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How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life
On February 6, 2001, my nine-year-old daughter happened to wander into the room during a television segment marking Ronald Reagan's ninetieth birthday. She watched for a moment. Then she turned to me and asked, "Dad, is that the President you worked for?" What answer could I give her? How could I make her see? I wanted my daughter to recognize that the world she inhabited was freer and more prosperous because of that old, old man on television. But I also wanted her to grasp my personal debt to him, to understand all that he taught me-how to work and how to relax, how to think and how to use words, how to be a good husband, how to approach life itself... I needed to tell my children how Ronald Reagan changed my life. In 1982, as a young man, Peter Robinson was hired as a speechwriter in the Reagan White House. During the six years that followed, he was one of a core group of writers who became informal experts on Reagan, absorbing not just his political positions but his personality, manner, and way of carrying himself And the example Reagan set-as a confident, passionate, principled, generous-spirited older man-molded Robinson's outlook just as he was coming into his own. "Hard work. A good marriage. A certain lightness of touch," he writes. "The longer I studied Ronald Reagan, the more lessons I learned." At the core of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life are ten of the life lessons Robinson learned from the fortieth President-principles that have guided his own life ever since. But it also offers a warm and unforgettable portrait of a great yet ordinary man who touched the individuals around him as surely as he did his millions of admirers around the world. Drawing on journal entries from his days at the White House, as well as interviews with those who knew the President best, Robinson etches his portrait with fresh observations, telling detail, and that "certain lightness of touch" that recalls the master himself The result is nothing less than a love story-an account of the profound respect and affection that one young man came to feel for the President who changed his life forever.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
7 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Peter M. Robinson
12 books25 followersPeter M. Robinson is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, where he writes about business and politics, edits Hoover's quarterly journal, the Hoover Digest, and hosts Hoover's vidcast program, Uncommon Knowledge™.
Robinson is also the author of three books: How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life (Regan Books, 2003); It's My Party: A Republican's Messy Love Affair with the GOP, (Warner Books, 2000); and the best-selling business book Snapshots from Hell: The Making of an MBA (Warner Books, 1994; still available in paperback).
In 1979, he graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College, where he majored in English. He went on to study politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University, from which he graduated in 1982.
Robinson spent six years in the White House, serving from 1982 to 1983 as chief speechwriter to Vice President George Bush and from 1983 to 1988 as special assistant and speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan. He wrote the historic Berlin Wall address in which President Reagan called on General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!"
After the White House, Robinson attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. (The journal he kept formed the basis for Snapshots from Hell.) He graduated with an MBA in 1990.
Robinson then spent a year in New York City with Fox Television, reporting to the owner of the company, Rupert Murdoch. He spent a second year in Washington, D.C., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he served as the director of the Office of Public Affairs, Policy Evaluation, and Research. Robinson joined the Hoover Institution in 1993.
The author of numerous essays and interviews, Robinson has published in the New York Times, Red Herring, and Forbes ASAP, the Wall Street Journal, and National Review Online. He is the editor of Can Congress Be Fixed?: Five Essays on Congressional Reform (Hoover Institution Press, 1995).
In 2005, Robinson was elected to serve as a Trustee of Dartmouth College.
Robinson lives in northern California with his wife, their children and their dog, Crusoe.
Robinson is also the author of three books: How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life (Regan Books, 2003); It's My Party: A Republican's Messy Love Affair with the GOP, (Warner Books, 2000); and the best-selling business book Snapshots from Hell: The Making of an MBA (Warner Books, 1994; still available in paperback).
In 1979, he graduated summa cum laude from Dartmouth College, where he majored in English. He went on to study politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University, from which he graduated in 1982.
Robinson spent six years in the White House, serving from 1982 to 1983 as chief speechwriter to Vice President George Bush and from 1983 to 1988 as special assistant and speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan. He wrote the historic Berlin Wall address in which President Reagan called on General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall!"
After the White House, Robinson attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. (The journal he kept formed the basis for Snapshots from Hell.) He graduated with an MBA in 1990.
Robinson then spent a year in New York City with Fox Television, reporting to the owner of the company, Rupert Murdoch. He spent a second year in Washington, D.C., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he served as the director of the Office of Public Affairs, Policy Evaluation, and Research. Robinson joined the Hoover Institution in 1993.
The author of numerous essays and interviews, Robinson has published in the New York Times, Red Herring, and Forbes ASAP, the Wall Street Journal, and National Review Online. He is the editor of Can Congress Be Fixed?: Five Essays on Congressional Reform (Hoover Institution Press, 1995).
In 2005, Robinson was elected to serve as a Trustee of Dartmouth College.
Robinson lives in northern California with his wife, their children and their dog, Crusoe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 15, 2020
I think Peter Robinson changed my life by telling me how Ronald Reagan changed his.
June 2, 2020
Peter Robinson was the speechwriter who is responsible for Reagan’s famous Berlin Wall speech.
I first came across his name when I sat down to watch what I thought was a short Facebook video of Pat Sajak interviewing one of Reagan’s speechwriters. The video turned out to be over an hour long and I sat fascinated and watched the entire thing. So needless to say, I was so excited when I discovered this book! While this book wasn’t filled with facts about Reagan that I didn’t already know, there were so many interesting facts that I learned about Peter Robinson and that makes my nerdy little heart happy.
I first came across his name when I sat down to watch what I thought was a short Facebook video of Pat Sajak interviewing one of Reagan’s speechwriters. The video turned out to be over an hour long and I sat fascinated and watched the entire thing. So needless to say, I was so excited when I discovered this book! While this book wasn’t filled with facts about Reagan that I didn’t already know, there were so many interesting facts that I learned about Peter Robinson and that makes my nerdy little heart happy.
August 21, 2016
I was six years old when Ronald Reagan died, and I didn't understand why my family cared about a man we didn't know and who wasn't even the current President. This book gave me a little more insight into why Ronald Reagan mattered to my family and to America.
I came upon this little treasure in a thrift store. Because it was about Ronald Reagan, I picked it up, not knowing anything else about it. I loved it.
The book is basically a collection of lessons that Peter Robinson learned as one of President Reagan's speechwriters. I expected a little bit more information about Ronald Reagan himself and less about Mr. Robinson, but I enjoyed both aspects of the book, as well as the snippets we see of the interior workings in the White House.
If you're looking for a biography of Ronald Reagan's life, this is not the book for you. But if you're looking for information on the principles that Ronald Reagan founded his life on, this is a wonderful source. This book increased my interest in the life of Ronald Reagan, and now I want to read his autobiography.
This book was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed all of the anecdotes and examples Mr. Robinson used to show and not just tell us the lessons President Reagan taught him. I also enjoyed Mr. Robinson's descriptions of his own life. His style is fun and comfortable to read, and I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those like myself who weren't born until after Reagan's time and who may not realize why he matters. He matters because he was a man who unabashedly believed in God, believed in doing what was right, and believed in America. More important than just believing, he acted on his beliefs. He lived his beliefs, and Mr. Robinson just stated them after the fact.
I came upon this little treasure in a thrift store. Because it was about Ronald Reagan, I picked it up, not knowing anything else about it. I loved it.
The book is basically a collection of lessons that Peter Robinson learned as one of President Reagan's speechwriters. I expected a little bit more information about Ronald Reagan himself and less about Mr. Robinson, but I enjoyed both aspects of the book, as well as the snippets we see of the interior workings in the White House.
If you're looking for a biography of Ronald Reagan's life, this is not the book for you. But if you're looking for information on the principles that Ronald Reagan founded his life on, this is a wonderful source. This book increased my interest in the life of Ronald Reagan, and now I want to read his autobiography.
This book was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed all of the anecdotes and examples Mr. Robinson used to show and not just tell us the lessons President Reagan taught him. I also enjoyed Mr. Robinson's descriptions of his own life. His style is fun and comfortable to read, and I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those like myself who weren't born until after Reagan's time and who may not realize why he matters. He matters because he was a man who unabashedly believed in God, believed in doing what was right, and believed in America. More important than just believing, he acted on his beliefs. He lived his beliefs, and Mr. Robinson just stated them after the fact.
December 26, 2013
I picked up this book because I didn't know a thing about Ronald Reagan and wondered why people talked about the guy like he was God or something. This author does just that. I guess he is God. Hmmm. Lots to ponder here.
No, but seriously, he sounds like a kind man, and actually was a very remarkable (and unlikely) president. Makes me want to read his bio as well as his wife's.
No, but seriously, he sounds like a kind man, and actually was a very remarkable (and unlikely) president. Makes me want to read his bio as well as his wife's.
July 29, 2009
The author was one of President Reagan's speechwriters, and I read this book sometime around April of 2004, which proved to be timely because the former President passed away in June of that year, shortly after I finished the book. Reagan had what we might call a charmed life; it was long, well and completely lived, and spectacularly successful, too. The keys to his success were, to a very large degree, his character and temperament, which the author studied carefully and summarized in the chapters of this book. (Parenthetically, he even notes that Reagan had a natural golf swing that was nearly perfect.)
Robinson devotes an entire chapter to one pivotal moment in Reagan's Presidency, which seemed far more important and prescient in retrospect than it did at the time: his challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev, issued in the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, to "tear down this wall." From my own perspective, I vividly recall that speech, which was given in June, 1987; what a powerful sentiment, I thought, but too bad there was no chance of seeing it fulfilled, at least in my lifetime. But down came the Berlin Wall, a short 2-1/2 years after Reagan gave the speech, and near the end of the year he left office. His advisers almost unanimously insisted that he omit the line from his prepared speech, but Reagan, a man of conviction and principle, insisted that it be left in. Peter Robinson wrote the speech, complete with the controversial line; and even now, whenever I listen to it on YouTube, it continues to thrill and amaze me.
This one is on my short list of books worth rereading, although I haven't gotten around to doing so yet. But I have encouraged my children to read it. My son did so about four years ago, when he was about 16; my daughter, who is 15 when I write this review in the summer of 2009, hasn't done so yet, but I hope she will.
Robinson devotes an entire chapter to one pivotal moment in Reagan's Presidency, which seemed far more important and prescient in retrospect than it did at the time: his challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev, issued in the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, to "tear down this wall." From my own perspective, I vividly recall that speech, which was given in June, 1987; what a powerful sentiment, I thought, but too bad there was no chance of seeing it fulfilled, at least in my lifetime. But down came the Berlin Wall, a short 2-1/2 years after Reagan gave the speech, and near the end of the year he left office. His advisers almost unanimously insisted that he omit the line from his prepared speech, but Reagan, a man of conviction and principle, insisted that it be left in. Peter Robinson wrote the speech, complete with the controversial line; and even now, whenever I listen to it on YouTube, it continues to thrill and amaze me.
This one is on my short list of books worth rereading, although I haven't gotten around to doing so yet. But I have encouraged my children to read it. My son did so about four years ago, when he was about 16; my daughter, who is 15 when I write this review in the summer of 2009, hasn't done so yet, but I hope she will.
May 30, 2012
I remember hearing about this book when it first came out and thinking "Great. Another book saying how great Reagan was that people will write off as hero worship by Republicans." On a recent Ricochet podcast, the hosts mentioned how to get a free audiobook from audible.com and that Robinson's book was read by him, with audio excerpts of Reagan where he is quoted. Since I've become an admirer of Robinson's through Uncommon Knowledge, I decided I'd use my freebie to download this book. Robinson himself says the book is kind of a "love letter" to Reagan, but it's not an outright hagiography of the president. He shares ten important lessons he learned from Reagan and it reads as a warm portrait of a mentor - who just happened to be the leader of the free world.
Each chapter of the book focuses on a life lesson Robinson took from his time in the White House. Some of these include finding the good in the bad, do the work you are intended to do, act now, what you say matters, and take things in stride. Each one of these items is backed up by anecdotes from Robinson or from other former Reagan staffers who he interviewed. Those interested in the "Tear Down This Wall" speech should pay close attention to chapter 4, it is a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how that speech came to be.
The book is written in an easy, conversational style. Since Robinson reads the book himself, it has the effect of a witty, urbane friend over for a dinner party, regaling you with interesting stories for hours on end. I can't tell you how many times he had me laughing out loud.
Recommended and so is the audio version.
Each chapter of the book focuses on a life lesson Robinson took from his time in the White House. Some of these include finding the good in the bad, do the work you are intended to do, act now, what you say matters, and take things in stride. Each one of these items is backed up by anecdotes from Robinson or from other former Reagan staffers who he interviewed. Those interested in the "Tear Down This Wall" speech should pay close attention to chapter 4, it is a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how that speech came to be.
The book is written in an easy, conversational style. Since Robinson reads the book himself, it has the effect of a witty, urbane friend over for a dinner party, regaling you with interesting stories for hours on end. I can't tell you how many times he had me laughing out loud.
Recommended and so is the audio version.
January 27, 2015
This was actually a very good book! Like many, I dismissed Reagan as an amiable dunce, but after reading Robinson's book, I've changed my mind, at least somewhat.
Robinson was hired right our of university to be speech writer for the VP, but somehow he went to work for Reagan in the White House.
It is more of a look back by a much more mature man, telling the story of his earlier self. In laying out the various ways that Reagan changed his life, he sheds light on Reagan, his personality, work ethic, foreign policy etc and left me with a lot of respect for Reagan's view (and his respect for) the common people, a respect that is certainly missing from the Washington (and Ottawa) crowd today.
He is not afraid to tackle the thorny questions about Reagan and whether or not he was an architect of the collapse of USSR, and this is where I disagree with him the most.
He paints a very sympathetic picture of Reagan after he leaves the White House and starts to show signs of Alzheimers, the disease that killed him.
Even if you dismissed Reagan as the amiable dunce, mere tool of those around him, and perhaps especially if that is your view, you should read this book for an entirely different and very thoughtful view.
Robinson was hired right our of university to be speech writer for the VP, but somehow he went to work for Reagan in the White House.
It is more of a look back by a much more mature man, telling the story of his earlier self. In laying out the various ways that Reagan changed his life, he sheds light on Reagan, his personality, work ethic, foreign policy etc and left me with a lot of respect for Reagan's view (and his respect for) the common people, a respect that is certainly missing from the Washington (and Ottawa) crowd today.
He is not afraid to tackle the thorny questions about Reagan and whether or not he was an architect of the collapse of USSR, and this is where I disagree with him the most.
He paints a very sympathetic picture of Reagan after he leaves the White House and starts to show signs of Alzheimers, the disease that killed him.
Even if you dismissed Reagan as the amiable dunce, mere tool of those around him, and perhaps especially if that is your view, you should read this book for an entirely different and very thoughtful view.
December 5, 2011
I can't speak highly enough about this book. I first listened to the audiobook for a class project. Peter Robinson's conversational style and insight into so many topics required that I read the whole book. After driving to a library 40 minutes away I had the book.
Finished in no time, the book is everything a young man like myself could want in a book. The history of the Reagan years is brief but insightful. It reflects on Reagan's life. A man at the end of his life, Reagan has so much to teach young men. It reflects on Peter Robinson's life, then in his 40's and just starting a family. He talks about the issues he had as a 20 something finding his way in the world while being in the Reagan White House. For a almost college grad, his concerns are my concerns and he taught me a lot.
I loved the book so much I already bought a new version of the book. This is almost unheard of for me since I am cheap and prefer used. However, I know I will keep looking back to this book for guidance, history and entertainment for years to come. Truly a near perfect book for this point in my life.
Finished in no time, the book is everything a young man like myself could want in a book. The history of the Reagan years is brief but insightful. It reflects on Reagan's life. A man at the end of his life, Reagan has so much to teach young men. It reflects on Peter Robinson's life, then in his 40's and just starting a family. He talks about the issues he had as a 20 something finding his way in the world while being in the Reagan White House. For a almost college grad, his concerns are my concerns and he taught me a lot.
I loved the book so much I already bought a new version of the book. This is almost unheard of for me since I am cheap and prefer used. However, I know I will keep looking back to this book for guidance, history and entertainment for years to come. Truly a near perfect book for this point in my life.
January 6, 2009
This book is fantastic. I read this book to get ideas for my graduation speech, and it didn't work, but it did get me thinking about speeches in general. I really enjoy reading and listening to conservative thinkers who are intellectually impressive.
I am totally moderate and it seems some of the most heartening, humanistic, and empathetic writers are on the left. So I really enjoy when a conservative can move me to tears.
Robinson did just that. Robinson documents Reagan's tenure through his speeches. He also discusses Reagan's life.
I am convinced that this book is riddled with historical inaccuracies, and assumptions about what Reagan was thinking and why he did some of the things that he did.
In spite of those glaring errors, this book was fantastic. It was great for those of us who can't seem to comprehend the myriad of complex financial, social, and historical issues that occurred during Reagan's tenure.
I am totally moderate and it seems some of the most heartening, humanistic, and empathetic writers are on the left. So I really enjoy when a conservative can move me to tears.
Robinson did just that. Robinson documents Reagan's tenure through his speeches. He also discusses Reagan's life.
I am convinced that this book is riddled with historical inaccuracies, and assumptions about what Reagan was thinking and why he did some of the things that he did.
In spite of those glaring errors, this book was fantastic. It was great for those of us who can't seem to comprehend the myriad of complex financial, social, and historical issues that occurred during Reagan's tenure.
July 24, 2008
From the man who wrote the "Tear Down this Wall" speech Reagan is so famous for. This book gives insight into the man that is quite valuable to anyone who wants to know more about the Reagan Years. Very well written.
Currently reading
January 20, 2009A quick and easy read - contains some great "behind the scenes" anecdotes about Reagan. Also is instructive as Robinson re-tells how his young life was shaped by his time working for Reagan and experiencing the twists and turns of life itself.
February 28, 2009
Peter Robinson was one of President Reagan's speech writers. He shares life changing principles from President Reagan that he adopted for his own life. President Reagan certainly was a disciplined, decisive man. A great presidetn
February 7, 2010
Sometimes I couldn't stop laughing. Robinson is after all, a comedic writer. Superb analysis of what made the Great Communicator great. Plus he shows us how to scrutinize our heroes in order to emulate their best qualities.
May 20, 2011
After reading this book you want to try to be more like Ronald Reagan. It also, makes you believe that he was just a normal person like most all of us, and most of the things he did, we can each do as individuals. The book is very inspirational.
May 22, 2011
Endearing portrayal of Reagan the man. Peter Robinson writes in an engaging, rather chatty and conversational style about someone he unabashedly adored. It's a mix of Robinson's life and Reagan's with many memorable stories.
June 14, 2007
I have to admit I found this portrayal of Ronald Reagan inspiring and even brought a tear to my eye at its most poignant pages.
August 28, 2008
The title originally turned me off, but this is one of the best books I have ever read...
May 9, 2011
I listened to this on audio, but who doesn't love a little Ronnie?
October 3, 2011
I love this book, and would recommend it to every young person (18+), especially young men.
August 17, 2016
Given to me as a gift. Haven't known a whole lot about Reagan and appreciated the personal insights from one of his speechwriters.
May 24, 2013
Loved it. Quick read, unique view of Ronald Reagan through the eyes of a man who wrote many of his speeches.
July 2, 2014
Fantastic read!!
July 22, 2016
What a wonderful book. This is one that belongs on the shelf of each and every "Ordinary American". Loved it.
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November 18, 2016Interesting peak into a less familiar world and job...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
I first read this book when it came out in 2003. I read it again in 2020, and like Robinson’s other book, Snapshots from Hell, it was better the second time around! The book is organized around ten major life lessons Peter learned from Ronald Reagan. He got to observe him from the White House, being one of his speechwriters. There’s an incredible amount of inside stories about Reagan, including, of course, the story behind the Berlin Wall speech written by Peter and delivered by Reagan in June 1987. A fantastic read of history. Here are some memorable stories:
Reagan’s first national security adviser, Richard Allen. Allen told Peter: “Reagan asked if I’d like to hear his theory concerning the Cold War and the Soviets. I allowed as how I certainly would. Reagan said, ‘Some people think I’m simplistic, but there’s a difference between being simplistic and being simple. My theory about the Cold War is that we win and they lose. What do you think about that?’”
Robinson writes that YOU CAN TRACE the whole story of Ronald Reagan’s victory in the Cold War, by looking at just four of his speeches. "First, to the British Parliament on June 8, 1982, where he says ‘[T]he march of freedom and democracy…will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history….’ Second, the March 8, 1983 address to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, “to ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire, thereby remove yourself from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.” Third, June 12, 1987, in Berlin, speaking at the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate rising behind him, “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Last of the four, May 31, 1988, during Reagan’s visit to Moscow. Standing beneath a gigantic marble bust of Lenin, The fortieth President, describing freedom to the children of the Soviet apparat. The Cold War was over.”
“Soon after the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl. Reagan said, “I just learned that ‘chernobyl’ is the Russian word for ‘wormwood.’ Wormwood is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, you know,” he said, sitting down. “It’s one of the seven plagues that signals the end of the world.”
Josh Gilder, another speechwriter wrote the remarks for the President to deliver during his 1987 visit to the Vatican, and had this line in the talk: “brave people everywhere who yearn for freedom, even as all men and women yearn for the freedom that God gave us all when he gave us a free will.”
Reagan’s first national security adviser, Richard Allen. Allen told Peter: “Reagan asked if I’d like to hear his theory concerning the Cold War and the Soviets. I allowed as how I certainly would. Reagan said, ‘Some people think I’m simplistic, but there’s a difference between being simplistic and being simple. My theory about the Cold War is that we win and they lose. What do you think about that?’”
Robinson writes that YOU CAN TRACE the whole story of Ronald Reagan’s victory in the Cold War, by looking at just four of his speeches. "First, to the British Parliament on June 8, 1982, where he says ‘[T]he march of freedom and democracy…will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history….’ Second, the March 8, 1983 address to the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, “to ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire, thereby remove yourself from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil.” Third, June 12, 1987, in Berlin, speaking at the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate rising behind him, “General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Last of the four, May 31, 1988, during Reagan’s visit to Moscow. Standing beneath a gigantic marble bust of Lenin, The fortieth President, describing freedom to the children of the Soviet apparat. The Cold War was over.”
“Soon after the 1986 nuclear accident at Chernobyl. Reagan said, “I just learned that ‘chernobyl’ is the Russian word for ‘wormwood.’ Wormwood is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, you know,” he said, sitting down. “It’s one of the seven plagues that signals the end of the world.”
Josh Gilder, another speechwriter wrote the remarks for the President to deliver during his 1987 visit to the Vatican, and had this line in the talk: “brave people everywhere who yearn for freedom, even as all men and women yearn for the freedom that God gave us all when he gave us a free will.”
January 30, 2024
This is an excellent book. A must read for anyone interested in The Presidency or in Ronald Reagan. Written by one of Reagan's speech writers, it is full of interesting information on one of the greatest modern Presidents. It is very well written and seems to be about the 'education' of the author as a speechwriter and a man as much as it is about Mr. Reagan. It tells of Robinson's personal interactions with the President as well as incidents from associates. Some great personal stories about Mr Reagan. I know I am repeating myself but this is a great book. I am impressed. Very interesting material, well presented. I got the hardcover for a dollar at Goodwill! Awesome! It now sits proudly on my shelf with the likes Carter, Dickerson and McCullough.
March 20, 2023
This was a nice change from the usual history read. The unique strategy for the book was to layout a look at the real man instead of the historical icon. Of course this is the author’s perspective but he was someone who had close interaction with and access to Reagan for 6 years while he was president. Often time’s history books books focus on the facts and fail to let the readers really get to know the person they’re recalling. In the end this was a nice read that give me a different more intimate look at a historical figure while reminding me that he (and all other historical figures) was indeed a real normal person first.
December 17, 2021
I miss Reagan. The last time I watched a State of the Union address was Ronald Reagan’s. When he left office I was afraid for our country. I am proud to say that I enlisted under his leadership. This book brought all that back and more. It has become one of my favorite books. I agree with another reviewer who wrote that Peter Robison changed my life by Reagan changing his. I was equally inspired by this book.
June 16, 2022
Peter if by chance you skim these reviews one day (highly unlikely) I would like you to know, you’ve changed my life. At 27, with 3 children, and a wonderful wife, Uncommon Knowledge has given me a thirst to learn that cannot be quenched. It has caused me to read book after book and, statistic after statistic, to fully develop my worldview. What a wonderful book here as well. Thank you Mr. Peter Robinson for your eloquent, thoughtful, thought provoking words, you truly are a special man.
February 4, 2024
I always enjoy watching Peter Robinson’s Uncommon Knowledge interviews on YouTube, and this book sounded just like he was talking to me. He tells such interesting stories so earnestly and humbly. What jewels we had in Ronald & Nancy Reagan. I don’t think they make them like that anymore. Thank you for sharing, Mr. Robinson! Such valuable lessons in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews