One Soldier's Story

A Memoir

By: Bob Dole

Narrated by: Paul Hecht, Cynthia Darlowe

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Before he became one of America's most respected statesmen, Bob Dole was an average citizen serving heroically for his country. The bravery he showed after suffering near-fatal injuries in the final days of World War II is the stuff of legend. Now, for the first time in his own words, Dole tells the moving story of his harrowing experience on and off the battlefield, and how it changed his life.

With the candor, compassion, and wit he is known for, Dole recounts his own odyssey of courage and sacrifice, and also honors the fighting spirit of the countless heroes with whom he served. Drawing on never-before-seen letters between him and his family during this period, Dole offers a powerful, vivid portrait of one man's struggle to survive in the closing moments of the war. He speaks here not as a politician, but as a wounded G.I. who overcame the longest odds to rebuild his life. Heartfelt and inspiring, One Soldier's Story is the World War II chronicle America has been waiting for.

©2005 Bob Dole (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[A] poignant account." (Publishers Weekly)

Everyone Should Read!

Every leader or American Patriot can benefit from this humble story written by humble leader that made a positive difference in the world!

A Real American Hero and Leader

Where does One Soldier's Story rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 10 percent.

What other book might you compare One Soldier's Story to and why?

This book tells a humble hero's story of a man who was a Presidential candidate, US Senator, US Army Officer in WW II, and disabled WWII Veteran and a whole lot more. Dole was/is all of those things. Back when he ran for President, I didn't know anything about him. Then, the press did a real number on him and we all looked at him as Bob Dull .... wow, were we ever stupid for that. This book makes up for that and gives us all a great look at the man the news media made us overlook.

Which character – as performed by Paul Hecht and Cynthia Darlowe – was your favorite?

Narrated by Paul Hecht , Cynthia Darlowe. Excellent job by the narrators.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His first trip back home from the VA Hospital in Topeka, just for a visit and the awakening that it became.

Any additional comments?

Before I read this book; I never felt that Mr. Bob Dole was any more special than any other Kansas Senator. After listening to it, I wish I'd had this information when he was running for President. Bob Dole is the real deal. We missed a tremendous opportunity to have him for our President. Not that Clinton is not the real deal, but Dole certainly was as capable as Clinton.

I definitely recommend this book - especially for high school kids, service men and women and veterans.

One Soldier’s Story

This was a fabulous book written by a pretty memorable person. Bob Dole’ shared is family’s story and growing up in a small Midwestern town which molded him into the man he became. His experience during WWII and catastrophic injury as the fighting was winding down in Europe also changed his life but his faith, family, and small town values saw him through. Coming from a very political family my familiarity with Bob Dole was all about his career in the House as well as supporting his wife’s career in politics. This story shed light on an extraordinary man who served his country all his life. Sadly, we lost one more member of The Greatest Generation this week.

It Changed My Mind about Bob Dole!

If you love the US, you'll love it more after you hear Bob Dole's incredible story ... this is a powerful story about a most-humble US servant. If our youth were given Dole's story for American History class reading/listening today, it would change our nation's future instantly. No politics and no bull ... A MUST-LISTEN.

Greatest generation

Humble beginnings developed a man of character who demonstrated his love of country facing down every challenge. A true war hero.

Great book about an Real American Hero.

Bob Dole shares his story as a young boy, soldier abs wounded war hero recovering from near fatal
Injuries. It a story of overcoming adversity and making the very best of a difficult situation. Interestingly, Dole does not dived much time discussing his political career. The book was clearly written to help similarly situated soldiers deal with their own adversity, so the story was appropriately focused on that aspect of Senator Doles live. Great book about an Real American Hero.

Great book about Bob Doles early years

Only one or two chapters are focused on Bob Doles life in politics. Most of the book is focused on his early years as a solider. If you want to learn more about his political life this is not the right book. It is worth a read tho.