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The World as It Is
- Narrated by: Ben Rhodes, Mark Deakins
- Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins
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The World as It Is
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Publisher's Summary
Random House presents the audiobook of The World As It Is by Ben Rhodes, read by Mark Deakins with and introduction read by the author.
This is a book about two people making the most important decisions in the world. One is Barack Obama. The other is Ben Rhodes.
The World As It Is tells the full story of what it means to work alongside a radical leader; of how idealism can confront reality and survive; of how the White House really functions; and of what it is to have a partnership, and ultimately a friendship, with a historic president.
A young writer and Washington outsider, Ben Rhodes was plucked from obscurity aged 29. Chosen for his original perspective and gift with language, his role was to help shape the nation’s hopes and sense of itself. For nearly ten years, Rhodes was at the centre of the Obama Administration – first as a speechwriter, then a policymaker, and finally a multi-purpose aide and close collaborator.
Rhodes puts us in the room at the most tense and poignant moments in recent history: starting every morning with Obama in the Daily Briefing; waiting out the bin Laden raid in the Situation Room; reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran; leading secret negotiations with the Cuban government; confronting the resurgence of nationalism that led to the election of Donald Trump.
This is the most vivid portrayal yet of Obama’s presidency. It is an essential record of the last decade. But it also shows us what it means to hold the pen, and to write the words that change our world.
Critic Reviews
What listeners say about The World as It Is
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 28-07-2019
I bought a copy for my mother
This book is outstanding! Not only is it an extremely articulate insight into the Obama administration, it perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of Ben himself.
It was such a good book that I bought a paperback copy for my mother.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kai1
- 24-06-2019
Consumable and detailed listen
This is my eighth or so book on Obama, and the majority of them have been quite light (David Litt/Alyssa Mastromonaco/Dan Pfeiffer / Beck Dorey-Stein etc) with unique takes on his presidency - this one is BY far the most dry one yet, it mostly not read by the Author which I really felt disappointed with, I like it when it feels more authentic - like someone is telling me personally about their time in the White House.
Still, I did however learn a lot more than I did in the other books due to the level of depth in here, and so if you are looking for more of a blow by blow account of policy changes etc then this is for you - I also enjoyed being able to tune out a little and still say connected to the story because of how detailed it was.
Just to let you know, I work for Audible, but the views expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-06-2020
First-Rate Political Memoir
A fascinating insight into the workings, challenges and achievements of the Obama administration, and the human cost of good governance. Rhodes brings a common humanity to his story and adds a valuable account of Obama the leader, and the man, to the public record.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Cjj
- 04-04-2022
I love the books by mr obama’s staff
Another lovely book by mr obama’s closest. Unlike tfg, the tales are informative and truthful.
Thanks Ben!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rick Tai
- 02-09-2022
An Amazing Account
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much so, i am going to read his next book, After the Fall.
If you support right leaning politics, then this book is not for you.
If you support doing the right thing for the right reasons in ways that respect the rule of law, human rights with kindness and compassion, then you may well enjoy this book too!
To the main narrator, Mark Deane, author and the team who supported them to bring this story to us, thank you!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Elissa
- 17-11-2024
A measured view from someone in the room
An interesting character study of Obama embedded within the larger story of a moment in time. Unlike his detractors, I am glad Rhodes did a literature degree; he captures the human element of many crises within his personal story with aplomb.
Narrator was a bit distracting as his voice is so different from Rhodes’ own.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Dudley
- 01-07-2018
This about President Obama’s foreign policy
I learnt a great deal from this book. I recommend it to those interested in US foreign policy.
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