When Character Was King: A Story Of Ronald Reagan

Abridged
Author: Peggy Noonan
Narrator: Peggy Noonan
Genres: Biographies, Politics
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Date: November 2001
Length: 5 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 4/5
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

Written and read with warmth, this biographical portrait of Ronald Reagan presents an admiration for Reagan not evident in her memoir of her time in his administration. Peggy Noonan, best known as a wordsmith for Reagan and Bush Senior, is also an excellent reader. Her voice is clear and pleasing to the ear, and she successfully communicates the emotive intent of her words. A New Yorker, her voice is upper-class mid-town Manhattan. This book is not pure biography because she also describes in detail her interaction with Reagan. A touching passage is her description of seeing Reagan in 1994 and introducing her young son to the president who no longer remembered her.

Reviews (13)

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan

Written by Anonymous on April 3rd, 2008

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Great book about a great man. It is interesting that it wasn't for sale at the Reagan Library when I visited there.

Needs to be UNabridged

Written by Stephen White on November 25th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

A good read, however it was too short. I felt like I was missing much of the detail that would have been very interesting. I would recommend the unabridged version or read the book.

When Character Was King: A Story Of Ronald Reagan

Written by Benjamin Unger on April 9th, 2007

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Enjoyable and well written, particularly if you already are a fan. As Noonan tells us a number of times, she loves Reagan. Skeptics may find her uncritical, worshipping approach frustrating.

When Character was King: Ronald Reagan

Written by Richard Zdanis on October 5th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

OK....I'm not a Republican, but I DID vote for Ronald Reagan back in the 80's...and was a big supporter of his ideas. HOWEVER, you don't have to be a fan of Ronald Reagan to like this book. It is full of information and concepts that are clearly identified through the telling of his life. This is a "must" for those of us looking to climb higher in our careers and life! 5 STARS!

Mr. Reagan

Written by Anonymous from Brockton, MA on February 16th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

As a HUGE fan of Ronald Reagan I found this account of him very touching and inspiring. Very glad to have listened to it.

When Character Was King: A Story Of Ronald Reagan

Written by William Correll on December 1st, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Good insights on Regan from a Whitehouse staffer's point-of-view. I loved listening this one - but then again I loved the Gipper.

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan

Written by Barbara on July 14th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This was a marvelous book. It was clear, concise and well read. I learned so much about a man that I have long admired but his time in history is a little before my time and now I have the details to go along with the admiration.

All the other reviewers have said it well

Written by Doug Boling on March 21st, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Anyone who loves history and people who change it will find it awe inspiring. It was great.

When Character Was King: A Story Of Ro... [abr]

Written by Anonymous from Ashland, NE on March 2nd, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

With President Reagan’s passing last year, I felt compelled to learn more about him. This book was really great and I found myself looking forward to my commutes when I listen. Peggy Noonan, who wrote it, also narrated it superbly. Learning about him as a person versus a politician had me repeatedly wishing I had known him. Learning about his contribution to our world touched me and gave me deep admiration for him and Nancy. Check it out!

A great story about a great man

Written by Anonymous from Basking Ridge, NJ on January 26th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Peggy Noonan did a wonderful job writing and reading this book. It was a great story to listen to!