Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith [Hardcover]

Patti Davis (Author), Patti Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

The daughter of the former president pays tribute to her father, Ronald Reagan, describing his spiritual strength in the face of Alzheimer's, the impact of his near assassination, and his spiritual legacy to her and others. 100,000 first printing. $120,000 ad/promo.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Davis offers a moving tribute to former President Reagan, her father.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ronald Reagan reassured his daughter when she was a child of eight or nine and concerned that "it was true that every time a star falls it means an angel has died." "Angels don't die," he responded, with the simplicity and sincerity that marked his religious beliefs. In this slim volume, Davis talks about the gift of faith Reagan has shared with her. Childhood stories about angels, prayer, and fireflies segue into her own rebellious and angry feelings in early adulthood and lead finally into a peaceful conviction--" a deep, resilient faith that God's love never wavers." Though many may find startling the contrast between Davis' tone here and in her earlier literary efforts, some quite critical of Dad, this appreciative testimony offers touching insights into the faith and private life of the former president, now suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Denise Donavin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060173246
• ISBN-13: 978-0060173241
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #724,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Patti Davis Book received NO press hype, yet it is a be, June 12, 2004

By 

Cinema Dave "Cinema Dave" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith (Hardcover)

There is a bitterness toward Ronald Reagan that does not subside. As the man was laid to rest on June 11, 2004 - there were two Tribune Columnists in South Florida that blamed President for AIDS epidemic caused by budget deficits. According to these elitist critics, Reagan created class warfare. Yet as we have witnessed from the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, The Gipper's mourners came from all walks of life.

When Patti Davis wrote scandalous books about her family, it was front page news. I found "Angels Don't Die" on the bargain rack of a bookstore chain shortly after publication. Like Ruben "Hurricaine" Carter's out-of-print book "The 15th Round," sometimes you do not find a book, sometimes the book finds you.

Patti wrote a book in which she reconciles with her father. "Angels Don't Die - My father's gift of Faith" is a spirtual book of common sense philosophy and conviction. Patti comes to grips with her father's emotional distance. Despite his showmanship and gregarious nature, Patti learns that her Daddy was really a very shy man.

This is a great book for people with older parents,
especialy as a coping tool for Baby Boomers and
Generation X reconciling with the World War II Generation.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars books, June 9, 2004

By 

dana (us) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith (Hardcover)

I have read several of her books. She's a good writer. I admire her nonconformity/questioning/candor/spirit/honesty/empathy/intuitionand altruistic love for her family. There were troubles in their family. There are troubles in every family or so I've heard. There was justifiable questioning and normal rebellion. What family hasn't experienced this? She helped to eliminate the mystic of famous people being perfect for me. The books she writes are not just about her family, but they do encompass the members as a portrayal of idealogical norms at the time, some of which she did not agree with .She was/is very vocal/honest. I believe that she writes from her heart and the book, for her, was cathartic. She tried to deduce, through her writing, what the problem was and how to fix it. She wanted to help her family, while, at the same time show their true nature. I want to extend, as always, my highest regards and heartfelt condolences during their time of grief.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Better late than never, December 29, 2005

By 

Marvin D. Pipher (Houston, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Angels Don't Die: My Father's Gift of Faith (Hardcover)

Before reading this book, I couldn't help but wonder what a daughter who seemingly had devoted her entire life to embarrassing, humiliating, and politically opposing her father could possibly have to say about him as he entered the twilight of his life. Now, after reading the book, I'm still somewhat at a loss. The sentiments expressed are endearing, but the story line seems too slick, too polished, and perhaps a little too contrived to be easily believable. Is it really possible that the author could ignore her father's guidance and fret about such things as death all through her lifetime and then in the sunset of his life take solace in his thoughts and the examples he had set for her when she was but a child? I can't help but wonder.

Her introduction of political bias toward the end of the book also disappointed me. It seemed unnecessary; but it was also somewhat telling. By doing so, Patti made it clear that she never did, and at the time the book was written still didn't, understand her father, conservatism in general, or her father's conservative ideals. This was evident when she expressed surprise that her father could possibly believe that "God doesn't make distinctions on the basis of skin color" and went on to say that after hearing him say this she suggested to her brother that her father had spoken to the wrong convention. Ronald Reagan must surely have been one of the last people on earth who would believe otherwise; and either convention would certainly have cheered such a pronouncement -- albeit for different reasons. How could she not know that?

In any event, and regardless of her motives, I'm glad Patti Davis wrote this book. Hopefully, it helped set Reagan's mind at ease; and although it doesn't contain much new information about him, that which is included is quite revealing of his true nature and beliefs. So, despite its diminutive size and any questions concerning the author's objectives, it still makes a contribution to the Reagan legacy. As a minimum, it dispels the liberal myth that Ronald Reagan was not a spiritually motivated and deeply religious man. Hence, whether or not you question the author's motives, as I did, it is still worth reading.