Screen Actors Guild during a very difficult time with Communism in Hollywood. For eight years he was employed by General Electric to to tour their plants initially talking about Hollywood and General Electric Theater a weekly TV programme they sponsored. As time when on these talks became more focused on government than Hollywood. He continued to give speeches and Republican activities supporting Barry Goldwater. He had been approached by business men who wanted and would finance him to talk on national television. This was followed by the suggestion he stand for Governor of California and some years later as President of the United States. He was propelled into these positions rather than seeking them out. Nancy supported him throughout. His achievements in establishing a relationship with Gorbachov and finishing the cold war are immense. There was of course his special relationship with Margaret Thatcher. A good read.

The book is important, good and well written, but there is too much place for diplomacy and foreign policy. It was a lot important in the Reagan time, but this part results to be a quite boring reading.

Loved this book, very easy to read, written with some of Ronald Reagan's famous humour. Lots of detail and stories of his time in the White House. He comes across as a humble, hard working man who believed in what he was doing. Anyone with an interest of that era, should read his book. Can't imagine what he would think if he saw the state of our world nowadays.

Very good book to read I would reread again at a later date

I enjoyed this book it is very interesting to read how Reagan grew to be President.