Lessons My Father Taught Me: The Strength, Integrity, and Faith of Ronald Reagan

by Michael Reagan, Jim Denney (Primary Contributor)

"I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life." —Ronald Reagan

Noted political commentator Michael Reagan, the son of Ronald Reagan and first wife Jane Wyman, has traveled across America, giving speeches and meeting the public. Time and time again, people tell him how much they love and miss his father, and what his presidency meant to them. In a world where role models are few and far between, Ronald Reagan’s legacy stands strong.

In Lessons My Father Taught Me , Michael Reagan looks back over his years with his father and reflects on what he has learned from the greatest man he has ever known—and one of the greatest men the world has known.

When Michael was growing up, his father would drive him out to his ranch. There Ronald Reagan taught Michael how to ride a horse, how to shoot a gun, and much more. As they drove together or did chores together, Michael’s father told him stories and taught him about life, love, family, faith, success, and leadership. Michael didn’t fully appreciate those lessons at the time, but years later he remembered—and he understood.

Now, Michael Reagan shares his father’s wisdom and experience in this inspiring book.

Genres: History, Biography, Business, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2016

About the author

American conservative and republican strategist and former talk radio host, his audience was estimated to be around the millon people.

Michael Reagan is the adopted son of Ronald Reagan

Reviews

[J.D. Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Reagan, adopted son of Ronald Reagan, has written a very wonderful account of what it was like growing up in the Reagan family. The book offers many interesting anecdotes about the former President that you most likely will not find anywhere else. And as the title suggests, the primary focus of the book is on the life lessons that the author has learned from Ronald Reagan.

The narrative flows chronologically for the most part, but since chapters are broken up by topic, there is some hopping around on the timeline of Reagan's life. Each chapter is full of great little nuggets of advice and thoughtful lessons that are presented in a compelling and very readable style. While Michael Reagan doesn't sugarcoat the difficult aspects of the family life or the challenges of living in a blended family (not to mention living in the public eye) he doesn't dwell overmuch on those things; he gives them their due in the story, but moves on to the positives and shares with the reader what he has gleaned from both.

There are several references to Ronald Reagan's sense of humor which I really appreciated. One scenario in particular which stood out to me was when Michael is finally able to see his father in the hospital following the assassination attempt in 1981, Mr. Reagan looks at him and says, "Michael, if you're ever shot, make sure you're not wearing a new suit."

As one might expect from a book about a US President, there are mentions of politics in general as well as specific policies, but I believe that anyone can enjoy this book regardless of their political leaning. Michael Reagan is firm in his convictions on certain issues, but he writes them in a tasteful and respectful manner. One may disagree with Reagan's (both father and son) stance on an issue while still picking up some great takeaways from this book since the focus is more on the life lessons than the politics themselves.

As I was reading this book, I really came to appreciate what a wise man Ronald Reagan was. Many of the anecdotes related in this book illustrate what impeccable character he had and I found myself wishing to emulate the same practices and characteristics in my own life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be re-reading it again soon. I rarely mark in my books, but I actually highlighted and underlined several things throughout the book for future reference. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more about the man; not just the President or Hollywood star, but the man, Ronald Reagan.

[Diana Suddreth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history of a time I thought I knew. There was a lot more to Ronald Reagan than was obvious from the media at the time, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. The way the book is written as lessons makes it interesting as a leadership book as well.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

- you'll never get in trouble if you say 'i love you' at least once a day. - good words to live by. This book is filled with heartfelt thoughts and reflections on the advice Ronald Reagan gave his son, who listened. - Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with life. Not always easy to do when your father is gone, but thankful for the memories none the less. This book was reminiscent of words my father also once spoke, and it was truly a joy to read page after page.
Our former president would hear "I wont take that job- it's beneath me"; yet never saw any job as one beneath him. I appreciate and admire the hard work ethic he revealed. He was humble, with a servants heart, and one who admitted mistake to move forward.

[Charity Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and getting to know Ronald Reagan better. I felt like I got a great glimpse of what made him tick and wonderful highlights of his life and faith. I loved hearing the back stories of his first and second marriages and adopted son. There were several assumptions I had had about him before I no longer do. It encouraged me to be a better parent and person. To do an even better job of standing up for what is right. So many wonderful, inspiring quotes sprinkled throughout. I wish I could have known him. I feel that the author was credible, our kids know us pretty well and he admits there were years he was pretty hard on his dad. I would own it, it would reread it, and I would recommend it so it gets 5 stars.

[Thomas Radigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Reagan tells about his life and his relationships with his family, exploding many liberal myths about his father, such as Reagan being a terrible, inattentive parent. He also talks about his own struggles, such as the psychological damage he received as a boy at the hands of a child molester, and how he had so much trouble coming out with it, and how his family reacted when he did. He also proves to be a very strong supporter of his father and his policies, as well as adopting his father's political views.

Whatever your political views, it is Michael who comes across as one to admire and look up to, as opposed to the other son, who comes across as far less admirable.

[Amanda]

"A great book can entertain us, instruct us, and change our lives. Read great books, and soon you'll be thinking great thoughts." I am a firm believer of this and reading this book helped gain greater insight into a man that has been turned into a legend. Although Michael Regan idealized his father in this book I believe there are some great lessons in here that America needs now more than ever. Lessons on how to really listen, on how to create strong family bonds and be proud of the country you live in while owning up to its mistakes and making it better.

[Sara Williford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hugged it.

Good.ness, could we use more of these principles right now.
Speak truth, _Live_ truth.
_Work_ hard, work smart.
_Forgive,_ and be forgiven.
Don't worry about who gets the credit (just get it done!).
If you want to see a thing done, you have to set the example for others to follow and join. Be principled, be committed, and be kind. Build a better world, y'all.

Read by request for a seniors group. I should've brought a pack (two!) of sticky tabs for all the passages I wanted to dogear.

[John J. Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read.

The book has everything. History, biography. The intimacy of the Reagan family and the tensions between father and children. Lessons in leadership, lessons in faith, lessons in life. A remarkable tribute of a son to his father and a tribute of a president to the America he loved.

[Katy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ever written!!!!
Please read this book!!
Such a great man of humility and faith.
Captivating and touching.
I learned so much from the entire book.
I even cried during the ending as it was so heartwarming and touching.
I cried when the book was over because of the impact it had on me!!! I next cry over movies or books!!!

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to inspire families

This book is a treasure for every Christian family in America, shining a light on Reagan's faith and his love for both America and his family. This is a book that will help every Christian family live Christlike principles in the home and as citizens of this nation.

[Mark Roossinck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronald Reagan is one of my heroes. I believe he falls into the category of one of the greats of human history. This book reflects the sincere perspective of his son Michael. The book is filled with real-life experiences that he had with his dad. The story line was touching, and at times brought tears. This book exceeds expectations, mainly because Michael personally knew is father.

[Adam Fehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book perfect for anyone who likes Reagan and loves to learn! The book had just the right amount of lessons learned and stories to back them up. A very touching book. Despite his shortcomings made clear in this book, I have come out loving Reagan even more, and I can't wait to meet him some day!

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more than I thought I would. Michael does an amazing job of sharing wise insights and lessons from his father's life. I am planning on reading it again to make sure I capture everything.

[Artie Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving son’s memoir to his Dad

A riveting reveal of one of greatest Presidents of our nation. Many wonderful revelations of father-son interactions. Our President was not ashamed or embarrassed expressing his beliefs in God.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a son has a biased view of his father, but he also has an intimate view. Thank you, Michael Reagan, for telling us about your father! Excellent book!

[soda · Rating 5 out of 5]

RR wasn't perfect; he was a human man. But he loved his country and his family and he gave what he could for both. The country lost a great man and president when he passed.

[Brent Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best biographical book I've read in a while. Really enjoyed it.

[Jeanne M. Umland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best US President during my lifetime!

[Quenta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the biographical parts of the book but the "lessons" sections were pretty long. He was a great man and I'm glad his son could forgive him his shortcomings and appreciate the good.

[Fred Kohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book written by Reagan children that I have read. So I suppose my next Reagan book ought to be by the one I haven't read yet: Maureen Reagan. I think I enjoyed this one slightly less than the ones by Patti Davis and Ron Jr. because of the political commentary. Of course, Michael is a noted political commentator, so I suppose one shouldn't be surprised by this. But if you can get past that, the writing is very good and informative.

[Terry Halley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Reagan's book, Lessons My Father Taught Me: focuses on the Strength, Integrity, and Faith of Ronald Reagan. Michael Reagan is the adopted son and only son of Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman. Michael writes about growing up with the former President of the United States of America. The book, for the most part, is chronologically narrative. Michael did a great job in breaking chapters into topics. Such as the love of family, how his sister Maureen at age three brought him into the family with ninety-seven cents. Topics of working hard, don’t worry about who gets the credit, be a leader and trust in God! Lessons we all can benefit from. A great read.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember many events of the Reagan presidency, but here’s an insider’s account of behind-the-scenes happenings.

I hadn’t known Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman lost a premature daughter, which was a contributing factor to their divorce.

I remember the flap about Reagan taking naps, and was amused to learn he cultivated that image to lull opponents into underestimating him.

In the years after World War II, communists tried to control Hollywood in a strike. Reagan was one of three reps for the Screen Actors Guild to negotiate. That led to his primary motivation to be president—so he could fight and defeat Soviet communism.

Michael Reagan believes his father didn’t win the Republican nomination in 1976 because none of his allies—Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II, and others—were in place.

This is a very insightful book. I received a free copy for Netgalley for my honest opinion.

[Chuckdee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the Reagan - Wyman marriage, and President Reagan's life before Nancy. I loved reading this intimate story of the Reagan children - all four of them - and their father's unconditional love. Also hearing first hand of President Reagan's deep faith and the mechanics of that faith in his public life was very interesting.

[Deb Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history books, especially one about our Presidents and Ronald Reagan is my favorite President. So overall I enjoyed the book. It was a bit disorganized in places and in some areas redundant, but still enjoyable.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads as if Ronald Reagan's older son is nominating his father for sainthood. Still, there are some charming stories.

[Larry Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this.