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  • Promise Me, Dad

  • A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
  • Written by: Joe Biden
  • Narrated by: Joe Biden
  • Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (103 ratings)

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Promise Me, Dad

Written by: Joe Biden
Narrated by: Joe Biden
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Publisher's Summary

A deeply moving memoir about the year that would forever change both a family and a country.

In November 2014, 13 members of the Biden family gathered on Nantucket for Thanksgiving, a tradition they had been celebrating for the past 40 years; it was the one constant in what had become a hectic, scrutinized, and overscheduled life. The Thanksgiving holiday was a much-needed respite, a time to connect, a time to reflect on what the year had brought and what the future might hold. But this year felt different from all those that had come before. Joe and Jill Biden's eldest son, Beau, had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 15 months earlier, and his survival was uncertain. "Promise me, Dad," Beau had told his father. "Give me your word that no matter what happens, you're going to be all right." Joe Biden gave him his word.

Promise Me, Dad chronicles the year that followed, which would be the most momentous and challenging in Joe Biden's extraordinary life and career. Vice President Biden traveled more than a hundred thousand miles that year, across the world, dealing with crises in Ukraine, Central America, and Iraq. When a call came from New York, or Capitol Hill, or Kyiv, or Baghdad - "Joe, I need your help" - he responded. For 12 months, while Beau fought for and then lost his life, the vice president balanced the twin imperatives of living up to his responsibilities to his country and his responsibilities to his family. And never far away was the insistent and urgent question of whether he should seek the presidency in 2016. The year brought real triumph and accomplishment, and wrenching pain. But even in the worst times, Biden was able to lean on the strength of his long, deep bonds with his family, on his faith, and on his deepening friendship with the man in the Oval Office, Barack Obama.

Writing with poignancy and immediacy, Joe Biden allows listeners to feel the urgency of each moment, to experience the days when he felt unable to move forward as well as the days when he felt like he could not afford to stop. This is a book written not just by the vice president but by a father, grandfather, friend, and husband. Promise Me, Dad is a story of how family and friendships sustain us and how hope, purpose, and action can guide us through the pain of personal loss into the light of a new future.

Note: this Audible Exclusive includes a powerful interview – only available here – between Joe Biden and award-winning journalist, Mike Barnicle. Their discussion contextualizes the memoir’s wide-ranging themes, while also touching upon the presidential election, current events, and what it means to grapple with profound grief.

©2017 CelticCapri Corp (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC.
  • Unabridged Audiobook

What the critics say

"This audiobook is a listening experience in which the author/narrator opens his heart. Vice President Joe Biden, a practiced orator, delivers his memoir with empathy, passion, and the occasional smattering of regret." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Promise Me, Dad

Average Customer Ratings
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Excellent mix of history and family

And what a family. What a man. What a beautiful friendship between him and Obama. Highly recommend a great story.

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Personal, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

Having lost my mother to cancer a couple of years ago, I found myself tearing up when Joe described his son’s passing. What a beautiful tribute to the late Beau Biden.

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Good man Joey

I loved this book, very heartfelt. I have a lot of respect for this man after listening to he’s story.

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  • Rob
  • 2022-11-29

get to know, Joe

So what a great way to learn more about the current President of the United States. Truly occur who is different than what is portrayed by the media. Great to have neighbours like this.

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Life Changing

I could not put this book down. The message is simple but hard to achieve. Thank you Mr Biden for your honesty respect and non judgement with which you deliver your message. Thank you for your service and your work to make the world a better place for all

DC

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2 people found this helpful

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I love Joe

I have always had a soft spot for Joe Biden. But hearing how much he loves his family it just makes me love him even more. This is a great good!!

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Total 5 star book!

Makes one wonder what could have been if he had become President of the United States.

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1 person found this helpful

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Inspiring

Joe writes with such sincerity and passion about another tragedy in his life. I was crying for most of this story as I hoped this great, great man would one day lead the nation he loves almost, almost as much as his family.

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Touching story

This is a touching memoir, very emotional because read by Joe Biden himself. Recommend to get an insight into his personal life- very motivating also.

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What an accomplished man.

Joe Biden is now officially the President Elect! If anyone can turn the United States around, he can. Joe has lead a wonderful life so far!

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