Book Club

[GoneButNotForgotten]

...I'm going to say that I'm reading a biography of...a recent president who didn't complete his term of office. I won't mention who it was because I don't want to see this degenerate into arguing.

I've always found him to be a fascinating person and he overcame so much in a very difficult life. He had a terrible childhood--2 of his siblings died of tuberculosis--and awful parents. His personality was completely unsuited for the rough-and-tumble of politics and he shoud never have taken up that line of work.

You should read the sweet, beautiful love letters he wrote to this wife early in their marriage when he was serving in the navy during WWII. It's such a tragedy that this sensitive personality became so corroded by political life; he could have been a great president if his underlings and his instincts hadn't brought out the worst in him.

[RetRN]

There are often other sides of people that aren't talked about or publicized. Books are such a great way to gain knowledge about these people and what they were truly like. 

[kaydee50]

His wife was the best part of him.  He certainly was a complex man.  I could say more but then it would definitely get "poofed"!!!

[proudlyfromNJ]

If it's who I think it is, he was very popular in the area he came to towards the end. Many would see him getting take out pizza or in some of the stores. Very friendly towards all.

[spumoni99]

I love biographies, can you say the name or will that give it away?  I think I know who you are referring to but not positive.  If its who I think it is presidents now have done much worse and it seems to be not a big deal.

[Etoile308]

@GoneButNotForgotten, I don't think there is anything "tricky" about mentioning by name the subject of a biography.

[AuntG]

The book forum allows us to mention the name of books about politicians. I'm sure if you read a biography of a Pope, you could review it and not get poofed. Just as long as we don't get into political or religious discussions. If the book was about Richard Nixon, who was the author?  I believe the former President was a complex personality but was extremely intelligent and his advice was sought by others. My goal is to read a biography of many US Presidents.

[Queen of shop]

@proudlyfromNJ  He really was spotted a lot and was very popular. He had mellowed out. It was evident to see.

He lived in Saddle River New Jersey. Very nice area.

[beach-mom]

@GoneButNotForgotten - I'm glad you enjoyed this biography. I figured out who it is about, and I never knew anything about his early life.

 I did know, however, how deeply devoted to his wife he was.

Now I want to put this on my list. Thanks for telling us about it!  

[Sooner]

I've read books about so many that I didn't like but this was an interesting individual, hard on himself and uncomfortable with himself it seems. 

I have read that people who followed him often called to discuss situations and he gave good insight.  He was brilliant but not good with people--I'll say--in the least.  An that's all folks!