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True Reagan: What Made Ronald Reagan Great and Why It Matters
Senior Advisor to Ronald Reagan and Chief of Staff to Nancy Reagan, James Rosebush had unique access to the 40th President. Now he shares his observations to reveal the heart of the man--the thinking, beliefs, and character many have declared "mysterious and unknowable."
Peeling back layers of Reagan to explore his outsized values and character, Rosebush relies on what Reagan revealed to him personally, and observations while working and traveling the world with him. According to Rosebush, Reagan's story is best told when focused on the fundamental belief systems that gave way to his strategies, how he came by them, and how he created and delivered foreign and domestic policy based on them...and thereby changed history. Focusing on qualities that made him a great leader, Rosebush helps readers understand the roots of Reagan's leadership and astounding communication skills, so that we might apply them to global challenges confronting our world today.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
19 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
James Rosebush
5 books8 followersBorn in Flint, Michigan to a father who was an automotive executive, musician, and Dale Carnegie speaking coach, James adopted all three of his dad's interests. After completing a BA in Business and an MA in PUblic Affairs, James progressed in a career in wealth management and philanthropy, landing in the Reagan White House where is inaugurated and managed the first White House office on impact investing and philanthropy called Private Sector Initiatives. While serving the President he was also the longest tenured Chief of Staff First Lady Nancy Reagan. Following his government service he founded an international management consulting firm, GrowthStrategy, Inc. and wrote his initial book First Lady, Public Wife in 1989, followed by bestseller TRUE REAGAN, in 2016 and now Amazon #1 WINNING YOUR AUDIENCE. He is an author of columns for Business Insider and Real Leaders Magazine and a frequent contributor to publications and blogs as well as a public speaker and coach of public speaking.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 11, 2016
"Though Reagan was famous with his generation for having starred in movies, the fact was his resume included many more jobs than just appearing in films - all of them preparing him for and leading up to his ultimate starring role as President. Reagan was President for eight years, but the world was never on intimate terms with him. The world never owned a little bit of him as it has some other leaders who have lived out their personal lives in public. He made many of us feel better and more secure about our own lives but we were never invited into his. According to Fouad Ajami of Stanford University, 'The Reagan presidency was about America, and never about Ronald Reagan." (pg 63).
In the book, True Reagan by James Rosebush, readers are given a rare glimpse into the man who many considered the last great President of the United States, like we never have before. James Rosebush was the longest-serving Chief of Staff to Nancy Reagan and Deputy Assistant to President Reagan, and through this book, we learn what made Reagan tick, what was the secret to his greatness, the source of his influence, the key to his character and the strength behind his leadership?
"He has been out of office for nearly three decades, and yet the name of Ronald Reagan is heard often today. Even as history fades and the precise details of his presidency become less distinct, many believe that the fortieth President of the United States would have answers to the complex and almost implacable issues we face today, or, at minimum, he might have the bearing and the strength of character to significantly improve global geopolitical conditions. In our extraordinarily disruptive world, Reagan is recalled as a leader who could verbally wrestle global agitators into submission. Some people look for his character traits to be represented in the voices of today's leaders. Few find them there." (pg 1).
It is hard not to look back in history and see the confidence and strength that came from a man who gained the respect not only of his own country but of the world in his negotiations with some difficult situations in office. Many claim that Reagan was the one responsible for Gorbachev tearing down the Berlin Wall in spite of ongoing tensions during the Cold War with Russia. Many don't know that Reagan was both a Democrat and Republican, Actor, Life Guard, Sportcaster, Governor and President, but also the son of a preacher, not his father but mother, and wonderful devoted husband. While he led our country through eight years, he never hid behind his title or garnered attention in office. In fact, he was a private man who spent most of his time, living out his faith in ways many won't understand until he left office. He was bold, yet humble, strong yet assertive, and most of all I believe he was the last great President this nation has had.
I received True Reagan by James Rosebush compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. There are so many great quotes from this book in numerous speeches that Reagan gave during some of his highlights during his presidency. Since I grew up with him as President, I never considered the depth of his character until many years later. I feel I missed an opportunity to really know him in light of the recent presidents that have held office after his. You can't help but wonder how this country and world might be if he was still in office. For me, this one rated a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent home in my personal library. Highly recommend to anyone looking for evidence of Reagan's faith while in office as President.
In the book, True Reagan by James Rosebush, readers are given a rare glimpse into the man who many considered the last great President of the United States, like we never have before. James Rosebush was the longest-serving Chief of Staff to Nancy Reagan and Deputy Assistant to President Reagan, and through this book, we learn what made Reagan tick, what was the secret to his greatness, the source of his influence, the key to his character and the strength behind his leadership?
"He has been out of office for nearly three decades, and yet the name of Ronald Reagan is heard often today. Even as history fades and the precise details of his presidency become less distinct, many believe that the fortieth President of the United States would have answers to the complex and almost implacable issues we face today, or, at minimum, he might have the bearing and the strength of character to significantly improve global geopolitical conditions. In our extraordinarily disruptive world, Reagan is recalled as a leader who could verbally wrestle global agitators into submission. Some people look for his character traits to be represented in the voices of today's leaders. Few find them there." (pg 1).
It is hard not to look back in history and see the confidence and strength that came from a man who gained the respect not only of his own country but of the world in his negotiations with some difficult situations in office. Many claim that Reagan was the one responsible for Gorbachev tearing down the Berlin Wall in spite of ongoing tensions during the Cold War with Russia. Many don't know that Reagan was both a Democrat and Republican, Actor, Life Guard, Sportcaster, Governor and President, but also the son of a preacher, not his father but mother, and wonderful devoted husband. While he led our country through eight years, he never hid behind his title or garnered attention in office. In fact, he was a private man who spent most of his time, living out his faith in ways many won't understand until he left office. He was bold, yet humble, strong yet assertive, and most of all I believe he was the last great President this nation has had.
I received True Reagan by James Rosebush compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest evaluation. There are so many great quotes from this book in numerous speeches that Reagan gave during some of his highlights during his presidency. Since I grew up with him as President, I never considered the depth of his character until many years later. I feel I missed an opportunity to really know him in light of the recent presidents that have held office after his. You can't help but wonder how this country and world might be if he was still in office. For me, this one rated a 5 out of 5 stars and has found a permanent home in my personal library. Highly recommend to anyone looking for evidence of Reagan's faith while in office as President.
May 11, 2020
2 stars [Biography]
(W: 1.5, U: 2.5, T: 2.75; Ch. 7, 8% of book: 1.5/1.5/1.5)
Exact rating: 2.25
#28 in genre, out of 28
Published in 2016, but written in that 1980s prose which employs 50 words when 7 would do. No discernible organization except for the loosely-themed, overlapping chapter titles. Reagan's words are worth quoting, but Rosebush does it so often that the book feels like those of homey lay-Christians who write "books" which are 50% Bible block-quotations and 50% generic commentary upon it.
Unless you have an amateur Reagan museum in your own home, this book is not worth buying.
(W: 1.5, U: 2.5, T: 2.75; Ch. 7, 8% of book: 1.5/1.5/1.5)
Exact rating: 2.25
#28 in genre, out of 28
Published in 2016, but written in that 1980s prose which employs 50 words when 7 would do. No discernible organization except for the loosely-themed, overlapping chapter titles. Reagan's words are worth quoting, but Rosebush does it so often that the book feels like those of homey lay-Christians who write "books" which are 50% Bible block-quotations and 50% generic commentary upon it.
Unless you have an amateur Reagan museum in your own home, this book is not worth buying.
June 20, 2016
I think this book does capture a few important and interesting points about President Reagan's personality. However, the reader is left no choice but to trust James Rosebush about whatever he says. There are few supporting facts, and the entire book seems a bit speculative and the conclusions are hard to verify. Moreover, the writing style is bland and repetitive. I enjoyed parts of the book and there were a few good takeaways but overall it was a tedious and bland read.
May 26, 2020
I liked this book, written in conversational style. It made me appreciate Reagan even more. He appeared to be a genuine gracious human being. This book only adds to my respect and admiration. Through so much of the book, I kept thinking how much my father would have loved this man and his being grounded spiritually and morally having such an irrepressible sense of optimism. Reagan was a year older than my dad and lived through the same things he did.
A Few Partial Quotes:
"Let us go forward, determined go serve selflessly a vision of man with God, government for the people, and humanity at peace."
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
"I have decided not to make age an issue in this campaign. Therefore, I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."
"I've always believed that we were , each of us, put here for a reason, that there is a plan, somehow a divine plan for all of us. I know that whatever days are left to me belong to Him."
"We must always seek help from God, our Father, our Preserver."
"Whatever happens now, I owe my life to God and will try to serve Him in every way I can."
"Our government is too big and it spends too much."
"It is nothing but the inherent love of freedom in each one of us...[which is] the basis of this country...the idea of the dignity of man, the idea that deep with the heart of each one of us is something so godlike and precious that no individual or group has a right to impose his or its will upon the people,...so well as they can decide for themselves."
"Don't tell anyone, I was poor myself."
"The best possible social program is a job."
"Government is not the solution. Government is the problem."
"Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate itself."
"As a country founded upon ideals that protect and preserve individual liberty, America is the world's best and last hope ... It is a "shining city on a hill." If this light grows dim, the rest of the world suffers." p 41
Comments adapted from the internet book summary:
WHAT MADE RONALD REAGAN TICK? What was the secret to his greatness, the source of his influence, the key to his character, the strength behind his leadership?
And why does it matter to the nation today?
Just the mention of his name can often evoke deep admiration and affection among Americans of every stripe, often on both sides of the aisle. Many have previously sought to capture the essence of this very public figure often called "mysterious and unknowable." But now, as James Rosebush tells Reagan's story from first-hand experience in TRUE REAGAN, we come closer to understanding the heart of this great American.
In his roles as the longest-serving Chief of Staff to Nancy Reagan and Deputy Assistant to President Reagan (his point man on philanthropy and public/private partnerships), James Rosebush had unrivaled one-on-one access to Reagan, observing his personality, his decision-making, his guarded nature. Rosebush's revelations are moving and meant to inspire us to look to our 40th President for guidance now as we face the global challenges of a complicated 21st century.
Ronald Reagan was first and foremost an intensely private person, although the life he led placed him at the center of people's attention from his earliest years. Small-town boy and college athlete, sportscaster and lifelong sports fan, actor and movie star, union leader and TV spokesman, Democrat and Republican, governor and president: what an incredible and extraordinary path. Rosebush tells how his center core was formed by his mother, who devoted herself to helping others even as the Reagans struggled themselves. The spiritual foundation she instilled in him by teaching him the Bible governed his thoughts, beliefs and actions all his life.
In a very real sense, his upbringing destined Reagan to become a global evangelist for American Exceptionalism - but importantly, as Rosebush learned first-hand, that did not mean Reagan thought Americans themselves were superior, as today's pundits and politicians often preach. Rather, Reagan believed that the ideals of America's founding were superior, enabling all Americans to live lives based on high ideals and spiritual principles, and thus achieve unparalleled success. Reagan was uniquely able to lead from true conviction and strength, his confidence stemming from an unshakeable fundamental belief system.
Better understanding the essence of this inspiring and principled leader is critical to our future. Journey back with Rosebush through the innumerable examples he recounts from first-hand observation and marvel once again at TRUE REAGAN.
A Few Partial Quotes:
"Let us go forward, determined go serve selflessly a vision of man with God, government for the people, and humanity at peace."
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
"I have decided not to make age an issue in this campaign. Therefore, I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."
"I've always believed that we were , each of us, put here for a reason, that there is a plan, somehow a divine plan for all of us. I know that whatever days are left to me belong to Him."
"We must always seek help from God, our Father, our Preserver."
"Whatever happens now, I owe my life to God and will try to serve Him in every way I can."
"Our government is too big and it spends too much."
"It is nothing but the inherent love of freedom in each one of us...[which is] the basis of this country...the idea of the dignity of man, the idea that deep with the heart of each one of us is something so godlike and precious that no individual or group has a right to impose his or its will upon the people,...so well as they can decide for themselves."
"Don't tell anyone, I was poor myself."
"The best possible social program is a job."
"Government is not the solution. Government is the problem."
"Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate itself."
"As a country founded upon ideals that protect and preserve individual liberty, America is the world's best and last hope ... It is a "shining city on a hill." If this light grows dim, the rest of the world suffers." p 41
Comments adapted from the internet book summary:
WHAT MADE RONALD REAGAN TICK? What was the secret to his greatness, the source of his influence, the key to his character, the strength behind his leadership?
And why does it matter to the nation today?
Just the mention of his name can often evoke deep admiration and affection among Americans of every stripe, often on both sides of the aisle. Many have previously sought to capture the essence of this very public figure often called "mysterious and unknowable." But now, as James Rosebush tells Reagan's story from first-hand experience in TRUE REAGAN, we come closer to understanding the heart of this great American.
In his roles as the longest-serving Chief of Staff to Nancy Reagan and Deputy Assistant to President Reagan (his point man on philanthropy and public/private partnerships), James Rosebush had unrivaled one-on-one access to Reagan, observing his personality, his decision-making, his guarded nature. Rosebush's revelations are moving and meant to inspire us to look to our 40th President for guidance now as we face the global challenges of a complicated 21st century.
Ronald Reagan was first and foremost an intensely private person, although the life he led placed him at the center of people's attention from his earliest years. Small-town boy and college athlete, sportscaster and lifelong sports fan, actor and movie star, union leader and TV spokesman, Democrat and Republican, governor and president: what an incredible and extraordinary path. Rosebush tells how his center core was formed by his mother, who devoted herself to helping others even as the Reagans struggled themselves. The spiritual foundation she instilled in him by teaching him the Bible governed his thoughts, beliefs and actions all his life.
In a very real sense, his upbringing destined Reagan to become a global evangelist for American Exceptionalism - but importantly, as Rosebush learned first-hand, that did not mean Reagan thought Americans themselves were superior, as today's pundits and politicians often preach. Rather, Reagan believed that the ideals of America's founding were superior, enabling all Americans to live lives based on high ideals and spiritual principles, and thus achieve unparalleled success. Reagan was uniquely able to lead from true conviction and strength, his confidence stemming from an unshakeable fundamental belief system.
Better understanding the essence of this inspiring and principled leader is critical to our future. Journey back with Rosebush through the innumerable examples he recounts from first-hand observation and marvel once again at TRUE REAGAN.
December 26, 2017
TRUE REAGAN: WHAT MADE REAGAN GREAT AND WHY IT MATTERS is simply one of the best biographies I have ever read. This is perhaps the most insightful work about President Reagan yet published. Author James Rosebush, former chief of staff to First Lady Nancy Reagan and a former assistant to President Ronald Reagan, writes about his personal experiences at the White House in the 1980s and describes what made Reagan truly exceptional--a bright star rising to become one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. There is no formula or recipe for Reagan's greatness, but something much more sublime.
In his ground-breaking book, Rosebush distills the spiritual essence of President Reagan, describing how the President thought, learned, worked, prayed, and treated others. Rosebush provides numerous anecdotes which are both instructive and inspirational. But above all, he does not just tell a story in this biography. Instead, Rosebush transcends the biographical genre by bringing to light the underlying elements that truly matter in a U.S. President, not just in Reagan, but in any successful person who wishes to lead America -- a good, unquestionable character and a set of deeply-held, moral beliefs.
In his ground-breaking book, Rosebush distills the spiritual essence of President Reagan, describing how the President thought, learned, worked, prayed, and treated others. Rosebush provides numerous anecdotes which are both instructive and inspirational. But above all, he does not just tell a story in this biography. Instead, Rosebush transcends the biographical genre by bringing to light the underlying elements that truly matter in a U.S. President, not just in Reagan, but in any successful person who wishes to lead America -- a good, unquestionable character and a set of deeply-held, moral beliefs.
April 7, 2020
This book is not a biography and that is probably what I liked best about it. Rosebush delves into the character of Reagan. Using his personal experiences working with Reagan at the white house, the testimonies of others, and Reagan's own speaches, Rosebush shows the reader a personal look at Ronald Reagan, the man. More than that he explains to the reader the aspects of Reagan that made him such a great leader and president so that others might learn from his example.
The structure of the book is non-linear because it focuses on different traits and how Reagan used them at different times in his life, and as such can be a little confusing at times. The writing style is informal and tends to feel more like Rosebush is having a conversation with the reader telling them stories about Reagan. I found the book to be an enjoyable read.
The structure of the book is non-linear because it focuses on different traits and how Reagan used them at different times in his life, and as such can be a little confusing at times. The writing style is informal and tends to feel more like Rosebush is having a conversation with the reader telling them stories about Reagan. I found the book to be an enjoyable read.
March 17, 2019
This is an excellent book! It is admittedly written from a subjective perception of the author, James Rosebush. Rosebush relies heavily on Reagan’s own quotes and speeches to write this book, which offers more insight to who Reagan was and why he believed the things he did.
This book offers an opportunity for readers who may not know much about Reagan, due to naïveté or age, to receive an up close and personal look from one of Reagan’s top officials.
I recommend this book not for its exhaustive research or biographical appeal, but it’s simplicity and honesty of who the fortieth President of the United States was.
This book offers an opportunity for readers who may not know much about Reagan, due to naïveté or age, to receive an up close and personal look from one of Reagan’s top officials.
I recommend this book not for its exhaustive research or biographical appeal, but it’s simplicity and honesty of who the fortieth President of the United States was.
September 25, 2024
The words in this book — Ronald Reagan's words — are important, and should be read by all those who seek influence in the political sphere today, but I wish I could say I found the book as scintillating as the words. Unfortunately, James Rosebush, a former Reagan aide during his White House years, is very repetitive in citing them and covers the same ground frequently in different chapters. Unlike most books involving Reagan, even when I know the stories, this book seemed ponderous and slow to read. I don't doubt the aide's devotion to Reagan, and his appreciation of why the president thought and wrote the way he did, but I felt this book might have been structured differently.
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January 15, 2024This is not a biography. And it doesn’t even fit in with the adjacent genre of former Presidential staffers writing about their time working in the White House. This is a purely speculative attempt to diagnose and explain Reagan’s personality. The reader must go on trust of the author, because it is based in nothing more than speeches and his personal observations. Other authors (some mentioned throughout the book) do a much better job at the task of breaking down Reagan’s somewhat elusive personality.
July 4, 2024
I guess I wanted a biography. That's not what this was. What it was was 9.5 hours of undisguised hero worship (I listened to audiobook and considered giving it up several times). The author worked on Reagan's staff so it was interesting seeing the backround of the presidency here and there. But most of it was just the author trying his darnedest to convince you that Reagan was just the best guy there ever was. It was irritating.
July 17, 2023
O livro não é uma biografia, o que pode desapontar um leitor desavisado, mas sim um livro de perfil de uma personagem histórica. Não é, de forma alguma, uma obra isenta (afinal, apenas detergente é neutro), porém é um relato intrigante e bem completo de um presidente americano que, sem dúvidas, foi uma pessoa de grande impacto na História de seu país e mundo.
February 15, 2019
An interesting and spiritual take at President Reagan’s leadership style. Well written but sometimes a little wistful for my taste. Gotta love Ronnie though.
January 10, 2021
Author's perspective is unique, yet from the point of view that Reagan can do no wrong.
March 9, 2018
This book is not my type of genre. If I would like non-fiction books this still be rated high as the book was very unclear and it was unorganized. I would not really recommend this book. It bored me with only the facts I already knew on Reagan. It was difficult to understand some statement and would not read again.
February 14, 2017
For those of us who are "Chuck" fans, one of the most hilarious moments is when Colonel John Casey, portrayed by actor Adam Baldwin, as he is leaving his apartment reverently reaches up and touches a picture of Ronald Reagan. You get a glimpse of why Casey would have such dedication and admiration for President Reagan after reading True Reagan, but I left feeling like this was a prologue to a much longer and better story. The points that were brought up were interesting but I will read other biographies, where I hope I will get more information.
November 23, 2016
Finally, a biographer who gets Ronald Reagan. Rosebush worked with Nancy and Ronald Reagan, traveled with them, and recounts private conversations that are very insightful on the role that faith played in everything Reagan did. A great and interesting read.
May 30, 2016
This book, written by a Reagan insider, tries to analyze what made Reagan tick.
June 14, 2016
I had only a superficial knowledge of Reagan before this book. Glad to have gained much insight into the 40th President from someone who was a first-hand observer!
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June 13, 2018Loved it. A great insight into the greatest leader of our time. I have a better understanding of who he was, why he was who he was and how I can emulate him more.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews