The Reagan I Knew

Great!

Excellent book, well written and very entertaining. You move through it very fast. I don't want it to end.

2 people found this helpful

So Charming

Would you consider the audio edition of The Reagan I Knew to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What did you like best about this story?

The people in the book are so charming and gracious.

What about Malcolm Hillgartner’s performance did you like?

He's a good narrator. The voice is pleasant and harmonious with this set of characters.

1 person found this helpful

Wow What A Book!

I can't say enough about this book. It's full of historical moments, wonderful letters between WFB and the Reagans and insights into the two men that are entertaining and fascinating. This book is a MUST have if you were a fan of Reagan or Buckley or both. You will learn things you didn't know and find yourself with even more appreciation for these two titans.

3 people found this helpful

Excellent inside knowledge

This book was not at all what I was expecting and almost stopped reading. Turned out to be a fascinating perspective of several amazing patriots.

More Buckley than Reagan

I listened to this one because I really enjoy learning about our Presidents and because although I disagreed with him politically, I always admired Buckley’s intellect. I ended up disappointed on both counts, but did learn a few things about Reagan, but less than I expected. The book for the most part consists of letters between Buckley and Reagan and transcripts of Reagan’s appearances on Buckley’s show before Reagan became President. Knowing that Buckley had a personal relationship with Reagan, I was expecting more. I was expecting insights into what Reagan was like as a person or stories about their personal interactions. The book provided none of that. Reagan’s letters did show a thoughtful consideration of the policies the two discussed. Reagan came off as informed and intelligent in those discussions. Unfortunately, however, Buckley wrote Reagan more than Reagan wrote Buckley. So, we actually learn more about Buckley than Reagan. This is unfortunate because I left with a worse image of Buckley than I started with. One particular letter during Reagan’s Presidency shows a very homophobic Buckley joking about the AIDS crisis. To publish that letter more than 20 years later without regret or explanation really left a lasting impression of Buckley in a negative way for me. Buckley was obviously an admirer of Reagan. The limited amount we learn about Reagan in the book was positive, I just wish there had been more of that. The narrator was a good one for the audio version. I think there are better books out there to gain insight on Reagan, however.

The More I learn

The more I learn about President Reagan, the more I appreciate my country and the will of it's People. This book looks mostly at the Presidents personal side, but after learning what I have and will, he had one personality. Public, private, political and personal, he was the same man. The narrator Mr. Hillgartner brought this book to life.

Great book, a glimpse into a special relationship.

This was extremely interesting, hearing firsthand accounts of the interactions of these two incredible people is worth the time to listen to it.

Can’t imagine WFB wrote this.

Sounds more like WFB JR. used WFB notes - added his own exaggerations & made his Dad & the Reagans sound pretentious Obnoxiously rich and boring 🥴. Kiss 💋 Kiss

Good book about a great man

President Reagan was definitely an interesting man. This book reinforces how important he was to this nation.

Buckley's Prose Should Be Imitated!

Buckley's prose continues to impress me, even after his death. I recommend this book for two reasons which could easily be added too: 1. Listening to Buckley's narrative and personal writings is so unique and truly pushes one to improve one's writing skill; 2. We learn and even participate in the unique and intimate relationship between WIlliam F. Buckley and the Reagan Family.

Mr. Hillgartner did an excellent job with his narration and with his subtle accent for Buckley...the listener gained a personal touch with the author.