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Here, Right Matters

Written by: Alexander Vindman
Narrated by: Alexander Vindman,Jacques Roy
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Publisher's Summary

Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who found himself at the center of a firestorm for his decision to report the infamous phone call that led to presidential impeachment, tells his own story for the first time. Here, Right Matters is a stirring account of Vindman's childhood as an immigrant growing up in New York City, his career in service of his new home on the battlefield and at the White House , and the decisions leading up to, and fallout surrounding, his exposure of President Trump's abuse of power.

0900, Thursday, July 25, 2019: President Trump called Ukraine’s President Zelensky, supposedly to congratulate him on his recent victory. In the months that followed, the American public would only learn what happened on that call because Alexander Vindman felt duty-bound to report it up the chain of command: that the President of the United States had extorted a foreign ally to damage a political challenger at home. Vindman’s actions and subsequent testimony before congress would lead to Trump’s impeachment and affirm Vindman's belief that he had done the right thing in the face of intense pressure to stay silent. But it would come at an enormous cost, straining relationships with colleagues, superiors, and even his own father, and eventually end his decorated career in the US Army, by a Trump administration intent on retribution. 

Here, Right Matters is Vindman’s proud, passionate, and candid account of his family, his career, and the moment of truth he faced for his nation. As an immigrant, raised by a father who fled the Soviet Union in pursuit of a better life for his children, Vindman learned about respect for truth throughout his education and military service. As this memoir makes clear, his decision to speak up about the July 25th call was never a choice: It was Vindman’s duty, as a naturalized citizen and member of the armed forces. In the wake of his testimony, he would endure furious partisan attacks on his record and his loyalty. But far louder was the extraordinary chorus of support from citizens who were collectively intent on reaffirming an abiding American commitment to integrity.  

In the face of a sure-fire career derailment and public excoriation, Vindman heeded the lessons from the people and institutions who instilled in him the moral compass and the courage to act decisively. Like so many other American immigrant families, the Vindmans had to learn to build a life from scratch and take big risks to achieve important goals. Here, Right Matters is about the quiet heroes who keep us safe; but, above all, it is a call to arms for those who refuse to let America betray its true self.

©2021 Alexander Vindman (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Here, Right Matters

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    5 out of 5 stars

THANK YOU Alex for NOT taking the easy way out!

I was disappointed that you paid the ultimate price Alexander, even though you were NOT "The Whistleblower", yet your book was the most reliable source to what actually happened. Though the history lesson on Ukraine was very informative, the blowback from the former president and his supporters was inevitable. This was very GOOD short read.

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Great immigration success story.

Alexander knows how to do the right thing, and told his story for all.
History will show he's an American Hero going against Lying Crooked Traitor Trump.

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Yes it matters

Not only does right matter. Doing the right thing is what we should all demand of ourselves and each other. The US should be very proud of Mr. Vindman and celebrate his integrity, commitment and willingness to do what’s right, even when it was incredibly hard.

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Honourable

Americans should be proud of Mr Vindman
Take a lesson from him Trump and His cult

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  • Living The Dream
  • 2021-08-03

A Story of COURAGE and HOPE

If you are hesitant to read this because you’re afraid it’s going to be another book about the former administration, don’t be! It’s a beautiful story of the best of us from a harrowing account of a family starting over in America to the satisfaction any of us can have when we do the right thing. Yes, there are infuriating moments, but they leave you with more respect and admiration for a man who understood the consequences yet courageously fulfilled his oath and duty. One of the best memoirs I’ve ever read!

65 people found this helpful

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  • Victoria Eriksson
  • 2021-08-03

Amazing book by an American hero

I read this entire book in one day. Lieutenant Colonel Alex Vindman wrote such an important book about his experiences with his job in the WH that made him a national figure, and about his life in the US Army and coming from Ukraine. Lieutenant Colonel Vindman writes movingly about what makes America different from many places, about doing the right thing when it counts, my chief example of when Washington DC did behave that way when the criminal conduct of Nixon and corrupt figures in his administration, to have righteous loyalty to the constitution and rule of law, to hold a criminal president accountable and clearly that's not what's happened with the actions of the 45th occupant of the WH were criminal. And the consequences in Soviet Ukraine, where Vindman and his family came fleeing corruption and oppressive malfeasance went unchecked, coming to the US like so many Americans' families did, where right mattered more than any individual person in power and their political career. But I agree with Vindman that despite the terrible behavior of individuals in 2019 in relation to "Ukraine gate" I agree America can restore itself to being a place where right matters most again too. I am a graduate student studying public policy and eastern Europe and Russia/Eurasia and so like Lieutenant Colonel Vindman, I understand these places and the events of that scandal bc this what I focus on academically and professionally, and we as Americans should care about these places, and our relationships with these countries. The consequences of the author staying silent and letting the President's scheme in relation to Ukraine and Russia would have been catastrophic for Ukraine and catastrophic for America too. This entire country should be able to see that, and should feel grateful to Lieutenant Colonel Vindman for his brave decision regardless of whether they voted for Trump. Lt. Col Vindman rescued our national security with his self-sacrificing decision- period. He's a hero who deserves our gratitude and respect.

37 people found this helpful

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  • Thom Pierson
  • 2021-08-03

Vindman

A. Vindman is the most current example that American heroes do not have to be born in the USA. The aspirations that the American dream inspires are enough to turn regular men into ardent fighters for what America is and means to the rest of the world.

35 people found this helpful

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  • Edyie
  • 2021-08-03

Fantastic story of a modern immigrant family

Fantastic story of an immigrant family's struggles, triumphs and service to their country. I love this book! I thought it would be good, but didn't expect to enjoy it this much! What an interesting path Lt. Col. Vindman and his family had from Ukraine to the US and how it shaped he and his brothers! This book is about so much more than his testimony before Congress. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

33 people found this helpful

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  • R. Alembik
  • 2021-08-06

Much more than a biography and tell-all —- a lesson in rejecting bullies

The author’s personal story and Icarus-like experience in the army and NSC is compelling. His journey from refugee to the rarified positions of leadership in the Pentagon provides some actual lessons in grit and leadership that any business executive or NCO might find useful. Best of all, though, the author does a wonderful job of encouraging his readers to reject bullies in all walks of life. To do otherwise is “self deterring” both personally and at geo-strategic levels. Would that Pentagon brass could have adopted his attitude in the bleak age of Tr**p.

22 people found this helpful

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  • Carol Crouse
  • 2021-08-04

He believes it, he lives it

“ The military made me who I am,” is a quote from the epilogue. It is also his comfort zone and the body that didn’t stand up for him after he stood up for it. Shame on all of those military leaders that could have pushed back and allowed this brave man to get the promotion to Colonel that he was seeking.
I do hope that after Vindman receives his doctorate, he teaches ethics because his life is an example of doing the right thing. In America, right matters.

17 people found this helpful

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  • Mike
  • 2021-08-05

Inspirational, and also frightening, Must listen.

LTC Vindman was a rising star. His determination to do the right thing is an inspiration. Should be required reading for anyone entering a leadership position. He also exposes the evil and danger the Trump administration exposed the country to.

16 people found this helpful

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  • Jacalyn Riddell
  • 2021-08-05

A very good man

I enjoyed this book. It is rare to find a person that stands up for what is right. I wish he was my Neighbor.

13 people found this helpful

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  • Melissah Watts
  • 2021-08-05

Honor

I really did not know what to expect of Alexander Vindman’s story but I remembered how totally Frank and honorable he was during his testimony. I also thought I owed him a listen to his story as an American. What a wonderful example of American citizenship. Thank you Mr. Vindman , fair fortune be yours and thank you for your sacrifice.

12 people found this helpful

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  • kimberly a burton
  • 2021-08-07

Excellent

Thank you Lt. Col. Vindman. You are an inspiration. You courage, loyalty, grit and kindness for our country and your family is aspiring. I thank you for your service, this book, and your testimony. You make me proud. I wish you and your family every success.

This book was amazing. I highly recommend it.

10 people found this helpful