Promise Me, Dad Book Summary - Promise Me, Dad Book explained in key points

Promise Me, Dad summary

Brief summary

Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the former vice president's experiences and reflections during his son's battle with cancer. It offers a touching account of resilience, love, and the complexities of balancing family and public service.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    Promise Me, Dad
    Summary of key ideas

    Family, Loss, and Service

    In Promise Me, Dad by Joe Biden, we are given an intimate look at the former Vice President's life during a year that would change him and his family forever. The book opens with Biden's son, Beau, being diagnosed with brain cancer. As a father, Biden is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with the possibility of losing his son. Amidst this personal turmoil, Biden continues to fulfill his duties as Vice President, navigating the political landscape with unwavering commitment.

    Biden's narrative is deeply personal, and he shares his inner turmoil candidly. He takes us through the grueling treatment process Beau undergoes, the devastating news of his son's terminal diagnosis, and the heartbreaking moments when Beau expresses concern for his father's future. Throughout these trials, Biden reflects on his own experiences with loss and how they have shaped him, including the car accident that took the lives of his first wife and infant daughter and the death of his son, Naomi, at a young age.

    Service and Sacrifice

    Despite the immense personal pain, Biden remains dedicated to his public service. He reflects on the importance of his role as Vice President, particularly during a time of global instability. He shares his experiences navigating international crises, including the conflict in Ukraine and the fight against ISIS, all while grappling with the knowledge that his son's health is rapidly deteriorating.

    Throughout Promise Me, Dad, Biden emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and determination in the face of adversity. He finds solace in his family, and their unwavering support helps him continue to serve his country. Beau's own resilience and commitment to public service, despite his illness, serves as a constant source of inspiration for Biden.

    A Father's Promise

    The title Promise Me, Dad refers to a conversation Biden has with Beau, where Beau asks his father to promise that he will be okay, regardless of what happens. Biden makes this promise, but it is clear that the loss of his son will forever change him. Despite the profound grief, Biden continues to honor Beau's legacy by remaining committed to the causes they both held dear, particularly the fight against cancer.

    In the end, Promise Me, Dad is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Biden's story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure even the most profound tragedies. The book offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal and public life, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of service and duty.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Promise Me, Dad about?

    Promise Me, Dad is a memoir by Joe Biden that delves into the challenges and emotional journey he faced while serving as Vice President of the United States and dealing with his son's battle with brain cancer. It offers a glimpse into the personal life of a political figure and reflects on the importance of family, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity.

    Promise Me, Dad Review

    Promise Me, Dad (2017) chronicles Joe Biden's journey balancing family tragedy and political achievements. Here's why this memoir stands out:
    • Offers a heartfelt portrayal of the complexities of grief and resilience, providing a poignant insight into the human experience.
    • Shows the power of hope and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring readers to find strength in challenging times.
    • Through Biden's sincere storytelling and candid reflections, the book captures the reader's emotions, ensuring a deeply moving and engaging read.

    Who should read Promise Me, Dad?

    • Readers who are interested in Joe Biden's personal and political journey

    • Individuals looking for inspiration and insights on resilience in the face of adversity

    • Those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of balancing family and public service

    About the Author

    Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He has had a long and distinguished career in public service, including serving as a U.S. Senator for Delaware for over 30 years. Throughout his career, Biden has been a strong advocate for issues such as gun control, healthcare, and foreign policy. In addition to his political work, he is also an author, with several books to his name. Promise Me, Dad is one of his notable works, offering a deeply personal account of his experiences and challenges while in office.

    Categories with Promise Me, Dad

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    36 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started

    Promise Me, Dad FAQs 

    What is the main message of Promise Me, Dad?

    The main message of Promise Me, Dad is about navigating grief while fulfilling responsibilities.

    How long does it take to read Promise Me, Dad?

    Reading time varies, yet typically hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is Promise Me, Dad a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Promise Me, Dad is a poignant read touching on love, loss, and resilience—a compelling choice.

    Who is the author of Promise Me, Dad?

    The author of Promise Me, Dad is Joe Biden.

    What to read after Promise Me, Dad?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Promise Me, Dad, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
    • Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
    • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
    • Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
    • Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
    • Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
    • Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
    • Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
    • The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright