Shortest Way Home: One Mayor's Challenge and a Model for America's Future

Written by:
Pete Buttigieg
Narrated by:
Pete Buttigieg

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
139
Narrator
42
Release Date
February 2019
Duration
9 hours 58 minutes
Summary
A mayor's inspirational story of a Midwest city that has become nothing less than a blueprint for the future of American renewal.

Once described by the Washington Post as 'the most interesting mayor you've never heard of,' Pete Buttigieg, the thirty-six-year-old Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has improbably emerged as one of the nation's most visionary politicians. First elected in 2011, Buttigieg left a successful business career to move back to his hometown, previously tagged by Newsweek as a 'dying city,' because the industrial Midwest beckoned as a challenge to the McKinsey-trained Harvard graduate. Whether meeting with city residents on middle-school basketball courts, reclaiming abandoned houses, confronting gun violence, or attracting high-tech industry, Buttigieg has transformed South Bend into a shining model of urban reinvention.

While Washington reels with scandal, Shortest Way Home interweaves two once-unthinkable success stories: that of an Afghanistan veteran who came out and found love and acceptance, all while in office, and that of a Rust Belt city so thoroughly transformed that it shatters the way we view America's so-called flyover country.
Reviews
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Jennifer H.

I love that the author himself is reading. His story is grippingly interesting and gives unique insight into the daily life and concerns of a smart, articulate, energetic and sensitive politician who has a passion for knowing and serving his community.

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Anonymous

Really enjoyed this book, and loved that Pete himself read it (had to be that way!). His thoughtfulness, authenticity and mix of smarts and compassion in leadership are all so inspiring. Grateful for his coming out, and so happy he and Chasten are so happy. Hoping he'll be our next Sec. of Defense or another Cabinet position!

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Mary S M.

This book, read by the author is excellent. It is an excellent description of the journey of a millennial young man who chooses public service over more lucrative pursuits. It gives me hope for the future

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Marc A.

Wonderful and very honest...

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Ellen D.

Great Book Great Book! He would make a great President! 1

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Mette C.

There was so much to love here - from the story of the city of South Bend’s transformation from a decaying post-car manufacturing place of hopelessness to thriving modern city; to the story of Buttigieg’s path of learning about the city, the world, and himself; to the quality narration done by Buttigieg himself, his tone of voice totally in sync with the general atmosphere of the book. I left this book thinking what a joy and privilege it must be to know Buttigieg personally. He shows himself as that rarest kind of human being: sincere, brilliant, caring, and humble.

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Anonymous

Great book. Great narration.

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Tricia H.

Engaging and interesting

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Anonymous

Love it

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Doug M.

Well done!

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Anonymous

Amazing book and narration. Pete is another leader that brings authenticity, thoughtfulness and innovation to the table. I’m inspired to be more civic minded.

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B. K. J.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Not only did I learn more about this intelligent & inspiring young man, but also of the complexity of decisions & daily stresses of one in public office. It was even more meaningful that events discussed were so current!

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Matt M.

great book. I learned a lot about Secretary Buttegieg.

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Philip H.

Interesting story of an upcoming politician on his way someday to higher office. Nice to have the author read his story. Not an exciting book full of intrigue, but he gives good observations of why the Demoxrats lost the Midwest states and the presidential election in 2016 and other state and local offices throughout the 2010s, and how he succeeded beyond all odds in South Bend, Indiana.

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Anonymous

not a fan of his hype

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