William’s Reviews > Truman > Status Update

McCullough loves detail, yet has the knack of making it an interesting read. Most importantly, he loves truth. You'll come away knowing Truman's errors and strengths, and admiring him for the humble and great leader that he was.

During President Truman's time in office, the White House was essentially totally rebuilt. And he was very involved in supervising the process, making sure everything was done right. Presidential business was carried out in the Blair House nearby.

As you walk with Truman through the many decisions that must be made, you see that no matter how carefully he considers each one, no matter how much time he spends consulting others on his team, the minute it makes the headlines, people jump to conclusions that often have nothing at all to do with the facts. Truman made his share of mistakes, but I still count him as one of our greatest.

HST on the campaign trail (1948) - NO personal attacks on Mr. Dewey, none at all. Harry Truman was a gentleman.

A horrible situation makes it look as if Truman has failed to keep his word. Rumors flying everywhere. Mr. Truman extremely upset, but the truth will win out.

Lesson for 2016: Don't believe rumors! Always get the facts!

Truman took a strong stand on civil rights... willing to lose the election because of it if necessary.

McCullough leaves no stone unturned in painting the picture of this great man...virtues, faults, times of discouragement. This book totally deserved its Pulitzer Prize! Truman, not much on showmanship, ploughed through times of criticism and low popularity with the same optimism, determination and hard work that always characterized his life.

During our few days away I made good progress in this book. McCullough accurately portrays Truman; in the post-war period I'm reading about now, there are times of discouragement. But publicly he continues to be the optimistic hard worker he always was.

At this point, VP Truman has been hastily sworn in as President, after the sudden passing of FDR. The search for a Bible turned up one placed by the Gideons, so that one was used (with thanks to faithful Gideons of that generation who put it there).

McCullough faithfully tells us of Truman's faults as well as his strengths, but through it all I see what a great man of integrity and Christian character Truman was. Noteworthy is how earlier experiences of his life were preparing him for challenges to come later