Promise Me, Dad

A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose

By: Joe Biden

Narrated by: Joe Biden

A deeply moving memoir about the year that would forever change both a family and a country.

In November 2014, 13 members of the Biden family gathered on Nantucket for Thanksgiving, a tradition they had been celebrating for the past 40 years; it was the one constant in what had become a hectic, scrutinized, and overscheduled life. The Thanksgiving holiday was a much-needed respite, a time to connect, a time to reflect on what the year had brought and what the future might hold. But this year felt different from all those that had come before. Joe and Jill Biden's eldest son, Beau, had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 15 months earlier, and his survival was uncertain. "Promise me, Dad," Beau had told his father. "Give me your word that no matter what happens, you're going to be all right." Joe Biden gave him his word.

Promise Me, Dad chronicles the year that followed, which would be the most momentous and challenging in Joe Biden's extraordinary life and career. Vice President Biden traveled more than a hundred thousand miles that year, across the world, dealing with crises in Ukraine, Central America, and Iraq. When a call came from New York, or Capitol Hill, or Kyiv, or Baghdad - "Joe, I need your help" - he responded. For 12 months, while Beau fought for and then lost his life, the vice president balanced the twin imperatives of living up to his responsibilities to his country and his responsibilities to his family. And never far away was the insistent and urgent question of whether he should seek the presidency in 2016. The year brought real triumph and accomplishment, and wrenching pain. But even in the worst times, Biden was able to lean on the strength of his long, deep bonds with his family, on his faith, and on his deepening friendship with the man in the Oval Office, Barack Obama.

Writing with poignancy and immediacy, Joe Biden allows listeners to feel the urgency of each moment, to experience the days when he felt unable to move forward as well as the days when he felt like he could not afford to stop. This is a book written not just by the vice president but by a father, grandfather, friend, and husband. Promise Me, Dad is a story of how family and friendships sustain us and how hope, purpose, and action can guide us through the pain of personal loss into the light of a new future.

Note: this Audible Exclusive includes a powerful interview – only available here – between Joe Biden and award-winning journalist, Mike Barnicle. Their discussion contextualizes the memoir’s wide-ranging themes, while also touching upon the presidential election, current events, and what it means to grapple with profound grief.

©2017 CelticCapri Corp (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC.

Critic reviews

"This audiobook is a listening experience in which the author/narrator opens his heart. Vice President Joe Biden, a practiced orator, delivers his memoir with empathy, passion, and the occasional smattering of regret." (AudioFile)

The last Human Politician

People write book to spread an idea, be famous, or make money. Joe Biden wrote this book because he just felt and meant every word and wanted to share it. At least this how I felt while I am listening to the book. BTW if you want to read the book that's fine but if you listen to it, it is way better. You can feel the sincerity of the vice president. In one part of the chapter he met the father of the slain cop in Brooklyn after his son died. My eyes came to tears while he is describing this encounter. His own eyes came to tears while he is reading it and you can feel it. I cannot describe the mixture feelings I had while I am listening to this part. Joe simply showed that we all human after all. We might live differently but at the end whether you are the vice president or a simple immigrant we will feel happiness and pain the same way, and the best treats to go through this life are humility and compassion and Joe Biden has a lot of that. #RunForPresident #TrueHuman #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Wonderful Memoir of one of the most difficult years for the former VP

This book is wonderful. Definitely don’t read in public! No one should have to bury their children. I had no idea Biden lost his first wife and a daughter earlier in his life! Such a tragic, beautiful life this man has had. I have so much respect for him. I wish he would have run, but i totally understand why he didn’t.

The only issue i had with this was that It seemed there was a different narrator at certain points. It was a little distracting.

Outstanding

I have never left a review but this book is worth it. Such a moving , encouraging story. I feel blessed to have listened to it and grateful for His services. You will not be disappointed.

Please run.

Joe. We all love and need you. Your book was amazing and so are you.

Utterly beautiful. Filled with love and hope.

Just finished this wonderful book. I am a mess! I was never really interested in this man. Heard him referred to as ‘Crazy Joe’. Couldn’t be further from the truth.

Joe Biden, widowed so young under horrendous circumstances. Joe Biden father, then loving husband again. Joe in political life the VP of The US of A. A man who loves his country, loves his God and loves his children. Yet again losing another.

He narrates his story with such gentle timing. His deep gentle voice breaks when he recounts events that are so painful yet so pertinent to his life.

This is a relevant bio of a man of our time. Five stars all the the way.

Joe Biden’s story of his families loss is a must listen!!!

The story of losing his son to cancer is one of the most touching stories I’ve heard in years. I truly enjoyed listening to Joe Biden tell the story. Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, every American will learn from his story and better understand the challenges his family and many others face when losing a loved one to cancer.

What a wonderful man

Loved your words Joe. I have always thought you were a man with principles & heart, hearing you read your story confirms my thoughts. Many blessings thoughtout 'the rest of your life'.

Joe Biden ... heart and integrity

Would you listen to Promise Me, Dad again? Why?

This is one book I could listen to over and over! Heartwarming and heartbreaking. A story of Love and devotion to his family and country.

What did you like best about this story?

Vice President Biden’s voice is calming and so easy to listen to... it was like sitting with my father and listening to stories of his past 💕

Which character – as performed by Joe Biden – was your favorite?

He is so inseparable from his family I can not choose a favorite.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was hard for me to stop listening! I laughed, I cried, simply one of my favorite books ever.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book to everyone regardless of gender, political beliefs, parent,child,young or old! It’s the story of love,life,devotion and facing adversity with grace, courage and humor.

Amazing story

As a glioblastoma survivor, this was a really hard listen but so very worth it. Joe Biden’s reading comes alive with emotion.

Outstanding!

Such a heartfelt and moving record of raw human feelings. Prepare yourself for an emotional journey with the author. Such bravery. one cannot not be moved when listening to this honest account of love, hope and loyalty to the bitter end.
Well worth the read.