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Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan
His name in American politics is more cited than any other president. Both the Republican and Democratic parties are radically different today, mainly as a result of Ronald Reagan and the force of his ideas. No twentieth century president shaped the American political landscape so profoundly.
Craig Shirley’s Last Act is the important final chapter in the life of Reagan that no one has thus far covered. It’s the kind of book that widens our understanding of American history and of the presidency and the men who occupied it. To tell Reagan’s story, Craig has secured the complete, exclusive, and enthusiastic support of the Reagan Foundation and Library and spent considerable time there reviewing sealed files and confidential information.
Cast in a grand and compelling narrative style, Last Act contains interesting and heretofore untold anecdotes about Reagan, Mrs. Reagan, their pleasure at retirement, the onslaught of the awful Alzheimer’s and how he and Mrs. Reagan dealt with the diagnosis, the slow demise, the extensive plans for a state funeral, the outpouring from the nation, which stunned the political establishment, the Reagan legacy, and how his shadow looms more and more over the Republican Party, Washington, the culture of America, and the world.
Craig Shirley’s Last Act is the important final chapter in the life of Reagan that no one has thus far covered. It’s the kind of book that widens our understanding of American history and of the presidency and the men who occupied it. To tell Reagan’s story, Craig has secured the complete, exclusive, and enthusiastic support of the Reagan Foundation and Library and spent considerable time there reviewing sealed files and confidential information.
Cast in a grand and compelling narrative style, Last Act contains interesting and heretofore untold anecdotes about Reagan, Mrs. Reagan, their pleasure at retirement, the onslaught of the awful Alzheimer’s and how he and Mrs. Reagan dealt with the diagnosis, the slow demise, the extensive plans for a state funeral, the outpouring from the nation, which stunned the political establishment, the Reagan legacy, and how his shadow looms more and more over the Republican Party, Washington, the culture of America, and the world.
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First published July 15, 2014
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About the author
Craig Shirley
19 books51 followersCraigan Paul Shirley is an American political consultant and author of several books on Ronald Reagan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 30, 2015
What a book! If you admire Ronald Reagan, you will find this book fascinating. If you, as I did, watched for every story about him after he announced his Alzheimer’s and watched every part of his funeral with several tears along the way, this book will fill in all those questions you probably had.
Craig Shirley writes the story in a way that is gripping. When I began reading his method of jumping between the first days of President Reagan leaving office and the days just before he died, I thought it would undermine the book, but it simply did not.
So many insights into the fine character and honest makeup that defined Reagan are here. Actually, I must warn you–you will have waves of deeply missing him again as you read. You will more deeply opine the lack of people like him today too. I believe you will see that Mrs. Is far better than the witch the media unfairly made her to be as well.
Those who served under him, for the most part, adored him. He forced no cynicism on those who served him as many do. Even burly Secret Service men were reduced to heavy tears when he died. Even after Alzheimer’s did its ugly work on him, he was still the man who wanted to stop and help a who man had a flat.
For the most incredible contrast, a story of Nixon ignoring his ailing wife one day and Clinton making a pass at one of Reagan’s young interns and making himself a nuisance by relentlessly begging to speak at Reagan’s funeral were told. Thanks Nancy for holding a firm “no” on that point!
There’s so much more. I love this book. I can’t think of anyone who has lived in my lifetime for whom I would want this kind of information, but Ronald Reagan was for me just such a man. This book is a treasure for those who love the Gipper and would be a great help to those who don’t, but should.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Craig Shirley writes the story in a way that is gripping. When I began reading his method of jumping between the first days of President Reagan leaving office and the days just before he died, I thought it would undermine the book, but it simply did not.
So many insights into the fine character and honest makeup that defined Reagan are here. Actually, I must warn you–you will have waves of deeply missing him again as you read. You will more deeply opine the lack of people like him today too. I believe you will see that Mrs. Is far better than the witch the media unfairly made her to be as well.
Those who served under him, for the most part, adored him. He forced no cynicism on those who served him as many do. Even burly Secret Service men were reduced to heavy tears when he died. Even after Alzheimer’s did its ugly work on him, he was still the man who wanted to stop and help a who man had a flat.
For the most incredible contrast, a story of Nixon ignoring his ailing wife one day and Clinton making a pass at one of Reagan’s young interns and making himself a nuisance by relentlessly begging to speak at Reagan’s funeral were told. Thanks Nancy for holding a firm “no” on that point!
There’s so much more. I love this book. I can’t think of anyone who has lived in my lifetime for whom I would want this kind of information, but Ronald Reagan was for me just such a man. This book is a treasure for those who love the Gipper and would be a great help to those who don’t, but should.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 17, 2018
https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2018...
“Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan” by Craig Shirley was published in 2015. This is one of four books he has authored focusing on Reagan’s national political career and retirement. Shirley is an author and pubic affairs consultant, a member of the Board of Governors of the Reagan Ranch and a Trustee of Eureka College. His most recent book “Citizen Newt: The Making of a Reagan Conservative” was published in 2017.
There is no shortage of biographies covering Ronald Reagan’s long and extraordinary life. But prior to Craig Shirley’s book reviewing his post-presidency, no one had attempted to focus on the last fifteen years of Reagan’s life in quite as deliberate a way as Douglas Brinkley did with Jimmy Carter in his excellent (if premature) book on Carter’s retirement years.
The potential for a thorough and systematic examination of Reagan’s retirement years and legacy is enormous. And coming a decade after Reagan’s death – with the chronological distance needed to critically assess his legacy – the timing of Shirley’s 324 page book seems ideal. Unfortunately, this book falls well short of its promise.
“Last Act” is far less an exploration of Reagan’s retirement and legacy than it is a detailed review of the week between Reagan’s death in June 2004 and his interment, including the planning for his state funeral in Washington and a private service in California. And while this part of this book is often poignant and revealing, most of the remainder of the book is disappointing.
At a high level the book proceeds chronologically from Reagan’s death through his burial in Simi Valley. But chapter-to-chapter, and even from one paragraph to the next, the narrative has a habit of jumping back and forth in time without warning…collecting various bits of Reagan’s life in an attempt to create context. What results, however, is not a coherent stream of thought so much as a disjointed and seemingly random stream-of-consciousness.
Adding to the disappointment is the author's tone which is frequently hyper-partisan (or breathlessly defensive). More than a few presidential biographers are unable to conceal their political sympathies or bias, but Shirley's political perspective infuses the narrative so aggressively it becomes a distraction. He excoriates a wide range of targets for their insufficient appreciation for Reagan: Hollywood, the media, Edmund Morris, New York City's municipal government, "elites," the Nobel Committee and even high school history textbooks.
The time Shirley wastes avenging a seemingly endless array of Reagan-directed slights could have been better spent reviewing the enormous impact Reagan had on the world, more carefully observing his retirement, and comprehensively assessing his legacy. Instead, the productive years of his retirement are only haphazardly covered and his legacy is just briefly addressed in an Author's Note at the end of the book.
Overall, Craig Shirley's "Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan" is a fine, but haphazard, review of Reagan's death, funeral and burial in California. But readers expecting a thoughtful (if sympathetic) review of his post-presidency and political legacy will be disappointed. "Last Act" is too often a rambling mess more concerned with vindication than analysis or persuasion.
Overall rating: 2½ stars
“Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan” by Craig Shirley was published in 2015. This is one of four books he has authored focusing on Reagan’s national political career and retirement. Shirley is an author and pubic affairs consultant, a member of the Board of Governors of the Reagan Ranch and a Trustee of Eureka College. His most recent book “Citizen Newt: The Making of a Reagan Conservative” was published in 2017.
There is no shortage of biographies covering Ronald Reagan’s long and extraordinary life. But prior to Craig Shirley’s book reviewing his post-presidency, no one had attempted to focus on the last fifteen years of Reagan’s life in quite as deliberate a way as Douglas Brinkley did with Jimmy Carter in his excellent (if premature) book on Carter’s retirement years.
The potential for a thorough and systematic examination of Reagan’s retirement years and legacy is enormous. And coming a decade after Reagan’s death – with the chronological distance needed to critically assess his legacy – the timing of Shirley’s 324 page book seems ideal. Unfortunately, this book falls well short of its promise.
“Last Act” is far less an exploration of Reagan’s retirement and legacy than it is a detailed review of the week between Reagan’s death in June 2004 and his interment, including the planning for his state funeral in Washington and a private service in California. And while this part of this book is often poignant and revealing, most of the remainder of the book is disappointing.
At a high level the book proceeds chronologically from Reagan’s death through his burial in Simi Valley. But chapter-to-chapter, and even from one paragraph to the next, the narrative has a habit of jumping back and forth in time without warning…collecting various bits of Reagan’s life in an attempt to create context. What results, however, is not a coherent stream of thought so much as a disjointed and seemingly random stream-of-consciousness.
Adding to the disappointment is the author's tone which is frequently hyper-partisan (or breathlessly defensive). More than a few presidential biographers are unable to conceal their political sympathies or bias, but Shirley's political perspective infuses the narrative so aggressively it becomes a distraction. He excoriates a wide range of targets for their insufficient appreciation for Reagan: Hollywood, the media, Edmund Morris, New York City's municipal government, "elites," the Nobel Committee and even high school history textbooks.
The time Shirley wastes avenging a seemingly endless array of Reagan-directed slights could have been better spent reviewing the enormous impact Reagan had on the world, more carefully observing his retirement, and comprehensively assessing his legacy. Instead, the productive years of his retirement are only haphazardly covered and his legacy is just briefly addressed in an Author's Note at the end of the book.
Overall, Craig Shirley's "Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan" is a fine, but haphazard, review of Reagan's death, funeral and burial in California. But readers expecting a thoughtful (if sympathetic) review of his post-presidency and political legacy will be disappointed. "Last Act" is too often a rambling mess more concerned with vindication than analysis or persuasion.
Overall rating: 2½ stars
February 19, 2018
Craig Shirley has delivered another great book on Ronald Reagan. This time examining his remaining years out of office. Relying on several interviews with those extremely close to Ronald and Nancy, Shirley gives many insights heretofore unknown by the public regarding the Reagan's and their (often sad) retirement.
February 5, 2016
Disjointed at times. Also, it was a little too anecdotal when it came to Reagan's post-presidency life. The book offhandedly mentions Reagan's frequent golf outings, outdoor adventures, big speeches, writings, foreign travel and meetings with important leaders and heads-of-state during those key 5-6 years following his presidency. My complaint is that the book offers too little -- if any -- detail on these events.
The book does thoroughly describe how Reagan and his family courageously dealt with the terrible burden of Alzheimer's disease. Also, the public events surrounding Reagan's state funeral, as well as a little of the behind-the-scenes events and personalities that went with it, were covered well. In this regard, Shirley's book is certainly valuable for historians.
The book does thoroughly describe how Reagan and his family courageously dealt with the terrible burden of Alzheimer's disease. Also, the public events surrounding Reagan's state funeral, as well as a little of the behind-the-scenes events and personalities that went with it, were covered well. In this regard, Shirley's book is certainly valuable for historians.
March 18, 2016
A Look Into the Last Days of President Reagan
I found myself fighting back tears throughout this book. Reading this book brought back so many memories of the Reagan presidency and how successful Reagan was.
This is an interesting view into the final years of President Reagan, although at times repetitious. The author spends too much time on the negative narratives from Liberals but the private insights about the man are priceless.
I found myself fighting back tears throughout this book. Reading this book brought back so many memories of the Reagan presidency and how successful Reagan was.
This is an interesting view into the final years of President Reagan, although at times repetitious. The author spends too much time on the negative narratives from Liberals but the private insights about the man are priceless.
January 17, 2016
Some good research, especially on the details of Reagan's funeral, but needed better editing. Shirley repeats himself and belabors points long after they have been driven home.
September 15, 2021
One of the more enjoyable books to hit my shelf this year. I have a hard copy that I bought in a thrift store but I listened to this on Scribd (Narrated by Henry Arnold).
I debated as Ronald Reagan in the 6th grade against a classmate representing Jimmy Carter. I may have been the only kid in the room who knew about the political hot-button issues beyond the Iran hostage crisis: the Panama Canal, the middle east peace crisis, tax cuts, welfare reform, the Cold War, the Arms Race, the (Russian) Afghanistan War, abortion law, the Supreme Court nominees, gun control, OPEC and the energy crisis, etc. I was a Reagan fan and remain so. Even with his flaws and failures (like all Presidents), I appreciate what he did, what he defeated and even what he did NOT do.
I didn't learn a lot of new things about President Reagan but I believe many still have no idea of how badly he was injured and how close he came to dying. I did learn a few things about citizen Reagan and of those who surrounded him. Interesting information about the family, cabinet and supporters, as well as the agenda behind the fake news media of past decades.
I am a sentimentalist. I admit it fully. And I found myself enjoying this book even as it took me back to my childhood and earliest adult years. Not that everything about that time was wonderful, but it is the place in time in which I lived and grew and what helped get me where I am, today. For that reason, I reach for books of the 70's and 80's if for no other reason that the nostalgia.
It's interesting to note that the author has accused Bill O'Reilly of printing "100% garbage" in his book, "Killing Reagan." He accused liberal author Rick Perlstein of plagiarizing him in his book, "The Invisible Bridge." And you can find him posting a warning about the Democrat Party stealing the 2020 election for Joe Biden (see the Daily Caller web site) two months ahead of the election. That will give you a good beginning if you would like to know more about the author.
I debated as Ronald Reagan in the 6th grade against a classmate representing Jimmy Carter. I may have been the only kid in the room who knew about the political hot-button issues beyond the Iran hostage crisis: the Panama Canal, the middle east peace crisis, tax cuts, welfare reform, the Cold War, the Arms Race, the (Russian) Afghanistan War, abortion law, the Supreme Court nominees, gun control, OPEC and the energy crisis, etc. I was a Reagan fan and remain so. Even with his flaws and failures (like all Presidents), I appreciate what he did, what he defeated and even what he did NOT do.
I didn't learn a lot of new things about President Reagan but I believe many still have no idea of how badly he was injured and how close he came to dying. I did learn a few things about citizen Reagan and of those who surrounded him. Interesting information about the family, cabinet and supporters, as well as the agenda behind the fake news media of past decades.
I am a sentimentalist. I admit it fully. And I found myself enjoying this book even as it took me back to my childhood and earliest adult years. Not that everything about that time was wonderful, but it is the place in time in which I lived and grew and what helped get me where I am, today. For that reason, I reach for books of the 70's and 80's if for no other reason that the nostalgia.
It's interesting to note that the author has accused Bill O'Reilly of printing "100% garbage" in his book, "Killing Reagan." He accused liberal author Rick Perlstein of plagiarizing him in his book, "The Invisible Bridge." And you can find him posting a warning about the Democrat Party stealing the 2020 election for Joe Biden (see the Daily Caller web site) two months ahead of the election. That will give you a good beginning if you would like to know more about the author.
August 21, 2018
This book is written in a style I've rarely encountered. The author uses the different events of the week of Reagan's funeral to introduce discussion regarding different aspects of Reagan's life and presidency. It becomes a little hard to follow as he jumps back and forth between the funeral week and past events in a somewhat disjointed manner. But once I got into the rhythm of his writing, I found this to be a very interesting and insightful book into both the private and public life of Reagan. The author is obviously one who admires Reagan and throughout the book takes to task the media and the "elites" who would disparage Reagan, ignore his achievements, or at times even be downright nasty. He gives some examples of such comments made even during the week of the funeral. But throughout the book he contrasts these opinions with the outpouring of respect that the general population and Reagan's close associates gave Reagan after his death. Reagan haters (and Trump haters) probably will not enjoy this book, but it is an interesting book that gives perhaps an alternative perspective on the Reagan presidency than what is the accepted wisdom.
March 2, 2017
Conceptually this was a good idea: most biographies of President Reagan end when his presidency ended, this biography focuses on his post-presidency life. The execution is the problem. Rather than a straight-ahead narrative it is more stream-of-consciousness, and can get repetitive. It is also hampered due to little being known about his life following his Alzheimer's diagnosis. Nevertheless the author has some new stories to tell. Reagan was the first president to have a woman in his protective detail, despite her job he always insisted she go through doors first. I still remember the outpouring of support following his death but was fascinated to hear how the infirm Margaret Thatcher was determined to pay her respects. The author also provides abundant examples of his vilification by the left, which actually accelerated following his Alzheimer's diagnosis and death.
June 4, 2021
While “The Last Act” is purportedly about Ronald Reagan after he left the presidency, you get a lot on his life, especially during the presidency, and a lot on the funerals. This was written by a Reagan fan, and from a fan’s perspective. You read a lot of bits decrying poor and biased reporting against the president, putting him in bad light. I wasn’t expecting this when I started. Not that it’s a bad thing once you understand where the author is coming from. With Reagan as the subject, you will get plenty of stories and pithy remarks, and you get those reported here. There isn’t as much on Reagan’s years in isolation while slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease. It’s kind of what you’d expect. The author really does a good job describing the details behind planning for the various funerals and lying in state after Reagan’s death.
May 17, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much but I recognize that not everybody,not even Reagan fans, will.
The author covers the years after Reagan left office though still highlighting some major achievements as President such as winning the cold war; some of his best quotes like “Tear down that wall” referring to the wall separating East Germany from West Germany; and names given him such as “The Great Communicator.” His Alzheimer’s coverage begins with him being given his diagnosis by his doctor at home with Nancy and a close friend. Reagan accepts it calmly and immediately gets paper and pen to write a letter because “he needs to inform the American people.” He never pitied himself.
A large chunk of the book details his funeral, the viewing of his casket, and the mind boggling outpouring of love by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the US and the world and all walks of life.
The author doesn’t hesitate to state his scorn for the liberals(journalists especially) who criticized and told falsehoods as Reagan lie in state.
I found even the funeral details fascinating and especially the juicy tidbits about Bill Clinton
and Al Gore being asses at the funeral service insisting on getting their ways(they did not). Very good book.
The author covers the years after Reagan left office though still highlighting some major achievements as President such as winning the cold war; some of his best quotes like “Tear down that wall” referring to the wall separating East Germany from West Germany; and names given him such as “The Great Communicator.” His Alzheimer’s coverage begins with him being given his diagnosis by his doctor at home with Nancy and a close friend. Reagan accepts it calmly and immediately gets paper and pen to write a letter because “he needs to inform the American people.” He never pitied himself.
A large chunk of the book details his funeral, the viewing of his casket, and the mind boggling outpouring of love by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the US and the world and all walks of life.
The author doesn’t hesitate to state his scorn for the liberals(journalists especially) who criticized and told falsehoods as Reagan lie in state.
I found even the funeral details fascinating and especially the juicy tidbits about Bill Clinton
and Al Gore being asses at the funeral service insisting on getting their ways(they did not). Very good book.
September 22, 2022
I really wanted to enjoy this book, because it’s a part of Reagan’s story, his post-presidential years, that rarely is written about. And in large part, I did. Shirley’s digging into the attitudes of Reagan at his passing, the media’s coverage of it, and other details were intriguing. The biggest complaint I had was the horrible repetition from chapter to chapter of the same information. I want to be careful here, because Shirley writes that his books are edited by his family and himself, and that is truly admirable. That said, the editing is poor and the repeated material then becomes tedious or annoying to the reader. This happened often throughout the book.
April 10, 2019
This book was a gift because they know I think Reagan is the best President of my life time. I am also a historian. There are some good facts in this book. The author definitely had feeling for Nancy and Ronald Reagan. Perhaps, Reagan is too recent past to look at from a historian's perspective. So, you get books of obvious bias. The press has definitely shown their anti-Reagan bias, but is it cured by being passionate the other way? I think not. My other complaint is I did not like the books organization. It is readable with some good facts.
July 21, 2025
Craig Shirley once again proves that he is te quintessential Reagan biographer. I cried my eyes out reliving the greatest President of my lifetime's long twilight into history.
I am still blown away by how many millions of people paid their last respects to the Gipper when he died. I had the privilege of being in LA when his remains were interred, and I visited his tomb a TV the Reagan library.
It was a very moving moment.
Thank you Mr. Shirley.
I am still blown away by how many millions of people paid their last respects to the Gipper when he died. I had the privilege of being in LA when his remains were interred, and I visited his tomb a TV the Reagan library.
It was a very moving moment.
Thank you Mr. Shirley.
November 28, 2017
i read this book to fulfil the goal read a biography of a world leader. this book was mostly about his funeral. i'm not a fan of the political genre anyway, and this one struck me as particually boring. i would have liked more personalization or tributes, less funeral book.
February 26, 2018
This book should have been renamed, "Here is the biography of a bunch of people who hung out with Reagan and really liked him... and if you think Reagan was a bad president, I have a very convincing argument against that... which is, You suck!"
November 1, 2020
I enjoyed reading about Reagan’s years after the presidency, and the look at the week of his memorial services and burial was very interesting. But the author tended to repeat his anecdotes, and the narrative flow was hard to follow sometimes.
February 1, 2021
Most disappointing book on Reagan I’ve read. So disjointed it made me wonder if the author’s note cards had been blown about by a fan. And so much for extolling Reagan’s legacy; the author spent most of the time whining over what all of Reagan’s detractors and critics had said and done.
November 20, 2017
90% of the book deals with the funeral.
as close to the north Korean technique of writing as I've encountered in the West
as close to the north Korean technique of writing as I've encountered in the West
January 12, 2018
Meandered way too often
November 13, 2022
Basically recaps his funeral and the entire week after his death. Not too informational but nice to read nonetheless.
October 13, 2015
The legacy of President Ronald Reagan is securely established in history. Liberals can scoff and moan but the fact remains; Ronald Wilson Reagan is one of the most influential Americans of all time. Indeed, Reagan is not only one of the loved and respected presidents in American history; he is also one of the most effective.
Most books focus on the life of President Reagan and work hard to establish his presidential accomplishments. Craig Shirley's new masterpiece, Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan takes a different approach. Shirley sets out to help readers see Reagan in a different light and in a different context. This book serves as a lens for Americans to view President Reagan in his post-presidential days, including the days which followed his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Last Act begins with President Reagan on his death bed. The author highlights Reagan’s life and legacy from different perspectives - including friends, family, and foes. One of the constant themes that weaves through the book is the deep and abiding love that America has for the 40th president of the United States.
We would do well to listen to the words of Reagan's old arch nemesis, Senator Ted Kennedy who offered these fitting words, upon hearing of Reagan's death: "He brought a special grace to the White House and the country in everything he did. We often disagreed on specific issues, but he had an undeniably unique capacity to inspire and move the Nation. On foreign policy, he will be honored as the President who won the cold war. It was more than the fact that he was a superb communicator. Some attributed at least part of his success to the fact that he was a superb communicator. Some attributed at least part of his success to the fact that he had been an actor. But his deepest convictions were matters of heart and mind and spirit, and on them, he was no actor at all."
Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan bears the marks of a book which is informed by thorough research and careful study. Craig Shirley should be commended for his clear writing and respect for the 40th president of the United States. Last Act is not only a tribute to one of the most beloved leaders in American history; it is a gift to the American people.
www.baldreformer.wordpress.com
Most books focus on the life of President Reagan and work hard to establish his presidential accomplishments. Craig Shirley's new masterpiece, Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan takes a different approach. Shirley sets out to help readers see Reagan in a different light and in a different context. This book serves as a lens for Americans to view President Reagan in his post-presidential days, including the days which followed his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Last Act begins with President Reagan on his death bed. The author highlights Reagan’s life and legacy from different perspectives - including friends, family, and foes. One of the constant themes that weaves through the book is the deep and abiding love that America has for the 40th president of the United States.
We would do well to listen to the words of Reagan's old arch nemesis, Senator Ted Kennedy who offered these fitting words, upon hearing of Reagan's death: "He brought a special grace to the White House and the country in everything he did. We often disagreed on specific issues, but he had an undeniably unique capacity to inspire and move the Nation. On foreign policy, he will be honored as the President who won the cold war. It was more than the fact that he was a superb communicator. Some attributed at least part of his success to the fact that he was a superb communicator. Some attributed at least part of his success to the fact that he had been an actor. But his deepest convictions were matters of heart and mind and spirit, and on them, he was no actor at all."
Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan bears the marks of a book which is informed by thorough research and careful study. Craig Shirley should be commended for his clear writing and respect for the 40th president of the United States. Last Act is not only a tribute to one of the most beloved leaders in American history; it is a gift to the American people.
www.baldreformer.wordpress.com
November 12, 2015
The Long Goodbye
Ronald Reagan was beloved by many, and criticized by a few. This book sets out to explore the time after he left the White House, the last years of the President's life. It is a broad work that covers much of what was going on in our nation, and the world, during those years, along with the health issues he faced.
The author spent a lot of time going over the private journals Ronald Reagan kept while in office. Mr. Shirley states that all the entries were made by a man still in full control of all his faculties. He offers them as proof that the President was not suffering any forgetfulness, or early Alzheimer's symptoms, while leading our country.
Many in the media didn't support Reagan, and even panned him, but that was something that did not concern him. What he wanted was the support of the ordinary citizens. His legacy consisted of ending the cold war, improving our military, increasing prosperity, and making many feel proud to be Americans. With many every day Americans, his legacy also included winning their hearts.
SEE THE COMPLETE REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2015/11/12/...
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of Last Act, through The Thomas Nelson Publishing BookLook Bloggers Program for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Ronald Reagan was beloved by many, and criticized by a few. This book sets out to explore the time after he left the White House, the last years of the President's life. It is a broad work that covers much of what was going on in our nation, and the world, during those years, along with the health issues he faced.
The author spent a lot of time going over the private journals Ronald Reagan kept while in office. Mr. Shirley states that all the entries were made by a man still in full control of all his faculties. He offers them as proof that the President was not suffering any forgetfulness, or early Alzheimer's symptoms, while leading our country.
Many in the media didn't support Reagan, and even panned him, but that was something that did not concern him. What he wanted was the support of the ordinary citizens. His legacy consisted of ending the cold war, improving our military, increasing prosperity, and making many feel proud to be Americans. With many every day Americans, his legacy also included winning their hearts.
SEE THE COMPLETE REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2015/11/12/...
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of Last Act, through The Thomas Nelson Publishing BookLook Bloggers Program for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 7, 2021
Well, this book was kind of a mess. Disjointed, repetitive, with time shifts that were quite jarring -- and I wonder, does his publisher not employ editors or copy editors? I was irritated by small things, such as his use of the words "discrete" and "discretely" when it's obvious he means "discreet" and "discreetly." Also he uses the word "cache" when it is again obvious he means "cachet." It made me wonder what else he is mistaken about.
I was looking forward to this book because I am a great admirer of Ronaldus Magnus and I was interested to read about the end of his life and his funeral. I was a bit disappointed.
Also the author seemed to have an axe to grind about poor President Nixon, as he tosses off several egregious snarks about him in the book.
In summary: President and Mrs Reagan, their family and staff deserved better.
I was looking forward to this book because I am a great admirer of Ronaldus Magnus and I was interested to read about the end of his life and his funeral. I was a bit disappointed.
Also the author seemed to have an axe to grind about poor President Nixon, as he tosses off several egregious snarks about him in the book.
In summary: President and Mrs Reagan, their family and staff deserved better.
April 5, 2016
The book was full of info and a lot of people hard to keep track of. I enjoyed the info about President Reagan and Nancy. I was very surprised to read how he was not very popular with the newsman and politicians. He was a very good speaker and was very serious out the affairs of our country and loved it very much. It told of his illness and the planning of the Reagan Library along with his funeral.
The lines in Washington to view his coffin was unthinkable. People were in line for hours and hours in the hot weather waiting to enter the rotunda. It was the same in Similar Valley his final resting place. I loved him and so did amlotmof Americans.
The lines in Washington to view his coffin was unthinkable. People were in line for hours and hours in the hot weather waiting to enter the rotunda. It was the same in Similar Valley his final resting place. I loved him and so did amlotmof Americans.
November 16, 2015
So incredibly well read. I'm listening to the audiobook and while Arnold does not use passion in his voice, you can still hear Craig speaking his words.
I'm not a history buff, and I don't pretend to be one, most history books I read sound cold, and singular.
That's what I love about Craig's books, because he uses that fierce passion and emotion - he reignites that era like no one else.
I'm not a history buff, and I don't pretend to be one, most history books I read sound cold, and singular.
That's what I love about Craig's books, because he uses that fierce passion and emotion - he reignites that era like no one else.
November 8, 2015
Kind of interesting, but the praise for Reagan is a bit much. Reagan wasn't the dolt liberals claim him to be, but he's not Jesus.
Too one sided for me, but if you love Reagan and hate the typical slanted criticism of him, you'll love this book.
Too one sided for me, but if you love Reagan and hate the typical slanted criticism of him, you'll love this book.
August 11, 2016
Shirley's book focuses on the week after Reagan's passing, but often looks back over Reagans life, especially the years after he left office. It is very readable and enjoyable. Many of the anecdotes reminded me of my grandfather.
January 31, 2016
A wonderful account of the week of Pres. Reagan's funeral.
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