Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose

Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose - Joe Biden

A deeply moving memoir about the year that would forever change both a family and a country.In November 2014, thirteen members of the Biden family gathered on Nantucket for Thanksgiving, a tradition they had been celebrating for the past forty 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 fifteen 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 twelve 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 readers 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.

Published: 2017-11-14 (Flatiron Books)

ISBN: 9781250171672

Language: English

Format: Hardcover, 272 pages

Goodreads' rating: -

Genres

Memoir Autobiography Audiobook Politics Biography Nonfiction

Reviews

Rahel rated it

I can relate to this book, as my sister passed away from the same glio cancer that Beau had. I can definitely relate to Joe Biden's description of the feelings when they heard the dreaded glio diagnosis to some of the struggles that he went through watching this happen. One thing that struck me was that my sister died 10 years before, and yet, while there are new treatments available, the outcome is still the same and the prognosis is poor.While I do not pretend to be able to understand the pressures Mr. Biden faced dealing with the demands of the Vice Presidency, I do understand what its like to have to deal with life demands when watching a loved one die. He dealt with the conflict of work pressures and public life with wanting to be with his son; my conflict was on a lesser scale, but is was very real nevertheless. I was in the process of studying for the bar exam when they stopped treatments on my sister. I was going to forego the bar that time around and take it later so I could spend time with her, but she told me that if I did that, she would kill me. So, I did take it and I was happy that she knew that I did that.While Beau's illness and the Biden family were the focal points of this book, there were also glimpses into the life of a Vice President. I found his insights into his relationship with Mr. Obama to be particularly interesting; I knew they were close and had respect for one another publicly, and I was glad to see that they had the same relationship privately.

Keenan rated it

5 stars! I try to be mindful, at all times, of what a difference a small human gesture can make to people in need. What does it really cost to take a moment to look someone in the eye, to give him a hug, to let her know, I get it. Youre not alone?Joe Biden is one of those people who have lived an incredible life. Hes done a lot in his lifetime, but hes also lost a lot. Yet he still manages to be a fun and lovable guy who doesnt lose his faith and looks on the bright-side. After listening to this audio book (which was narrated by Joe himself) I have a new level of respect for him. If I would have lived his life, I dont think I would have had the same strength hes had. This is a powerful book. A story of one mans life, his journey, the obstacles he overcame and all the loss hes had. Its a book that made me cry loads, but also gave me a lot of hope. I adore Joe Biden and I recommend this touching and heartfelt memoir to all!

Nikolaus rated it

Reading this extraordinary memoir was so beautifully written- unsentimental-but very sad - and searingly honest....I regret not having read it sooner. The most poignant sections of this book for me were the family relationships and the intricacies of Beaus disease, glioblastoma, ....the most aggressive cancer that begins in the brain. There was a new crises in Iraq that day, and it needed my attention. Although I knew it was my responsibility, I felt for the first time a sense of resentment that I had to divert focus to anything other than Beau, even for just half an hour. My son was in one room in extremis and I was sitting in another, forced to deal with a problem sixty-two miles away. There is no question of how much Joe Biden loves his country and family. He takes both jobs seriously. His children - wife - extended family - are all cut from the same thread. GOOD PEOPLE! Getting to know Beau and his brother Hunter was especially moving to me. Their birthdays were only a day apart.....and the brotherly bond between them was inspiring.*Beau* was a remarkable guy. Its inconceivable what he went through. He met his cancer treatments head on - never resisting the most uncomfortable aggressive cancer treatments to fight the most aggressive type of cancer that he had. He was not giving up. He was concerned for his wife, children, brother, sister, mom, and pop....( Joe). And at one point in the journey ... the doctors actually thought Beau might actually be the first person to come through glioblastoma alive. I was so moved - impressed with the team of doctors - hoping for the possibility even though I knew the outcome. I was literally hanging by a thread trying to comprehend and follow along with the medical procedures. We could feel those moments of hope and successAt one point Beau was running again. I was soooo happy for his entire family. God...if I WANTED HIS RECOVERY ( so bad) and I KNEW this outcome .....I cant imagine the roller coaster emotions of that last year.I would love to see Joe Biden as our President right now ....just to imagine it kinda feels good for a few minutes. Dont even ask me why my eyes water and I could be crying here in seconds. I wont make this political review I totally respect Joe Biden, though, love this man. I am so sorry for his loss. For his entire familys loss. Taking time for oneself to grieve- is responsible. Bless this family! Thank you Joe Biden for the gift this book is.

José Manuel rated it

I love this book it really help me understand Joe Biden better than I had before. The timeline of events and the way the book was written flowed very well. The book did not wander or meander and stayed very personal.

Lorena rated it

PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2020!!!!!!!That aside --- I enjoyed this book, although he neatly and tidily left out what is going on with Beau's widow and his other son, Hunter. (he had time as he mentions at the end of the book that it is the summer of 2017 as he finishes said book --- given that he supports the relationship why leave it out....??)FYI for those not in the know. The widow of Joe Bidens late son Beau Biden has started a romantic relationship with Beaus brother Hunter Biden, the former vice presidents younger son.Hallie was devastated when her husband, Beau, died after suffering from brain cancer in May 2015. But she has since struck up a romance with Beaus brother Hunter, 47, who has separated from his wife, Kathleen. Were told Hallie and Hunter are now officially a couple.The astonishing family drama caps a difficult period for the Bidens following the death of Beau at age 46. The former vice president cited the death of his elder son as one of the reasons he decided in October 2015 against running for president.Former Vice President Biden confirmed the relationship to Page Six and said that he and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, have given their blessing to the couple.He told us in an exclusive statement, We are all lucky that Hunter and Hallie found each other as they were putting their lives together again after such sadness. They have mine and Jills full and complete support and we are happy for them.Hunter, a lawyer who has three daughters called Naomi, Finnegan and Maisy with estranged wife Kathleen, also told Page Six, Hallie and I are incredibly lucky to have found the love and support we have for each other in such a difficult time, and thats been obvious to the people who love us most. Weve been so lucky to have family and friends who have supported us every step of the way.Beau, the former attorney general of Delaware, and Hallie have two children, named Natalie and, confusingly, Hunter.A source told us that the elder Hunter and Kathleen Biden separated in October 2015, five months after Beaus death and around the time that Joe Biden decided not to make a presidential run. It is not clear if the estranged couple has yet filed for divorce.Kathleen, chairwoman of the DC-based Eleanor Roosevelt Dialogue, didnt comment.