As someone who really didn't know much about Biden's personal life or his achievements as Vice-President, I found this book to be an interesting memoir. The focus was split between his son, Beau's, struggle with glioblastoma and his various foreign policy achievements in the Ukraine, Iraq, and South America.

The reader gets some sense of who Biden is as a man . . .at least the good aspects. Caring, loyal, family-oriented. The flaws are pretty masked, but like nearly all politicians, he takes the credit he can regardless of how arms length the achievement might be. But that's to be expected.

The final few chapters address Biden's "go, no go" decision making as it pertains to the last presidential election. It sounds like he really agonized about it, and almost as though he does regret not going for it. I suspect we will see him as a major political figure again at some point and in some capacity. His appetite for public service is clearly still strong.

A short fast read that felt more educational to me than emotional, and that gives a sense of the man who arguably had the possibility of becoming president. ( )

Ein sehr emotionales Buch, dass auch den Tod seines Sohnes Beau beschreibt. Erschreckend sind auch die Aussagen über die Ukraine, wo sich 2015 schon die Aggression von 2022 abzeichnete und Merkel/Hollande auf Appeasement setzten. ( )

Joe Biden is the narrator of the audio version, and he sounds exactly as he does when he speaks in public forums - honest, forthcoming, hopeful, dedicated to his family, and determined to serve his country. He profiles a difficult year in office as vice-president, and takes readers/listeners through the challenges he faced, from the illness and ultimate loss of his son, to the everyday happenings in the White House, to his behind-the-scenes encounters with leaders of other countries. His story is an engaging one, and after years of political turmoil, one that promises a brighter future. ( )

Joe Biden's truly loved his son - this is beyond evident in this book. He details Beau's decline of health and his positive attitude throughout, the way his family bonded over Beau's sickness and ultimate death. He also explains how Beau felt, that despite everything happening with his health, his father should still run for President. The end of the story explains Biden's decision not to run for the presidency and how he keeps Beau's legacy alive. It is a wonderful story of a father's love for his son and the way one brother makes a family stronger. ( )

Good read from a great man. Set against his son Beau’s battle with brain cancer, there is much of this book that is gut-wrenching. But there are also moments of humor, tenderness, and that show the sheer decency and goodness of the Biden family. While there are parts of the book that go off on tangents/asides, the story/book as a whole is a well-written, honest, authentic look at the Biden family’s story over a few years. We all would do well to be more like the Bidens. ( )