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We're Better Than This

Written by: Elijah Cummings,James Dale
Narrated by: Nancy Pelosi,Laurence Fishburne,Maya Rockeymoore Cummings
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Publisher's Summary

This audiobook contains beautiful memories of Representative Elijah Cummings narrated by Laurence Fishburne and Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, with a foreword written and read by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Included are the eulogies from his funeral delivered by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Harry Spikes, Kweisi Mfume, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Jennifer Cummings, Adia Cummings, and James Cummings. Baltimore Congressman Elijah Cummings was known for saying “We’re better than this.”

He said it in Baltimore, a city on the verge of explosion over police treatment of citizens. He said it in Congress when microphones were shut down, barring free speech. He said it when the President flaunted his power and ignored the Constitution. He said it when the President resorted to bullying, name-calling, and feeding racial divisions. We are better than this. He continued to say it until his final days last October. He said it because he believed we must call out what is wrong and call on our better selves to make things right.

In We’re Better Than This, Cummings details the formative moments in his life that prepared him to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his actions while in office. Cummings powerfully weaves together the urgent drama of modern-day politics and the defining stories from his past. He offers a unique perspective on how his upbringing as the son of sharecroppers in a South Baltimore neighborhood, rampant with racism and poverty, laid the foundation of a life spent fighting for justice. Cummings was known for his ability to referee contentious members of Congress and reach across the aisle for the sake of justice. Since his early days in politics, Cummings proved his abilities as a leader and legal mind who could operate at the highest levels of democracy, always working with - and for - the underserved. Part memoir, part call to action, the book goes behind the scenes with the House Democratic leadership, offering an eye-opening account of the relentless and unprecedented obstructionism by both the President and GOP. Cummings’ final words present a vital defense of how government oversight defines our collective trust and makes the case that, even in the face of our nation’s most challenging times, we must remain rooted in the politics of optimism.  

©2020 Elijah Cummings (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

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  • Jaraun
  • 2021-01-29

The most inspiring piece of work I’ve heard in my adult life.

I am not a politician; just a regular guy who aims to serve his community. I knew of The Very Honorable Elijah Cummings before listening to this audiobook but not in this way.

His insight into community, his relationships with family and friends; as portrayed through the readers is absolutely awe inspiring.

This book hit me right in the feels and motivates me to be not only a better statesman but a better human.

The Very Honorable Elijah Cummings is truly a Godsend. I thank him and his family for finishing what he stared and allowing us a small glimpse into his storied life.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • grock
  • 2020-10-14

I could feel and hear the Congressman’s voice.

Great book. I felt Elijah was telling me the story in my living room. I couldn’t put it down. I really enjoyed the surprise at the end.

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  • Janie
  • 2020-09-29

Incredible❗️

Elijah Cummings was such an amazing man, husband, father, friend, Congressman, and believer in what the United States should be! Listening to the speakers at his funeral was beyond belief❗️

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  • Lori
  • 2021-01-04

book. read!

An extraordinary experience of an extraordinary man. I am so glad I chose this bpok.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2021-01-02

A Legend

Moving performance of a formidable human being. Fight for soul of our democracy globally. Amandla!

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  • Jazz Matthews
  • 2020-12-26

Great Read

One of the best books I’ve read. He taught and still is teaching us so much about our democracy. Thank you Mr. Cummings!

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  • Amazon Excited Customer
  • 2020-12-20

We’re Better than this.

This book is a great read. I can tell it’s from the heart of Mr. Cummings as he tells the truth. The bonus was the end as I listened to the funeral. I learned a lot about his life. Lawrence Fishburne did a great job narrating the book and so did Mrs. Cummings.

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  • Sam J
  • 2020-11-28

The book that carried me through 2020!

Elijah is a prophet in his own right and Lawrence Fishburne masterfully narrates his message. In the darkest days of 2020, this book reminded me of what we could be and what we truly are as a nation of people. It’s a tragic and beautiful tale that ultimately leads the reader to hope and a renewed strength.

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  • T. Rose
  • 2020-10-08

A wonderful story of an American hero!

This book is a great read and is so inspirational. I will read and listen to it more in the future so I can be better and honor Elijah's memory.

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  • S in Seattle
  • 2023-03-30

Heading is required

Writing something is required. Less willingness to write among readers will result in lower number of ratings. IMO, more ratings are better
even if nothing is written.

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