I Should Be Dead

My Life Surviving Politics, TV, and Addiction

By: Bob Beckel, John D. Mann - contributor

Narrated by: Bob Beckel, Graham Beckel

From Bob Beckel, the popular co-host of The Five on Fox News Channel, a deeply moving, redemptive memoir about his life as a political operative and diplomat, his long struggle with alcohol and drugs, and his unlikely journey to finding faith.

Growing up poor in an abusive home, Bob Beckel learned to be a survivor: To avoid conflict, mask his feelings, and to lie - all skills that served him well in Washington, where he would become the youngest-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and manage Walter Mondale's 1984 presidential campaign.

But Beckel was living a double life. On January 20, 2001 - George W. Bush's first Inauguration Day - he hit rock bottom, waking up in the psych ward. Written with captivating honesty, Beckel chronicles how his addictions nearly killed him until he found help in an unexpected ally, conservative Cal Thomas, who helped him find faith, get sober, and get his life back on track.

©2015 Bob Beckel (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Addictive (no pun intended)!

Wonderful narration. I raced through this awesome book! So engaging. it shows the road to recovery is possible by God's grace.

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Great Book Bob my dad did all the drinking in the family . I watch him work and drink himself to death! I said I would never be like him ! I never drank but he taught me so much about work ! He was one of the best Bricklayer of his time! Quentin E Hamlin ,your Book brought a lot of memories back ! Miss you on the Five, keep your head high Bob love Donnie E Hamlin

Great Read

Would you consider the audio edition of I Should Be Dead to be better than the print version?

YES!! I love hearing the author reading his own words

What other book might you compare I Should Be Dead to and why?

This is the most silliest question you ask me, This is Bob Beckel's book and nobody else.

Which character – as performed by Bob Beckel and Graham Beckel – was your favorite?

Another silly question! Bob of course

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes I did, but could not.

Any additional comments?

My whole opinion of Mr. Beckel has changed, what a life, what a man, what a story. I hope he writes another real soon. I have become a Bob Beckel fan.

I'm conflicted

This was an entertaining, sometimes depressing, but ultimately uplifting account of Bob's life. Bob spends a much of the beginning of the book outlining his challenged upbringing - focusing on how he developed into an accomplished bullshitter. He goes on to relate his ascent in politics while telling of his decent into addiction. He wraps everything up by describing his ongoing recovery and personal discovery of God.

I just don't know what to believe. I *want* to believe this book is an honest autobiography, but I just can't get past that nagging feeling that much of it is bullshit. I sincerely hope it is not.

In any case, I sincerely wish him a continued successful recovery from addiction.

Absolutely outstanding!

This is an absolutely great book regardless of your side of politics. The book is about much more than politics, it's about a human being and their struggles. I'm a loyal conservative follower of The Five and greatly missed Bob during his absence. Great book Bob and welcome back!

Great listen

Bob has for the most part always bugged me on the 5. But at the same time I loved him as well. Much how I feel about Madonna love her music... but reject her politics for the most part. Glad Bob is back on the 5 again! His story is amazing! I want to hear about the bar fights though.

A MUST read!

I have been down this road but to a far, far less degree than Mr. Beckel.

While I don't agree with his politics, I empathize with his journey and I commend him for his raw honesty in telling his life story up to this point.

Anyone who either is an addict or knows one should read this book. It puts it all into perspective.

I admire you, Bob Beckel.

A very inspiring story

I am one of those conservatives who loves Bob. I heard of the story weeks ago, but when Bob mentioned it this week, I decided to buy it. I found I couldn't put it down. Glad to see him back on The Five . Blessings on you, Bob!

Brought me to tears

The 80's flew by for me since I was in the trenches pregnant and raising my young brood of 7. I grew up in the DC area and loved everything about that historical and magical area. I knew very little about Bob Beckel and really did not even realize what a commanding force he had been in the Washington political realm.
I picked this audio book for his story on alcoholism. I have family members and close acquaintances that struggle with addictions and I'm trying to hear as many stories concerning that struggle. The narration by his brother Graham Beckel was excellent.
A Conservative/Libertarian in personal philosophy I truly found his biography very interesting BUT it was his story about his addiction and his daily commitment to his recovery that has made me an advocate in recommending this truly inspiring biography. Kudos to Bob Beckel - thank you!

Enlightening

There are (& were) many alcoholics & addicts in my life. while I thought I knew almost all there is to know, I discovered there was more inside knowledge, wisdom, & experiences I received by consuming this book. my thanks to Bob for documenting it in an enjoyable & thought provoking manner.