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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
What a fascinating human being! I really enjoyed this biography of Theodore Roosevelt. He was clever and progressive, larger than life, but able to find ways to keep himself grounded. I listened to the book on CD, so I was treated to the reader's voice and vocal characterizations as well. One of the things I loved about the book was that it was not only an interesting biography of Teddy's life before he became president, but also a fascinating lens through which to see the political world around the turn of the century. It's such an interesting time in our country's life, a time that I find with many parallels to today as we find a way to navigate the new technology surrounding us without losing our way completely. Well done!
informative
slow-paced
Never has a subject and writing on said subject, been so cinematic. It leaps from the page, whether detailing the more action orientated moments of Roosevelt's early life or the hushed tones of political intrigue.
An incredible feat worth the Pulitzer it received. Thrilled to know there are two more books to still take in.
Dee-lighted!
An incredible feat worth the Pulitzer it received. Thrilled to know there are two more books to still take in.
Dee-lighted!
It took quite a while to get through this one. I put it aside for a long while (twice) just to take a breather. Not because it's terrible; it's just so much information, and so detailed that it is at times difficult to absorb, and difficult to read at length in one sitting. Definitely a Sunday morning book, not a bedtime book during the work week. Unless you have insomnia. I don't mean that it poorly written, its just dense. Which is fine when reading about Teddy's extraordinary youth, his exploits out in the Dakota Territory or leading the charge up San Juan Hill. Not so engaging when he's the NYC Police Commissioner or the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt is probably one of the greatest, most ambitious and most interesting Americans of all time. His entire life, and his boundless energy is astounding. The author is so enamored that he believes that literally everything Teddy did deserves mention. This lengthy tome is only the first of three massive volumes, and takes us only up to 1901 as he assumes the role of Vice President. I'm sure there are other books out there that offer a more easily digestible overview. This book is for those that want to take the deep dive.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Wow, what can you say about this guy? If a man like Roosevelt were to try to enter politics today, he would not be elected. He may even be accused of being insane. As a child, his hobby was taxidermy. As a young adult, he thought that owning and operating his own cattle ranch would be "bully." Every step of his journey he seemed to step on someone's foot, or enrage a group of people, and they always pushed him out, but inevitably up. The only election he ever lost was for Mayor of New York City, mainly because he wasn't corrupt enough. The only corrupt this he did before ascending to the presidency was he unwillingness to pay New York City taxes. But, really, who can blame him there? As governor of New York, the political boss in New York felt he was losing control of the state to Roosevelt, so when McKinley's Vice President died just before the elections of 1900, the boss cornered Roosevelt and pretty much forced him to accept the Vice Presidential nod, even though he felt it was beneath his abilities. A senator who despised him was quoted as saying when he was nominated for the vice-presidency "Don't you realize there is only one life now between this mad man and the presidency?"
This books ends with the assassination of McKinley, and Roosevelt recieving the news that he is the new president. I can't wait to get a hold of the second book in this phenomenal series, and I have my fingers crossed that Mr. Morris will soon be completing the thrid book.
This books ends with the assassination of McKinley, and Roosevelt recieving the news that he is the new president. I can't wait to get a hold of the second book in this phenomenal series, and I have my fingers crossed that Mr. Morris will soon be completing the thrid book.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Really excellent. Roosevelt is absolutely fascinating and is the sort of man whose accomplishments and ability make me feel guilty about my own lack of drive.
Well written and so enjoyable. Morris mixes references with narrative story telling to bring details to life.