Presidential Bio Reading

So you might remember I am trying to read a bio or autobiography of all US Presidents. To date,  I have read books on Washington, Adams (great book by David McCullough), Jefferson, Madison and Monroe, then moved on to Truman (also by McCullough) and FDR,by Doris Kerns Goodwin.  Next up is either Lincoln or Eisenhower. Then on to the modern Presidents: Nixon, Reagan, LBJ, JFK, Carter  and Ford.  Then I will go back to John Quincy Adams and fill in the blanks.  I am getting more refined about the bio authors and seek very well-written books. McCullough and Goodwin won the Pulitzer for the books I read.  Huge difference in detail and story telling.

 I really enjoyed the Truman book and fell in love with him, my favorite president so far. . . he was barely elected yet had some of the most dramatic moments to face in the presidency.  His self deprecation, his workaholic nature, his morality (no affairs for him), and his common sense approach to things was so admirable.  He was a bit naive and a party man who aligned himself with some "gooney hangers-on" but overall, he did a great job in the office.

Had my eyes opened wide about FDR whom I grew up thinking hung the moon.  Well, he also knocked out a few stars along the way and I sincerely believe it was unconscionable for him to have run for a 4th term knowing how ill he was.  Indeed, his personal physician hid a lot from him (which was the thing of the day) and the public had no idea that he was even paralyzed, not to mention his melanoma, his high blood pressure and his abdominal attacks.  FDR knew his own body though, his level of energy and his vitality --like any person knows their state of health.  He really came down in my book by running in 1944.  The months of his presidency during that time were spent at Yalta and handling a few other crises, but he spent a great deal of time at Hyde Park or Warm Spring relaxing while Eleanor ran around the country doing his work.  Too bad we were not ready for Eleanor to be President.  She had a marvelous prescient view of integration and due to her efforts, Truman desegregated the military.  the one thing I have to say is that if FDR did not run in 1944 with Truman on the ticket, we would not have had Truman as president!

I have recommendations on Jackson's life, American Lion, Jefferson's life, (whom I will read again ) American Sphinx, and a book about Coolidge by Amity Schlaes. 

If you know of any more, pass them here, please.


Finally, we have rain in Florida!  Very bad drought here. . but the degrees are still 70 plus.

Feeling fine. . .no sugar yesterday (but did have some sugar-free things!). . . and hope to stick to this for at least 6 weeks. 

Have a great week.

Love,


Peggy