Preview
  • When Character Was King

  • A Story of Ronald Reagan
  • By: Peggy Noonan
  • Narrated by: Peggy Noonan
  • Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (343 ratings)

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When Character Was King

By: Peggy Noonan
Narrated by: Peggy Noonan
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Publisher's summary

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.
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Critic reviews

"Noonan possesses an astonishingly deft touch for making the political process come alive." (USA Today)

What listeners say about When Character Was King

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a great audiobook by a great writer!

great insight about one of our nation's finest presidents. Great details and stories from a masterful writer and storytellers.

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1 person found this helpful

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We need another President like Reagan

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books so far

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.

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3 people found this helpful

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Fabulous heartfelt read

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

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A Book Well Worth The Read

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.

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A great story of a great man

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.

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Highly enjoyed

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

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Great read, great insight

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.

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I'll probably read it again

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.

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5 Star Book

This book is truthful and insightful. The author not only gave beautiful insight to one of the greatest men of this century, it was the truth. This book leaves no doubt that Ronald Reagan had character and this in fact made him a great political leader.

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17 people found this helpful