The essence of Ronald Reagan may be best portrayed in his diary entry dated Thursday, January 12, 1989, as he was leaving Andrews AFB, when he wrote, "I puddled up when the Marine Band played 'Auld Lang Syne'". That portrays the essential Ronald Reagan, a man who through nearly 50 years in public service, which followed a very public career as an actor, remained simply one of the most patriotic Americans of his time. Douglas Brinkley, a great historian, has rendered a great service to the citizens of our nation and the world by giving us so much inside information about the thinking, writing, decision-making, complexity, and yet the astounding leadership qualities of this great American. Ronald Reagan is one of a handful of Presidents who kept a day-to-day diary/journal during the length of his presidency. From his first election and inaugural event, to the attempted assassination in l981, the death of the 250 troops in Lebanon, the famous 'Boys of Point du Hoc' speech and memorial on the DDay anniversary, to the famous challenge to Gorbachev and the Russian Communist state to 'tear down this wall', Brinkley brings us not only inside the White House daily routines, but also inside the heart and mind of one of our greatest Presidents. It is a great read and I recommend it highly.Read full review
I first came across this book at my local public library. I checked it out, read it, and then decided that I would like to have it. I bought this book because Ronald Reagan was always in the top five of my 10 favorite Presidents. While reading the book you can see how the life of a President was never monotonous while in office. Everyday presented meetings with new people and old friends. You see that the life of the President is neither an easy one nor a boring one. This book gives you and insight to what the President did from day to day, from his first day in office to his final day as he prepared to leave for California. You will see the President make new friends and some enemies also. If you would like a look at the day to days of a President then I recommend that you read this book.Read full review
President Regan was a very fair president and it is so inspiring to look into his diaries and read what he did on a daily basis. Suprising to think that he was one of the only presidents to keep up on the diary idea. Great read, even for us common folk, you know, the people clinging to their guns and their religion and proud of it. One very special feature about this book is it actually has President Regan's HANDWRITING in the front and back covers. An interesting peak into history and worth every penny. I hope everyone who reads this book is inspired, Republican, Democrat, and everything in between.
I am giving this book to a friend. I already have it in my library,. I started reading it again and am enjoying it all over again. Some of it is day to day stuff, but it shows how busy his days were. It is interesting to realize how often he mentioned God and prayer. It tells about the assassination attempt from his point of view. Very touching, It is a long book, but you will find many nugget of humor and wisdom hidden in it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
With this book, the reader comes to completely understand one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history. Reagan's wit, sharp intelligence, and humor pours from his personal diary. The entries about the love and devotion he had for Nancy relates just how truthful Mrs. Reagan was when she said, "her life began when she met Ronald Reagan." The book is history straight from the horse's mouth. A definite must-read!!
He was ready to lead from his first day in the White House. He knew what he wanted to accomplish and he went after it. It becomes obvious from reading his own words.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Being a Ronald Reagan fan, I liked taking a look into what was happening in his life.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Good Book easy read good cover good content interesting historical accurate nice cover good stuff great perspective****************************************************
I loved Reagan! This is all him first hand.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A fascinating look into the thoughts of a fascinating man. Ronald Reagan was NOT the "amiable dunce" some tried to label him as being.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
