Lazarus Rising

By: John Howard

Narrated by: John Howard

John Howard is the second longest serving prime minister in Australia's history. His tenure lasted almost 12 years. His autobiography is essential reading for those interested in contemporary politics, in Australian history or the craft of practical politics. John Howard spent decades under media scrutiny, and while his credentials as a political leader, devoted family man and sports tragic are beyond dispute, in this autobiography he reveals much more about himself.

In Lazarus Rising, Howard traces his personal and political journey, from childhood in the post-World War II era through to the present day, painting a fascinating picture of a changing Australia. Lazarus Rising is history seen through the eyes of the ultimate insider; an account of a 30-year political career. No prime minister of modern times has reshaped Australia and its place in the world as forcefully as John Howard. As part of his reform agenda he privatized Telstra, dismantled excessive union power and compulsory trade union membership, instituted the unpopular Goods and Services Tax, and established the 'work for the dole' scheme.

©2010 John Winston Howard. (P)2011 Bolinda Publishing

Nice to have it read by the writer

Would you listen to Lazarus Rising again? Why?

Yes, it is well read, well written, and the topics range from the interesting to the politically relevant.

What did you like best about this story?

The realism and detailed attention to the reality of politics were very interesting.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked scenes from the author's childhood, I feel that these sorts of things are often overlooked but play a major role in a politician's choices.

Any additional comments?

I find it interesting that he was a supported by the Jewish community from early on, because his father's lawyer was Jewish. Israel seems to have strong influence on countries across the globe, I'm not sure exactly what role it had in John Howard's success and what influence it then had on Australia's foreign policy, but I was surprised to see the issue crop up here, being used to dealing with pro Israel bias, which, compared to states implementing shariah law may be either intelligent or a stoking of flames, in the United States.

Enlightning

Where does Lazarus Rising rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My first experience to audiobooks, which I found very interesting and easy to use on my kindle

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lazarus Rising?

Too many to mention, John Howard's sensitivity in particular to the Bali bombing event and his empthany to those who lost loved ones. He was a great Prime Minister and a great man.

What about John Howard’s performance did you like?

He is so easy to listen to, his intonation and use of words exceptional

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, just very interesting

Any additional comments?

Like the fact you can sit and listen yet do something else i.e. sewing, knitting at the same time.

Excellent Insight Into Australian Politics

An excellent blow by blow description of over 20 years in politics. A good book for helping people understand the liberal parties philosophies and points of view.

This was a great book for examining in extreme detail most of the political dramas throughout John Howard's career.

Lazarus Rising gives you a good insight into John Howard - the person and Prime Minister, as well as his relationships with international leaders, political foes and colleagues.

John Howard narrating definitely adds a level of realism and weight to the words of the story. John Howard often described throughout the book how his opponents got it wrong. Thus he got it right. This was amusing at times. His personal description of his relationship with George Bush and Tony Blair was interesting, especially his opinions on George W's failings.

The politics regarding the Iraq (arguably his most important decision) war made for a fascinating part of the story which had me intrigued, disgusted, and amazed all at the same time. A controversy that was notably absent was the Andrew Wilkie saga. I was disappointed not to hear John's side of the story regarding this issue.

What this book was really missing was more insight into why John thought the way he did. Greater detail about what made him the man he was.

I personally found this book to be nostalgic and reminiscent, as I often remembered where I was when controversial political developments occurred. I also found that I sometimes did not see the depth and detail of the liberal argument because of my outrage or disagreement in regards to their final decisions.

Best suited for people who are interested in the process and tactics of the Australian political system.

This is not a light audiobook, it's a bit of a marathon, but definitely worth reading to get the full experience.

A nice record of his time in office

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes for the history and events that took place. I had almost forgotten them. John Howards take on them and how he influenced or reacted to them.

What other book might you compare Lazarus Rising to and why?

I am listening to 'John Adams' at the moment, but that is more a chronological history whilst John Howard, who reads this book divides chapters up into events or topics loosely based on a chronological basis. As an Australian living through this history it meant more to me than 'John Adams' but they are both political histories.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Howard’s performances?

No, he is a terrible reader, which to be honest, made this book a little more believable rather than a highly polished production. He does have a unique voice and he writes well, but his audio performance was woeful in parts and monotonous in others. To be fair, only he could read this book, anyone else, it would not have sounded right.

Could you see Lazarus Rising being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not at all.

Any additional comments?

I like 'Little Johnie' and I think he did a good job as a prime minister. His book is a good political biography and worth the study if you are into that kind of thing. This book I feel is only relevant to Australians and others like Americans would find it difficult to get through. John Howard's opinions are clear and balanced and I having listen to it in 2012 have found some of his predictions from its published date very precise.