5 comments about Laura Bush: An Intimate Portrait of the First Lady.

1. This book was worth waiting for! I admire the First Lady greatly, and this book did not disappoint me. It is written with all the grace and elegance Mrs. Bush is known for. A great book.



2. I admire Laura Bush and enjoyed learning more about her. But I appreciate authors who can provide some objectivity. This one falls all over his subject rather than providing a sophisticated eye. Laura herself is very diplomatic and more non-judgmental than most of us. But the author betrays the spirit of the First Lady with his pot shots at others, particularly the Clintons. It's almost as if he wrote the book to state his own opinions rather than to state hers. He is politically naive and less than a stellar writer. His transitions from one topic to another are very weak. Read this book if you want to learn more about Laura but don't waste your time if you are looking for a well-written piece.



3. He lets us feel as though we are "right there" - a moving story of this woman's life. You don't want to put the book down til you're done...very interesting presentation.



4. I loved this book. I bought this book after reading a library copy.
   
   This book is based on interviews with Laura Bush's friends. It reveals friendships that are full of caring, insight, jokes, loyalty and sincerity. I would like to be as good a friend to the people I love as I think Laura Bush is to the people she loves. Laura Bush is still friends with schoolmates from high school and college! And they are very smart and also funny!
   
   In reading this book, I found out that Laura loves to clean. One of her friends said cleaning supplies are Laura's favorite substances. No one in my family feels that way! But I find Laura's attitude inspiring, funny and helpful. Now, when something around here needs cleaning, I think of Laura's enthusiasm. I find that it is much easier and more fun to tackle cleaning with enthusiasm than to go through it with a dismal attitude.
   
   I liked Laura Bush before I read this book. Based on the impressions shared by her friends, it seems to me that she always tries to do her best but without taking herself too seriously. She is smart, sensible, witty and also kind. And she loves to read!! And I love to read!! And I love people who love to read!!
   
   I liked her very much to begin with, and having read the book, I like her better. In fact, I have added Laura Bush to my virtual team and I consider her an awesome virtual friend and consultant.
   
   I wish her well and thank her for her contributions as First Lady. Thank you, Laura!
   
   I think this is an excellent book, with revealing insights into Laura Bush's friendships and life. It is not a snarky critical book and I was grateful for that. I'm not interested in snark and criticism (well, hardly at all). I'm interested in encouraging people to be their best and to enjoy life. I think this book does that, and I highly recommend it.



5. I liked this book but it wasn't great. I was wanting some insight to Laura Bush and her marriage. Mr. Kessler didn't do that. He repeated numerous stories that the media had already reported and responding to Kitty Kelley's The Family book. I felt like this book was rushed. He didn't go into a lot of explanation and I felt that her childhood along with the governor years were very glossed over. I wanted Mr. Kessler to talk about the librarian/school teacher years of Laura Bush's life. After reading this book, I wanted to feel like I knew her. Instead I feel like I barely scratched the surface. Some of that may be that Laura Bush is a private person. I don't know. I just had higher expectations after reading some Mr. Kessler's other books and he didn't not fulfill my expectations.

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5 comments about The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope (Audio Editions Mystery Masters).

1. This is a worthy read if you don't swallow it in the "whole cloth." Alter tells the history of the time within his own parameters and with his own prejudices, as any of us would do if writing this history. What we learn from this is that FDR was no social genius with all the plans worked out ahead of time. Instead he was a willing experimenter. He was willing to try something and if it didn't work he would move on to something else until he found what did work. But you have to read between the lines here and realize that FDR was willing to go to unconstitutional lengths to accomplish his agenda. Many of his programs were determined to be unconstitutional. So his strategy was to try to pack the Supreme Court with more judges so that his programs would be approved. He was also willing to built government bigger and bigger by creating new bureaucracies and new programs from which we have never recovered. All in all, I recommend this book as long as you view it from the prospective in which it was written and don't allow yourselves to be overwhelmed by the idea that Roosevelt was the knight on shining armor who saved civilization.



2. This book was apparently written with the goal of showing how Roosevelt attained success in his first 100 days, but it often comes off sounding more negative than positive. I grew up imagining Roosevelt was a genius and close to perfect president. The impression I got from this book was that his sense of hope, showmanship and tireless dedication to always try something trumped an average grasp of the subject, and some odd personality and character traits. Much of this book actually seems to suggest between the lines that Herbert Hoover was more competent with the issues, and should almost be given some credit for the initial New Deal successes. I would say that there are numerous places in the book where history is being interpreted through today's lens. There are footnotes that make comparisons to more contemporary presidents and events, and it's obvious the writer has the current climate of opinion in mind when writing. Overall, I found the book fascinating. I discovered many things I did not previously know. For example, the country was almost hoping for a dictator in 1932. Both parties favored balanced budgets and tax increases during the early part of the depression. Roosevelt perhaps delayed recovery by some of his actions. Hope and inspiration were almost as important as the actual policies, and the low point of the depression came the night before Roosevelt's inauguration. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to make comparisons between the Depression and what the various players did with current times, and what we should consider doing.



3. This is a very well done, tightly focused biographical portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the early days of his Presidency. Alter, a television political commentator, begins with the idea that Roosevelt found himself as a leader in the fight to overcome the problems of the Depression.
   
   It is a fair, balanced book, although I suspect close readers will pick up on the fact that Alter has far more respect for FDR than he does for President Bush. (And acutely close readers will realize he admires Reagan more than Bush.)
   
   Alter does make numerous comparisons to contemporary politics, and I think on balance these are often unnecessary distractions. I sometimes felt like I had an overbearing teacher explaining the meaning of the book to me. I did not feel while reading this that I was inhabiting the times, which was a feeling I had with No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.
   
   The book is especially strong in its treatment of Roosevelt's speaking style and the confidence he instilled in the the nation at a very dangerous time in our history.



4. Great introduction to FDR's efforts at responding to the Great Depression upon his entrance into the presidency. Sometimes a bit too much psychoanalyzing, but there should be no doubt that FDR was the great president of the 20th century, not necessarily for finding a domestic economic cure for the Great Depression, but for helping millions of suffering people and giving them hope. His leadership of WWII would take care of the rest, but that's for another book. Great description of FDR's pre-presidential career and his political talents, and Alter gives appropriate credit to Louis Howe for much of FDR's success.



5. The first 100 days of FDR's first administration are the focal point of this recently published work. Alter uses several chapters to re-introduce us to FDR the man, and also to provide background on the socio-economic situation in America at the time. Some of the more powerful insights show how Roosevelt's struggle with polio changed him from the sneering, privileged, upper class twit of his youth to the "man of the people" that he was to become. Especially interesting is the study of the 1932 Presidential Campaign and the compromises and sacrifices that had to be made just for the privilege of leading America through some of its darkest hours. After this drama, the actual 100 days seem almost anti-climatic. The ultimate picture we're left with is that of a pragmatist, a man who was willing to admit that he didn't have the answers and so was willing to try anything that might help. Alter admits that many of FDR's programs were failures, but is quick to point out how much Americans were heartened just by the fact that the government was actually doing something. Conversely Hoover's inaction, even when it was theoretically the wisest course, left Americans feeling abandoned when they were in need.
   
   Although not notoriously a great student of history, this reviewer enjoyed this book and its depiction of a period eerily similar to our own. It is also a fascinating study of FDR himself, a man whose story often gets overshadowed by the momentous events that he guided America through. WWII buffs please note: Alter leaves off after the first 100 days of FDR's first term, so don't expect an analysis of his entire presidency. Still an engrossing read.

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3 comments about An Easy Burden: The Civil Movement and the Transformation of America.

1. Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta and official in the Carter White House, details his time as an assistant to Martin Luther King Jr. in this work. After some semi-interesting biographical background, we get a good view of the inside of the civil rights movement. Young shows all the conflicts within the movement and the spiritual values that kept it going in face of adversity. A very fine work on the topic for those of us who were not alive during the movement and also showing how hard it truly was on those involved. It truly made me realize how difficult it is to stand up peacefully when met with violence and oppression - numerous times I thought how poorly I would have reacted to such violence. For those who call King soft, nonintellectual, conformist, attention-seeking or weak, this book should dispel those myths.



2. An Uneasy Burden is a wonderful read. One major reason is that this autobiography is not about self praise or telling a one dimensional story. I usually do not care for most autobiographies. Young is very honest and candid, often critical of himself and some events or occurences within the Civil Rights Movement.
   
   I really liked the spiritual themes that were so present within this book, "My Yoke is easy and my burden is light," and "For unto whomsoever much is given of them much will be required." If you are searching for purpose and growth within your life I highly reccomend this account from Young. This book made me think long and hard about what direction and what I can do for others who are in need or are hurting.
   
   One of the most interesting things is Young's dramatic account of the march in St. Augustine and Selma. I do not agree with all of Young's politics but I have really found him to be an inspirational and genuine person. Andrew Young was a man searching for purpose, and he found purpose in life. He has a lot of spiritual insight and delivers it in an authentic narrative.



3. Heard AN EASY BURDEN, written and read by Andrew Young--an
   early adviser and colleague of Martin Luther King who went
   to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,
   among other things.
   
   The book provides a stirring account of the civil rights movement,
   starting in the 1950s . . . it got me thinking about the role not only
   played by both King and Young, but by many other leaders of the
   time . . . in addition, it gave me a different perspective on how hard
   this must have been; i.e., to fight for change without being violent.
   
   The author is quite candid in his views . . . just has been the case
   throughout his life, he is not afraid to mince words (or opinions)
   and while some may disagree with what he says or the way he says
   it, you will gain an increasing respect for the man if you read AN
   EASY BURDEN.
   
   I especially enjoyed the ending:
   Everything I know now convinces me that the struggle to eliminate
   racism, war and poverty is a burden, but in America, with all the
   freedom and opportunity afforded us under our constitution--in the
   most productive society in human history--it is an easy burden if
   we undertake it together.

3 comments about The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights.

1. "This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, 'My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.'
   "And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
   
   "Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
   
   "Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
   
   "But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
   
   "Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
   
   "Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring..."
   
   --Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28, 1963
   
   Dr. King must surely have had a thought or two of Marian Anderson as he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on that historic afternoon and delivered those words.
   
   Many of us know Marian's basic story:
   
   Marian Anderson was a helluva singer.
   
   Despite being celebrated in Europe as the voice of a century, and despite having the strong support of the President's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian Anderson was denied the opportunity to perform in Constitution Hall in Washington, DC because it was owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and those ladies didn't allow no black folks to be singing in their hall. That refusal led to Marian performing instead from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a crowd of 75,000 people on the Mall and a nationwide radio audience.
   
   She stood up tall where Martin would stand a quarter-century later and led off her performance with a rendition of My County 'Tis of Thee.
   
   Her performance is seen as a historic event at the dawn of the modern Civil Rights movement.
   
   Two years ago, Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick created the stunningly beautiful 40 page picture book, WHEN MARIAN SANG (Scholastic Press, 2002), which won all sorts of awards including a Sibert Honor.
   
   Now Russell Freedman has written a beautiful and more detailed biography of Marian Anderson which will similarly captivate readers with its engaging text and its clear, oversized photographs of the singer herself and of supporting characters in the story of Marian Anderson.
   
   The most precious of those supporters were also some of the earliest. Through the chapters focusing on her earliest years, I was moved by Freedman's portrayal of how Marian's childhood community came through time and time again to insure that her dreams would not be in vain:
   
   "Again there was no money for lessons. Most of Marian's earnings from concert appearances went to her mother, who was still taking in laundry and scrubbing floors, and to her sisters, who were still in school. And again the congregation at Union Baptist Church came to Marian's aid, organizing a benefit concert that raised $566 so that she could study with Boghetti."
   
   Equally moving is the subplot of her life that involves Orpheus Fisher:
   
   "I don't wanna wait in vain for your love" --Bob Marley
   
   Having had to quit school after eighth grade in the wake of her father's death, Marian did not complete high school until she was twenty-four. It was during her delayed high school years--back when America was engaged in the First World War--that Marian met Orpheus Fisher who, "like her, was still in high school. He fell for the shy singer with the soft laughter and huge sparkling eyes who was almost as tall as he..."
   
   Decades later, America was midway through the Second World War when Marian finally relented and married Orpheus, who has tirelessly and faithfully pursued her all those years, while she was single-mindedly focused on her career.
   
   And what a career it was:
   
   "During one ten-month period she gave 123 concerts in fifteen different countries, performing a repertoire that included over two hundred songs and arias in German, Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, and other languages."
   
   It must have been amazingly disheartening for Marian Anderson to return home from entertaining European royalty and once again come face to face with Jim Crow. Like black sports stars of that era, Marian faced dangerous and humiliating conditions when traveling and performing around some regions of our "sweet land of liberty." And yet, in photos, she appears both to have left that all behind and to be channeling some kind of higher power as she sings.
   
   " 'It was music-making that probed too deep for words.' "
   
   Marian Anderson remains a symbol of the historic fight to let freedom ring for all Americans. In VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION, Russell Freedman goes far beyond the symbolic to provide us a memorable look at the life of a singer whose talents knew no bounds.



2. Writing a biography of a private person who led a public life is, by definition, difficult. So it only stands to reason that writing a children's biography of a private person who led a public life would be ten times as hard. Children's biographies cannot speculate over the sex life of the subject. They can't delve into shoddy rumors or dredge up conspiracy theories related to the person's sordid background. None of this is to say that Marian Anderson had such sketchy rumors floating about her person, of course. By all accounts she led an exciting life, had a fabulous career, and is regarded as a great American hero. But she was also a private person, which places Russell Freedman in a difficult position. As the author of, "The Voice That Challenged a Nation", Freedman's job is to tell Anderson's story while relying on as many good, strong, clean facts as he can get his hands on. Fortunately, we're talking about the premiere biographical children's author here. Alongside fellow genius James Giblin, Freedman knows exactly how to present a life this interesting and detailed. The book will not charm every child assigned it in school. But if you've a kid who's open-minded and able to get into Marian's struggle, this is an excellent resource. Even if, prior to this book, they couldn't tell Marian Anderson from Ella Fitzgerald.
   
   The book opens with what is inarguably Anderson's greatest moment in the public eye. She stands on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with a crowd of 75,000 people below her, waiting to hear her sing. The date is April 9, 1939, and Anderson has been refused the chance to perform at Constitution Hall. Anderson is black and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) is inherently racist. With this concert, under the shadow of Lincoln himself, Anderson gives a heckuva performance that stands as a dignified response to racism in America. It goes very well and from here we shoot back and see Ms. Anderson's life in full. From her early days as a choir member in Philadelphia to her triumphant European tour in the early 30s. Certain aspects of Marian's life repeat themselves. She was wholly dedicated to her mother and took her everywhere. She was uncertain of her own talents at times but continued to sing and conquer. Freedman expertly weaves fascinating aspects of Marian's life (example: her high school boyfriend waited some twenty years to marry her) with factual information about the times in which she lived. Kids who read this book learn just as much about Jim Crow laws and deeply imbedded segregation as they do about Ms. Anderson's life. By the end of the book you find yourself emerging with a fascinating look at a truly great woman.
   
   Freedman follows up this book with an extensive bibliography (which gives props to fellow fabulous child biography, "When Marian Sang" by Pam Munoz Ryan). There's also a discography, a series of picture credits, and a wonderful index. It seems petty to demand that an author (or publisher) bend even farther backwards after producing such a gorgeous book, but I was a teensy bit sad that "The Voice That Challenged a Nation" didn't have a small cd accompanying it. When you read a quote, like the one from opera and concert singer Jessye Norman saying that, "If the planet Earth could sing, I think it would sound like Marian Anderson", you want to hear that voice. Not just read about it. But as I said, them's small potatoes. As it is, this may be one of those few children's books that inspire kids to search for Marian Anderson recordings on itunes (which has a lovely selection, by the way).
   
   With some authors, you know to trust them. You pick up their latest work without a smidgen of doubt in your mind that what you're about to peruse is going to impress you. After Freedman won my respect with his glorious, "Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery" (Eleanor shows up quite a lot in this book as well, I'm pleased to report), I expected nothing but the best from his Marian Anderson bio. And the best it is. A fine selection for any library, whether personal or public, anywhere.



3. I was not too familiar with the life of Marian Anderson, so it was
   with some degree of anticipation that I listened to THE VOICE THAT
   CHALLENGED A NATION by Russell Freedman . . . it did not
   disappoint.
   
   Anderson began her career, singing in church choirs . . . because
   she had to quite school after her father died when she was in
   eighth grade, she did not get to complete high school until
   she was 24 . . . yet she continued to sing, helped along by
   members of her church who constantly came together to raise
   money for her lessons.
   
   She eventually sang to sold-out concert halls throughout Europe . . . yet
   the book's most moving part described her return to this country in
   1939 . . . when she was denied permission to perform in Constitution
   Hall in because she wasn't white, she staged--with help from
   Eleanor Roosevelt--a breathtaking outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
   
   I would have liked this CD to have contained some of the performances
   of her actual songs . . . yet for that, I guess I'm just going to have to
   spring for another CD of her music . . . it will be my pleasure to do so.

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