Taking Charge

Great as an audiobook

I agree with another reviewer who said this was one book that works better as an audio book than in print - for anyone interested in this period of American history, the American presidency and/or LBJ this is well worth listening to. The original tapes are fascinating and Beschloss' commentary is generally good. I highly recommend this audiobook.

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Great use of audiobook format and primary sources

Listening to this book is such a wonderful and unique experience I can't imagine what it is like to read it in print. Much of the power of the material would be lost. Taking Charge is made for the audiobook format. It is a great use of primary source historical materials. Beschloss sets up each snippet of LBJ's conversation and then you get to hear LBJ himself. Fascinating and fun. Great listening.

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Fascinating

A part of history. Interesting snap shot of an era plus the intimate background of a controversial president during a difficult time in US history.

A Truly Original Experience

This is where Audible transcends regular books. There is a profound difference between reading history and actually hearing it from the mouths of those who uttered it when it was actually taking place. Hearing the tone of a person's voice alone can tell volumes about what's being said, and the atmosphere that accompanies it, and listening in on the conversations of Johnson in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history is spellbinding. I can't recommend this enough for history buffs.

Insightful look at LBJ

Interesting look at LBJ, both the man and president. Audio quality is sometimes difficult, but personal and professional perspectives are excellent. Look forward to successive volumes.

Michael Beschloss is one of our great authors.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, the subject matter, the research, the superb writing - all excellent and hard to put down. Or in this case, turn off.

Who was your favorite character and why?

LBJ of course, for his political skills in getting some of the most important legislation in the history of the USA passed by Congress.

What does Michael R. Beschloss bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His passion for the research and subject matter is evident in his writing, but hearing his voice really adds to my enjoyment of the book.

Johnson was wise to record himself

Any additional comments?

A key to history that unlocks a fascinating chapter into a man that couldn't be known as well any other way. Excellent context is given to fascinating excerpts from Johnson's tapes.

A Window to the first few years of Johnson's Presi

Would you consider the audio edition of Taking Charge to be better than the print version?

I would considering I haven't read the prin version at all.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Taking Charge?

Hearing the recordings and Michael's commentary.

Which character – as performed by Michael R. Beschloss – was your favorite?

He didn't preform them, but the narration was excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

LBJ's rough relations with the Kennedies, Jackei in particular supprised me.

Helps to balance out the facts

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have learned that it is best to hear both sides a story. The external media does not help all of us to understand what is going on. This puts flesh on the bones of a long ago buried corpse. I was a 20 year old and now am 63. Looking back at the world through TAKING CHARGE helps to create a context for the world at that time.

What other book might you compare Taking Charge to and why?

WRITE IT WHEN I'M GONE by Thomas . DeFrank [about Gerald Ford]; THE CLINTON TAPES by Taylor Branch; AT CANAAN'S EDGE, AMERICA IN THE KING YEARS 1965-68 by Taylor Branch

Which character – as performed by Michael R. Beschloss – was your favorite?

JBJ

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

LBJ's humanity.

fascinating insights into Johnson

Great tape. I've been a big fan of other Johnson bios, and this set of actual recordings builds a unique portrait of the man that the printed versions cannot.