Alex’s Reviews > James Monroe: A Life > Status Update

50 pages left. I’ll miss having a daily meeting with Monroe.

Phenomenal blow by blow account of the Louisiana Purchase, including a scene where Napoleon cannonballed into his bathtub in a rage, soaking his brother but also effectively ending their argument. It’s a fantastically funny anecdote that shrinks and humanizes the man who is often portrayed as august and unapproachable, stony and remote.

Captivating book. Jumps right into action with Monroe as a bright-eyed soldier in Washington’s army. McGrath excels in battle narrative. The storytelling is straightforward but engaging—enough flourish in the pen to make it entertaining but nothing superfluous or gaudy. Pure substance.

How did I never know this gem of a tidbit about the 1787 Constitutional Convention?? // "Benjamin Franklin, in constant pain from kidney stones, was carried to the State House in a sedan chair, borne by four convicts from the Walnut Street prison."

I planned on reading another book next, but while I was waiting for it to arrive I decided to crack this one open. I was only gonna flip a few pages to pass the time but now I’m kinda into it. So I’m in a pickle.