Peacerunner, Penn Rhodeen
Peacerunner, Penn Rhodeen
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

Peacerunner
The True Story of How an Ex-congressman Helped End the Centuries of War in Ireland

Author: Penn Rhodeen, Bill Clinton

Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner

Unabridged: 8 hr 16 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/16/2016


Synopsis

This is the true story of an unknown American politician who played a critical role in ending centuries of conflict in Northern Ireland. Without the president’s permission, and breaking every conventional rule about how to deal with terrorists, former congressman Bruce Morrison helped end a conflict that most observers thought would continue indefinitely.This is the inside story of how centuries of warfare finally ended, thanks to one inspired politician.Warfare, ranging from active hostilities to seething tension, was the norm between the Irish and the English since the 1100s. During the thirty years from the start of the Troubles to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, over 3,000 Irish and British nationals were killed. Many celebrated the famous Good Friday Agreement that put an end to one of the longest-standing conflicts in the world, but just a handful knew the full story of one American and the crucial role he played in winning peace—and none knew it better than Penn Rhodeen.In a narrative that grips the listener from the beginning, Rhodeen recounts Bruce Morrison’s heroic peacemaking efforts in lively prose and rigorous detail. A natural storyteller, Rhodeen offers listeners the chance to step into modern political history for an up-close look at Morrison’s remarkable journey. Follow Morrison as he persuades Clinton to create a positive political climate in America and makes the connections necessary in Ireland and Britain to help win the IRA ceasefire and enact a solid, lasting peace.With an introduction by President Bill Clinton and cameos from Tony Blair, George Mitchell, Gerry Adams, Jean Kennedy Smith, John Major, and other larger-than-life figures, Rhodeen dramatizes events that have somehow receded into the past without getting their due. Peacerunner is the story of how one man changed world history and the modern political landscape.Bruce Morrison’s story is one of unlikely optimism in the face of seemingly hopeless conflict. Peacerunner has the power to inspire readers from all walks of life and spark new dialogue about how best to lend aid in countries afflicted by unending war.

About Penn Rhodeen

Penn Rhodeen became a lawyer after brief stints as a newspaper reporter and schoolteacher. His practice focuses on cases involving children and medical malpractice. He has also been heavily involved in political campaigns for a wide range of candidates, from local to presidential. Much of his writing has related to legal and political issues, including op-ed pieces for the New York Times, Newsday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and others.

About Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, former president of the United States, is the author of a number of nonfiction works as well as a fiction novel co-authored with James Patterson, which made the New York Times #1 bestsellers list.

About Malcolm Hillgartner

Malcolm Hillgartner has narrated over 175 audiobooks. He was named an AudioFile Best Voice of 2013. His work ranges from children's titles such as On the Blue Comet (AudioFile Best of 2011, Earphones), and Neal Stevenson's sci-fi epic REAMDE (Audible.com Best of 2011) to the biographies Kissinger (AudioFile Best of 2013, Earphones) and Cheever (AudioFile Best of 2009, Earphones). He is also an accomplished actor, writer, and musician. With his wife and partner, Jahnna Beecham, he has written over 130 books for teens and young readers, as well as the musicals Chaps! and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical, which have been produced in the U.S. and Canada.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Terence on March 22, 2016

This is an extraordinary book about an extraordinary event--the end of a centuries-old sectarian civil war that was so much a part of the fabric of the late twentieth century that it was part of the world's wallpaper. But even more extraordinary than the event was the agent who brought it about--a j......more

Goodreads review by Silvio111 on November 06, 2018

The fascinating story of the faith, courage, and patience it took the American team (on behalf of President Clinton) to pave the road that led to the peace process in Northern Ireland. This process sounds so logical that it perplexes me that it has not been tried in other troubled areas of the world.......more

Goodreads review by Fritzov on March 08, 2016

I do like me some politics. Good book.......more

Goodreads review by Stephen on May 21, 2022

The greatest Audiobook on CD for biographies and adults only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!! So, fucking funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!......more


Quotes

“As I read Penn Rhodeen’s skillful account of Bruce’s role in the successful march toward the Good Friday Agreement, it wasn’t the ending—a historic peace accord that moved Northern Ireland from warfare to politics—but the remarkable effort by all parties to secure it that kept me reading from start to finish.” President Bill Clinton, from the foreword

“This gripping and wonderful story is personal for me. I was born and raised in Northern Ireland and as I started my professional acting career in Belfast, the violence of the Troubles was raging. Bruce Morrison and the other heroes (unsung to my mind) of this terrific book accomplished the seemingly impossible and ultimately miraculous! The world needs more stories like this and more men like this. This is a must-read.” Liam Neeson

“This is a great and important story, thrilling and beautifully written, about how the world gets better.” Rebecca Moore, director of Google Earth

Peacerunner is a riveting account of the nonviolent tactics used to bring peace to Northern Ireland. Bruce Morrison is a true humanitarian devoted to reconciliation. His commitment to justice and the highest use of political service is an inspiration to us all.” John Lewis, US representative