Being George Washington: The Indispensable Man, As You've Never Seen Him [Kindle Edition]

Glenn Beck (Author)

Book Description

IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW GEORGE WASHINGTON, THINK AGAIN.

This is the amazing true story of a real-life superhero who wore no cape and possessed no special powersyet changed the world forever.

His life reads as if it were torn from the pages of an action novel: Bullet holes through his clothing. Horses shot out from under him. Unimaginable hardship. Disease. Spies and double-agents. And while we celebrate his great heroism and character, we discover he was also a flawed man. Its those flaws that should give us hope for today. Understanding the very human way he turned himself from an uneducated farmer into the Indispensable (yet imperfect) Man is the only way to build a new generation of George Washingtons who can take on the extraordinary challenges that America is once again facing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio host and founder of The Blaze television network, is a ten-time #1 bestselling author and is one of the few authors in history to have had #1 national bestsellers in the fiction, nonfiction, self-help, and children’s picture book genres. His #1 novels include The Overton Window, The Christmas Sweater, and The Christmas Sweater: A Picture Book. His #1 nonfiction books include Cowards, The Original Argument, The 7 (with Dr. Keith Ablow), Broke, Glenn Beck’s Common Sense, Arguing with Idiots, and An Inconvenient Book. His other books include the national bestsellers The Snow Angel, Being George Washington, and The Real America. Visit GlennBeck.com or TheBlaze.com.

Product Details

• File Size: 698 KB
• Print Length: 306 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 145165927X
• Publisher: Threshold Editions; Reprint edition (November 22, 2011)
• Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005GG0MWO
• Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,752 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #15 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( W ) > Washington, George
  • #37 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Political Science > History & Theory
  • #49 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Political

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

407 of 476 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Call To Lead in the Ilk of Our First President November 22, 2011

By David P. Craig TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was encouraged to read this book because of the gaping hole in leadership internationally, nationally, and locally - whether in politics, education, business, or in the church. Simultaneous with my reading of this book I was interested in something that John Gardner (in an essay on leadership) pointed out, "When the United States was formed, the population stood at around 3 million. That 3 million produced at least six leaders of world class--Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, and Hamilton." Today we have a population 90 times larger than that and I can't name a single leader that comes close to the aforementioned six men. Along with Gardner I ask the question "Where are they?"

Therefore, my curiosity was piqued in reading this book to discover what we can learn from Washington's life - and whether we can truly produce great leaders today. One of the main points that Beck makes in the book early on is that "for America to achieve the greatness that George Washington achieved, we have to remember that it is achievable." In story after story Beck brings out some of the keys to great leadership - character (based on a strong faith in God and His good providence); putting others before self - especially what's best for the whole; having a vision for liberty and fighting for it; focusing on that which will last beyond us. In a nutshell Beck highlights Washington's character, trust, and honor in story after story and demonstrates how he united America around freedom so that we could be the best we could be....

The primary lesson of this book and of great leadership is stated by Beck in this manner, "Everything we do in life--every battle that we fight and every mountain that we climb, no matter how many times we fall--may be for no other purpose than to prepare us for that moment when we are called upon to make a difference in this world...What Washington did do was accept the responsibility he had been given, beg the grace of God upon himself and his army, and then work relentlessly to accomplish his goals. What he did do was to keep on working, regardless of the personal sacrifices required or the setbacks that he encountered. He kept the faith, no matter who stood against him; regardless of the gossip, the naysayers and sometimes, regardless even of the betrayal of his friends."

In conclusion Beck states that if you and I are to be like George Washington in today's world means:

"a daily struggle between your heart and your brain; between instant gratification and enduring greatness."

"looking out for our families, our neighbors, and our countrymen--standing for them when they can't stand for themselves."

"putting country before party."

"becoming a leader - not of a country or army, but of yourself, your community, and your own family. It means taking personal responsibility for your actions and holding those around you to the same standard."

"accepting that this country was chosen for Divine protection because the struggle for freedom is worthy of protection."

In other words, great leadership involves humility before God; responsibility with what He has stewarded unto us, and faithfulness to the task at hand. This book was a pleasure to read, and pointed out both the strengths and weaknesses of Washington. However, the constant reminder was to be what we can be with God's help, and do what we can do (not focus on what we can't do), one step or opportunity at a time. Being a great leader like Washington involves great sacrifice, risk, unselfishness, and tremendous dedication. In the final analysis we need to be willing to personally answer the key question that Beck asks, "Are you willing to lose everything to do what is right?" I am grateful that Washington did, hope I will too, and that his tribe will increase abundantly. Read more ›

73 of 88 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Fan of Beck & Subject Matter : giving this book an enthusiastic 'meh' December 23, 2011

By Gryffindell

Format:Hardcover

As a fan of Glenn Beck, I was eager to read his book about George Washington. I enjoyed it greatly despite its flaws. If anything, I want to support Glenn's anti-establishment foray into the world of media and publishing.

A couple of things I didn't like:
1. Jumping back and forth in time. I realize these were supposed to tell you the significance of certain events in the future and in some cases, they were well placed. But too much of a good thing...
2. Editing. Too much of a rush job. Sorry, Glenn, it's hard to take something serious that is grammatically incorrect. If you want to position yourself as a champion of history, you have to pay attention to your English.
a. Inferred characteristics of George Washington that are admitted to be pure conjecture, that are not in his writings, letters or others' accounts.

What I DID like:
1. Action sequences showing the desperation of the full-breadth of the American revolution. I don't think I appreciated how tenuous it was even after the battles were done.
2. There is a definite change in voice that, while not completely in your face, does let you know that you are hearing Glenn's voice and not history's.
3. Points out areas that may be myths in our history because there is no verifiable proof.
4. Hard to put down. Incredibly interesting read.

204 of 263 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Man for These Troubled Times November 22, 2011

By Daniel J. Kordik

Format:Hardcover

I just bought this and so far, it reads as good as all of the rest of Beck's books! Please, PLEASE ignore these purpose driven 1 star reviews. They are written by fools that go from conservative author to conservative author giving them a 1 star reviews, bashing the author and moving on. They never read the books and it's obvious. I cannot understand the hate directed towards this man, he preaches honor, character, understanding and more importantly, he calls us all to go back to our Constitutional Roots.
I'll finish this review when I am done, but 1/2 way through, it's great! I would also suggest "The Christmas Sweater", it has a spectacular message, especially for the young!

11/23/2011 Updated: Just finished and my five star rating is intact. This is a very good read, not Glenn's best, but still good enough to get a five star! No, George Washington did not have wooden teeth or chop down a cherry tree, but I continue to believe that God ordained George Washington to be our 1st great President and what a form to follow. It's too bad todays President's, Republican and Democrat both fall so terribly short of the high mark that George Washington created. But Glenn, you may be asking too much TODAY for many to be like George Washington, the media and current history seems to have made a real effort to wash his memory away...
Thanks for another winner Glenn Beck!

109 of 140 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read November 22, 2011

By crazy j

Format:Hardcover

I'm a big fan of History. Have read a lot of bio's over the years. This is an excellent read. Once you start, you won't want to stop. The book flows well. I suggest this as a must read for anybody interested in the man known as George Washington.

95 of 122 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A history teacher's review November 28, 2011

By Joel Killion

Format:Hardcover

Riveting, educational, inspiring, accurate, and empowering. Rather than throwing dates and names at you (though it included both of course), "Being George Washington" tells a story that takes you back in time to smell, hear, see, feel, and taste the events. A great read for those who love history and those who don't but want to.

71 of 91 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A real MAN! November 23, 2011

By R. L. Johnson

Format:Hardcover

The real George Washington has been lost to legend and history for a long time. As a Mason (yes the secret handshake kind) George Washington is held in very high regard to all US Masons. I can not think of a Lodge I have been in that there is not a picture or bust of George Washington. Not only because he was the first President, not only because he was a Mason but because he IS the standard to reach for in your personal and professional life. This is how I feel about the book BEING GEORGE WASHINGTON. He is no longer just a statue or a marble bust but a real man with his faults but dedication to his country, country men and to try to be the best he can be. This will not be something to read once but something to come back to as a textbook on how to make yourself into an indispensable person no matter if you are a man or woman or in you personal or professional life.