Dear Americans: Letters from the Desk of Ronald Reagan

by Ralph A. Weber (Editor)

Ronald Reagan’s “Handwriting File” contains an archive of thousands of handwritten missives from the president to his constituents, written throughout his eight years in office. Historian Ralph E. Weber and his son have selected the highlights from this treasure trove, creating a uniquely intimate portrait of Reagan at work.

A fascinating glimpse at the issues facing the United States during the 1980s, Dear Americans is arranged chronologically to trace history in the making. Taking time each week to respond to dozens of Americans who asked him about a tremendous range of issues, Reagan delivered sensitive, eloquent messages to senior citizens worried about the Social Security program’s solvency, angry critics of the Star Wars missile defense program, parents of soldiers killed in Lebanon, and children inquiring about details of presidential life. Not all of the recipients were strangers; Dear Americans also features correspondence with close friends of Reagan, both famous and obscure.

Written in a down-to-earth, often gently humorous tone, the letters featured in Dear Americans reveal much about this president’s unshakable political convictions, religious faith, and concern for humanity. In the bestselling tradition of When Character Was King and I Love You, Ronnie, this compulsively readable collection will be on thousands of wish lists this holiday season.

Genres: History, Politics, Biography, Presidents, Nonfiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2003

Reviews

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying this, however; it is a slow read due to the nature of the book. I have finished the book and it has left me with the following thought. "The more things change the more they stay the same." Reading what he dealt with in the '80's and comparing it to what is happening now, all sounds so very familiar. He was a great man and these letters show that. Book is very well done.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like to balance opinions of presidents. If I have read a particularly damaging portrayal, I hope to find a positive one. After reading a lot about the art of the American public during his terms and all of the controversies inspiring most of it- I thought I'd pick this up and see what his words sounded like. There are some very gracious moments, some self analysis, some specualtion and some words of pure faitha nd wisdom. As always in a book of letters, I wish for more context given. The one which I have seen in most reviews is the most humorous, where a boy asks for federal funding for his room which his mom has declared a disaster area. He patiently explains the process to the boy in a tongue in cheek manner. Brillant man of letters, even if he is polarized in the hearts of the American people.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshingly open look into the heart and thoughts of a (mostly) well-loved and admired president. While I take the cynical side of knowing the letters included are only a selection and probably portray the President in a particular light, they are still his words and thoughts, written down for the American public. He address political issues from concerned citizens, both whom agree and don't agree with his policies, as well as thoughtful and sometimes funny questions from elementary school students. He treats them all seriously and with validity. For anyone remotely curious about the political climate in the decade of the 80s or wanting insight into the mind of President Reagan, this book is for you.

[Joseph Anthony Pignatelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Reagan took the time to personally respond to letters he received from Heads of State or ordinary citizens whether they supported his policies or were against them.If a person wrote the President telling him his policies were wrong,Reagan would thank them for their letter then try to explain why he felt the person was incorrect and try to give the person his point of view on his Policies.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating glimpse at the issues facing the United States during the 1980s, Dear Americans is arranged chronologically to trace history in the making. Taking time each week to respond to dozens of Americans in his own handwriting, is typical of President Reagan. A few of his letters were printed in this book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! I liked seeing what issues faced president reagan through his own eyes. It was also interesting to see how similar the problems in that period of time were to what we're facing now.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the reason I enjoyed this book is because I spent months--maybe a year--reading it. I think it is best read a few letters at a time. Small bites were tasty; the full meal at one sitting would have overwhelmed my palate.

[Fran]

The ISBN in my book is 0-7394-3848-4, Copyright 2003, and is Large Print.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time I finished this book I felt like I'd gained a friend. Ronald Reagan was an outstanding individual in every way.

[Joseph R. Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where have you gone, President Reagan? Wonderful book, it will tug at your heart and make you wish for the days when common sense and individualism reigned...no wonder times were better back then.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked his sense of humor. Half way through the book I decided I probably would have enjoyed meeting him and that's saying a lot. I don't like meeting new people.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books of letters. In this one, I found the heart of my favorite modern president oozing out in all of its honesty, kindness, and goodness. Great read.

[Myron T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you insight into the character of Ronald Reagan.