Romney

A Reckoning

By: McKay Coppins

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, McKay Coppins

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! In this illuminating and “scoop-rich biography…the tell-all tales rush forth” (Los Angeles Times) offering a “penetrating analysis of the ongoing Republican civil war through the eyes of one of its last embattled centrists” (Publishers Weekly).

Few figures in American politics have seen more and said less than Mitt Romney. An outspoken dissident in Donald Trump’s GOP, he has made headlines in recent years for standing alone against the forces he believes are poisoning the party he once led. Romney was the first senator in history to vote to remove from office a president of his own party. When that president’s supporters went on to storm the US Capitol, Romney delivered a thundering speech from the Senate floor accusing his fellow Republicans of stoking insurrection. Despite these moments of public courage, Romney has shared very little about what he’s witnessed behind the scenes over his three decades in politics—in GOP cloakrooms and caucus lunches, in his private meetings with Donald Trump and his family, in his dealings with John McCain, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Joe Manchin, and Kyrsten Sinema. Now, Romney provides a window to his most private thoughts.

Based on dozens of interviews with Romney, his family, and his inner circle as well as hundreds of pages of his personal journals and private emails, this in-depth portrait by award-winning journalist McKay Coppins shows a public servant authentically wrestling with the choices he has made over his career. In lively, revelatory detail, the book traces Romney’s early life and rise through the ranks of a fast-transforming Republican Party and exposes how a trail of seemingly small compromises by political leaders has led to a crisis in democracy. “A rare feat in modern-day political reporting” (The New Yorker), Romney: A Reckoning is a redemptive story about a complex politician who summoned his moral courage just as fear and divisiveness were overtaking American life.

©2023 McKay Coppins (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

“Remarkable. Tapping hours of interviews and access to Mitt Romney’s private journals—and revealing a captivating array of insider moments—author McKay Coppins compellingly portrays a man wrestling with his conscience as he tries to do what’s right.”—Susan Page, Washington Bureau chief at USA Today and author of Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power

“An extraordinary biography. Much of the fun comes from eavesdropping on the shameless things the political class is apt to say behind closed doors. The chance to inhabit those rooms is frequently as entertaining as it is depressing.”—Mark Leibovich, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers This Town and Thank You for Your Servitude

“As the emerging Edward Gibbon of American conservatism, McKay Coppins has written an important, vivid, and memorable portrait of that rare Republican soul who has had the courage to choose the difficult over the easy path in our tumultuous age. Mitt Romney is not perfect, but he has put principle above the strictly partisan in hours when virtually no one else had the wherewithal to do so. This is an essential book for our times.”—Jon Meacham, author of the New York Times bestsellers And There Was Light and The Soul of America

Political and intellectual biography at its best!

Anyone who wants to understand twenty-first century American politics should read this book, along with Obama’s presidential memoir (of which the second part has unfortunately yet to be published)! I don’t agree with all of Romney’s views, but I can’t help but conclude that he is a man of great integrity who cares deeply about doing the right thing and standing up for democratic principles.

Great listen as an election year is coming up

While I’m only halfway through I had to share that this book shines a light on the challenges of campaign and political life in ways that I haven’t considered. The challenges of maintaining morality and integrity while appealing to enough of the donors and masses to make the difference you want to see in the world.

While Romney had no editing power in this book, I’m already finding more respect for what he’s done in public service and the amount of character this man has maintained through it all.

Whether you like Romney or not, this read should be thought provoking and keep you thinking about where we can choose to go as Americans.

Very insightful

This book gave me cause to admire Sen Romney, even if we don’t see eye to eye on issues. The author is thorough and thoughtful, refraining from either the clever cynicism or fawning that sometimes accompanies policial biographies

Surprisingly Entertaining

I did not know what to expect when I started this book, but it grew on me and I enjoyed listening to it. Mitt Romney is complicated like most human beings, but all in all a good person.

Changed Mind

I didnt vote for mitt Romney but history will be very good to this great man and this book makes me have a ton of respect for him.

How today’s political climate punishes integrity

Mitt clearly had presidential potential. Even without the warped “basket of deplorables” DT emboldened I doubt Americans will ever elect a Mormon as president. Sorry Mitt, this world would have been a better place with your influence at the top.

Self-reflection and integrity

Nice to see an elected official capable of self-refection and making integrity a priority. Wish there were more like him. Maybe the missionaries should be sent to Congress.

He deserves our respect

Romney exemplifies the best our country has to offer. This book is insightful and honest. I’m so proud to be an American with someone like Mitt Romney as a leader. Courageous, bold, thoughtful, ingenious, intelligent, honest, and hilarious. Senator Romney, your legacy will be a bright star in a dark night.

Outstanding book!

Thank you for writing this book and sharing your private thoughts and life with us! I have always had the highest respect for you. You should be our president and help us through this craziness! God bless!

Inspiring

I’m not a Republican but have always admired Mitt Romney since he was my governor. This book really serves as a reminder that character is THE most important ingredient missing in DC today. This was an inspiring yet frustrating listen. I highly recommend.
Sending love and gratitude to you, Mitt!