Promise Me, Dad

Vividly it tells the story of the family and the hard time shared by them.Encourage all.

Best ever! Extremely emotional and an excellent read. Recommend everyone to read it.

A very moving book by Joe Biden about the years 2014-15, when his 45 year old son Beau Biden was diagnosed with cancer, struggled through the treatment, and passed away in May 2015. These are the years when Joe Biden was the VP (and Obama the President) and had his hands full will areas of special focus (Iraq, Ukraine, Central America). And at the same time he was trying to decide whether to run for the Presidency in 2016. Gives a lot of insights into the values and character of the President-elect of the US.

J'ai trouvé ce livre très personnel pour un homme politique de cette stature.Ce livre est bien écrit (anglais américain).Il montre aussi le travail de Président Biden au quotidien (et c'est peut-être la partie la moins intéressante, c'est pour dire !).

I don't think there could have been a better time to read this book than immediately following Joe Biden's election victory. After nearly four years of the most erratic and mendacious presidency in US history, it was comforting to digest a narrative steeped in strong family values, care for others and policy considerations which are clearly founded in strategic logic and truth. Regardless of any political and policy differences readers may have with Joe Biden, one couldn't fail to welcome the feeling of normality that oozes off every page and the belief that stability and humanity will soon return to the White House.The book blends Biden's comprehensive and agonising account of how his son, Beau, succumbed to the tragedy of a brain tumour with his efforts, as Vice-President, to resolve major foreign policy challenges, particularly in Iraq, Ukraine and Central America. This is, therefore, an unusual book but the author's approach worked for me. Although the sadness of the story is heart breaking, Biden's loving relationship with his son and family is inspiring. I felt privileged to be allowed into Joe Biden's grieving process as well as gaining an insight into how he applies his considerable political experience to resolve complex issues.

If you know Joe Biden as a politician, than you most assuredly must get to know him as a Dad (and husband). While written with a strong political narrative, Promise Me, Dad, is really so much more; digging deep to expose the soul of this man who loves his family beyond all else. The death of his son, Bo, slammed the brakes on what would have most likely been a successful bud for the U-S Presidency (my, I-am-sure-not-alone, opinion) and tested his faith and resolve in the most trying of ways. But that tragic event also demonstrated how the strongest of family bonds can lift and sustain us even when life seems totally unbearable.Learn about this man of remarkable character who not only loves his family, but who has an unfathomable depth of caring for the United States and its status and stature on the world stage. As a Canadian, I hope someone of his ilk (perhaps him?) will rise and rescue my Southern neighbour and friend from its current darkness.This book is an inspiring read and I highly recommend it to all world citizens.

This review is of the hard copy edition, purchased off Amazon. I will disclose this early: I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. I am very moderate, although I lean right on economic issues. Bottom line up front: This book is a masterpiece.This autobiography goes through Vice President Joe Biden's life as he and his family struggle with Beau Biden’s diagnosis and battle with a rare form of brain cancer. Throughout his career as a senator and Vice President, VP Biden gained a reputation for being a grounded, kind, and intelligent individual. It is astonishing how this and his genuine warmth radiates off of the pages. It is also interesting to note how well written it is. Whether VP Biden is describing his family’s yearly thanksgiving trip to Nantucket or the walls of the hospital hallways as his son is being carted to surgery, he does so with a simple clarity that makes you feel like you are there. You are reminded of your own experiences as he describes his own to you.There is so much that can be taken away from this book. Those who have struggled with a family member’s illness will find a brother in arms. Those who are interested in politics will find a treasure trove of interesting tidbits on the inner workings of the US government. And whether intentionally or not, VP Biden’s book offers subtle lessons on how to be a better father and person. As I read it, I find myself aspiring to live up to the standard set by the author and his family.The book still sits by my bed. Not being a very large book, it is easy to hold. The cover is an opaque white with simple blue and red text. As I look over to it now, it reminds me of how I feel as I reflect upon VP Biden’s experiences. One does not need to be flashy to be important. One does need to be “great” to have meaning. Kindness is not a weakness. Men can be defined by their genuineness.I will close by noting the almost theatrical feeling of the opening pages. In typical Joe Biden style, it begins with a quote from Immanuel Kant. It is one which hides incredible meaning behind incredibly simple words. It is one befitting the author and one which immediately struck me and has sat with me since:“Rules for happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.”VP Biden, although tragic, your son’s death has been given meaning. Thank you for sharing it with us.

This book is an incredible read, honest and personal, for everyone interested in politics. But even more so for everyone who has lost loved ones.I'm not American, I'm Austrian. But still, last year, after I had read "Promise me, Dad" I felt the need to write a thank you letter to Mr. Biden.So here is not only my first book review on Amazon, but below also my first letter to an American politician.Dear Mr. BidenI guess you receive countless E-mails with thank you notes every day. But I suppose not that many are from Austria.And even though I don’t expect you will be reading them in person, after I have read your book „Promise me, Dad“ I still feel the need to write you some words.I don’t remember any other book that has had such a profound impact on me and provided me with comfort in difficult times. Still mourning the loss of my mother, you sharing your personal experience and thereby giving strength and hope to other people is a tremendous gift.I’d only wish that your book would also be published in German (and other languages), so that even more people, including my father, could read it. Therefore, I would be very thankful if your publisher would consider translating it.And of course, I want to thank you for your outstanding service in politics: Your service as Vice President, but also your long-time service as Senator, especially in the Senate ‘s Foreign Relations Committee and now your work in the Biden Cancer Initiative and the Biden Foundation.As a proud member of the Austro-American-Society I have delved into American history, admired political heroes of the past, from Washington, Lincoln, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt and Kennedy. I was exited when you and President Obama took office. And more than ever, I miss the days when you both lead the country.Time and time again I have also been frustrated, that many in Europe and in my home country of Austria don’t really appreciate what Americans have sacrificed and accomplished for freedom and democracy worldwide, and especially what we here in Europe and in Austria have to be thankful for.Of course, the current US administration makes it hard to look with admiration to Washington. But when I watched your eulogy for Senator McCain, also a hero of mine, I was once again reminded what it means to be American and what American ideals stand for. And I have been reassured that as long as there are Americans like you, the United States truly are the world's last best hope, the beacon of the world.And so even though I live far away, in the mountainous region of Austria, I still hope that one day I’ll have the opportunity to contribute in some way to your cause, to the American cause. Like President Kennedy said: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.After I have read your book I have tremendous respect for your difficult decision not to run for the presidency. And you certainly have already done more to serve your country than anyone could ever ask for.But just in case that there is still the slightest chance that you would consider running again, I wanted to let you know that not only many people in the United States would celebrate your candidacy, but even some guy far away in a small city of Villach somewhere in Austria.SincerelyChristoph