Comments on Reading to Know: American Lion, by Jon Meacham

I'm glad to know that it's such a compelli...

2009-07-24T09:26:00.691-07:00

I'm glad to know that it's such a compelling read. Sometimes biographies, especially those of past presidents, can seem a little daunting.

Ah, a Reading to Know post that is a little more i...

2009-07-23T11:29:11.855-07:00

Ah, a Reading to Know post that is a little more in my backyard. :)

I have purchased this book on my Kindle, most likely for the flight to Ethiopia, but haven't touched anything more than the first few pages of the first chapter. I'm looking forward to it.

Insightful review. I absolutely love Jon Meacham's writing -- I think Franklin and Winston was a masterpiece, personally. It just brought both characters to life for me like no other book has. I think you'd love it. (But I could be wrong!)

Only other comment I have is on your discussion of Jackson's decision re: church. While you are absolutely correct about doing what is right regardless of public opinion, I have to say that I've experienced the same feeling he describes.

I've watched local candidates write about their church memberships in candidate statements or appeal for votes on the basis of their faith, as if Christians should just automatically vote for the "Christian" candidate on the basis of church membership.

I'm not saying Jackson was wrong or right -- just saying that I can sympathize with the feeling of not wanting to appeal for political support on that "identity politics" level.

This sounds fascinating, CArrie. I'm just not...

2009-07-22T13:17:36.635-07:00

This sounds fascinating, CArrie. I'm just not sure that I can muster up enough brain cells right now for it. :-)

I'm no fan of Jackson either, but this does so...

2009-07-22T08:07:36.877-07:00

I'm no fan of Jackson either, but this does sound interesting.

I don't know why but I have never been curious...

2009-07-22T08:03:29.817-07:00

I don't know why but I have never been curious about Jackson. After reading your review, I have to admit I am intrigued. But I am a little hesitant about trying Meacham again. I will read anything about Churchill but I couldn't get into Franklin and Winston. Very thoughtful review.