Presidental Literature Message Board

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Presidental Literature Message Board

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1erwinkennythomas Premier message
Modifié : Oct 26, 2019, 9:32 am

I have read The Virtues of Aging by Jimmy Carter. Although this book was published in 1998, President Carter's insights, analysis, and descriptions are quite reassuring. I was impressed with his recommendation for an active lifestyle in retirement. This brilliantly written, but small volume would stand the test of time. President Carter's activities are a testimony to how he has been living his life since leaving the presidency.

2SharonGoforth
Juil 27, 2006, 4:57 pm

Thanks for starting this group! Don't have time right now to make many comments, but will post later this evening.

3SharonGoforth
Juil 27, 2006, 10:31 pm

I love to read books about Presidents and also political history. Recently I finished The River of Doubt by Candice Millard, which is the story of Theodore Roosevelt's trip to the Amazon Jungle shortly after he left the presidency. I've also dipped into Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, the biography/political history of Abraham Lincoln and his presidential cabinet. An excellent book.

4erwinkennythomas
Juil 28, 2006, 11:09 am

(In Prayers Of Our Presidents) by ((Jerry MacGregor & Marie Prys)) 31 days of prayers are offered in this 2004 issue. These presidental prayers cover a range of public discourse from guidance, thanksgiving, protection, wisdom, leadership, faith, unity, diligence, high ideals, gratitude, equality, healing and living a meaningful life. Unlike what some may say American presidents come across as men with humble hearts and dedication. This book could well serve as a prayer guide.

5ilex011 Premier message
Juil 28, 2006, 11:59 am

Thanks for the invite- looks like a very interesting group!

6annabethblue
Juil 28, 2006, 12:33 pm

I'm working on Team of Rivals and I have a few other books in my collection that I have not been able to start yet. :D I completely enjoy studying and reading about Presidents and the different ideas and methods they had. Very interesting. :)

7susanwithagoodbook
Juil 28, 2006, 1:53 pm

Hi and thanks for the invite. I'm not a huge reader of presidential history (as I'm certain most of you are) but I usually try to read at least one good bio a year and it seems that this year I've read a few extra. My mother also enjoys presidential history and passes her books on to me. I'm currently reading Dearest Friend which I'll be discussing with my Book Club in August.

8selder Premier message
Juil 29, 2006, 11:10 pm

Sounds like a gook group...I am an 8th grade American History teacher. My course has an emphasis on the presidents and the American Founding. I just finished reading The Stranger and the Statesman although mainly about James Smithson and the founding of the Smithsonian, it has quite a few insights into J.Q. Adams.

9erwinkennythomas
Juil 31, 2006, 12:11 pm

I'm presently reading
Jefferson's Secrets by
Andrew Burstein and
Mr. Jefferson's Lost Cause by Roger G. Kennedy. As soon as I'm complete I'll let the group know what I think about them.

10erwinkennythomas
Août 5, 2006, 6:21 pm

Roger G. Kennedy focuses on Thomas Jefferson's character, ideas, and ambitions. In Mr. Jefferson's Lost Cause he is portrayed as being comfortable with his impending death. I was struck by his desire and control for details under such circumstances. Kennedy shows how the Louisiana Purchase impacted slavery and how the land was to be used. Jefferson had been known for his advocacy of a Republic with independent and free farmers. Many other worthwhile nuggets await a reader.

11Quotato
Août 22, 2006, 4:17 pm

Reading about U.S. Presidents can take a lifetime of page turning for sure. Nevertheless, conversations about the lives and times of the POTUS can be intense fun....

12rdixon98 Premier message
Sep 29, 2006, 12:18 am

No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a great book on FDR. David mcCullough's John Adams is also a tremendous read.

13andyray
Juin 17, 2007, 8:14 am

at one time in my book collecting, i centered on biographies and/or autobiographies of all presidents. in this endeavor, i now have some fairly rare books i offer for sale, as my new reading habits exclude these tedious tomes. lol.

4 volume leather set of Marshall's George Washington biography (w/map book).

rare books on millard filmore, tyler, taylor, the jefferson collection (5 v.), and, le piece de la resistance: jimmy carter's WHY NOT THE BEST inaugerabl edition, signed and with two used inaugeral tickets within the golden book, in slip case.

many more. ask and ye shall receive. find me this site or go to:

www.andyray.net

14rocketjk
Juin 4, 2008, 3:08 pm

This week I finished Plain Speaking: an Oral Biography of Harry S. Truman by Merle Miller. I found it frustrating in places, as Miller pulled his punches to avoid offending Truman too much, but overall I found this interesting and enlightening.

15dwsact
Juin 21, 2008, 10:14 pm

Glad to see some action on this site. Thanks, rocketjk. I read Plain Speaking years ago but remember it fondly.

I can understand why Miller pulled his punches here and there with Harry. Truman had a fearsome temper. Had I been Merle Miller I'd have treaded lightly, too, in the interests of getting a book published. Still, I think he allows the real Harry to come through.

I recall that Miller felt he had little in common with Truman but was astonished and touched that Truman took the trouble to read his books before the interviews took place. They were a strange twosome but nonetheless hit it off. Miller was smart to let Truman get a sip or two or three of bourbon in him before getting to some of the sensitive subjects.

Speaking of tempers, both Bess and Margaret were good at spouting off, too. But I'm still a great fan of the entire family. They were real.

Again, thanks for stimulating this all-too-silent group.

16rocketjk
Juin 22, 2008, 12:55 pm

My pleasure, and thanks for the response. I agree overall with your assessment of the Truman/Miller pairing and of the value of the book. I have several presidential biographies/histories on my shelves waiting to be read. I will of course report on my progress here at such time as I get to any of them!