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The Gift of Failure:
A Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
Dan Bongino’s brutally honest, deeply personal, unforgettable stories about how he transformed failures into victories will enthrall, entertain, and inspire readers.
In The Gift of Failure , leading conservative commentator Dan Bongino identifies failures in his life and how those failures led to bigger and better things. With the same laser-focused intensity that has made him one of America’s most popular voices, Bongino uncompromisingly cuts to the heart of failure with a collection that is inspirational, motivational, entertaining, touching, and redemptive. The former Secret Service agent currently hosts one of the country’s most listened to radio programs along with a top-rated podcast and the popular Fox News television show, Unfiltered . Throughout his career, Bongino has helped trailblaze a fight for free speech and free expression, garnering many national headlines for taking on some of the biggest tech companies in the world to challenge their seemingly draconian censorship policies. Along the way, through his many David vs. Goliath battles, Bongino has learned the hard way why failure matters. In The Gift of Failure , he shares, in vivid detail, many of these experiences—from high-profile, front-page stories involving the drama behind Parler and Rumble, to never-before-shared personal tales covering his childhood, the Secret Service, the media, a recent serious health battle, and much more. Bongino’s vulnerability coupled with his trademark in-your-face, unapologetic honesty and humor help illuminate many life lessons. This is unforgettable storytelling as only Bongino can deliver. Whether you agree with him or not, there’s something here for everyone.
Dan Bongino’s brutally honest, deeply personal, unforgettable stories about how he transformed failures into victories will enthrall, entertain, and inspire readers.
In The Gift of Failure , leading conservative commentator Dan Bongino identifies failures in his life and how those failures led to bigger and better things. With the same laser-focused intensity that has made him one of America’s most popular voices, Bongino uncompromisingly cuts to the heart of failure with a collection that is inspirational, motivational, entertaining, touching, and redemptive. The former Secret Service agent currently hosts one of the country’s most listened to radio programs along with a top-rated podcast and the popular Fox News television show, Unfiltered . Throughout his career, Bongino has helped trailblaze a fight for free speech and free expression, garnering many national headlines for taking on some of the biggest tech companies in the world to challenge their seemingly draconian censorship policies. Along the way, through his many David vs. Goliath battles, Bongino has learned the hard way why failure matters. In The Gift of Failure , he shares, in vivid detail, many of these experiences—from high-profile, front-page stories involving the drama behind Parler and Rumble, to never-before-shared personal tales covering his childhood, the Secret Service, the media, a recent serious health battle, and much more. Bongino’s vulnerability coupled with his trademark in-your-face, unapologetic honesty and humor help illuminate many life lessons. This is unforgettable storytelling as only Bongino can deliver. Whether you agree with him or not, there’s something here for everyone.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2023
140 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Dan Bongino
10 books178 followersDaniel John Bongino is a conservative commentator and former Secret Service agent. Bongino is a member of the Republican Party. He is the host of the popular conservative podcast, The Dan Bongino Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 20, 2023
The Gift of Failure isn’t my typical YA or MG fantasy/sci-fi read. I follow the author’s podcast. I’m not political on my social media pages, but I don’t trust main-stream media & find my news from other sources. That being said, this book was about Dan Bongino’s life from childhood to present day and how failures molded him. It only has a little about his political views, which is fine since I’m on the same page as Dan.
He grew up in New York, so at least on audiobook, he has some salty language, but it’s real and honest. I appreciate his sincerity—his truthfulness. He’s a former NY City Cop, Secret Service agent, and even ran for some political offices. I have nothing in common with Bongino except failure follows me wherever I go. His words resonated with me and my own failures. The reasons I’m still alive today and won’t give up writing books, is because I learned from failure, the theme of Dan’s book.
I especially enjoyed how each chapter began with quotes about failure by highly successful people. I think we all need to know that other people, including famous, successful people, didn’t always finish first or have all their attempts work out immediately. That’s why I read this outside my normal reads. It’s the boost of “keep going Carla” that I needed.
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” ~ Thomas Edison
He grew up in New York, so at least on audiobook, he has some salty language, but it’s real and honest. I appreciate his sincerity—his truthfulness. He’s a former NY City Cop, Secret Service agent, and even ran for some political offices. I have nothing in common with Bongino except failure follows me wherever I go. His words resonated with me and my own failures. The reasons I’m still alive today and won’t give up writing books, is because I learned from failure, the theme of Dan’s book.
I especially enjoyed how each chapter began with quotes about failure by highly successful people. I think we all need to know that other people, including famous, successful people, didn’t always finish first or have all their attempts work out immediately. That’s why I read this outside my normal reads. It’s the boost of “keep going Carla” that I needed.
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” ~ Thomas Edison
September 12, 2023
Excellent book. I have read all of Bongino’s books. This book gives you up to date information on his life. He talks about his run for senate, his time with fox news, his time with parlor, his pod cast and his cancer. I highly recommend this book!
October 27, 2023
I'm an avid fan of Dan Bongino - I follow him on X (formerly Twitter) and watch him each weekday on Rumble, and have read all his books.
This is his life story (he's currently only 48 years old) though he mentions very little about his political views; he's a conservative.
With stunning candor and true humbleness, he delves into what he calls his "many failures" in life and his recent battle with cancer, all molding him into the truly notable man he is today. On the other hand, he's been a successful NYPD cop, Secret Service agent, Fox News commentator, podcaster and radio talk show host (he took the time slot of the great, late Rush).
I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring and moving book about a tremendously remarkable man.
This is his life story (he's currently only 48 years old) though he mentions very little about his political views; he's a conservative.
With stunning candor and true humbleness, he delves into what he calls his "many failures" in life and his recent battle with cancer, all molding him into the truly notable man he is today. On the other hand, he's been a successful NYPD cop, Secret Service agent, Fox News commentator, podcaster and radio talk show host (he took the time slot of the great, late Rush).
I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring and moving book about a tremendously remarkable man.
September 16, 2023
Very entertaining and inspiring
It was great hearing about the trials and tribulations that Can has experienced in life. Really great to hear the story about Indonesia, Parler, Rumble, running for office. Great advice for young people.
It was great hearing about the trials and tribulations that Can has experienced in life. Really great to hear the story about Indonesia, Parler, Rumble, running for office. Great advice for young people.
September 25, 2023
Don’t Get Dead
As a fan of Dan Bongino I had to read this book. I found it was enjoyable with some insights of a true patriot. Keep up the great work!
As a fan of Dan Bongino I had to read this book. I found it was enjoyable with some insights of a true patriot. Keep up the great work!
October 25, 2023
This book certainly was about facing the obstacle of “failure” as we may think it is, but it’s really not. Dan Bongino certainly dispel the rumor. That failure is not an obstacle, but a signal to improve the way you do things. It’s a short book, but certainly is succinct in theme indeed. He provides the reader a great number of issues in his life that have caused failure. Even though he may have overcome his failures with success, he truly learn the lesson that he needed to to succeed as he did. He certainly has lived a interesting life from where he came from to where he is today. Certainly a good read, how reliable the results will be it’s truly up to the reader heart. Good job.
October 1, 2024
Good examples of what can happen when you step out of your comfort zone and just do something that your heart wants to do. Don’t be afraid to try things just because you might fail.
October 1, 2023
As a fan that’s been listening to your podcast for years as well as watching your show on Fox when it was on, this is actually your first book I’ve read. As open as you are with your listeners (which is a breath of fresh air) when it comes to your life you are “mostly” all positive and talk only about how blessed you are to be where you are and have the life that you have. I say mostly only because recently you have been talking more about your struggles with depression and how it’s affecting you which I also think is healthy and important. But hearing how you got to where you are and the failures along the path that ultimately led you to where you are really put into perspective how hard you’ve fought and struggled to achieve what is undeniably an amazing journey that you’re extremely passionate about. And Paula….just wow. Talk about a superhero. The love that you guys have for each other is amazing and the world would be a better place if only we could all find our soulmates. I’ve been married to mine for 24 years. He’s my best friend and my superhero. So the parts of the book that you talked about you and Paula’s relationship and how she stood by you and supported you through it all hit close to home. I followed him around the world while he worked hard to advance his career in the military, then stood by and supported him when he decided after an 18 month deployment to Afghanistan that even with his biggest promotion guaranteed he wanted to retire. He told me from the other side of the world that if I really supported his idea to start looking for houses to buy in the area we had already agreed was where we wanted to be after he retired. It took me exactly 3 days to find a house, and within a month we closed on our home without him seeing it for himself other than pictures I sent. I spent the next couple of months waiting on his deployment to finally end, making sure that our house was ready. That it felt like a home, our home, a safe place to start the rest of our lives. Because after 21+ years in the military I knew that the transition wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t and the next couple of years were pretty rough at times. But, he never had to worry that I wasn’t right there beside him every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your stories of failure with the world. Hopefully it motivates others to follow your path and not just give up at the first sign of possible failure.
December 9, 2023
In this book the author details the lessons he has learned from the various failures in his life, and how those very failures prepared him for successes later. This isn't a groundbreaking book by any means, since I'm sure hundreds (more?) of books have already been written about this very subject, but Bongino addresses this topic in a personal, encouraging and insightful way, and in his own way. (Speaking of that, there is a bit of language here and there, including a few f-bombs.)
Through his experiences, we learn a bit about his childhood in New York City and on Long Island, his time as a NYC police officer, Secret Service agent, and then his failed runs for office, followed by his time on radio and TV and then as a podcaster, including his time on Parler and now Rumble. Finally, we learn that he had cancer and is now in remission. He gives much credit to others througout, especially his wife Paula.
At the beginning of each chapter he features an inspiring quote about failure from people such as Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Rakoh Waldo Emerson, and Winston Churchill, which I also really liked.
In the Afterword he talked about how 'grit' and persistence are so important, and told us to look at the "gritty" people: "Chances are they've had incredible failures before their most profound achievements." And: "Failure can be discouraging, disheartening. But giving up after the first setback or obstacle will only prevent us from achieving our goals." "Failure is not a reflection of our worth but an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve." He encourages readers to learn the importance of having a 'growth mindset.' Again, nothing earth shattering, but these are good reminders nonetheless, delivered in a down-to-earth way.
I listened to this on audiobook, which I think is probably the best way to read this book! It's like the author is just chatting with you about his experiences, and he also adds asides that aren't in the written book.
Through his experiences, we learn a bit about his childhood in New York City and on Long Island, his time as a NYC police officer, Secret Service agent, and then his failed runs for office, followed by his time on radio and TV and then as a podcaster, including his time on Parler and now Rumble. Finally, we learn that he had cancer and is now in remission. He gives much credit to others througout, especially his wife Paula.
At the beginning of each chapter he features an inspiring quote about failure from people such as Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Rakoh Waldo Emerson, and Winston Churchill, which I also really liked.
In the Afterword he talked about how 'grit' and persistence are so important, and told us to look at the "gritty" people: "Chances are they've had incredible failures before their most profound achievements." And: "Failure can be discouraging, disheartening. But giving up after the first setback or obstacle will only prevent us from achieving our goals." "Failure is not a reflection of our worth but an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve." He encourages readers to learn the importance of having a 'growth mindset.' Again, nothing earth shattering, but these are good reminders nonetheless, delivered in a down-to-earth way.
I listened to this on audiobook, which I think is probably the best way to read this book! It's like the author is just chatting with you about his experiences, and he also adds asides that aren't in the written book.
January 6, 2025
Dan Bongino's "The Gift of Failure" is not just a memoir but a profound exploration of how setbacks can lead to unexpected successes. Having previously known Bongino primarily through his media presence, this book was an eye-opener, offering insights into his personal life and the myriad challenges he faced.
Bongino writes with a candidness that feels both intimate and instructional. The narrative weaves through his career in law enforcement, his political campaigns, and his ventures into media and business, each chapter laying bare the lessons learned from failure. What makes this book stand out is Bongino's ability to frame these failures not as personal defeats but as stepping stones to a broader worldview.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Bongino connects his personal anecdotes to larger life lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the importance of learning from one's mistakes, and the often-overlooked value of perseverance. His storytelling is engaging, often infused with humor, making even the toughest moments relatable.
However, the book isn't without its drawbacks. At times, Bongino's political viewpoints come through strongly, which might polarize readers not aligned with his perspective. Yet, he manages to keep the focus on personal growth rather than political advocacy, which is commendable.
"The Gift of Failure" is particularly enlightening for those interested in the human spirit's capacity to bounce back. It’s a motivational read for anyone who has faced or is fearing failure. It might not change your political stance, but it will certainly change how you view your own setbacks.
Whether you're a fan of Bongino or just someone looking for inspiration on how to turn life's lemons into lemonade, this book offers valuable insights wrapped in an engaging narrative.
Bongino writes with a candidness that feels both intimate and instructional. The narrative weaves through his career in law enforcement, his political campaigns, and his ventures into media and business, each chapter laying bare the lessons learned from failure. What makes this book stand out is Bongino's ability to frame these failures not as personal defeats but as stepping stones to a broader worldview.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how Bongino connects his personal anecdotes to larger life lessons. He emphasizes resilience, the importance of learning from one's mistakes, and the often-overlooked value of perseverance. His storytelling is engaging, often infused with humor, making even the toughest moments relatable.
However, the book isn't without its drawbacks. At times, Bongino's political viewpoints come through strongly, which might polarize readers not aligned with his perspective. Yet, he manages to keep the focus on personal growth rather than political advocacy, which is commendable.
"The Gift of Failure" is particularly enlightening for those interested in the human spirit's capacity to bounce back. It’s a motivational read for anyone who has faced or is fearing failure. It might not change your political stance, but it will certainly change how you view your own setbacks.
Whether you're a fan of Bongino or just someone looking for inspiration on how to turn life's lemons into lemonade, this book offers valuable insights wrapped in an engaging narrative.
January 29, 2024
This is a fabulous book to reinforce your own perceptions to remain positive. Despite sad, dire conditions, repeated setbacks, and especially in the times where you feel that you are just buried at the bottom of the hill.
The quotes before chapters were 6 stars. The photos (more than a generous amount) in clear surrounds of activities and people in Dan's past are 5. They SO relate to the failures and the knowledge gained by them and the experiences that surround them. Especially within youth of absolutely no knowing what you think you do. Or in finding the best work or healthy life at varying ages.
Illness, misfits in jobs, personal relationship failures. They teach you. Lessons you will never learn any other way. Failure, depending upon your reactions to it and perception considering it MIGHT equal maximum growth. Not just in humans either.
My favorite saying for decades has been the Edison one when he said that he had not failed because he knew at least 1000 ways it would not work.
Short, clear book- it can be read in 1 or 2 sittings. Not long ones either.
The quotes before chapters were 6 stars. The photos (more than a generous amount) in clear surrounds of activities and people in Dan's past are 5. They SO relate to the failures and the knowledge gained by them and the experiences that surround them. Especially within youth of absolutely no knowing what you think you do. Or in finding the best work or healthy life at varying ages.
Illness, misfits in jobs, personal relationship failures. They teach you. Lessons you will never learn any other way. Failure, depending upon your reactions to it and perception considering it MIGHT equal maximum growth. Not just in humans either.
My favorite saying for decades has been the Edison one when he said that he had not failed because he knew at least 1000 ways it would not work.
Short, clear book- it can be read in 1 or 2 sittings. Not long ones either.
October 31, 2023
Awesome sort read book. Bongino steps through his career from High School through his ups and downs and various failures and how each failure allowed him to grow and make better decisions along the way. So what was his journey to date; NYPD, Secret Service (Presidential detail), podcaster, contributor to Fox News and business and several business ventures. Parler being the most recent one. Each case presented there were failures that lead to the next task. He also includes several failed attempts in running for Congress as well as Governor of Maryland. Each failure adds knowledge and a strong desire to push ever harder to accomplish a new task. He also talks about a battle with cancer and numerous attempts to silence his conservative thoughts by ultra left thinking by social media platforms like Google. Throughout you see his successes through hard work, discipline and the ability to keep an open mind while willing to take calculated risk.
October 20, 2023
I love audiobooks narrated by the author (two of my favorites of all time were Bob Iger and Viola Davis), and I had a few extra audible credits, so I picked this one up because it was short and I thought it might be something inspiring to listen to on my drive into work. I like Dan, he's as sincere and real as it gets. I did not think the book had anything ground breaking, but I don't think that was the point. I do think he told poignant stories about his own life and tied them into valuable life lessons to keep in mind. I loved that some of the "failures" were true mistakes to learn from, and others were things outside of his control, like our health. That just felt true to life, especially for a control freak like me who has to constantly remind myself certain things are outside my control. 5 stars because I thought the book was honest, vulnerable, and to-the-point.
February 16, 2024
I tried hard to like it
I know I'm not the typical Bongino crowd, I'm more middle of the road. However, I really enjoy the way he tells a story. He can spin a funny and engaging tale, which he does in this book. Then he goes off in his signature style (nothing against anyone who likes it, but it's not for me) where he comes off as angry and left-hating. He basically calls lefties the scum of the world but then says he's got nothing against them. It comes off as severe double talk. This book would have been so much better had he just addressed how to use failure to grow and how he did. Instead, he goes on a couple of angry rants (which may be what his typical readers are looking for) which took away from the importance of the book and my personal enjoyment
I know I'm not the typical Bongino crowd, I'm more middle of the road. However, I really enjoy the way he tells a story. He can spin a funny and engaging tale, which he does in this book. Then he goes off in his signature style (nothing against anyone who likes it, but it's not for me) where he comes off as angry and left-hating. He basically calls lefties the scum of the world but then says he's got nothing against them. It comes off as severe double talk. This book would have been so much better had he just addressed how to use failure to grow and how he did. Instead, he goes on a couple of angry rants (which may be what his typical readers are looking for) which took away from the importance of the book and my personal enjoyment
October 29, 2023
I listen to Dan Bongino's podcast and didn't know all these things that Dan has done in the past. What I love is the fact that he shares his stories about what didn't go well and how he learned from each situation.
I know we all would love not to fail, but I too, feel that the best lessons I have learned are the ones that were 'failures', things that didn't turn out right for me, or I thought they weren't right for me, only to find I was meant for something else.
We all should have a story about our failures and hope that after each of them you have a story of success!!
I know we all would love not to fail, but I too, feel that the best lessons I have learned are the ones that were 'failures', things that didn't turn out right for me, or I thought they weren't right for me, only to find I was meant for something else.
We all should have a story about our failures and hope that after each of them you have a story of success!!
January 6, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Dan Bongino and listen to his podcast religiously. This admittedly is my first book I have read from him, and I enjoyed it. The fact that he can take something negative and see the positive in it, and accept failure as a learning opportunity is a refreshing point of view, and has made me check my mindset as well. The only reason I give this 4 stars is I wish it was longer! I know he says he won't be writing any more books, but I may have to check out his others.
July 8, 2025
Dan is always the winner
I loved this book, course I have always been a big fan of Dan. I actually cried when he got cancer! (Been there done that!) I just love Dan's openness. He tells it like it is. I have always viewed failure as a lesson to be learned. (God, what do want me to learn?) The book is well written and it gets to the point. It gives one the impetus to keep going and not have a pity party in some corner.
I loved this book, course I have always been a big fan of Dan. I actually cried when he got cancer! (Been there done that!) I just love Dan's openness. He tells it like it is. I have always viewed failure as a lesson to be learned. (God, what do want me to learn?) The book is well written and it gets to the point. It gives one the impetus to keep going and not have a pity party in some corner.
August 12, 2025
I was a listener of Dans podcast before he left for FBI service but wasn’t able to get to reading the book until now. I love the book. Such a positive outlook when life tries to give you lemons, good advice for how to take the bull by the horns & turn seemingly negative things into positive ones.
It was so nice to hear Dan narrate the book, like hearing from an old friend. I appreciate his service but sure hope he returns to the podcast when his service is done.
It was so nice to hear Dan narrate the book, like hearing from an old friend. I appreciate his service but sure hope he returns to the podcast when his service is done.
November 10, 2023
enlightening
Gave me hope. Gave me ideas to better myself and accept MY failures. To be positive no matter the issues that I may be going through at the moment. When one door closes, another (better) door opens up. Loved you book. Loved your passion AND your directness. You held nothing back.
Gave me hope. Gave me ideas to better myself and accept MY failures. To be positive no matter the issues that I may be going through at the moment. When one door closes, another (better) door opens up. Loved you book. Loved your passion AND your directness. You held nothing back.
November 17, 2023
As a big fan and loyal listener, I was excited to read this book. Dan mentioned on the show that there would be extras in the audio version, so I opted to listen. The book was so inspirational and motivating, I immediately sent it to a family member. Thanks Dan for being candid about your failures so that I could learn to view mine as gifts as well.
December 1, 2023
A really honest side of bongino. I loved the way he linked stories from his personal life and linked failures that led to eventual success. I listened to the audiobook version as it was on sale this week on audible and loved dans personal notes and emotion expressed. This is a really amazing book and bongino is one of the best conservative commentators.
March 10, 2024
An excellent read on learning to overcome a failure and finding the positives that lunch you on to your next endeavor. Politics aside, Bongino shows us how you perservere in times of crisis, weather its work, family, social life or health. The old adage "we learn from our mistakes" holds true. I would highly recommend this book.
October 24, 2023
Never thought....
Never thought of failure as a gift. I listened to Mr. Bongino read and make occasional comments in this book by himself. I now will lome on failur ad to learn from and pick myself up off the floor, put my big girl pants on and keep trucking on. Thanks Dan!!°
Never thought of failure as a gift. I listened to Mr. Bongino read and make occasional comments in this book by himself. I now will lome on failur ad to learn from and pick myself up off the floor, put my big girl pants on and keep trucking on. Thanks Dan!!°
November 26, 2023
Great motivational book. We all have things inside of us that propel us forward yet fear of failure, leaves us paralyzed and unable to live. This book highlights that even if you fail again that’s ok. Just keep moving and don’t quit. Just what I needed at this point in my life.
October 7, 2025
This was recommended by a book club. Sadly, I failed to research before listening. The book talks about the author‘s life and spends a good amount of time discussing MAGA ideals and bashing the left.
September 21, 2023
This book is packed with great stories that teach valuable life lessons. It was definitely worth the price and the time to read!
September 27, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed
October 2, 2023
This was a very real candid telling of Dans failures and how they led his ability to pivot in life.. Valuable life lessons, and validation that we all have the up and downs in life.
October 15, 2023
It was to short.
October 26, 2023
A learning experience
This reminds me that you learn more from failure then you do from success. This is a recommend read for all.
This reminds me that you learn more from failure then you do from success. This is a recommend read for all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews