Peter Jennings was the sole anchor of ABC'sWorld News Tonightfrom 1983 until his death from cancer in 2005. For many Americans, he was the v...
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Jan 26, 2008
Amy
rated it: 
Told through brief interviews by the people who knew him best, we glean a little bit more about the man, the son, the brother, the father, the journalist, the reporter, the anchor, the editor, the mentor, the colleague and the friend all of whom encompass Peter Jennings.
Below are some of the things that struck a chord with me:
Peter Jennings was as complex as the world around us.
Regarding the War on Terror, the President said "if you are not with us, you'r More...
Below are some of the things that struck a chord with me:
Peter Jennings was as complex as the world around us.
Regarding the War on Terror, the President said "if you are not with us, you'r More...
Jan 05, 2012
"The truth is that life - which is in a corny way... The truth of the matter is that how our consciences guide us every day in the littlest of things - not the grandest of things..."~ Peter Jennings
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you make look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault
Those little things create some memorable moments that make our life more fulfilling. Did I pay any attention to little things today?
It's been a slow read, in More...
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you make look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault
Those little things create some memorable moments that make our life more fulfilling. Did I pay any attention to little things today?
It's been a slow read, in More...
Jan 07, 2011
Sarah
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I was saddened by the death of Peter Jennings. I had watched him for many years and I felt he was an honest reporter. If I ever became famous, I wanted him (and no one else) to interview me. When he died, I looked for a biography, but there wasn't one. I was surprised by that, but then something shiny caught my attention and I moved on to other things. Then last December when I was in Barnes and Noble looking for a birthday present for Krista, I saw Peter Jennings: A Reporter's Life. I bought it
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Jan 07, 2011
Will
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The editors took interviews with many (82) people that had been conducted in preparation for a memorial for Peter on TV soon after his passing. They mixed and matched quotes from these folks, ordered into a chronological sequence of his life. It works much better than it sounds. Jennings comes across as a true superstar. Son of the Edward R. Murrow of Canada, he had the genes and connections for success, but an affinity for mischief and a disinterest in school left him a high school dropout. He
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Aug 25, 2009
Linda
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Since I read about Barbara and enjoyed it thought I would see the mans perspective of journalism. I meant to get The Century (I think) but got this and did not like it. Some interesting items but mainly Jennings colleagues perspective on him and he seemed like an intense pain in the ...
Mar 31, 2009
Bronwyn
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this book gets very old very fast, but i read it out of an eight-year-old-girl's love for the man. if loving peter jennings is wrong, i don't want to be right.
Feb 15, 2011
Kirstie
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Peter Jennings was an amazing anchorman and reporter, and this book barely scratches the surface of what he's done. In a small way this book captures, truly, how inspiring this man was. Instead of sitting down and having someone research all of the facts about Peter's life, the book tells you about Peter directly from Peter and the people that knew him best. The book contains many excepts of what people have said about Peter. When reading the book one gets the feeling that one is reading a docum
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Jan 11, 2009
I'm learning so much about Peter Jennings. The oral history approach is a bit repetitive, though. I'd like a straight biography better.
Jan 07, 2011
Shanna
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This was a really good book that I got from my sister for Christmas. It's a biography of Peter Jennings, but it's comprised of snippets of interviews with people who knew him, which makes it really interesting to read. You hear from people he worked with, other well-known news anchors, and his family and friends. It was really cool to get to learn about his earlier life and how he got into the news business, and also what he was like off camera. You also get a glimpse of how the news industry ch
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Jan 07, 2011
This book is interesting because it discusses Peter Jennings' personal and professional life from the perspective of the people who worked with him. He was essentially a self-taught journalist, since he did not go to College. He was a Canadian who travelled around the world covering news and finally earning the top job in TV news, in the United States. After reading this book, I felt that I had a better understanding of what it takes to be an accomplished journalist and news Anchor. Everyon
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Mar 07, 2008
Karen
rated it:
Told in a series of interview clips from his friends, family, and colleagues, this book details the amazing story of Peter Jennings, the son of a famous Canadian radio newsman, who became an intrepid reporter and then anchor of ABCs World News Tonight.
With a curiosity and intellect that belied his status as a high school drop out, Jennings brought a specific Canadian sensibility to mainstream American news - a philosophy that Americans need to understand the world around them and th More...
With a curiosity and intellect that belied his status as a high school drop out, Jennings brought a specific Canadian sensibility to mainstream American news - a philosophy that Americans need to understand the world around them and th More...
Jan 07, 2011
Kate
rated it:
I am fascinated by journalists and Peter Jennings was undoubtedly one of the greatest. The book has great stories from a variety of colleagues and his family. You finish the book having great respect for someone who challenged American viewers to have interest in international news. It is ironic that this man who had a fascination with the Middle East was born and raised in Canada and would go onto to become an American citizen after working years as an anchor for the evening news in the States.
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Jan 07, 2011
Carole
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I enjoyed this book. He lead a very interesting life and had high ideals which pushed others to succeed. The only fault I have is that Peter must have been a saint because he seemed to walk on water. Evene if they were mad at him it was alright but surely there must have been times that they hated him. It was also very repetitive as far as comments from co-workers. But I still enjoyed his assignments and work ethic. He did seem remarkable and I am sure is missed deeply.
Jan 07, 2011
Heather
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I liked the structure of this book most--- somehow they managed to form a cohesive plot from interviews that were conducted right after he died. It jumps from person to person's comments about various aspects of his life. It really read nicely (and quickly), and gave insight that sometimes he was a jerk (I love honesty in biographies rather then blatant ass-kissing), but in the end, you still like Peter Jennings and wish you knew him. The mark of a good biography.
Jan 01, 2008
Eileen
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I gained a deeper appreciation for Peter Jennings, someone I admire. Peter led a privileged life and had rare entry into the global stage. This tomb pays tribute to high standards, hard work, compassion, and holding true to one's personal values. I found myself sobbing, finishing it up in the early hours of the morning, reading Peter's son, Christopher's, eulogy to his Dad.
Jan 28, 2012
Robin
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This was actually my second read-through on this book. I needed some inspiration when I picked it up. Peter Jennings was an autodidact - a trait that we share. I re-read the book as a sort of pep talk to help me gear up for a blitz of learning new materials.
Feb 06, 2008
Sherry
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An amazing look at the life of a man who devoted his life to finding and reporting the truth. If you want to know why Peter Jennings seemed so knowledgeable when all he appeared to be doing was sitting behind the anchor desk, then read this book. He travelled the world to get the story, and he made sure everyone around him was as devoted as he was.
Jan 07, 2011
Lori
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This is a compilation of interviews about Jennings that I think was originally recorded for a TV special after he died in 2005 and than transcribed and edited to book form. Very insightful look at Jennings – who never attended college – and the integrity and moral fiber he brought to the job. Came away with a whole new respect for the man.
Dec 31, 2007
Jane
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This is a great way to tell the story of Peter Jennings - through the quotes and memories of others. There are some profound comments by Peter in the book. It also highlights Peter's understanding that U.S. citizens need to be involved, interested, and understand the cultures, politics, etc. in others countries in the world.
Nov 03, 2011
good book! Told oraly that means its like an interview typ book peters life told by his friends and familey. If ur a fan of jennings then get this book but dont go wasting over 25 bucks for it see if u can get it used or on sale. The book is good but not that good but it does give you alot to read over 459 pages!
Dec 04, 2007
Dan
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Peter is my hero. After dropping out of high school he found his way to the number one chair at ABC news. How did he do that? This book has helped me to understand how he accomplished that journey. Simple curiosity and the desire to learn can take you a long way, my friend. Peter is proof.
Nov 23, 2007
Elizabeth
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"Nowhere else you go will the "un" prefix be applied to a nationality, the way that we say something is un-American. You will discover - if you haven't already - that as you rub shoulders with the world, being German or Chinese, for example, is a fact, but to be American is an ideal."
Apr 10, 2008
Christine
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It was interesting to read the comments of all the co-workers and friends of Peter Jennings. I would have preferred the book would have been told from one single person's point of view instead of the many others inthe book. I would reccommend the book.
Jan 07, 2011
Alyssa
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I really enjoyed this. The style was interesting, as it was mostly snippets of interviews with Peter & others. It really makes you think about the media - both what it is and what it should be.
Jan 07, 2011
I thought it would be a fascinating read, but I was disappointed. It is all just quotes and memories from family, friends and colleagues...to disjointed. I had hoped more for the story of his life and career.
Jan 07, 2011
Lori
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I enjoyed this biography more than any other I've read over the past several years. The main reason was Mr. Jennings life, work ethic, etc. was told through memories of friends, family and collegues.
Jan 07, 2011
Kathleen
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What a great reporter and person, a true inspiration to young journalists nevermind anyone who reads this book!!
I would read it 10X over again!
I would read it 10X over again!
Nov 15, 2007
Karen
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predictably positive - culling together interviews of jennings' friends and colleagues - but entertaining, nonetheless.
