Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa
Simon & Schuster Audio - 9/21/2021
Peril is the third book by Bob Woodward about the Trump Administration; it follows Fear and Rage (which I did not read.) I was particularly interested in this book as covers much of the final year of the Trump presidency as well as the first 100 days of the Biden presidency. I also have a lot of respect for both Bob Woodward and Robert Costa as journalists who, in my opinion, speak the truth.
The book has 70+ chapters and is the result of some 200 interviews, transcripts, emails, secret orders and diary entries from individuals who were said to be inside sources. Just a few of the eye opening chapters included Trumps admission to downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus, General Milley's need to take action after irrational behavior by Trump. Paul Ryan's concerns about the amoral behaviors of a narcissistic president. Trumps continuous pressure on Mike Pence to overturn the free and fair election, as well as the Pence call to Dan Quale asking his opinion. Trumps unwillingness to accept the reality of a lost reelection bid and jeopardizing democracy in the process, and the Trump presidency culminating in the January 6th insurrection. There is also to a lesser degree background information about information about Biden and his campaign as well as, Biden's first 100 days which includes lots of detail on the Rescue Act and what it took to get it passed.
A worthy read for readers interested in politics. I'm pretty sure regardless of your political preferences, there will be some eye opening moments and insight gained by reading this book. The problem, I suspect, is whether some will choose to believe what they read in this much divided nation of ours.
The audio book was narrated by Robert Pertroff who did a fantastic job. The audio is 13+ hours and the download was provided at no cost to my by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
Rating - 5/5 stars
I enjoyed this. I'm a political junkie I guess so this was like catnip, although I was frequently horrified! I'm so glad I read it though, I feel like I have a better understanding of what happened during those crucial events. I was interested in the Barr anecdotes- I'm not a big fan of his but even he was repulsed by some of what happened. And the behind the scenes details on the Rescue Act- very interesting. And thank goodness for Milley, at least from my perspective.
ReplyDelete"The problem, I suspect, is whether some will choose to believe what they read in this much divided nation of ours." This is the thing. I've already run into that in my own family.
Greg, I forgot to mention the Barr anecdotes - that was part of those "eye opening surprises for me." So well done! We've lost friends over those (4) years. It's funny how deep down for 20 years we knew they were racists but, it wasn't until Trump and things these former friends would say that we decided we no longer wanted to keep company with them.
DeleteI have unfortunately had the same experience. In fact I've pretty much given up on Facebook, for example... some things came out there and I was like- no thanks.
DeleteWe hiss at all things politics these days, all the hate and division is way too much.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad what has happened and how many people have just seemed to lose a sense of decency - or perhaps, they never had it but it was dormant until they felt empowered to let loose. very sad
DeleteAin't that the truth. People read only what they know they will agree with. I run a mile from politics. haha
ReplyDeleteI try to as well these days Nan but, my husband still seems obsessed with the news. I have to cut him off somedays when he finds the need to bend my ear with the depressing factoids of the day LOL
DeleteMy dad read this recently and said it was interesting and covered many more non-Trump topics than he expected.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was pleased that it wasn't all about Trump (a good deal is and some tidbits were new to me as well). It's presented in an interesting way with some humor as well.
DeleteI've got this on my list, but my husband keeps saying it will just upset me. He's probably right, but I still want to listen...
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I've rarely read a politic book these last 5 years but, the buzz and the fact it was Woodward and Costa made me want to try the audio. It didn't upset me at all as at least part of it is behinds us (overly optimistic here.) There was a good amount of humor and some really interesting tidbits; the audio reader is terrific as well.
DeleteI've not read these probably because I think I'll just end up being upset all over again but I do think it would be worthwhile. Like you said, the authors are certainly what would make me want to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI rarely read a political title as I try to avoid it as "reading is supposed to be a FUN pass time but, this was one that called my name because of the authors and it wasn't just about T.
DeleteHis dumb Big Lie is continuing ... it's just the worst. Trying to drum up support for 2024. It's very discouraging. Woodward & Costa are the real deal.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like he (and the sheep) are trying to do the Republican Party in for good.
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