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The Joy of Life
If you have never read a book about Theodore Roosevelt, read this one first. If you have read other books about him, read this one to discover more about his philosophy and spirituality based on his own works. It covers his entire life from birth to death. The Joy of Life distills the personality of Theodore Roosevelt into one medium-sized book. Quotes appear in this book which show him to be funny, hyperactive, energetic, exciting, enthusiastic, entertaining and lovable. His contemporaries say such things the more I see him the more and more I love him; work was an entertainment with him there; it was love at first sight; never have we laughed so much as when T.R. was our host. The book shows what motivated him at each stage of his life. During his Police Commissioner days he said to Jacob Riis, author of How the Other Half Lives, "I have read your book and I have come to help." Charging up San Juan hill he realized that he was destined to become a great leader of people like his Rough a mixed group who included cowboys, Indians, Ivy Leaguers, hispanics, marshals, negroes and Texas Rangers. His greatest effort was in conservation. He preserved millions of acres of land including wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments and irrigation projects. He accomplished many things in his life but would have obtained a place in history for that alone.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
46 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 4, 2014
Really took us inside Theodore Roosevelt's life and showed us the man rather than just the politician.
May 28, 2014
I was excited to read this book because I am a new fan of TR. I read the reviews, and they convinced me to buy this book.
Then I began reading it. The forward/introduction had me worried. The writing in this section was inconsistent and rather unorganized. The author jumped right in with her hypothesis that Theodore Roosevelt had ADD, or ADHD, or at the very least an artistic syndrome that caused him to act the way he did. She then related his behavior to hers. I was immediately put off by the writing in this section and had to convince myself to read on.
The first chapter was ok. The author quotes a lot of other biographers and documentation about TR. The material is better organized than in the forward/introduction. There are times where the quotes she provides are about a later part of his life, not the current part she is discussing. Also, I always thought Teddy's illnesses and struggles in his childhood were integral to who he became as an adult, but the author does not really focus on this at all. I am now becoming skeptical.
The second chapter begins to discuss the ADHD/artistic syndrome hypothesis. The author names a few other people (mostly around Roosevelt's time) who may have also "suffered" from these syndromes. There was not a lot of factual support for this, and it seemed more like a comparison of traits rather than proof. This discussion really turned me off to the book. I told myself I would commit to at least 20% until I gave up.
After the death of his mother and wife on the same day, the author tries to show the difficult time TR had with is life and how he engrossed himself in work. Chapter 3 begins with a quote from TR, then the quote is repeated 2 paragraphs later. Then there is another quote that is presented that was again not from the time period the author was describing, and I finally gave myself permission to stop reading. I was only at 16%.
I think it was the writing style, the way the material is presented, and the organization of the book that just didn't work for me. I rarely quit reading books. This may be the 3rd that I have stopped reading in the past 2 years. Just couldn't do it.
Then I began reading it. The forward/introduction had me worried. The writing in this section was inconsistent and rather unorganized. The author jumped right in with her hypothesis that Theodore Roosevelt had ADD, or ADHD, or at the very least an artistic syndrome that caused him to act the way he did. She then related his behavior to hers. I was immediately put off by the writing in this section and had to convince myself to read on.
The first chapter was ok. The author quotes a lot of other biographers and documentation about TR. The material is better organized than in the forward/introduction. There are times where the quotes she provides are about a later part of his life, not the current part she is discussing. Also, I always thought Teddy's illnesses and struggles in his childhood were integral to who he became as an adult, but the author does not really focus on this at all. I am now becoming skeptical.
The second chapter begins to discuss the ADHD/artistic syndrome hypothesis. The author names a few other people (mostly around Roosevelt's time) who may have also "suffered" from these syndromes. There was not a lot of factual support for this, and it seemed more like a comparison of traits rather than proof. This discussion really turned me off to the book. I told myself I would commit to at least 20% until I gave up.
After the death of his mother and wife on the same day, the author tries to show the difficult time TR had with is life and how he engrossed himself in work. Chapter 3 begins with a quote from TR, then the quote is repeated 2 paragraphs later. Then there is another quote that is presented that was again not from the time period the author was describing, and I finally gave myself permission to stop reading. I was only at 16%.
I think it was the writing style, the way the material is presented, and the organization of the book that just didn't work for me. I rarely quit reading books. This may be the 3rd that I have stopped reading in the past 2 years. Just couldn't do it.
February 23, 2014
I own this book, Kindle edition. After reading a Wikipedia entry about Teddy Roosevelt, I just had to read a book about him. Out of about 8 biographies offered in the Kindle store, this one was the only one that was free, so of course that's why I read it. I've only read two other presidential biographies, but I can say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was shorter than the others (that one on Abraham Lincoln was over 800 pages!); it had relevant and interesting quotes, and was laid out chronilogically with a couple chapters devoted to paragraphs of quotes and biographies of Roosevelt's family members. But honestly, who wouldn't love reading Anything written about the great man?! He was an overcomer of illness and tradgedy, a hard worker, inventive thinker, party animal, and an enjoyer of life. I loved learning about this real American hero who lived and climbed the poilitical ladder with integrity and expectation of moral excellence both for himself and his country. Themes: ADD, Bipolar disorder, African and South American adventure, Naturalist, Early 1900s, Spanish American War, World War 1.
October 28, 2014
Anyone interested in biography will appreciate this fast-paced well-written bio of a man many believe to have been of our nation's greater chief executives. This is not the just the hero of the Rough Riders and San Juan Hill. It is the story of a many who's entire life pointed to the pinnacle he would reach at a relatively young age.
April 26, 2015
Unlike other political biographies, this deals more with man in the job, not the job of the man. It is written in a quick, easy style that I feel could be understood by students as young as those in middle school that have an interest in civics. Also, a good overview for the more serious political junkie.
May 20, 2014
I enjoyed Mary Beth Smith's "The Joy of Life". As many books as I have read about FDR,(with more to come!) I realized after reading this book that my knowledge of TR is sadly lacking.
I really saw, after reading this, how much TR contributed to this country and how much FDR was inspired by his distant cousin.
I really saw, after reading this, how much TR contributed to this country and how much FDR was inspired by his distant cousin.
August 18, 2014
When recounting T.R,'a life it was a good read 4/5 stars (1 star removed for an oddly draft like feel of the text). When it drifted off into moralizing 1/5 (I really hate being moralized *at*). Averaged out to 3 stars. Did make find and get several of T.R.'s books and I look forward to reading those.
February 21, 2016
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Theodore was such a likeable guy, and he did so much for our country. I can't believe how much he touched my heart. Reading this book illustrated how little I know about the upbringing of our country, but it also encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and read books I normally wouldn't gravitate towards. It was such an eye opener!
August 2, 2014
Awesome book
Awesome book
He was a very special man. Who overcame much. The love he had for his country I have not seen for years. Every politician should be forced to read this book.
Awesome book
He was a very special man. Who overcame much. The love he had for his country I have not seen for years. Every politician should be forced to read this book.
October 21, 2013
Good survey of TR.
June 5, 2014
Fantastic read!!
Fantastic read!!
A truly brilliant study of Theodore Roosevelt, and not just of his actions, but the man he was throughout his life.
Fantastic read!!
A truly brilliant study of Theodore Roosevelt, and not just of his actions, but the man he was throughout his life.
October 27, 2015
If you are a lover of history you will enjoy this book. the author did a top notch job to incorporate the intelligence, and uniqueness of Theodore Roosevelt.
December 24, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews