When Character Was King Audiobook By Peggy Noonan cover art

When Character Was King

A Story of Ronald Reagan

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When Character Was King

By: Peggy Noonan
Narrated by: Peggy Noonan
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It is 20 years - a full generation - since Ronald Reagan first walked into the White House and ignited a revolution. From the beginning, he enjoyed affection from so many Americans, but now, as he approaches the end of his life, he has received what he deserved even more: their deep respect.

"Presidents tend to come from something," writes Peggy Noonan. What was the wellspring of Ronald Reagan's greatness? Noonan argues that the secret of Reagan's success was no secret at all. It was his character - his courage, his kindness, his persistence, his honesty, and his almost heroic patience in the face of setbacks - that was the most important element of his success.

No one has ever captured Ronald Reagan like Peggy Noonan. In When Character Was King, Noonan brings her own reflections on Reagan to bear, as well as new stories - from President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, his Secret Service men and White House colleagues, his wife, his daughter Patti Davis, and his close friends - to reveal the true nature of a man even his opponents now view as a maker of big history.

Marked by incisive wit and elegant prose, When Character Was King will both enlighten and move listeners. It may well be the last word on Ronald Reagan, not only as a leader but as a man.

©2001 Peggy Noonan (P)2001 Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc. Americas Historical History & Theory Political Science Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State United States

Critic reviews

"Noonan possesses an astonishingly deft touch for making the political process come alive." (USA Today)
Insightful History • Inspiring Anecdotes • Great Narration • Masterful Storytelling • Truthful Portrayal • Clear Writing
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great insight about one of our nation's finest presidents. Great details and stories from a masterful writer and storytellers.

a great audiobook by a great writer!

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I wasnt familiar with peggy noonan before this book, but now Im a fan. one of the better audiobooks ive listened to in a while, and am listening to it for a second time. An insiders look at the greatest president of our time, who paints him as wonderfully human and uncommonly inspirational to conservatives everywhere. This one, is a must read in my opinion.

One of the best books so far

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Already was a huge fan of President Reagan, now love him even more!
Peggy noon an did a great job.

Fabulous heartfelt read

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Peggy Noonan is a wonderful writer. I really appreciate how she holds my interest. I learned a lot more about a president I really admired.

A Book Well Worth The Read

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This is a great tell of a great man. It is not a stiff biography full of stiff facts and figures. it is the story of how Ronald Reagan was.

A great story of a great man

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Excellent discourse about Reagan's character. Highly recommend this book, particularly for younger readers who are unaware his accomplishments.

We need another President like Reagan

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Loved the story behind one of America’s greatest presidents! So much detail written about his life story!

Wonderful story of a great man

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Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy to listen to, engaging and educational. Wonderful way to understand such a great man.

Highly enjoyed

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Excellent book with insight into the makeup of president Reagan and what made him into the man he was and why he lead the way he did.

Great read, great insight

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i loved hearing about Nancy's protection of him. I enjoyed that he talked with Hod all the time and rode his horse to think about situations. It was time well spent.

I'll probably read it again

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