An American Life

Written by Ronald Reagan

Narrated by Ronald Reagan

Don’t miss one of our greatest presidents’ bestselling autobiographies in his own words. Ronald Reagan’s story is a work of major historical importance, a narrative that The Washington Times calls “one of our classic American success stories.”

Few presidents have accomplished more, or been so effective in changing the direction of government in ways that are both fundamental and lasting, than Ronald Reagan. Certainly no president has more dramatically raised the American spirit, or done so much to restore national strength and self-confidence.

Here, then, is a truly American success story—a great and inspiring one. From modest beginnings as the son of a shoe salesman in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan achieved first a distinguished career in Hollywood and then, as governor of California and as president of the most powerful nation in the world, a career of public service unique in our history.

Ronald Reagan’s account of that rise is told here with all the uncompromising candor, modesty, and wit that made him perhaps the most able communicator ever to occupy the White House, and also with the sense of drama of a gifted natural storyteller.

He tells us, with warmth and pride, of his early years and of the elements that made him, in later life, a leader of such stubborn integrity, courage, and clear-minded optimism. Reading the account of this childhood, we understand how his parents, struggling to make ends meet despite family problems and the rigors of the Depression, shaped his belief in the virtues of American life—the need to help others, the desire to get ahead and to get things done, the deep trust in the basic goodness, values, and sense of justice of the American people—virtues that few presidents have expressed more eloquently than Ronald Reagan.

With absolute authority and a keen eye for the details and the anecdotes that humanize history, Ronald Reagan takes the reader behind the scenes of his extraordinary career, from his first political experiences as president of the Screen Actors Guild (including his first meeting with a beautiful young actress who was later to become Nancy Reagan) to such high points of his presidency as the November 1985 Geneva meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, during which Reagan invited the Soviet leader outside for a breath of fresh air and then took him off for a walk and a man-to-man chat, without aides, that set the course for arms reduction and charted the end of the Cold War.

Here he reveals what went on behind his decision to enter politics and run for the governorship of California, the speech nominating Barry Goldwater that first made Reagan a national political figure, his race for the presidency, his relations with the members of his own cabinet, and his frustrations with Congress.

He gives us the details of the great themes and dramatic crises of his eight years in office, from Lebanon to Grenada, from the struggle to achieve arms control to tax reform, from Iran-Contra to the visits abroad that did so much to reestablish the United States in the eyes of the world as a friendly and peaceful power. His narrative is full of insights, from the unseen dangers of Gorbachev’s first visit to the United States to Reagan’s own personal correspondence with major foreign leaders, as well as his innermost feelings about life in the White House, the assassination attempt, his family—and the enduring love between himself and Mrs. Reagan.

An American Life is a warm, richly detailed, and deeply human book, a brilliant self-portrait, a significant work of history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9780743541534

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States of America. He served two terms as President, from 1981 to 1989.

Reviews for An American Life

[lington_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A warm and appealing account of Ronald Reagan's life in his own words; it assumes a great deal of knowledge about the events that occurred during his presidency and while he was governor (something that might be difficult for those under the age of 21), and you can expect some of the self-promotion inherent in a politician. Despite that, however, the account gives great insight into the mind of the man who is perhaps one of the most posthumously worshipped/vilified leaders the US has ever had.The book is large but not in the least difficult to get through. It is very enlightening, both politically and personally, as Reagan details how he and Nancy met, what caused him to "convert" from the Democratic to the Republican Party, his childhood, his acting career, and his work against the Communists in Hollywood before and during his time as governor. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't howl with unchecked rage at the mention of Reagan's name.

[briandrewz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A spectacular offering from one of America's greatest presidents. Ronald Reagan gives us his autobiography, written with humor, humbleness, and good old-fashioned American know-how. This is an excellent book. Reagan is completely honest with his readers, telling his highest point and his lowest point, mistakes he made, and victories he won. The section about Russia makes heavy use of his personal correspondence with Gorbachev. Anyone interested in American politics, world politics, or just a great autobiography should read this.

[buffalogr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reagan's autobiography reads a little like his journals, its just cleaned up a little and moves pretty fast. Written just after he left the White House, there are a few glaring omissions--his movie career is glossed over, including the wild child portion, the first wife isn't even mentioned and his kids receive no coverage. So, this is mostly about his political career and the reader can understand it's the man seeking his legacy. He does talk about his successes and political failures and spends a lot of time on Russia and little on Iran-Contra. Good primer on the political man.

[markbstephenson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was delectable to me. The idealism, the good humor, the courage, the humility, and the sheer talent of this good man renewed me as I read it.

[scrh-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I continue to try to learn more about my Stone-Campbell religious heritage, and since Ronald Reagan was baptized in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dixon, Illinois, it seemed appropriate for me to choose this book to read. I am glad I did.While Reagan does not discuss his religious belief in great detail, it is clear that he was a believer, a prayer, and tried to put his faith in action as best he could. He mentions prayer numerous times, and especially after the assassination attempt, connects his role on this earth with a need to serve God. He believed that God's blessing was truly upon him, and like President Lincoln, thought it important that rather than ask God to be on his side, he wanted to be on God's side.I also appreciated learning about Regan's management style, which was a "hands off" approach. When he needed to make big decisions, he gathered input from his senior staff, listened to the pros and cons, and gave the matter thought before making the final decision. He used a team problem solving approach.I think this book would benefit anyone desiring to learn about management and leadership. It also covers a part of US and world history that saw the fall of the USSR, and much of the book discusses that topic from Reagan's perspective.Following the Prologue, the book is sectioned into six main parts:I. From Dixon to WashingtonII. The First Year, A New BeginningIII. Staying the CourseIV. The Middle East, Lebanon, GrenadaV. Iran-ContraVI. Arms Control, From Geneva to Reykjavik, Washington to MoscowEpilogueThe book includes a number of photos and is indexed.

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was great to hear him speak for himself. I liked all the speeches. Thanks Steve