Reagan

by Brett Harper

He was the unlikeliest of presidential candidates – dismissed by opponents as a movie actor, a right-winger trying to undo the work of liberals stretching back to Franklin Roosevelt. Yet Ronald Reagan made it to the White House, taking office in a time of economic turmoil, waning prestige abroad, and a general damping of the American spirit. Reagan’s patriotism, wit, and optimism lifted the nation and brought it through a number of crises. An effective leader who understood the power of words, stagecraft, and symbolism, Reagan was a paradoxical blend of ideology and pragmatism. Even as he increased the tension underlying the Cold War with the Soviet Union, he embarked on a series of summits with Mikhail Gorbachev that helped defuse the arms race. When he left office, prosperity had returned and the Soviet state had collapsed. People around the world still revere him for the dawning of what he called “morning in America.” Here is his story.

Genres: Biography, Politics, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Presidents

300 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2015

Reviews

[Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average biography. Interesting material about his youth but mostly touched on his Presidency. I really didn't learn anything new but it was fun to relive the 80's.

[Ken Burkhalter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting point if you need the basics. For deeper dives ... https://bestpresidentialbios.com/2018...

[Hill Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan by Brett Harper

1. What’s lacking: The book could have explored the effect of having an alcoholic father in Reagan’s psyche. All it said was young Reagan decided to be different from his father. Other biographies have explored this issue a little further.
2. What was interesting: that as governor Raegan took the CA deficit from 195 million to ~500 million surplus but left the federal government in deficit despite having the Federal reserve to ease it. He cut many domestic policies to spend a lot in military including the stupid SDI (even his friend PM Thatcher thought it was waste of money).
3. What inspired me: Raegan after a busy week as governor turned to Nancy and said this job makes all other jobs we have done look like laundry water. (Even though Reagan had a good career in radio and Hollywood. I felt thats the power of government to do some effective public good) 😉
4. Heart warming: The strength of Nancy and Reagan’s relationships since the time of their dating to his waning days in Alzheimer’s. She even wetted staff on their loyalty to Reagan.
5. Surprised me: Author said when Iran released American hostages after 444 days Raegan knew that even though carter was part of the problem he was part of the SOULTION too!
6. Reagan’s gift of humor: 1) When he was shot and in hospital about to go through surgery and Nancy walks In, Raegan takes his oxygen mask and says “honey, I forgot to duct” (even though the line was famously used by a boxer Dempsey to his wife after losing a fight); 2) Asking his doctor about to remove the bullet: I hope you all are Republicans? Dr: Tonight we all are Republicans (apparently doctor was a democrat).
7. Lucky like Kennedy after Bay of Pigs: He apologizes to American people as he didn’t know the full dealing of Iran contra affair and Americans forgive him and polls go from 45 to 60s!
8. Reaffirmed: I knew Raegan is a great communicator (experience through GE speaking days). He said to his staff that in a speech I’m going to tell them what I’m going to say, then say it; then tell them what I said. He drops the first step only in a speech from Oval Office to the country.
9. Commonality between Trump & Raegan: 1) Only 2 divorced men to become POTUS; 2) Even after getting shot Raegan didn’t want to do “gun control.” Trump trivializing Covid even after getting it; 3) Even though US navy shot down accidentally an Iran domestic plane and killed 290 people and created international uproar, Raegan never apologized. Bush sr even when he ran said America doesn’t apologize. Trump never apologizes for anything! 4) Raegan fired all the on strike air traffic controllers and further weakened unions. 5) Book didn’t say this but Raegan in his speech said “Let's Make America Great Again"
10. In my opinion Reagan differed from trump in one way and that is what Reagan said in 1992 RNC: When I’m gone I hope history remembers me as someone who appealed to your best hopes and not to your worst fears. To your confidence and not doubts. (I don’t think trump can do that)!

[Kaamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and well-written

This is the first biography of a president I've ever read. However, I can appreciate the way in which Reagan's life story is told: one learns of Reagan as a president, as well as a fellow human being.

The book discusses his birth, rise to power and his greatest accomplishments. However, one also learns about his personality and character. I can't help but admire his humourous comments in the most dire situations, and find comfort in his charisma.

This book makes me truly wish I had met him, and I suspect it shall do the same for you, regardless of your political beliefs. Enjoy the read!

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know a ton about Reagan before reading this book, and I found it to be a helpful summary of his life. It is relatively short, and a lot of things were left out. Many issues are addressed by quoting Reagan on the topic, which is fine as far as it goes, but often a more critical eye is needed. But this is no hagiography, Harper is willing to looking at some, at least, of Reagan's failures.

Certainly an interesting figure. I think I came away with a bit better opinion of him than I had before, though he is still a mixed bag. Also it's interesting to compare and contrast him and Trump.

[Jim Savastio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather brief overview of Reagan's life. Though I grew up with Reagan as a major figure, I did not know a lot about his life previous to his presidency. Harper does a good job in capturing the sweep of such a major 20th century figure. His view is largely favorable, though he does touch on some of Reagan's scandals and failures. If you're not a fan of the late President this book may soften your views.

[JK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan review

This book is well written and gives insight to one of our greatest American icons, President Ronald Reagan. The memorable tales gleaned from different people and angles are a good read whether you are intrigued by politics or just public figures in general. This powerful communicator and unique leader was loved by many and respected by most.

[Ruth Ann Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know!

I always respected this man. When he spoke, I felt like all Americans. That he cared about us and this country. I'm not sure, now, that I always agreed with his politics but I did respect him.

[Jonas Fisker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is pretty straight forward without much depth into it. I heard it on audiobook and did not like the narrator very much. Everytime he quotes somebody else than Reagan, especially russians, he sounds like a very bad english- speaking russian guy from a bad movie

[Nick Harriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first rate biography on one of the most important political leaders of the late 20th century. The book moves at a good pace, not getting tied up in too much detail but equally avoiding missing key information.

[Sam McCabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An almost awe-inspiring read. At times hesitant, yet still pursuant to propagandist doctrines, few would expect less. Que eye-roll, but well-to-do for general info. Don’t end your political exploration here, please. 3/5, quite nice, quite.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise quick biography of Ronald Reagan

"Whatever history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts.”

[Mary Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed bits of it but found some parts hard work

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book about my hero, Ronald Reagan.

[Sue J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man!

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable but not overly deep biography of President Reagan.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book with factual account of history surrounding Reagan life and times.

[Jim Gallic · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR!

[Corey J Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great President

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s okay. Very high level and reads like a report. Doesn’t bring to life all that Reagan was.

[Edmond Chow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very pleasant read, the author provided an unbiased view of Reagan's presidency.

[Philip Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help. "

Solid biography of a remarkable and likeable President. Detailed, but enjoyable.

[Lindsey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read/listen, especially for those of us who weren’t old enough to remember his presidency. It’s remarkable how different, yet very much the same, the world was.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times the books read like a college term paper full of facts, but short of personal anecdotes and details.

(Razor says 4 paws - no cats and too many dogs.)

[Jennifer Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I wish any of our current politicians had this kind of class and charisma.

[Joanne J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this three stars because it lacks the detail I like to see in a biography. It's a good overview of President Reagan's life but it's just the facts, no poetry. It's more like a book for high school students.

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very solid biography of Ronald Reagan, especially his political career. It is definitely done from a friendly place, and it is selective in what it covers (for example, the invasion of Grenada is not even mentioned), but it certainly captures a great deal of the essence of the man. The coverage of his life after office is particularly worth noting. Not an in-depth treatment, and not as moving as Reagan's own letters, it is never-the-less, a well written and worth reading biography of one of America's great Presidents.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read much about Reagan. I felt this was a good synopsis of many other bios written about him.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reagan bio

Interesting and fairly thorough biography of Ronald Reagan. Easy to follow and not too much editorializing.

Recommended for students or those curious about the history of the Reagan White House years.

[Roger Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbelievably, a very enjoyable and interesting biography of a fascinating President in only 200 pages. It was concise but covered the main events of his life and his Presidency and brought back so many memories of the 1980's. It was an unforgettable period when the cold war suddenly came to an end and the fear of all out nuclear war receded. I recommend this to anyone who lived through the 80's or who wants to learn about a President who was head and shoulders above any of the current candidates for the office!!