Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History
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Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History Audible Audiobook – Abridged

Ted Sorensen (Author, Narrator), HarperAudio (Publisher)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 163 ratings
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In this gripping memoir, John F. Kennedy's closest advisor recounts in full, for the first time, his experience counseling Kennedy through the most dramatic moments in American history.

Sorensen returns to January 1953, when he and the freshman senator from Massachusetts began their extraordinary professional and personal relationship. Rising from legislative assistant to speechwriter and advisor, the young lawyer from Nebraska worked closely with JFK on his most important speeches, as well as his book Profiles in Courage.

Sorensen encouraged the junior senator's political ambitions - from a failed bid for the vice-presidential nomination in 1956 to the successful presidential campaign in 1960, after which he was named special counsel to the president.

Sorensen describes in thrilling detail his experience advising JFK during some of the most crucial days of his presidency, from the decision to go to the moon to the Cuban Missile Crisis, when JFK requested that the 34-year-old Sorensen draft the key letter to Khrushchev at the most critical point of the world's first nuclear confrontation.

After Kennedy was assassinated, Sorensen stayed with President Johnson for a few months before leaving to write a biography of JFK. In 1968 he returned to Washington to help run Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign. Through it all, Sorensen never lost sight of the ideals that brought him to Washington and to the White House, working tirelessly to promote and defend free, peaceful societies.

Illuminating, revelatory, and utterly compelling, Counselor is the brilliant, long-awaited memoir from the remarkable man who shaped the presidency and the legacy of one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.

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  1. Listening Length
    14 hours and 24 minutes
  2. Author
    Ted Sorensen
  3. Narrator
    Ted Sorensen
  4. Audible release date
    May 6, 2008
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    HarperAudio
  7. ASIN
    B001946QE0
  8. Version
    Abridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 14 hours and 24 minutes
Author Ted Sorensen
Narrator Ted Sorensen
Audible.com Release Date May 06, 2008
Publisher HarperAudio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Abridged
Language English
ASIN B001946QE0
Best Sellers Rank #70,580 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#24 in Biographies of Legal Professionals
#202 in Lawyer & Judge Biographies
#487 in Biographies of Politicians

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
163 global ratings
JFK's. Intellectual Mirror.
5 Stars
JFK's. Intellectual Mirror.
S. Abdul-Mani (correct spelling, PLEASE)Completes the haunting triology of the Coup d'etat of 1963:" JFK And The Unspeakable"; "A Thousand Days:JFK inThe White House". Sorensen was JFK's"l.M." : "Intellectual Mirror" (Sonoff Henhazel)
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Top reviews from the United States

Alex R.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book by a great man
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2011
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For all those with an interest in rhetoric, policy and politics in general, this book provides great insight into a very different [political] world where, despite our differences, both parties could constructively debate issues with a view towards policy, not soundbites.

Sorensen himself is an icon that spent many years behind the scenes; a pioneer in an era of New Frontier[s]; an afterthought in the era of Hollywood (as illustrated by the effectively-swapped roles in the movie Thirteen Days of Costner's ODonnell and a screen-time-deficient 'Sorensen'). Ultimately, this book does not seek to grab the spotlight, nor redistribute credit at the expense of JFK's legacy. Sorensen merely shines light on his relationship with a man whom most viewed as a legend but that he knew as a friend. This is not one of those gossipy-tell-alls, that now seemingly occupy the field of political biographies. This book instead recontextualizes a man, an era, a president, in a fair yet admittedly subjective hue.

A must read for history buffs; a must own for policy advisors; but most of all, a hopeful staple for those idealists at heart but realists of mind. The world may have changed, as has the politics within it, but Sorensen's "Counselor" reminds us that it was not always so, and that when we cast aside our political demons and blind ambition, our better selves can avert disaster, inspire a nation, and even shoot for the stars.
6 people found this helpful
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UkuleleNutCary
5.0 out of 5 stars "Counselor" to Camelot a Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2015
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I noticed this book while looking for Sorensen's "Why I Am a Democrat" and decided to buy it. I'm glad I did because Sorensen was an excellent writer. His personal history, Nebraska roots, and Unitarian upbringing added spice to the detailed recounting of his time with John F. Kennedy, both in the campaigns for the U.S. Senate and for the White House.

Sorensen brings to life the historic incidents of the Kennedy presidency: the Bay of Pigs, Cuban missile crisis, the civil rights movement, the creation of the Peace Corps and the assassination. His narrative pulls you in and keeps your attention. Sorensen was the ultimate insider of the tragically abbreviated Kennedy administration.

This book is an excellent read!
7 people found this helpful
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A. Thiele
4.0 out of 5 stars A very good book
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2008
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I had a hard time getting used to Sorensen's life being discussed by theme (how he joined Senator Kennedy, his evolving role on the staff, speechwriting, the issue of religion, etc) rather than chronologically. I couldn't help but think that this made his recollections seem a bit shallow, since we are deprived from the moment-to-moment aspect of presidential decision-making and have to rely instead on what are just recollections decades earlier.

But the book provides a fascinating account of the Kennedy years and it is a good way to check the record on specific issues, such as Kennedy's civil rights initiative, without having to hop from one place to another seventy pages later, as would be the case for more traditional biographies. Sorensen was obviously devoted to JFK and feels immense pride and nostalgia at having been his special counsel. He doesn't pretend he was making the decisions for JFK, or anything remotely close to that - he has far too much respect for Kennedy's intelligence to suggest such a thing. Of course, one reason Sorensen was so attached to Kennedy was that he (Sorensen) advised him on far-ranging policies; he liked very much the behind-the-scenes impact he was having on critical issues. (We all would, if we were in his situation.)

The most beautiful chapter by far is the account of Kennedy's assassination and its aftermath. There is a beautiful sentence in that chapter where Sorensen explains that Kennedy's death robbed him (Sorensen) of his future, and later, when he considers other jobs, he quotes his brother as saying (I paraphrase) that the only job Ted Sorensen ever wanted was special counsel to President John F Kennedy, and that job wasn't available any more.

Sorensen makes no mysteries of his dislike of the current Bush administration and his strong support of Obama's campaign for President. The memo for all "presidential hopefuls" on pp.480-484 seems intended for Obama, although Sorensen is probably only repeating ideas he has already shared with the presidential candidate in person. (The last picture in the photo insert is a picture of him with Obama.)

This book will be most appreciated by people who have already read about the Kennedy administration, or just want to focus on a few issues and skip the other chapters.
6 people found this helpful
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William Gleason
5.0 out of 5 stars 82 & Counting
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2008
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This is the most moving, realistic depiction of JFK I have ever seen. Many will forever rant and rave over his personal peccadillos, but this man was a leader. His speech at American University, which was his way of dealing with Soviet & American feelings about nuclear war included the following. "For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet; we all breathe the same air; we all cherish our children's future; and we are all mortal." I heard that speech as a young man. I am now 82 and it still rings in my ears. I was raised an avid republican, but I am proud to have helped vote him into office. His like hasn't been seen since.
7 people found this helpful
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Jh
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2011
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I read this history as an e-book; but had to have a hard copy and one for each of my family and their kids.
What actually happened in the World from an eye witness and its relationship with JFK is amazing and spans over 50 years in pre and post JFK (equally amazing is the work and opportunity of Ted Sorensen and family who can be a icon for our kids).
I was particularily interested in Ted Sorensen's roots in Lincoln Nebraska and the University of Nebraska.
The book is well written and a treatise of writing.
I was impressed that JFK and TS could be flying upside down in a 4 passenger plane flown by the Idaho Democratic Chair to NV.
Jh.
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Stephen R. Klein
3.0 out of 5 stars Sorenson audio-book review
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2008
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A fascinating look at a fascinating time from a unique perspective, Ted Sorenson. Sorenson's own words & voice inflections are preserved for future generations. Anyone interested in the Kennedy Presidential era should add this to their collection. A must!
2 people found this helpful
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Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2019
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This is a must-read in my opinion Ted Sorensen and may have been the best speech writer ever. Freedom speech he wrote for Kennedy was incredible and so many others. An incredibly talented man who led a very interesting life.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Fabio Iacobini
5.0 out of 5 stars Words of God -Ted Sorensen
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 27, 2017
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Fantastic book .. one of the best ever read.. the man behind the legend .. loyalty, progression , values , integrity, courage and friendship.. all of this in this fantastic work.. the man that change the world just with the words of wisdom..
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anna maria Calabretta
5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo
Reviewed in Italy on May 14, 2015
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Mi é piaciuto molto. Un vero pezzo di storia americana vista da vicino da chi ha partecipato. Tutti dovrebbero leggerlo
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C. Ball
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating memoir from a 'Thousand Days' insider...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2010
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The one thing that comes across mostly clearly in this autobiography is Sorensen's deep and abiding love for John F. Kennedy. He describes him at numerous times as his mentor and best friend, and you really feel Sorensen's sense of loss on every page, even after nigh on fifty years. For a book about Sorensen himself, this is really about JFK and his impact and influence on Sorensen - and about Sorensen's influence on JFK.

As JFK's main policy adviser and the man who wrote many of JFK's most famous and memorable speeches, Sorensen had a hugely important role in the brief JFK administration, and it's fascinating to read about such momentous events from his perspective. He comes across as incredibly humble, even after so long not willing to take any credit away from his beloved President. His hero-worship of JFK shines from every page, but this is no hagiography - Sorensen doesn't excuse or erase JFK's flaws, and where he feels with hindsight JFK was wrong, he says so quite clearly.

My one criticism is that this book could have done with being edited a little better. It's quite disjointed - Sorensen opted for a thematic rather than chronological approach, which does mean that you end reading about events, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, broken up over several different sections, rather than as a linear narrative. But it's a fascinating read and well-worth the effort.
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Baptiste
4.0 out of 5 stars Voice of America
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2013
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Ted Sorensen worked with JFK for eleven years and was responsible, with Kennedy, for some of the most memorable speeches of the 20th century. This is an intriguing and fascinating view of the way that partnership worked, told by an intelligent man with an ego the size of the White House. In Sorensen's eyes, he and his President were like Batman and Robin, saving the world from evil and conservatism. And he can never quite understand, it seems, why the sidekick, Kennedy, got so much of the credit. To be fair, he idolised JFK and was devoted to him, but there is a good deal of unintentional humour here as the speechwriter and Special Counselor doggedly insists on placing himself at the centre of world events during Kennedy's 1036 days in power. In my view, Kennedy's best lines have often been overlooked. My favourite comes from his great "We choose to go to the moon" speech, written with Sorensen in summer 1963. At the end, Kennedy refers to Mallory's reply when he was asked why he wanted to climb Everest. "Because it's there," he said. "Well," said JFK, "Space is there. And we're going to climb it." That's Kennedy, not Sorensen. The humour is something history seems to have largely overlooked.
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Melissa CF
1.0 out of 5 stars Wrong book printed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2022
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The book arrived with the correct front and back cover, but everything printed inside - including reviews, liner notes, cover page, and the entire 344 pages of text - is for a book called The Lost Chalice by Vernon Silver. Either the wrong book has been put in the right cover, or the wrong cover has been put on the wrong book. Make sure you check your copy when it arrives, I paid a fair amount of money for a book I'd never heard of and had no interest in reading!
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Melissa CF
1.0 out of 5 stars Wrong book printed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2022
The book arrived with the correct front and back cover, but everything printed inside - including reviews, liner notes, cover page, and the entire 344 pages of text - is for a book called The Lost Chalice by Vernon Silver. Either the wrong book has been put in the right cover, or the wrong cover has been put on the wrong book. Make sure you check your copy when it arrives, I paid a fair amount of money for a book I'd never heard of and had no interest in reading!
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