Book Description

COLONEL ROOSEVELT

Theodore Roosevelt Goes to War, 1897 - 1898

His celebrated charge up San Juan Hill made him an American icon—a roughshod, take-charge leader in the glorious service of his young and ambitious nation. For Theodore Roosevelt, it was a defining moment, the scene with which he would become most often associated. And, as H. Paul Jeffers shows in this lively new account, the now-legendary episode not only made the future president's political career, it took center stage in a "splendid little war" that Roosevelt himself orchestrated almost single-handedly.

Colonel Roosevelt is an exciting and thoroughly captivating portrait of a man and a country at a crossroads. The Spanish-American War of 1897-1898 was the shortest conflict in American history. Yet it played a pivotal role in propelling the United States onto the twentieth-century world stage—along with the man whose nationalistic and military ideals were most responsible for bringing it about. With his keen eye for characterization and rich period detail, Jeffers captures the spirit of a newly industrialized nation with dreams of the spoils of empire hitherto reserved for her European rivals, a country flexing her newfound muscles.

No man more clearly exemplified late nineteenth-century notions of manifest destiny than Theodore Roosevelt. And no man was more willing to wage war to fulfill them. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt dreamed of a massive two-ocean navy capable of exerting American influence around the world. Going to war against an aging Spain, with Cuba as the prize, seemed the perfect way to make his dream come true.

The events and colorful personalities of this crucial period come to vivid life in Colonel Roosevelt, from William Randolph Hearst and Henry Cabot Lodge, to Richard Harding Davis and Stephen Crane. Here, too, is the personal side of Theodore Roosevelt, much of it revealed in his own words. It is a candid glimpse of the blunt man behind the historic figure, relishing the swirl of international tensions he so vigorously helped to stir.

From the parlors of power in Washington to the dust-choked backroads of Cuba, from the epic sea battles around the Philippines to the legendary charge up San Juan Hill, this vigorous account of Teddy Roosevelt at his finest hour is compelling biography and fascinating military history.

"I had very deeply felt that it was our duty to free Cuba, and I had publicly expressed this feeling; and when a man takes such a position, he ought to be willing to make his words good by his deeds. He should pay with his body." —Theodore Roosevelt

It was the shortest conflict in American history. Yet, for the pugnacious, saber-rattling "jingo" who helped bring it about, the Spanish-American War of 1897-1898 would be the stepping-stone to notoriety, a governorship, and, ultimately, the presidency. A rousing portrait of a fascinating period and a one-of-a-kind man on his way to becoming a legend, Colonel Roosevelt is H. Paul Jeffers's brilliant follow-up to his critically acclaimed Commissioner Roosevelt. The power plays, political intrigues, and military adventures of a century ago unfold with all the drama and impact of the Rough Riders' famous charge up San Juan Hill. Colonel Roosevelt is the unforgettable tale of how one man's personal ambitions and dreams of destiny propelled a young nation to prominence and a new era.

Praise for COMMISSIONER ROOSEVELT The Story of Theodore Roosevelt and the New York City Police, 1895-1897

"A lively, entertaining, and well-researched portrait of a zealous reformer during the historic crusade that successfully launched his ca reer in government." —Booklist

"Jeffers captures the public-spirited TR in all his pugnaciousness." —Publishers Weekly

H. PAUL JEFFERS is the author of over twenty books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Commissioner Roosevelt: The Story of Theodore Roosevelt and the New York City Police, 1895-1897 (available from Wiley), and Bloody Business: An Anecdotal History of Scotland Yard. He lives in New York City. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This rich collection of 301 black-and-white photographs, published in time for the 50th anniversary of the integration of professional baseball in 1947, chronicles the life of Jackie Robinson, one of America's most beloved--and least-known--sports heroes. Robinson's stoicism allowed him to endure racist taunts and mistreatment as the first black major leaguer, but it also kept his fans, and even his family, from seeing beyondthe quiet dignity that characterized his public persona. Robinson died prematurely at age 53, having admitted that "I had too much stored up inside." From these photos, and the text co-authored by Lee Daniel, a more full idea of Robinson, the man, emerges. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A First Ladies' Pearls
The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the mother of six children, Eleanor Roosevelt traveled widely, wrote a daily newspaper coloumn, had her own radio show and was an indefatigable worker for a wide range of social causes. It hardly seems credible that it took more than half a century for a book of this type to be written and published. The Wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt is filled with the First Ladies' pithy comments and
and useful advice. From start to finish, it's a rewarding read.

Eleanor shines again in this work
Her insights in a chronological order. Sounds boring, right? Not the case at all. The editor, Don Wigal, has done a masterful job of bringing this woman to life once more (are you listening, Hilary?) in a wonderful and flowing way.

For those who might not remember the era, Don paints a large backdrop for you so that everyone can appreciate the timely, and in many instances timeless, insights and the very, very forward thinking of this woman.

There are any number of books 'out there' that quote others. This one is different because it touches in such a special way. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine anyone who would close this book and not be touched and changed.

How much do I appreciate this work? I have moved from my first copy to nine additional ones to share with others. And now my wife is composing a list of others with whom this needs to be shared.

This is not a novel; these are reflective selections. Reflect and marvel (for some of us once again) at the wisdom of Eleanor.

Eleanor Roosevelt:: In Her Own Words
Whether you're a fan of Eleanor Roosevelt's or not, this fascinating book tells you much aboutthe history of the times as well as the life of this remarkable First Lady who was probably the most important American Woman of the 20th Century. "The Wisdom Of Eleanor Roosevelt" has much to recommend it: it's a moving portrait presented in a completely non-judgemental way, and it is also an major work of research. Easily readable, it offers new insights into Eleanor Roosevelt the person and the political figure.
I would welcome a companion piece on Franklin Delano Roosevlet, and hopeone will soon be available. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a major league baseball team and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, PeeWee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
... Read more

Reviews (6)

the hardship in baseball
Teammates

Teammates is about 2 men named
Pees wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Both of them were baseball players on the same
Team called the dogers. Pee wee
Reese was white and Jackie rob-
Inson was black. They were both
Friends and helped each other out. The players on their team
Came mostly from the south, men
Had been taught to avoid black
People since childhood. They moved to another table
Whenever Jackie sat down next
To them. Many opposing players
Were cruel to Jackie, calling him mean names from their
Dugouts. A few tried to hurt
Him with their spiked shoes.
It was bad for Jackie. Pitchers
Aimed for his head, and he
Received threats on his life,
Both from individuals and from
Oramizations like the Ku Klux
Klan. Jackie avoided all of it,
And made the team. Jackie and
Pee wee became really great
Friends and baseball legends.

Awesome!
This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jackie Robinsion was signed to the Dodgers the fans and players treated him really badly. People threw stuff at him. Then a young teammate stood up for him and saved him from being ban from the team. So you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

classic
A simple telling of how Jackie Robinson came to play in the major leagues, this book portrays the prejudice he faced in a basic way that children can understand. And it shines a bright light on a quiet moment: PeeWee Reese's brave public declaration of solidarity with his teammate. This book has been my son's favorite for the past two years, since he was five.

Brooklyn Dodger Teammates: Jackie Robinson & Pee Wee Reese
"Teammates" tells the story of one of the more moving moments in the history of baseball that occurred during the 1947 season when the Brooklyn Dodgers traveled to Crosley Field in Cincinnati to play the Reds. Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play in the major leagues, was playing first base and being the target of hostility and abuse from the fans. At shortstop was Harold "Pee Wee" Reese, who born in the South, but who had refused to join other Southerners on the team in signing a petition to kick Jackie off the team. That day in Cincinnati, Reese did something that remains one of the bright moments of that historic season and which deserves to be more than a minor footnote in baseball history.

"Teammates" is written by Peter Golenbock, who heard the story of what happened that day from Rex Barney, who pitched for the Dodgers that day. Usually when the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the "color line" in baseball, the other key person in the story is Branch Rickey, the Dodger general manager. But Rickey could only support Robinson from the front office and not on the field, where it was Pee Wee Reese who decided to do something about that. Consequently, it is Reese who emerges as the hero of this particular story. Certainly it is safe to assume that anyone who reads this book knows something about Jackie Robinson; Golenbock talks about how Rickey needed somebody special to be the first, but does not get into the reasons why Robinson was that man (e.g., All-American football star at U.C.L.A., Army officer). But clearly "Teammates" is not intended to be the first book a youngster reads about the story of Jackie Robinson. Paul Bacon, as he did for the exquisite "Susanna of the Alamo," does both the design and illustration for this volume, combining historic photographs and items with his own watercolor paintings to tell the story.

A few brave men
This book is a true story that vividly describes the era of baseball and the scoial climate of race relations in the early 1940's. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the first Major Leauge Baseball team to hire an African American. Branch Rickey of the Dodgers was looking for "a man strong enough not to fight back". Jackie Robinson was of course that man and it was known as the "Great Experiment". It was tough for Jackie who ws not well recieived by many whites, including his teammates. One teammate was different, he knew he should always do what is right even if everyone around him including family or friends felt differently, that man was Pewee Reese. This book looks at how racism affected many aspects of society and how the strength of one indidual can change many attitudes. There is a variety of mediums used for the illustrations that only enhance the book. ... Read more

Book Description

America has been saddened by the loss of Ronald Reagan, one of its greatest presidents, who provided a vision for his country and the leadership to achieve a lasting mark upon world history.

As the Official White House Photographer during five of Ronald Reagan's years as President, Pete Souza had unprecedented access for most of Ronald Reagan's two-term presidency. His photographs chronicling the daily life of our fortieth president provide a lasting tribute to the greatness of Ronald Reagan. With each photo Souza provides a brief first-hand narrative describing the unique background situation.

We are privileged to candidly view the president at work, privately, and leading others in the task of governing. Images of Greatness records these private and public moments of eminence, of the mundane, but mostly…the unforgettable. ... Read more

Book Description

A "truly moving . . ". ("Houston Chronicle") biography of our 32nd president. "Roosevelt is brought to life once again in a clear, concise and well-documented story from beginning to end . . . it is a pleasure".--"Washington Post Book World". "The definitive popular Roosevelt biography"--"Library Journal". *Lightning Print On Demand Title ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Pop Biography of FDR
This is not a bad book, but is a breezy and non-scholarly look at the most important President of the 20th century. Miller's research is haphazard and he puts too much weight on witnesses who were unreliable and discredited by better historians. Miller grossly exaggerates the extent of FDR's womanizing in the 1910's and bases his assumptions on a witness who is a proven liar. A more methodical writer would have avoided this mistake.

Similarly, his take on the FDR-Eleanor relationship is also wide of the mark and inaccurate. His anti-Eleanor bias is evident and he makes several misstatements of fact. Blanche Wiesen-Cook's recent two-volume Eleanor books are the better and definitive treatment.

If you are serious about FDR, you will rely upon the superior books on him by Kenneth Davis, Geoffrey Ward and Frank Freidel. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Before The Greatness...
The contention of this wonderfully detailed book that chronicles the life of FDR from his birth in 1882 and concludes with his marriage to Eleanor in 1905 is that the makings of a great person can be found in his or her upbringing. A thorough analysis of both the Roosevelt and Delano families throughout the 1800's lends creedence to the fact that FDR was groomed to be great by both sides of the family. I finished this engrossing and well-written book in a few days, and I am enjoying immensely the second part of the saga, Ward's A FIRST CLASS TEMPERAMENT, which takes FDR's story from his marriage through to his reentry into politics in 1928.

This Biography is Not a Valentine
"Mornings on Horseback" is a good companion to "Before the Trumpet," but only because it gives you a bigger sense of New York high society in the late 1800's. FDR's father and TR's father were contemporaries and even mistaken for each other. It feels like Mr. Ward writes from a greater emotional distance about FDR than Mr. McCullough does about TR, which seems right to me. The beginning which is about FDR's grandparents is a bit detailed, but it does set the stage. Mr. Ward discusses FDR's father's schoolmaster, for example, which fills out the picture when you read about FDR's own school days. The real jaw dropper concerns FDR's maternal grandfather Warren Delano, who knew the stamp collecting went that deep? But more the wonder is Franklin himself. This portrait is "Before the Trumpet," worts and all, he marries his cousin for chrissakes, he can't/won't get away from his mother, and yet the trumpet does sound for Franklin, he pursues it, and he is there waiting, with and because of Sara and Eleanore. It's amazing to consider their development.

Fun to read as well as scholarly
Geoffrey Ward shares the ability of David McCullough, and that is to take a scholarly topic and write about it intelligently and coherently. He also makes the journey fun for the reader and he showcases this ability in this excellent book. FDR as a youth was a very different man from the President he was to become. Polio was the defining moment that both changed FDR and deepended his compassion and understanding for the downtrodden.

In this first volume of Ward's Roosevelt trilogy, he illuminates FDR's dominating mother and the problems she caused between Franklin and Eleanor. One almost cringes when the obtrusive Sarah Roosevelt plans her son's honeymoon, buys homes for him (with connecting doors for her to intrude upon)and basically usurps FDR's own decision-making processes.

Franklin Roosevelt was not a great man, or a particularly engrossing man when young. He achieved greatness only after tragedy befell him, but Ward sets the stage here for Roosevelt's later greatness. If you're interested in Roosevelt or the flighty, banal rich New York set of the turn of the century, then this is your cup of tea. It is also a fine book.

a Marvelous book
Most of this book is about FDR's family and it is fascinating. It reminded me some of David McCullough's Mornings on Horseback, although FDR had a very different youth from TR's. I had forgotten how rich FDR's family was, and the opulence with which they lived. And what dramatic lives they had--the Delanos and their time in China make a fantastic story. And when you read this great book you will want to read the sequel, A Fist Class Temperament ... Read more

Book Description

A thorough, illustrated biography discussing the president's childhood, his career, his family, and his term as President of the United States. Includes a time line and glossary. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A solid introduction to the life of the Great Communicator
I was thinking it probably took two writers to do this biography of Ronald Reagan for the Our Presidents series just to try and decide how to get everything into just 32 pages.Certainly the first chapter, The Road to Hollywood, is the most atypical in the series, telling how Reagan went from being a radio announcer to a Hollywood actor.However, his movie career is touched on only briefly in the next chatetr, A New Career, as Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed have to cover how the actor became the governor of California and almost a candidate for the Republican nomination for President.Chapter three, The Road to the Presidency explains how Reagan was elected to the White House, covers the assassination attempt that wounded the President, and describes his basic positions on the American economy and foreign relations.The final chapter, Ending a Memorable Career, focuses on Reagan's second term in office and the issues of Libya, the "Challenger" explosion, and relations with the Soviet Union and their new leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

If you are familiar with Reagan's life then it is easy to take issue with some of the choices made here.There is a picture of Reagan as "The Gipper" in "Knute Rockne--All American," and mention of "Bedtime for Bonzo," in which he shows a decidedly comic flair despite the film's reputation as a joke, but there is no reference of his excellent performance in "King's Row," which is the one film those who are curious about the actor who became president should check out.More importantly, the Iran-Contra Affair is essentially dismissed as being "complicated to understand," without an explanation of what the political and legal issues involved were that threatened the Reagan presidency (there is no explicit notion of Reagan as the "Teflon President," although his popularity is frequently mentioned).However, overall Klingel and Noyed provide a solid foundation for understanding the key elements in Reagan's life and presidency.There are other juvenile biographies with more detail, but for younger readers this would be a good place to start reading about the man who was president right before they were born.

The first half of the book tends to focus more on details in Reagan's life while the second organizes his presidency into a series of fundamental issues and events.Reagan's political philosophy is covered in the sidebars to those last two chapters, one on Reaganomics and the other on Communism.An earlier sidebar is devoted to Nancy Reagan.Throughout the book, which is illustrated with family and political photographs of Reagan, the margins are filled with Interesting Facts (e.g., how he got the nickname "Dutch" and how the Brady Bill resulted from the assassination attempt).The book emphasizes the idea of Reagan as a strong president who deserved his reputation as "The Great Communicator." At the end it touches on Reagan being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and it will be interesting to see if this ever forces future biographers to reassess Reagan's considerable legacy. ... Read more

Book Description

Perhaps the most important woman in 20th century America, Eleanor Roosevelt fascinates scholar and layperson alike. This exciting encyclopedia brings together basic information illuminating her complex career and making the interaction between her private and public lives accessible to scholars, students, and the general public. Written by scholars--including the most eminent Eleanor Roosevelt and New Deal scholars--journalists, and those who knew her, the 200 plus entries in this book provide easy access to material showing how Eleanor Roosevelt changed the First Lady's role in politics, widened opportunities for women, became a liberal leader during the Cold War era, and served as a guiding spirit at the United Nations. A unique resource, the book provides an introduction to American history through the vantage point of a woman who both represented her times and moved beyond them. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It's a good read!
The first thing that should be said about The Eleanor Roosevelt Encyclopedia is that it is a "good read." You can open it anywhere and read fascinating information about Eleanor Roosevelt's life, friends, family, work, and political causes. You can follow the asterisks in the text to related entries, or you can read successive entries, learning serially and serendipitously about Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd, ER's social secretary who became romantically involved with FDR; ER's friend Rose Schneiderman, a Polish immigrant who became one of the most important labor leaders of the twentieth century; the scholarly debate over ER's sexuality; and Alfred Smith, Democratic presidential nominee in 1928. Everyone who was active in the progressive movement is here, as well as political organizations, foreign leaders, and discussions of such topics as television, the anti-lynching movement, birth control, the democratic party, ER's biographers, and the United Nations. Most especially, the amazing fullness of Eleanor Roosevelt's life is here. Small wonder that Hillary Clinton wanted to talk to her when she became first lady.

The Eleanor Roosevelt Encyclopedia is a Winner
Maurine Beasley, Henry R. Beasley, and Holly C. Shulman have produced an outstanding reference work on Eleanor Roosevelt. They have enlisted an array of distinguished authors to write about every aspect of Mrs. Roosevelt's life, and the result is a fascinating collection of essays that range from her impact on the institution of the First Lady to the many social causes that she championed. Well illustrated and comprehensive in its coverage, the book is rewarding for the insights it provides into one of the most important women in American history and is simply an excellent reading experience on its own terms. This is a volume that belongs in every school and public library that wants to provide a lively, reliable, and perceptive introduction to the life and career of the First Lady of the World, as Mrs. Roosevelt was known. Anyone interested in Eleanor Roosevelt will also want to own this book. ... Read more

Book Description

"...offers historically valuable, and tantalizing, insights into the internal workings of the Reagan Administration and the Machiavellian world of Washington politics. A brisk and engrossing memoir." --Kirk Reviews ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Style over Substance
If you want to read an objectively written book about Ronald Reagan, his years as Governor of California, or his presidency, pass on this book. From the outset, it is clear that the author, one of Reagan's inner circle and possibly the worst Attorney General of the United States this side of John Mitchell, cannot help but fawn over the Gipper.

Meese's every word is embued with such a slavish devotion to Reagan that he glosses over some of Reagan's more questionable accomplishments and policies, always portraying episodes in an "us verus them" fashion where the "us" is always right.

Anyone seriously considering the purchase of this book would do well to ignore the review of jmarkwhite, whose way of dealing with negative reviews of the book is to engage in juvenile namecalling. Here's the bottom line...if you're a big fan of Ronald Reagan and are blind to his faults (and believe me, he had some), this is the book for you. If you want an objective view of the man and his impact on America, look elsewhere.

A fine book on the Reagan presidency
Ignore the leftist tripe that might be contained in other reviews of this book; _With Reagan_ is an excellent overview of Reagan's presidency. Written by a member of the infamous troika that ran the administration in its early days, the book reviews the major achievements and downfalls of the administration. It is clearly intended to be a defense of Reagan, particularly in its discussions of Iran Contra, the economy, the national debt, and the like. Meese provides a clear, cogent discussion of where Reagan was right and where he was not. Meese also touches on Reagan's record as Governor of California.

If you're wanting to renew your memories of the Reagan years, my advice is to read this book, along with Dinesh D'Souza's _Ronald Reagan: How An Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader_.

ideology can overcome any facts
This book is so rigidly dogmatic that it reads like the controlled press of a dictatorship, in which the strength and wisdom and iron will of The Leader is constantly praised and nothing he has ever said or done was mistaken. Meese, the slimiest and most hypocritical of all Reagan insiders, sees absolutely no wrongdoing at any time anywhere by any member of Reagan's core group. The highest bullshit level of any Reagan white house memoir (and I've read almost all of them). He also displays a Naziesque fondness for casting every event as a Test Of Will or of Resolve, in which the best possible victory is the quick and decisive use of excessive force, to "send a message". Lots of facts and figures to show that Reagan gets all the credit for improvements, especially in the economy, but also in the collapse of communism, where Gorbachev almost seems irrelevant. But his main point is to discredit the idea that Reagan was passive or indecisive. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

High tide
Some people claim that Arthur Schlesinger wrote the definative history of the New Deal and FDR back in the 1950s. These same people probably are unfamiliar with this wonderful book by Kenneth Davis.

This is not just a history of the period of 1933-37, but an extended mediatation on how we are a nation are going to respond to the changes brought about by industrialization.

Do not be put off by this last statement because Davis is an excellent writer, historian and philosopher. The best part of this book deals with how social security came to be shaped in the form that it finally was. How all manner of elements came together for the legislation to be written. It is just remarkable.

Davis is evenhanded in this book and in the series as a whole. He identifies FDR's triumphs but at the same time is willing to be critical when he feels the actions warrent it.

Davis and his series have been recognized repeatedly although I believe that they probably were not given the praise that this series deserved. They are simply the best thing to be written on FDR by a historian.

Past is future
This really is a remarkable book and outstanding contribution to FDR scholarship. All of the books in this series are probably the best books on the life and times of Franklin Roosevelt, but I think this is one is the best.

In this, the second volume in the series Davis explores just how much of the early stages of FDR's presidency owed to his career as governor, how his concerns as governor of the state of New York were later transfered from Albany to Washington. Concerns with conservation and the power monopolies in these years were later to serve as the springboard for a number of New Deal initiatives.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the greatest president of the 20th century should look no further than this series of books by Mr. Davis. Sadly, Mr. Davis did not live to bring the series to its logical conclusion in 1945. Had he done so, this would be the definative study of FDR. As things are, it is likely to be the best biography for many years to come, despite some problems with vol. 4 and its premature conclusion.

The Man Behind the New Deal
I bought this book on a flyer in 1987, read it once and put it on the shelf. During a televised Clinton address from the Oval Office, I noticed on the credenza behind him "FDR: The New Deal Years" in its distinctive silver and red jacket. Well, if its good enough for the White House...so I read it again, and now understand why it stood on the President's desk. It's an outstanding work of narrative history. Volume one was awarded the Francis Parkman Prize, but this is clearly the next best in Davis's monumental five volumes on FDR and his times. It is a lively depiction of the New Deal and its famous characters, including Louis Howe, Harry Hopkins, the Brain Trust, Eleanor and Sara Delano all orbiting around the Sun King FDR. It is also an excellent analysis of how outright revolution was avoided and our capitalist system preserved in the darkest hours. But most of all it is an enjoyably facinating portrait of the man who everyone wanted to be near but almost no one, not even Eleanor, really knew. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Jackie Robinson Review ...
The Story of Jackie Robinson: Bravest Man in Baseball is about the struggles of one black man who made a big difference. Jackie Robinson was a great athlete in college but was not let into the Major Leagues because his skin was black. Robinson played on the Brooklyn Dodgers in the "Noble Experiment" which was meant Jackie being the first black on a white team. His team looked down on him because of the color of his skin. When the fans yelled slurs at him and other teams yelled at him it overwhelmed the Dodgers. They finally stood up for Robinson. I recommend this wonderful book, Jackie Robinson: Bravest Man in Baseball because it has a lot of action and emotion.

Jackie Robinso Review ...
The Story of Jackie Robinson, Bravest Man in Baseball is about the struggles of one black man who never gave up. Jackie Robinson was a great athlete in college but he couldn't play Major League baseball because of the color of his skin. When Jackie Robinson played on the Brooklyn Dodgers he was part of the "Noble Experiment" and his teammates were unfriendly. Also fans yelled slurs at Jackie. In 1947 Jackie Robinson won Rookie of the year and the admiration of the American people. I recommend this book because it tells how Jackie Robinson was a great athlete and a brave person.

Jackie Robinson Review ...
The Story of Jackie Robinson: Bravest Man in Baseball is about the struggles of one black man who never gave up. Jackie Robinson was a great athlete in college and wanted to go to the Major's but they wouldn't let him because he was black. The general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey took a chance on Jackie. Rickey said would let him play if he didn't fight back over racial slurs and attacks. This was known as the "Noble Experiment". Jackie's team looked down on him and fans harassed him because of the color of his skin. At last everybody realized Robinson was a great guy and that the color of a person's skin doesn't mater. In the end Jackie Robinson won the admiration of all American people. I think that you should read this book because it shows someone with great courage.

Jackie Robinson Review By: Hunter
The Story of Jackie Robinson, Bravest Man in Baseball is about Robinson's struggles in life and in baseball. Robinson was great at all sports but he couldn't play in the Majors after college because he was black. Four years later in 1945 Jackie Robinson was the first black player to play in the Major League because of a man named Branch Rickey. This was known as the 'Noble Experiment' and it did a lot of good all over the U.S. At first the Brooklyn Dodgers team was very angry that Robinson was playing with them and the fans had more hatred for the poor man. However, Robinson won the Rookie of the Year and also won lots of Americans admiration. If you enjoy baseball I think you would like this book because it shows the history of how blacks were finally accepted into the Major Leagues thanks to Jackie Robinson!

Jackie Robinson Review By: Alex
The Story of Jackie Robinson: Bravest Man In Baseball is about a black man who never gave up. Although Jackie Robinson was a great college athlete he couldn't play in the Major Leagues because he was black. This was very unfair but one luckily day Jackie met a man named Branch Rickey who thought black men should be able to play baseball with white men. Branch Rickey was the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers and was willing to let Jackie on the team. This made Jackie very pleased. However, the Brooklyn Dodgers were not very kind to Jackie. But he lived through all this and won many different titles. I think you should read this book because it tells a true story about an African American hero! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Call the Briefing" Puts You in the White House
"Call the Briefing" by Marlin Fitzwater puts you in the White House. The reader is brought right to the Podium, fielding questions from a voracious Press Corps ready to do almost anything for a story. And you are there with the President and the Cabinet, discussing strategy and estimating every action's media reaction.

It was hard to put this book down. You meet the very idealistic Ronald Reagan and the very professional George H. W. Bush through the eyes of the man who served a Press Secretary in both Administrations. Mr. Fitzwater's longevity in that position attests to his skill at working with the White House insiders and the news media. Many of the events covered are specific to the Reagan and Bush days, but you also experience the many duties of the White House Press Secretary, a role that could give ulcers to almost anyone. This gave me a real appreciation of the "24/7" crises White House Staff in any Administration, must battle every day.

I especially liked Mr. Fitzwater's writing, honed through years of experience. I liked his ability to paint events in a terse yet rich way. All the journeys of Marlin Fitzwater come alive, starting as a farm boy in Abeliene, Kansas and a reporter and editor in small-town Kansas newspapers.

Although he had originally wanted a career as a journalist, his opportunity came on the other side of the podium, handling public relations at Government agencies. Mr. Fitzwater got his baptism by fire at the Environmental Protection Agency, handling the hot potato of the Three Mile Island Nuclear leak. I think most people in this country know that it is ultimately the news media which ultimately decides what is news and how that news is presented to the public. But their power is even greater than we perceive. They can choose to make any particular event, such as a Presidential Speech, front-page headline news or bury it on the Obituary page.

Mr. Fitzwater handled his dual challenge very well: to communicate the Administration's activities in the most favorable light, and at the same time building trust among the White House Press Corps by being fair and honest. One sees the successes, such as the Summit Meetings held by both Presidents Reagan and Bush with Premiere Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. And you see the bad times, such as the unfortunate illnesses suffered by Mr. Bush at Camp David and again in Japan, which caused many people to question his ability to finish his term. The reader also learns about the successes and failures of the Movers and Shakers in the White House, from Caspar Weiberger and Iran-Contra to the rise and fall of the autocratic Chief of Staff John Sununu. And of course the Media are happy to make a story at anyone's expense.

Definitely five stars, and recommended for anyone who wants to know more about what happens in White House and how it affects the Nation. ... Read more

Book Description

In Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady and Humanitarian, award-winning author Michael A. Schurman covers the eventful life of this political activist and reformer. Never satisfied with the high society lifestyle into which she was born, Roosevelt's compassion and genuine concern for others led her to pursue a more aggressive path than most other First Ladies.

Book Description

"These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war." —Ronald Reagan, June 6, 1984, Normandy, France

Acclaimed historian and author of the "New York Times" bestselling Tour of Duty Douglas Brinkley tells the riveting account of the brave U.S. Army Rangers who stormed the coast of Normandy on D-Day and the President, forty years later, who paid them homage.

The importance of Pointe du Hoc to Allied planners like General Dwight Eisenhower cannot be overstated. The heavy U.S. and British warships poised in the English Channel had eighteen targets on their bombardment list for D-Day morning. The 100-foot promontory known as Pointe du Hoc -- where six big German guns were ensconced -- was number one. General Omar Bradley, in fact, called knocking out the Nazi defenses at the Pointe the toughest of any task assigned on June 6, 1944. Under the bulldoggish command of Colonel James E. Rudder of Texas, who is profiled here, these elite forces "Rudder's Rangers" -- took control of the fortified cliff. The liberation of Europe was under way.

Based upon recently released documents from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Eisenhower Center, Texas A & M University, and the U.S. Army Military History Institute, The Boys of Pointe du Hoc is the first in-depth, anecdotal remembrance of these fearless Army Rangers. With brilliant deftness, Brinkley moves between two events four decades apart to tell the dual story of the making of Reagan's two uplifting 1984 speeches, considered by many to be among the best orations the Great Communicator ever gave, and the actual heroic event, which was indelibly captured as well in the opening scenes of Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan". Just as compellingly, Brinkley tells the story of how Lisa Zanatta Henn, the daughter of a D-Day veteran, forged a special friendship with President Reagan that changed public perceptions of World War II veterans forever. Two White House speechwriters -- Peggy Noonan and Tony Dolan -- emerge in the narrative as the master scribes whose ethereal prose helped Reagan become the spokesperson for the entire World War II generation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Fascinating insight into the Reagan presidency
This book should be a lot better known. Not only does it provide a fascinating insight into the Reagan presidency, but it also does a good job of explaining exactly what a professional astrologer does and how he works. As Quigley explains it, astrology is not fortune telling, but a useful tool for making the most of opportunities and minimizing setbacks. Could it have been astrology that was Reagan's "teflon"? As the Reagans' personal astrologer, Quigley chose the timing of Air Force One's departures, congressional arm-twisting meetings, press conferences, the timing and locations of summit conferences; gave advice on how to handle Mikhail Gorbachev and what demands to make in negotiations. She was also responsible for the remaking of Nancy Reagan's public image. Those who know something about astrology will nod in recognition at a lot of Quigley's insights; those who scoff at astrology will be drop-jawed. Ms. Quigley writes well, although I detect the hand of an editor in several places, especially on those occasions when Quigley attributes remarks to Mrs. Reagan disparaging the elder Bush. These sentences are inconsistent with the tone of the rest of the book and appear to have been inserted to give the book some "dirt." I found this a fascinating book and would recommend it to anyone interested in astrology or in the Reagan presidency. There's a lot to ponder here.

Rather Dull and too much Focus on Astrology
This book is interesting for one reason, and one reason alone: Joan Quigley, as Mrs. Reagan's personal astrologist, was able to influence world events. At least, that's what appears to be the case if one believes Ms. Quigley's account. However, considering how exciting this book could have been, it is actually rather dull. There is a lot of talk about astrological signs and symbols that the average reader has no chance of understanding.

I do not believe in astrology. The most interesting part about Ms. Quigley's contention that astrology is a respectable field--just like any scientific endeavor. If that is true, why is Ms. Quigley free to publish her private accounts with Mrs. Reagan? If astrology is a respectable field, shouldn't there be limits to how much information you can reveal about private information with another person? ... Read more