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Romney: A Reckoning
A remarkably illuminating biography of the political maverick, filled with revelations and written with his full cooperation by an award-winning writer at The Atlantic.
Authoritative, personal, and vividly written, Romney: A Reckoning is a revealing account of Mitt Romney’s life.
Based on dozens of exclusive interviews with Romney, his family, and his inner circle as well as hundreds of pages of his personal journals, this book offers a rare, portrait of a politician who in recent years has been at the center of our nation’s most defining political dramas.
Authoritative, personal, and vividly written, Romney: A Reckoning is a revealing account of Mitt Romney’s life.
Based on dozens of exclusive interviews with Romney, his family, and his inner circle as well as hundreds of pages of his personal journals, this book offers a rare, portrait of a politician who in recent years has been at the center of our nation’s most defining political dramas.
416 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,155 reviews
November 28, 2023
I will admit to not sharing many positions with Romney, but I admire his sense of ethics, especially over the last three years. So, I was curious to listen to his current biography.
I appreciated that Romney allowed Coppins full access to his journals, emails and political papers. This is not a fluff piece. It’s a realistic look at a politician who at times took the politically expedient position. But when it really mattered, he also put the country ahead of his party or his own personal gain.
This is a fascinating look at how a political campaign is run. It also gives an in depth look at how Congress works. Romney shares his opinion on numerous politicians from both parties.
As a person of faith, I appreciate that Romney acted like a true Christian, as opposed to many in his party.
I can only hope that members of his party will read this and have an awakening of what Trump truly stands for and what he could wreak on this country if allowed a second term.
I listened to this and Jonathan David was a great narrator.
I appreciated that Romney allowed Coppins full access to his journals, emails and political papers. This is not a fluff piece. It’s a realistic look at a politician who at times took the politically expedient position. But when it really mattered, he also put the country ahead of his party or his own personal gain.
This is a fascinating look at how a political campaign is run. It also gives an in depth look at how Congress works. Romney shares his opinion on numerous politicians from both parties.
As a person of faith, I appreciate that Romney acted like a true Christian, as opposed to many in his party.
I can only hope that members of his party will read this and have an awakening of what Trump truly stands for and what he could wreak on this country if allowed a second term.
I listened to this and Jonathan David was a great narrator.
November 2, 2023
I'm a Democrat. An exmormon Democrat. I studied political science at BYU during Romneys first presidential run. I did not vote for him or care for him too much.
I still wouldn't vote for him but I have tremendous respect and even love for him after this book. He's like that awkward uncle who makes you cringe a little bit but at the same time you're proud to be related to him. He's a good guy.
What he's seen the GQP party turn into is chilling and he had a front row seat to see his peers descend into madness while he remained standing. What a wild ride he's had. I'm glad he shared it.
I still wouldn't vote for him but I have tremendous respect and even love for him after this book. He's like that awkward uncle who makes you cringe a little bit but at the same time you're proud to be related to him. He's a good guy.
What he's seen the GQP party turn into is chilling and he had a front row seat to see his peers descend into madness while he remained standing. What a wild ride he's had. I'm glad he shared it.
October 26, 2023
An important read. Mitt Romney outlines the danger of the current political climate. Too many politicians, mostly in his own party, simply worry about their next election results and not what is best for America. It is a great read, but also rather depressing. Hopefully, this book can convince people to not vote for Trump and his lackeys. They are killing America. As a Utah Mormon, it also is extremely depressing how fellow residence have treated Romney and praised Trump. it makes no sense, and this book highlights why. Everyone should read this, not just people from Utah.
January 7, 2024
This was outstanding. I cannot stop thinking about it. I particularly loved how well Coppins showed both his shortcomings, particularly in his early political career, and when he really stepped up later and how that difference came about.
October 26, 2023
If you had told me in 2012 how much I would respect and admire Mitt Romney in 2023, I wouldn’t have believed you. This book is worth reading.
February 29, 2024
At the time of Mitt Romney's run against Obama, the notion of voting for the former seemed laughable to me (and to be clear, I still stand by my voting for Obama wholeheartedly). However, the republican party of that time, not so long ago, seems almost unrecognizable from the one today. Yes, I disagreed with them then, even as I was probably too young to have a strong grasp of or feelings about many issues that now often occupy my mind, but they did not regularly appall me as is the case now. You may disagree, and if you do, I hope it will be civilly. I will not idealize Romney, and nor do I think does the author do it too excessively, yet I come away from the book feeling more positive about the man on the cover. I disagree with him in many ways and still, I can muster a respect for someone who, to his professional detriment, held on to some measure of principles when so many - most, let's be honest - of his compatriots have entirely lost the notion of what that word even means.
This book made me yearn for a version of the past that may never quite have existed, and also wonder whether it is as unattainable as it seems to return to a time of civil disagreement? Perhaps I have too little perspective to imagine it, and those who have a few decades on me have an easier time visualizing a calming of society, a collective coming to reason. It is a worthwhile read even if, as this review may reveal, I feel a little confused coming away from it. At our core, we must all wish for the same fundamental things, happiness, good health, success, peace...and yet it seems, if we are on an opposite political spectrum, we cannot agree on much of anything. It has come to the point where it seems one side calls the sky blue and the other insists it is green. So much energy is poured into vilification, and throwing hate and judgement at one another (and I myself am not immune to the latter). It is easier to judge than to try to understand. I think we have all grown so weary over the past eight years, we barely want to try anymore. But judgement in the present only leads to more of the same in the future, more separateness and more conflict. I can see this clearly, and still I do not truly know what the answer may be. Will I now feel tolerant and kindly towards those who support a man I think of as a hate monger and criminal? No, I cannot say that I have it in me, not right now at least. I'll stop rambling on, and simply say, the book was thought-provoking and for that alone, is worth the read.
This book made me yearn for a version of the past that may never quite have existed, and also wonder whether it is as unattainable as it seems to return to a time of civil disagreement? Perhaps I have too little perspective to imagine it, and those who have a few decades on me have an easier time visualizing a calming of society, a collective coming to reason. It is a worthwhile read even if, as this review may reveal, I feel a little confused coming away from it. At our core, we must all wish for the same fundamental things, happiness, good health, success, peace...and yet it seems, if we are on an opposite political spectrum, we cannot agree on much of anything. It has come to the point where it seems one side calls the sky blue and the other insists it is green. So much energy is poured into vilification, and throwing hate and judgement at one another (and I myself am not immune to the latter). It is easier to judge than to try to understand. I think we have all grown so weary over the past eight years, we barely want to try anymore. But judgement in the present only leads to more of the same in the future, more separateness and more conflict. I can see this clearly, and still I do not truly know what the answer may be. Will I now feel tolerant and kindly towards those who support a man I think of as a hate monger and criminal? No, I cannot say that I have it in me, not right now at least. I'll stop rambling on, and simply say, the book was thought-provoking and for that alone, is worth the read.
December 31, 2023
This is simultaneously an incredible biography and a resounding indictment of the modern Republican Party. It’s also an incredibly frustrating book to read, but that’s mostly due to the fact that I think the subject is a frustrating man. The book is more sympathetic to Romney than I tend to be, but that’s to be expected, given than it is drawn largely from Romney’s own notes and personal interviews. The best example of this, I think, is how the book discusses Romney’s joke about nobody wanting to see his birth certificate during the 2012 presidential race. The book recounts that Romney thought nothing of it at the time, that it was a kind of off-the-cuff, nothingburger of a joke without any intent to nod to the popular conservative, racist conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was actually born in Kenya. Here’s the passage:
At a rally in Michigan in August, Romney was playing up his home state roots when he ventured an off-hand joke. “Ann was born at Henry Ford Hospital, I was born at Harper Hospital. No one’s ever asked to see my birth certificate! They know that this is the place where we were born and raised.” The “birth certificate” line immediately exploded on Twitter, and the fallout quickly migrated to the rest of the media as Democrats accused him of pandering to “birthers” and pundits debated the strategic pros and cons of his alliance with Trump. The truth, Romney wrote in his journal that night, was that he’d put no thought into the joke at all - it was simple “boneheaded” free association gone awry.
This, to me, is a very credulous way of recounting the incident that strains belief. In the context of the rampant birtherism on the right, Romney’s comment is a strange thing to say if it is not meant to appeal to that birtherism. The author takes Romney at his word that it was just a flippant remark and moves on.
Overall, though, this is an incredibly valuable book that sheds a lot of light on the changes that have taken place in American politics over Romney’s career. Despite my frustration with Romney’s naïveté (for example in his exploration of starting a new party with Joe Manchin), I do admire him for his moral courage in big moments like Trump’s impeachments.
At a rally in Michigan in August, Romney was playing up his home state roots when he ventured an off-hand joke. “Ann was born at Henry Ford Hospital, I was born at Harper Hospital. No one’s ever asked to see my birth certificate! They know that this is the place where we were born and raised.” The “birth certificate” line immediately exploded on Twitter, and the fallout quickly migrated to the rest of the media as Democrats accused him of pandering to “birthers” and pundits debated the strategic pros and cons of his alliance with Trump. The truth, Romney wrote in his journal that night, was that he’d put no thought into the joke at all - it was simple “boneheaded” free association gone awry.
This, to me, is a very credulous way of recounting the incident that strains belief. In the context of the rampant birtherism on the right, Romney’s comment is a strange thing to say if it is not meant to appeal to that birtherism. The author takes Romney at his word that it was just a flippant remark and moves on.
Overall, though, this is an incredibly valuable book that sheds a lot of light on the changes that have taken place in American politics over Romney’s career. Despite my frustration with Romney’s naïveté (for example in his exploration of starting a new party with Joe Manchin), I do admire him for his moral courage in big moments like Trump’s impeachments.
February 10, 2024
I probably wouldn't have even thought about picking this up had I not heard the author talking about it on a podcast I listen to (All In) which made me curious.
As a non-American I can't really say that I've ever thought about Mitt Romney in any large capacity, so pretty much everything in this book was news to me.
By far the strangest thing is how relatable Romney seems, from his germaphobia and interest in fantasy & scifi books, to him feeling like he has to over explain things to be properly understood...that's me right there.
He comes across as very honest, which is proven by the fact that he let the author have complete access to anything and everything he might need for this bio (I love the crowbar story). And McKaY Coppins delivered.
Even though I'm not a huge fan of politics, and find the topic kind of dull to read about, Coppins somehow managed to make it interesting. So interesting that I felt like I flew through this book.
I have to praise the audio version too, a wonderful narrator was chosen to complete the experience.
I'd recommend this to anyone curious about Romney, even if you disagree with his politics like I do, his life still makes for an interesting book.
As a non-American I can't really say that I've ever thought about Mitt Romney in any large capacity, so pretty much everything in this book was news to me.
By far the strangest thing is how relatable Romney seems, from his germaphobia and interest in fantasy & scifi books, to him feeling like he has to over explain things to be properly understood...that's me right there.
He comes across as very honest, which is proven by the fact that he let the author have complete access to anything and everything he might need for this bio (I love the crowbar story). And McKaY Coppins delivered.
Even though I'm not a huge fan of politics, and find the topic kind of dull to read about, Coppins somehow managed to make it interesting. So interesting that I felt like I flew through this book.
I have to praise the audio version too, a wonderful narrator was chosen to complete the experience.
I'd recommend this to anyone curious about Romney, even if you disagree with his politics like I do, his life still makes for an interesting book.
August 29, 2024
Books like this are best read hot off the presses. But with Sen. Romney still in office and the results of the next presidential election still not known, this book - some ten months after its publication, as of this writing - still has some life left in it.
I didn’t buy this when it came out, but was lucky enough to find a copy in a thrift store recently - someone must have read it fairly quickly and decided to part with it. And it is a quick and engaging read, one that I devoured myself in about a day and a half.
No statues or monuments will be built for Mitt Romney. And that’s not a criticism, just a recognition that a man whose only elective offices were governor and one-term Senator, who lost more elections than he won, will likely fade from memory someday and be about as recognizable to future generations as his father, the onetime-household name George Romney, is to today’s generation.
And yet he will be remembered more than most politicians of this era, largely because of the Senate office he will soon relinquish. Were it not for this position - which might otherwise have been seen as a comedown after having run for president - his legacy would be his “47 percent” and “binders full of women” comments, his image as a slick plutocrat who lacked a common touch, and the ritualistic humiliation he suffered in allowing himself to be publicly considered for Trump’s first Secretary of State.
The heart of the narrative deals with Romney as Senator, as he tries to navigate his party’s descent into Trumpism. And many of the anecdotes and revelations here you’ve probably already read in news reports about the book. But before this comes a full biography, tracing Romney’s rise in business and then politics. His extravagant wealth is somewhat downplayed, while his faith is emphasized in a way it was not during his presidential races.
It was a combination of ambition, noblesse oblige and a simple desire to keep busy and do something useful with his time, that seemed to animate Romney’s entry into politics. During his presidential races, first as a failed primary candidate and then as the Republican nominee, he comes across similar to someone like - contradictorily - Hillary Clinton, as one who just wanted to do the job of president, but didn't like having to do the campaigning and make the compromises in order to win it, almost to the point that it seemed he didn’t much care whether he actually did win.
We know all of this due to Coppins’ access to Romney’s journals, emails, and interviews with Romney associates and Romney himself. Throughout, the book is well- and transparently-sourced, as Coppins explains in the text where his quotes and information come from - either from Romney’s writings, or from interviews that he phrases as, so-and-so “told me,” so there’s no question about the source. There are no gossipy anonymous sources in here that lead you to question the narrative’s veracity.
Once Romney reaches the capstone of his political career, the book becomes as much a story about the metamorphosis of the Republican party as it is about Romney himself - about how a man who was once a mainstream Republican ended up becoming an outlier and pariah in his own party. I won’t belabor all the clashes with Trump and Trumpists, and the principled stands that Romney took, which are well-known. But, rightly or wrongly, and whether you agree with him politically or not, it all creates the impression that Romney is somehow the only sane and honorable lawmaker in all of Washington, as his more craven colleagues who appear afraid of their own constituents’ wrath leaves one with the sense that, when it comes to legislating and governing the country, the inmates are now the ones running the asylum.
It’s too soon to know whether the final few months of Romney’s Senate term will really represent his last act, or if he’ll take on another challenge, like his quixotic and probably doomed flirtation with the idea of creating a third party, as described toward the end of the book. It’s also too soon to know whether our two-party system is currently experiencing a generational realignment, or if Romney’s party is so far gone that it won’t even survive post-Trump.
Few anecdotes in the book surprised me, since I knew most of them from having read reviews and news coverage when the book first came out. But one depressingly plausible anecdote did: “none of (Romney’s) five sons identified as Republicans anymore.” The family members who campaigned so hard for the 2012 Republican nominee have now abandoned the party that Romney still holds out hope of rescuing from within. But with so little time left in his term, that’s likely to be a losing battle. The story of Romney the patrician-turned-political maverick may end here - but the story that this book really tells, about the future of the Republican party and of our very country, is still being written.
I didn’t buy this when it came out, but was lucky enough to find a copy in a thrift store recently - someone must have read it fairly quickly and decided to part with it. And it is a quick and engaging read, one that I devoured myself in about a day and a half.
No statues or monuments will be built for Mitt Romney. And that’s not a criticism, just a recognition that a man whose only elective offices were governor and one-term Senator, who lost more elections than he won, will likely fade from memory someday and be about as recognizable to future generations as his father, the onetime-household name George Romney, is to today’s generation.
And yet he will be remembered more than most politicians of this era, largely because of the Senate office he will soon relinquish. Were it not for this position - which might otherwise have been seen as a comedown after having run for president - his legacy would be his “47 percent” and “binders full of women” comments, his image as a slick plutocrat who lacked a common touch, and the ritualistic humiliation he suffered in allowing himself to be publicly considered for Trump’s first Secretary of State.
The heart of the narrative deals with Romney as Senator, as he tries to navigate his party’s descent into Trumpism. And many of the anecdotes and revelations here you’ve probably already read in news reports about the book. But before this comes a full biography, tracing Romney’s rise in business and then politics. His extravagant wealth is somewhat downplayed, while his faith is emphasized in a way it was not during his presidential races.
It was a combination of ambition, noblesse oblige and a simple desire to keep busy and do something useful with his time, that seemed to animate Romney’s entry into politics. During his presidential races, first as a failed primary candidate and then as the Republican nominee, he comes across similar to someone like - contradictorily - Hillary Clinton, as one who just wanted to do the job of president, but didn't like having to do the campaigning and make the compromises in order to win it, almost to the point that it seemed he didn’t much care whether he actually did win.
We know all of this due to Coppins’ access to Romney’s journals, emails, and interviews with Romney associates and Romney himself. Throughout, the book is well- and transparently-sourced, as Coppins explains in the text where his quotes and information come from - either from Romney’s writings, or from interviews that he phrases as, so-and-so “told me,” so there’s no question about the source. There are no gossipy anonymous sources in here that lead you to question the narrative’s veracity.
Once Romney reaches the capstone of his political career, the book becomes as much a story about the metamorphosis of the Republican party as it is about Romney himself - about how a man who was once a mainstream Republican ended up becoming an outlier and pariah in his own party. I won’t belabor all the clashes with Trump and Trumpists, and the principled stands that Romney took, which are well-known. But, rightly or wrongly, and whether you agree with him politically or not, it all creates the impression that Romney is somehow the only sane and honorable lawmaker in all of Washington, as his more craven colleagues who appear afraid of their own constituents’ wrath leaves one with the sense that, when it comes to legislating and governing the country, the inmates are now the ones running the asylum.
It’s too soon to know whether the final few months of Romney’s Senate term will really represent his last act, or if he’ll take on another challenge, like his quixotic and probably doomed flirtation with the idea of creating a third party, as described toward the end of the book. It’s also too soon to know whether our two-party system is currently experiencing a generational realignment, or if Romney’s party is so far gone that it won’t even survive post-Trump.
Few anecdotes in the book surprised me, since I knew most of them from having read reviews and news coverage when the book first came out. But one depressingly plausible anecdote did: “none of (Romney’s) five sons identified as Republicans anymore.” The family members who campaigned so hard for the 2012 Republican nominee have now abandoned the party that Romney still holds out hope of rescuing from within. But with so little time left in his term, that’s likely to be a losing battle. The story of Romney the patrician-turned-political maverick may end here - but the story that this book really tells, about the future of the Republican party and of our very country, is still being written.
October 25, 2023
Seemed like a fair and balanced bio of Mitt Romney that covers both his strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
I learned quite a bit about his upbringing and life in politics, starting in Massachusetts.
Makes me wish we had term limits in Congress.
I learned quite a bit about his upbringing and life in politics, starting in Massachusetts.
Makes me wish we had term limits in Congress.
December 11, 2023
This is my favorite biography I've read. First, the methodology is impressive: 45 interviews over 2 years, family and office life observations, unlimited access to texts, emails, and journal entries, and the author's sole discretion of the writing.
Secondly, there was no wasted space. I cannot stand when biographers spend forever on someone's childhood. Every part was meaningful and interesting.
Thirdly, Mitt Romney is an extraordinary person who embodies integrity more than anyone else who has the attention of the media. As a "tell-all" of modern politics, I was so engrossed in every detail.
Aaand lastly, I loved the thematic approach to his life. Mitt is my distant relative, so the stories of his/our pioneer ancestors were fun too.
PS- so grateful "binders full of women" made an appearance.
Secondly, there was no wasted space. I cannot stand when biographers spend forever on someone's childhood. Every part was meaningful and interesting.
Thirdly, Mitt Romney is an extraordinary person who embodies integrity more than anyone else who has the attention of the media. As a "tell-all" of modern politics, I was so engrossed in every detail.
Aaand lastly, I loved the thematic approach to his life. Mitt is my distant relative, so the stories of his/our pioneer ancestors were fun too.
PS- so grateful "binders full of women" made an appearance.
April 2, 2024
If a decade ago you had told me that Mr. Binders full of women would come across as a voice of reason in his party I would have chuckled because from my Canadian perspective he was something of a clown, things certainly have changed, haven't they? So, yeah, you can imagine my surprise when I saw this biography come across my feed with a mention of how relatable Romney was (thank you ♥Milica♥) which immediately piqued my interest since I'm an absolute sucker for a good biography.
Coppins certainly seems to like Romney and we get a general sense that he is a man who does his best to do what's right (in his mind at least) while also being willing to compromise when necessary and who cares a lot about his legacy. One would hope that after interviewing the man 45 times and reading piles of his personal notes even a sympathetic portrayal would also be an honest one. Yes, it's a very compelling portrait of the man even for someone who doesn't share his politics (though he is pretty moderate by the current GOP's standard) and it makes for a generally very pleasant read.
Coppins certainly seems to like Romney and we get a general sense that he is a man who does his best to do what's right (in his mind at least) while also being willing to compromise when necessary and who cares a lot about his legacy. One would hope that after interviewing the man 45 times and reading piles of his personal notes even a sympathetic portrayal would also be an honest one. Yes, it's a very compelling portrait of the man even for someone who doesn't share his politics (though he is pretty moderate by the current GOP's standard) and it makes for a generally very pleasant read.
February 8, 2024
My only complaint is that I wish it were 500 pages longer. It’s too abbreviated. While it’s certainly not on par with Chernow’s writing, it is a great listen or read (I listened on Audible). Romney’s private thoughts on other political figures are interesting.
It is candid about Romney’s flaws, though the flaws are viewed in the light most favorable to Romney. But nobody is a bigger critic of Romney than Romney.
One of the most salient quotes in the book is from Tennyson: “This madness has come on us for our sins.” Romney feels how I feel. The GOP is reaping the whirlwind for knowingly and willfully supporting an “uncommonly stupid man” with a “poverty of character.”
The book plays out like Bolt’s Man for all Seasons, with Romney as More and senate Republicans as the sycophants who follow Trump because, as Shaw’s King Henry says in the Man for All Seasons’s film, “there’s a mass that follows me because it follows anything that moves.”
Romney’s greatest ire is reserved for men like Cruz and Hawley, who he recognized as brilliant, but willing to sell their souls for Trump and for power. “They know better.” And the absence of character in men like Harry Reid is also laid bare.
Those who still entertain the idea of Trump as a serious political candidate should read the book.
In a better Republic, Romney as he evolved would have had more of a voice. He is intelligent, practical, and character driven. A flawed politician, but a conscientious, pragmatic, and skilled executive. The book dwells on the question of his “flip-flopping.” He acknowledges changing positions for political calculation earlier in his career, of the same sort he castigates senators later in the book. And he openly wonders if a younger version of himself would have sold out to Trump. But his changes also reflect his willingness to listen and be persuaded, and I think our federal government could benefit from more legislators who want to listen more. Romney as a senator represents a more secure, confident and grounded political figure. One of the highlights of the book is his brave lone GOP vote on Trump’s first impeachment.
The book suggests we do a massive disservice to our country by continuing to willfully support too many people devoid of intelligence and character on both sides of the aisle.
This madness has come on us, Democrat and Republican, for our sins.
It is candid about Romney’s flaws, though the flaws are viewed in the light most favorable to Romney. But nobody is a bigger critic of Romney than Romney.
One of the most salient quotes in the book is from Tennyson: “This madness has come on us for our sins.” Romney feels how I feel. The GOP is reaping the whirlwind for knowingly and willfully supporting an “uncommonly stupid man” with a “poverty of character.”
The book plays out like Bolt’s Man for all Seasons, with Romney as More and senate Republicans as the sycophants who follow Trump because, as Shaw’s King Henry says in the Man for All Seasons’s film, “there’s a mass that follows me because it follows anything that moves.”
Romney’s greatest ire is reserved for men like Cruz and Hawley, who he recognized as brilliant, but willing to sell their souls for Trump and for power. “They know better.” And the absence of character in men like Harry Reid is also laid bare.
Those who still entertain the idea of Trump as a serious political candidate should read the book.
In a better Republic, Romney as he evolved would have had more of a voice. He is intelligent, practical, and character driven. A flawed politician, but a conscientious, pragmatic, and skilled executive. The book dwells on the question of his “flip-flopping.” He acknowledges changing positions for political calculation earlier in his career, of the same sort he castigates senators later in the book. And he openly wonders if a younger version of himself would have sold out to Trump. But his changes also reflect his willingness to listen and be persuaded, and I think our federal government could benefit from more legislators who want to listen more. Romney as a senator represents a more secure, confident and grounded political figure. One of the highlights of the book is his brave lone GOP vote on Trump’s first impeachment.
The book suggests we do a massive disservice to our country by continuing to willfully support too many people devoid of intelligence and character on both sides of the aisle.
This madness has come on us, Democrat and Republican, for our sins.
November 5, 2023
“I have come to recognize that the overwhelming consideration in how people vote is whether it will help or hurt their reelection prospects,” he’d tell me later. “Amazing that a democracy can function like this.”
Well, respectfully Senator Romney in case you haven't noticed it's not really working anymore, as it is painfully obvious every time a vital issue comes up for a vote in congress.
I have absolutely nothing in common with Mitt Romney and probably disagree with him on most important issues, however I very much enjoyed this look at his life and admire him for doing the right thing, at a time when going along with his party would have been more comfortable.
Well, respectfully Senator Romney in case you haven't noticed it's not really working anymore, as it is painfully obvious every time a vital issue comes up for a vote in congress.
I have absolutely nothing in common with Mitt Romney and probably disagree with him on most important issues, however I very much enjoyed this look at his life and admire him for doing the right thing, at a time when going along with his party would have been more comfortable.
November 2, 2023
Audible. Really entertaining - I was left wishing the book were longer. Fun to see Mitt positively evolve as a politician while most go the other direction. I'm all in on Mitt + Oprah.
November 4, 2023
I am not a Republican (nor am I really a Democrat). This seems necessary to this review. Though it shouldn’t be.
I found this book to be enlightening, terrifying, discouraging, and it gave me a sense of justification for my worries over the US.
Mitt Romney allowed the author unfettered access to his journals, personal documents, and whoever would be willing to be interviewed about him. He also gave up any right to dictate the tone, direction, or editorial nature of the book. Bold. There’s no other word for it.
This doesn’t present Romney in any kind of shiny light. He’s a bit cringeworthy, likes to pontificate about morality and human decency and is a lover of dense facts. So, I can see why the average American struggles to relate. We’re an intensely emotional culture that likes to pretend otherwise.
This book is absolutely worth reading, but one must do it with grace and an open mind. It’s going to offend the sensibilities of both the left and right. But his unflinching honesty and openness reveal important realities about our political system and its future.
Read this with Tyranny, Inc. (also written by a conservative), and The Paradise Built in Hell (written by a disaster specialist) and see the parallels and congruent trajectories.
I found this book to be enlightening, terrifying, discouraging, and it gave me a sense of justification for my worries over the US.
Mitt Romney allowed the author unfettered access to his journals, personal documents, and whoever would be willing to be interviewed about him. He also gave up any right to dictate the tone, direction, or editorial nature of the book. Bold. There’s no other word for it.
This doesn’t present Romney in any kind of shiny light. He’s a bit cringeworthy, likes to pontificate about morality and human decency and is a lover of dense facts. So, I can see why the average American struggles to relate. We’re an intensely emotional culture that likes to pretend otherwise.
This book is absolutely worth reading, but one must do it with grace and an open mind. It’s going to offend the sensibilities of both the left and right. But his unflinching honesty and openness reveal important realities about our political system and its future.
Read this with Tyranny, Inc. (also written by a conservative), and The Paradise Built in Hell (written by a disaster specialist) and see the parallels and congruent trajectories.
January 23, 2024
I'll just say what the author ended with: "Romney and I don't agree on everything...But I've worked hard to understand him." I honor him for his integrity. An important book for the future of our country and the Republican party. I highly recommend voters read it.
January 12, 2024
I voted for Romney back in 2012; it seemed like the obvious thing to do. I wasn't particularly interested in politics, being busy with small children, but this guy was a Republican, like my parents, and a Mormon to boot. He seemed to be an upstanding, decent guy, and I was proud to cast my vote for him. When I moved to Utah a few years later, I was eager to sign to get Romney on the ballot for Senate; I was starting to pay more attention to politics (who didn't after the 2016 election, which put Trump in the highest office?) and I trusted Romney to be true to his moral character. I really had no idea how proud I'd be to have him representing my state in Congress over the next six years, as he reached across the aisle to pass legislation -- including gun laws -- and as he stood up to Trump, breaking with the Republican Party to do so. At this late stage in his career, it's principle over party, every time.
I obviously admire Romney, and it was a treat to read about his professional life in this book. There were plenty of politically dishy stories (I loved hearing what Romney really thought of Mike Lee, the supposedly senior Utah senator, for instance). And author McKay Coppins doesn't shy away from pointing out gaffes and moments of weakness, particularly in his failed 2008 and 2012 presidential runs. It was fascinating to read about Romney's thoughts about the current state of his party and his last-ditch ideas to course-correct: another presidential run in 2024, as an independent? (Probably not, because he would split the Biden vote.) A third political party? (Slogan: "stop the stupid.") Mitt Romney always wanted to leave his legacy, and for someone who could have been remembered for a lot of roles -- successful businessman, multimillionaire, Mormon bishop, Massachusetts state governor, 2002 winter Olympics savior, presidential nominee, Senator -- to his family and his country, he will be remembered as one who ultimately acted with integrity. He desperately wants to leave a legacy for his children and grandchildren, and I think he's done that.
The writing in this biography is outstanding. With such a life, it would be easy to get bogged down in details, but Coppins succinctly summarizes the earlier parts of his career so he can devote more time to what current readers want to know about: his time in the Senate.
Such a worthwhile read!
I obviously admire Romney, and it was a treat to read about his professional life in this book. There were plenty of politically dishy stories (I loved hearing what Romney really thought of Mike Lee, the supposedly senior Utah senator, for instance). And author McKay Coppins doesn't shy away from pointing out gaffes and moments of weakness, particularly in his failed 2008 and 2012 presidential runs. It was fascinating to read about Romney's thoughts about the current state of his party and his last-ditch ideas to course-correct: another presidential run in 2024, as an independent? (Probably not, because he would split the Biden vote.) A third political party? (Slogan: "stop the stupid.") Mitt Romney always wanted to leave his legacy, and for someone who could have been remembered for a lot of roles -- successful businessman, multimillionaire, Mormon bishop, Massachusetts state governor, 2002 winter Olympics savior, presidential nominee, Senator -- to his family and his country, he will be remembered as one who ultimately acted with integrity. He desperately wants to leave a legacy for his children and grandchildren, and I think he's done that.
The writing in this biography is outstanding. With such a life, it would be easy to get bogged down in details, but Coppins succinctly summarizes the earlier parts of his career so he can devote more time to what current readers want to know about: his time in the Senate.
Such a worthwhile read!
November 20, 2023
"'He is unquestionably mentally unstable. And he is racist, bigoted, misogynistic, xenophobic, vulgar, and prone to violence. There is simply no rational argument that could lead me to vote for someone with those characteristics.' -- Mitt Romney" -- Me
I'd say I follow politics pretty closely, so most of this was not new to me. Yet some of it was still incredibly frustrating to read and remember. Romney's reflections on the decline of the Republican party are fascinating and some of what he reveals is infuriating. I don't agree politically with him on everything, but I so appreciate the seriousness with which he has taken his oaths and his respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, and I will always admire his integrity.
Also--I always read McKay Coppins. I've followed him since his Daily Universe days at BYU and I think he's a very talented writer.
I'd say I follow politics pretty closely, so most of this was not new to me. Yet some of it was still incredibly frustrating to read and remember. Romney's reflections on the decline of the Republican party are fascinating and some of what he reveals is infuriating. I don't agree politically with him on everything, but I so appreciate the seriousness with which he has taken his oaths and his respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, and I will always admire his integrity.
Also--I always read McKay Coppins. I've followed him since his Daily Universe days at BYU and I think he's a very talented writer.
November 14, 2023
This is not a typical biography. The book delves into Romney's journey, offering insights into major events of the past two decades, particularly the last eight years.
However, it's more than a chronicle of events; it's an exploration of human nature. The book examines the complexities of human motivations, weighing the balance between righteous desires and sheer ambition. Despite Romney's remarkable success, it’s easy to feel that Romney primarily focuses on his setbacks and failures.
However, it's more than a chronicle of events; it's an exploration of human nature. The book examines the complexities of human motivations, weighing the balance between righteous desires and sheer ambition. Despite Romney's remarkable success, it’s easy to feel that Romney primarily focuses on his setbacks and failures.
January 17, 2024
As a political junkie then living in Iowa, I saw Mitt Romney campaign three times during his 2012 presidential run. (I also saw President Obama campaign and six of the seven other Republican candidates.) Romney’s integrity has impressed me through the years, so I wanted to read his new biography, “Romney: A Reckoning,” to learn more. Author McKay Coppins does not disappoint. Thanks to Coppins’ 45 interviews with Romney, plus access to Romney’s personal journals, we have a detailed look at a man who ran twice for president, not for ego, not for fame, not for (additional) wealth, but because he sincerely thought he could help people. Romney gets bored if he isn’t busy, and he runs toward crises, not away from them. “Fiscal crises, economic turnarounds — this was stuff he was good at. There was a part of him, self-aggrandizing perhaps but sincere, that believed he was the only presidential prospect who could deliver the country from widespread unemployment and economic stagnation.” (Page 97, referring to 2012). But Romney’s timing was bad as “a huge swath of (the Republican) party had radicalized.” (page 95). This wasn’t the GOP of 1968, when his father, George, ran for president. (Coppins discusses that failed campaign, and how son Mitt failed to learn a lesson from it.) It’s no secret that Romney has disgust for Donald Trump, whom he voted to impeach. We learn all the details, and, not surprisingly, we learn how Romney, as a senator, has issues with the “far-right members in his own party — the zealous Trump disciples, the insurrection apologists, the conspiracy theorists. But he drew a mental distinction between those Republican colleagues he viewed as sincerely crazy and those who were faking it for votes.” (page 284). By not toeing his party’s line, Romney has his share of enemies in the Senate. I also learned that Romney can’t work with one of my Missouri senators, despite calling Josh Hawley “one of the smartest people in the Senate, if not the smartest . . .” (page 276). You don’t have to be a Mitt Romney fan to enjoy this book. It’s a must-read for any political junkie of any party.
September 9, 2024
I will preface this by saying that I disagree with many of Romney’s policy positions, but I have a high level of respect for him after reading this biography.
Despite his vast wealth that makes him unknowingly aloof from the struggles of the middle and lower class and his policy views that I disagree with, I find him to be an honest, imperfect, pragmatic civil servant who cares far more for the welfare of our democracy than for his own re-electability.
He is one of the only Republicans willing to go against his party full of Trump cronies, his ability to find common ground across the aisle actually lead to meaningful legislation (which is more than can be said of the Republican majority in the House this last year).
As a democrat-voting unaffiliated voter, my opinion of him began to change watching his speech to the Senate after law makers returned to their seats post insurrection on January 6, 2021. His eloquent, righteous indignation at his own party for their foolish role in riling up the MAGA crowd and continuing to bow to Trump impressed me. Since then, my respect for him has grown.
As a Utahn, I’m proud to have him represent me (especially since I have little choice with a Republican supermajority and the other option is Mike Lee 😬).
I will say, being insanely independently wealthy makes it much easier for him to say “party be damned.” Real policy change needs to be enacted to get our elected officials out of the pockets of the uber-rich and corporations so more law makers can vote according to the actual interests of the American people.
I was also impressed by his relative frugality especially in comparison with Trump and his gaudy gold toilets 🙄
His voice of warning to the perils our democracy is currently facing with another Biden/Trump showdown looming are incredibly timely. As Americans, we need to see Trump for what he is: a wannabe-authoritarian who will make good on his promise to destroy our country as we know it. I’m interested to see how Romney gets involved as the next presidential election ramps up.
Despite his vast wealth that makes him unknowingly aloof from the struggles of the middle and lower class and his policy views that I disagree with, I find him to be an honest, imperfect, pragmatic civil servant who cares far more for the welfare of our democracy than for his own re-electability.
He is one of the only Republicans willing to go against his party full of Trump cronies, his ability to find common ground across the aisle actually lead to meaningful legislation (which is more than can be said of the Republican majority in the House this last year).
As a democrat-voting unaffiliated voter, my opinion of him began to change watching his speech to the Senate after law makers returned to their seats post insurrection on January 6, 2021. His eloquent, righteous indignation at his own party for their foolish role in riling up the MAGA crowd and continuing to bow to Trump impressed me. Since then, my respect for him has grown.
As a Utahn, I’m proud to have him represent me (especially since I have little choice with a Republican supermajority and the other option is Mike Lee 😬).
I will say, being insanely independently wealthy makes it much easier for him to say “party be damned.” Real policy change needs to be enacted to get our elected officials out of the pockets of the uber-rich and corporations so more law makers can vote according to the actual interests of the American people.
I was also impressed by his relative frugality especially in comparison with Trump and his gaudy gold toilets 🙄
His voice of warning to the perils our democracy is currently facing with another Biden/Trump showdown looming are incredibly timely. As Americans, we need to see Trump for what he is: a wannabe-authoritarian who will make good on his promise to destroy our country as we know it. I’m interested to see how Romney gets involved as the next presidential election ramps up.
March 23, 2024
As a current exmo who was consistently disappointed with Romney and his ego throughout the years when I was practicing, was very curious about this book. Was captivated by the actual book, loved hearing internal party gossip, and thought the author did a good job narrarating his story. Disagree with a lot of his presidential campaign and UT senate policies. Love a lot of his MA-era policies and his sense of moral duty and do feel like he tried to do the “right thing” throughout his career and during the Trump administration, though think he mistakenly credits the disfunction of the Republican Party to just bad eggs, rather than what I believe to be the cause - structural and social issues in government and this country and poor policies plus toxic tea party politics. I’m baffled how baffled he was as he watched everything unravel, but I feel his pain of it all and can empathize with his naivety (felt the same as I was becoming disillusioned with the church). He’s a complex figure, and time will tell whether he did more harm than good.
January 17, 2024
This was such a fascinating book!
June 14, 2024
I loved this and more importantly, it felt fair. I finished the book admiring Romney's uprightness while also disagreeing with many of his perspectives, even as a fellow Latter-day Saint. I love that in a memoir.
November 11, 2023
Such an interesting biography - well written and easy to read.
January 20, 2024
Reading, Romney a Reckoning by McKay Coppins, brought me to reflect upon important questions such as: How often do we all rationalize actions that are in our own best interest? How easy is it to cross over one moral line after another until you have abandoned your values? How common is it to laugh off people who pose serious threats instead of confront them? What lengths will people go to for power? What can counteract the corrupting influence of power upon a human? How does Democracy defend itself against Autocracy and Authoritarianism? What role have we all played in creating the current political climate? What sort of legacy do we want to leave behind us?
This book paints a picture of Mitt Romney as a flawed yet deeply good human, personally wrestling with all of these questions. “What makes Romney unusual as a political figure is not his capacity for self-justification but the fact that he recognized it in himself and worked to guard against it.”
The open access Romney gave Coppins to his life, documents, colleagues and mind is impressive. What a contrast this man is juxtaposed next to Donald Trump. Can you imagine Donald Trump being as transparent with a biographer? Coppins research and journalistic insight into politics, Washington and the human heart are some of the best in the world of journalism. Mitt Romney’s political career has spanned an unprecedented spiral and lapse in morality in American politics, an upheaval of the Republican Party and the deep division of the nation. Understanding his story is important to understanding the moment of history we are living in.
This book paints a picture of Mitt Romney as a flawed yet deeply good human, personally wrestling with all of these questions. “What makes Romney unusual as a political figure is not his capacity for self-justification but the fact that he recognized it in himself and worked to guard against it.”
The open access Romney gave Coppins to his life, documents, colleagues and mind is impressive. What a contrast this man is juxtaposed next to Donald Trump. Can you imagine Donald Trump being as transparent with a biographer? Coppins research and journalistic insight into politics, Washington and the human heart are some of the best in the world of journalism. Mitt Romney’s political career has spanned an unprecedented spiral and lapse in morality in American politics, an upheaval of the Republican Party and the deep division of the nation. Understanding his story is important to understanding the moment of history we are living in.
January 14, 2024
For starters, this was very well written. The author did a really excellent job weaving a lot of things together. The audiobook reader is also great.
I found this book fascinating. The author gives a decently objective look into Romney as a person and a politician. While it certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in the people running our government, it really was a good read.
I found this book fascinating. The author gives a decently objective look into Romney as a person and a politician. While it certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in the people running our government, it really was a good read.
November 1, 2023
A review from a democrat
I have a complete new respect for Romney, and believe he would have made a good president. And a much better choice than Trump
I have a complete new respect for Romney, and believe he would have made a good president. And a much better choice than Trump
February 11, 2024
This is a surprisingly interesting book for a topic that I have no real interest in.
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