No Room for Small Dreams

Courage, Imagination, and the Making of Modern Israel

By: Shimon Peres

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

In 1934, eleven-year-old Shimon Peres emigrated to the land of Israel from his native Poland, leaving behind an extended family who would later be murdered in the Holocaust. Few back then would have predicted that this young man would eventually become one of the towering figures of the twentieth century. Peres would indeed go on to serve the new nation as prime minister, president, foreign minister, and the head of several other ministries. He was central to the establishment of the Israeli Defense Forces and the defense industry that would provide the young nation with a robust deterrent power. He was crucial to launching Israel’s nuclear energy program and to the creation of its high-tech “Start Up Nation” revolution. His refusal to surrender to conventional wisdom and political conventions helped save the Israeli economy and prompted some of the most daring military operations in history, among them the legendary Operation Entebbe. And yet, as important as his role in creating and deploying Israel’s armed forces was, his stunning transition from hawk to dove–with its accompanying unwavering commitment to peace–made him one of the globe’s most recognized, honored, and admired statesmen.

In this, his final work, finished only weeks before his passing, Peres offers a long-awaited examination of the crucial turning points in Israeli history through the prism of having been a decision maker and eyewitness. Told with the frankness of someone aware this would likely be his final statement, No Room for Small Dreams spans decades and events, but as much as it is about what happened, it is about why it happened. Examining pivotal moments in Israel’s rise, Peres explores what makes for a great leader, how to make hard choices in a climate of uncertainty and distress, the challenges of balancing principles with policies, and the liberating nature of imagination and unpredicted innovation. In doing so, he not only charts a better path forward for his beloved country but provides deep and universal wisdom for younger generations who seek to lead–be it in politics, business, or the broader service of making our planet a safer, more peaceful, and just place.

Shimon Peres

Shimon Peres really inspired me. Someone who really dreamed and lived to the full. And acted out their dreams despite its consequences.
Wish I could do the same.

Reflection on your story

This was a truly moving book and point of view. Believe in the impossible as trust in yourself.

Wow

Excelente libro hay que aprenderle, la visión y la forma de afrontar los por unas son geniales

in pursuit of excellence

the book is absolutely a masterpiece. It talks about the tough times of Israel and tough decisions taken by her leaders.

Moving and inspirational

I ordered this book because I am a fan of the narrator. I am so happy I did.