Bask - Shop now
$16.99 with 51 percent savings
Print List Price: $35.00

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by HarperCollins Publishers. Price set by seller.
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Ron DeSantis
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival Kindle Edition

by Ron DeSantis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 3,779 ratings

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER / #1 WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER / #1 PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BESTSELLER / #1 AMAZON BESTSELLER

No American leader has accomplished more for his state than Governor Ron DeSantis. Now he reveals how he did it.

He played baseball for Yale, graduated with honors from Harvard Law School, and served in Iraq and in the halls of Congress. But in all these places, Ron DeSantis learned the same lesson: He didn’t want to be part of the leftist elite.

His heart was always for the people of Florida, one of the most diverse and culturally rich states in the union. Since becoming governor of the Sunshine State, he has fought—and won—battle after battle, defeating not just opposition from the political left, but a barrage of hostile media coverage proclaiming the end of the world.

When he implemented COVID-19 policies based on evidence and focused on freedoms, the press launched a smear campaign against him, yet Florida’s economy thrived, its education system outperformed the nation, and Florida’s COVID mortality rate for seniors was lower than that in thirty-eight states. When he enacted policies to keep leftist political concepts like critical race theory and woke gender ideology out of Florida’s classrooms, the media demagogued his actions, but parents across Florida rallied to his cause. Dishonest attacks from the media don’t deter him. In fact, DeSantis keeps racking up wins for Floridians. In 2022, the governor delivered a historic, record-setting victory, winning by nearly 20 points and more than 1.5 million votes.

A firsthand account from the blue-collar boy who grew up to take on Disney and Dr. Fauci, The Courage to Be Free delivers something rare from an elected leader: stories of victory. This book is a winning blueprint for patriots across the country. And it is a rallying cry for every American who wishes to preserve our liberties.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    282 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Broadside e-books
  4. Publication date
    February 28, 2023
  5. File size
    3.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

From the Publisher

banner

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ron DeSantis is Florida’s forty-sixth governor and one of the few American statesmen to receive bipartisan praise for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. An honors graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy and an adviser to a SEAL commander in Iraq, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. In 2012 he was elected to Congress, where he served on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is married to Emmy Award–winning anchor Casey DeSantis, and they live in Tallahassee with their three children, Madison, Mason, and Mamie.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BBGJZDV9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Broadside e-books (February 28, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 28, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 3,779 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Ron DeSantis

Ron DeSantis

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Ron DeSantis is the 46th Governor of Florida.

A native Floridian with blue-collar roots, Ron attended Dunedin High School and worked his way through Yale University, where he graduated with honors and was the captain of the varsity baseball team. He also graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he earned a commission in the U.S. Navy as a JAG officer. During his active-duty service, Ron deployed to Iraq as an adviser to a U.S. Navy SEAL commander in support of the SEAL mission in Fallujah, Ramadi and the rest of Al Anbar province. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

Ron also served as a federal prosecutor, where he targeted and convicted child predators. He was elected to Congress in 2012 and advocated for congressional term limits and a balanced budget amendment. He also spearheaded oversight efforts to expose malfeasance in the IRS and in agencies involved in abusing their authority during the manufacturing of the Russia collusion conspiracy theory. Congressman DeSantis was also a leading champion for America’s veterans and helped enact reforms to the VA and place an emphasis on mental health.

Ron is married to Casey DeSantis, an Emmy Award winning television host. Together, they’re the proud parents of their daughters, Madison and Mamie, and their son, Mason.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
3,779 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be an excellent read that provides a down-to-earth, factual account of Governor DeSantis's life and leadership style. They appreciate the author's character and conviction, with one review highlighting his successful approach as a governor with humility and conviction. The book offers valuable insights into DeSantis's political philosophy, with one customer noting how it lays out the platform of a Constitutional Conservative. Customers praise the writing quality, with one describing it as a handbook for success as a governor.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

184 customers mention "Readability"182 positive2 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an awesome and fascinating read that's worth their time, with one customer noting it's a great book by a great patriot.

"...I find this memoir to be informative and perfect for making that issue an informed one...." Read more

"...Overall this book does a great job of showing who DeSantis is as a man, a husband, a public servant, and as a governor !..." Read more

"Well worth the read if you’d like to know more about Governor Ron DeSantis, what he believes in, and his philosophy of governing...." Read more

"...He understands the deceit being thrust on our voting systems too. Great read!" Read more

131 customers mention "Insight"131 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and intelligent, with one customer specifically noting how it explains DeSantis's governing philosophy.

"...I find this memoir to be informative and perfect for making that issue an informed one...." Read more

"...does a great job of showing who DeSantis is as a man, a husband, a public servant, and as a governor !..." Read more

"...This is a Governor who does his homework, reads scientific papers and cold calls scientists for advice...." Read more

"...Above all, he comes across as a straightforward man who governs by common sense...." Read more

85 customers mention "Writing quality"82 positive3 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it very well written, readable, and down to earth.

"...All in all, The Courage to Be Free is a well-written book that allows the American voter to make an informed decision based on more information than..." Read more

"Desantis does a great job describing his life and the many things that shaped him into who he is today." Read more

"...sports and his brains to go to the most elite schools yet seems very down to earth...." Read more

"...He writes about his experience growing up, encountering the progressive ideology of the elite left, and his life as a child then a man, a husband..." Read more

75 customers mention "Leadership"75 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's leadership style, describing him as a brilliant and great governor, with one customer noting his successful tenure with humility and conviction.

"...In addition, Casey DeSantis is the perfect choice for a First Lady. She is an amazing, accomplished woman and a role model for all women...." Read more

"...Learned more about this great man through this vehicle. As a Floridian transplant, we moved here because of DeSantis' policies...." Read more

"...After reading this book, he is absolutely exceptional governor, not a politician at all, but a leader who does the right thing for the people...." Read more

"...his story will fill in his ability to govern and be successful in making the tough decisions.-- Windy" Read more

29 customers mention "Character"29 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate DeSantis' character, describing him as a man of principles and conviction, with one customer noting his even-tempered nature and reality-based ideas.

"...with a genuine focus on what is best for the people of Florida, with courage and determination, and the energy of being in his prime...." Read more

"...In my opinion the book gives a good peek into the character, opinion, and attitude of DeSantis, and there’s no raving, just strong opinions...." Read more

"...need of a strong leader at the presidential level who has a strong moral compass and the courage to follow it...." Read more

"I really enjoyed. Ron DeSantis is smart, strong , and influential in the world of politics...." Read more

27 customers mention "Story quality"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's story quality, describing it as a down-to-earth and factual account of the author's life.

"Ron DeSantis' pre-presidential memoir is a great look into his history as a veteran and politician, and into his legislative and executive politics...." Read more

"...Then there is this book! A wonderful first person perspective from a man in the executive chair of a state!..." Read more

"...Nothing flashy. Just a forthright telling of his life and his approach to decision making...." Read more

"...It is not a bashing of Democratic Party corruption. It is a factual account of what really happens in Washington and what has been happening in..." Read more

22 customers mention "Political content"22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the political content of the book, with one customer noting how it lays out the platform of a Constitutional Conservative, while another mentions how it provides insights into the workings of politics behind closed doors.

"...He puts the people first! The governor’s huge victory in FL is indicative of this and is just one example...." Read more

"...The man is an intellectual, as well as a common-sense conservative. Dont hesitate to get this book in any form...." Read more

"...It finishes with his deep understanding of the constitution and how our founding fathers envisioned our checks and balances system in our three..." Read more

"I really enjoyed. Ron DeSantis is smart, strong , and influential in the world of politics...." Read more

16 customers mention "Look"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insightful look at Ron DeSantis, with one customer noting it provides a clear picture of his vision.

"...Nothing flashy. Just a forthright telling of his life and his approach to decision making...." Read more

"...He gives an inside look of his first time as governor and his personal life. From where he started to where is is now is very impressive...." Read more

"...His style is direct and subtle at the same time. That's a style I find very attractive." Read more

"...He has courage, clarity of purpose, a beautiful family, and great instincts. I wish he had revealed more of his religious convictions in his book...." Read more

Judge for yourself, not cronies of Nikki Fried, or CNN/MSLSD.
5 out of 5 stars
Judge for yourself, not cronies of Nikki Fried, or CNN/MSLSD.
Got the audible version this morning. Verified, not like the 1 star reviews here. Learned more about this great man through this vehicle. As a Floridian transplant, we moved here because of DeSantis' policies. As hundreds of thousands of others have in the last 3 years. If youre a liberal, you will hate this book. If youre an always Trumper you will hate this book. If you have an analytical and fair mind and would like to know about the man who has turned Florida around, buy this. The man is an intellectual, as well as a common-sense conservative. Dont hesitate to get this book in any form. He will be our President if not sooner, then a bit later. Know who youre voting for or against, for that matter. Judge for yourself, not by CNN or MSLSD.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Well-Written Pre-Presidential Memoir
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ron DeSantis' pre-presidential memoir is a great look into his history as a veteran and politician, and into his legislative and executive politics. Of course, there are many negative reviews being posted criticizing his politics and the self-centered nature of this book, but I would argue that they are missing the point. If you don't like DeSantis' politics, then it should be obvious that this book is not for you. Much in the same way, I would be loath to read a book by President Biden or Michelle Obama.

    Additionally, I'm not sure what else a reader would expect from a pre-presidential memoir but the politicians vision for America, and a presentation of achievements. I feel safe in my presumption that those who criticize DeSantis' The Courage to Be Free have no qualms with Obama's The Audacity of Hope, which he wrote leading up into the 2008 election. Memoirs such as these are a perfect way for literate people to get to know the politician they may vote for or against. Especially in the case of Barack Obama, who was a relatively unknown senator taking office in 2005, who gained much notoriety from his memoir in 2006, heading into the 2007 election. Look at how successful that memoir enabled him to be.

    All in all, The Courage to Be Free is a well-written book that allows the American voter to make an informed decision based on more information than just partisanship, snap judgements, or attack ads. I can certainly see how voters on both sides of the political spectrum would take issue with DeSantis' politics. I find this memoir to be informative and perfect for making that issue an informed one.

    I remember back when I first was old enough to vote. It was the 2012 election and my parents ensured that I educated myself on the presidential, congressional, and senatorial candidates before making the decision on who to vote for. I do hope that someday the average American voter gets back to that way of thinking. The prolificacy of social media, opinion shows, and political partisanship seem to have taken the place of informed decision-making when it comes to voting. Maybe people will realize that the people they vote for at both the legislative and executive levels have too much influence on their daily lives to be chosen based on anything other than broad research. This memoir is one tool out of many to facilitate that end.
    115 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Brick
    5.0 out of 5 stars A true energetic executive!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Political books come out by the dozens each month. Some are good and seeking to paint a picture of current events, and some are so out of step with reality or political philosophy they obscure how government works!

    Then there is this book! A wonderful first person perspective from a man in the executive chair of a state! Governor DeSantis tells his story of his time in that role and offers practical insight of how a state should be run. Most politicians are not like house of cards they are dummies more like the cast of veep. So when a intelligent and competent politician who understands executive/legislative leadership tells a story we ought to pay attention! A lot of people won’t give this book a fair shake for one reason or another. However that would be a mistake, when a competent leader who has done a great jobs speaks only fools would tune that out.

    Overall this book does a great job of showing who DeSantis is as a man, a husband, a public servant, and as a governor ! The time he has spent in florida is as good a job as a governor could ever hope to do! So good Luck governor Desantis in the primaries! You are the only one qualified for the job!
    11 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Stephen Dematteo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and Fast Read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Desantis does a great job describing his life and the many things that shaped him into who he is today.
    Helpful
     Report
  • PS
    5.0 out of 5 stars For Ron DeSantis, only deeds count
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    In the world of Ron DeSantis, only deeds count. His governorship begins with a determination to defend the rights of Floridians within the two terms allowed, if re-elected. No polls are taken, the DeSantis career will live or die based on results. The left is stopped, parental rights are defended, mask and vaccine mandates are blocked, shutdowns are ended.

    Then a step farther, elites are blocked from getting businesses and employers to privately impose those same restrictions on workers and customers. Floridians keep their jobs, schools are open, the elderly protected, with Covid metrics as good or better than the shutdown states.

    This is a Governor who does his homework, reads scientific papers and cold calls scientists for advice. In the Republican debates only he will be able to say to Trump, “You made Fauci, why didn’t you fire him?” Not your grandfather’s Republicanism, no deferring to the Chamber of Commerce, no fear of media criticism, no taking the path of least resistance. Winning with less than 0.4% of the 2018 vote, he points to having 100 per cent of the executive authority, and uses it.

    The dispute with Disney is clarified, their Mickey Mouse City is ended only when the company fights him, loses, then goes beyond its business purpose and tries to repeal parental rights laws just passed by the legislature.

    This is the only politician’s book that writes of his accomplishments but also concludes “If doing the right thing results in losing an election, then so be it.” Maybe we could use a President like that.
    230 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Cee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Getting to Know America’s Most Interesting Governor
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Well worth the read if you’d like to know more about Governor Ron DeSantis, what he believes in, and his philosophy of governing. He covers a lot of ground but not in a lot of depth. I would have appreciated more anecdotes and behind the scenes gossip but that isn’t this book. I hope someday he writes a detailed book on his whole experience dealing with Covid and fighting lockdowns because, reading between the lines, he isn’t Fauci’s biggest fan, to say the least.

    Above all, he comes across as a straightforward man who governs by common sense. He came from a lower middle class background, used sports and his brains to go to the most elite schools yet seems very down to earth. He won his first Congressional race as a nobody with no financial backing by he and his wife knocking on doors - pure common sense and hustle.

    This book is an easy read you can knock out on a few hours.
    19 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book in some respects is a biography however it does mainly focus on DeSantis' first term as Governor of Florida. He explains why he takes the actions he takes, what affect it had and why it is good in his view. He has a strong conviction for moral right and is willing to go against the flow, this hasn't hurt him politically as he is able to bring people to his way of thinking resulting in the biggest victory for a Florida Governor in 40 years in 2022. I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in his politics or even because this man may become the next President of the United States.
    Report
  • Michele B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Governor DeSantis never disappoints. Clearly a smart guy.
    Great read!
    Report
  • Nils
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un ouvrage passionant pour une personalité épatante
    Reviewed in France on March 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ron Desantis est l'étoile montante du parti républicain aux USA.
    Dans son livre il décrit son parcours, et les évènements qui l'ont marqué dans sa vie.
    Le livre décrit avec précision son attitude en tant que gouverneur lors la crise du Covid, et également son attitude face à la montée du mouvement woke.
    Le livre est en anglais bien sur, il n'y a pas de traduction.
    Report
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Schnelle Lieferung, guter Zustand
    Reviewed in Germany on March 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    War ein Geschenk, kam gut an
    Report
  • whitear
    5.0 out of 5 stars freedom
    Reviewed in Spain on June 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    tells truth about corruption in american polotics
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report