During his two terms as the fortieth president of the United States, Ronald Reagan kept a daily diary in which he recorded, by hand, his innerm... read full description
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Jun 12, 2008
Robert A.
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As you read page after page of this book, the evidence accumulates. Ronald Reagan was not a dunce. Or an empty headed actor. Or a cold-hearted politician. In fact his words and thoughts show him to be the polar opposite of the picture his critics drew. Reagan wrote these entries day after day over eight years time. And his words form an incredible body of evidence -- evidence that shows he was one of the most principled, spiritual, enlightened and yes, well-informed chief executives America's e
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Feb 14, 2011
Douglas
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Please don't misconstrue my two stars as a negative assessment of this book. This was not meant to be a "can't put this down" type of book. This is like reading a ship captain's log. Just the facts without much comment by Reagan. That being said there is some historical value in this. First of all it's amazing the number of meetings he had to attend day after day afer day. I hope Obama and all future presidents are not scheduled like this though I suspect he is and they will be. Al
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Aug 23, 2009
srdjan
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Great historical document- you really come to appreciate that the job of president is essentially impossible. Every major event in the world somehow ends up on the President's desk, and everyone wants the President's time. You only get a real sense of how absurd that is after seeing the operating rhythm in such meticulous detail.
Also, the book serves as a great summary of the politics and world events of the 1980's - with Gorbachev coming across as the man who really ended the Co More...
Also, the book serves as a great summary of the politics and world events of the 1980's - with Gorbachev coming across as the man who really ended the Co More...
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Jul 07, 2009
Dan
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Friday, I did something I never thought I would do in my life. I bought a book about Ronald Reagan.
It was sort of an accident. I was just waiting in line at the bookstore and saw The Reagan Diaries sitting near the check out. I started flipping through it and I just couldn't put it down. The book is an edited version of the daily diaries Reagan kept while he was president. They're actually very short entries but he faithfully wrote nearly every day and you get a good sense of what wa More...
It was sort of an accident. I was just waiting in line at the bookstore and saw The Reagan Diaries sitting near the check out. I started flipping through it and I just couldn't put it down. The book is an edited version of the daily diaries Reagan kept while he was president. They're actually very short entries but he faithfully wrote nearly every day and you get a good sense of what wa More...
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Dec 19, 2010
Jaclyn
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I am not much of a history buff, but there are certain people in history that I find myself drawn to learn more about, they have a bit of mysticism to me that draws me to want to learn more about them: Lincoln, Katherine Hepburn, Reagan, Hilary Clinton, to name a few. It's not so much what they accomplished, or what they stand for, because, as I've already said, I'm not a history buff and other than the broad and well known basics, I actually don't know a lot about them, their times, or their a
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Jul 20, 2011
Kellie
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Notables during Reagans presidency-freed Iranian hostages-Lebanese War-Russian bombing of Korean Airplane-El Salvador Civil War-Reagans son Ron was a spoiled little brat. He seemed to cause more trouble than the other Reagan kids-Grain Embargo-Reagan gets frustrated with George Will, Jack Kemp, Tip Oneil-Reagan spent alot of time writing or revising speeches-Press is just as biased and dishonest as it is today except Foxnews didn't exist-did anyone know there was a hostage situation in Oct 1983
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Oct 05, 2011
Grace
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This book was pretty much just what the title says. It contains an edited version of Ronald Reagan's diary while he held the office of the President. If you like Reagan you will find it somewhat interesting and if you lived during the era of his presidency, it will refresh your memory of the events that took place while he was president.
The story includes entries on the assassination attempt on his life, his dealing with the Soviets, the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion, the bo More...
The story includes entries on the assassination attempt on his life, his dealing with the Soviets, the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion, the bo More...
Mar 19, 2010
Dave
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Even though I am a great admirer of President Reagan, my expectations for this book was that it would be interesting, but a little bit dull. I mean, the daily diary of the chief executive of the U.S. - even though it was his responsibility to make world-changing decisions, how could a diary of eight years be a page-turner? I was pleased to find out that this book was hard to put down. All those years that many dismissed Reagan as an empty-headed actor that just read the script others wrote wa
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Apr 23, 2011
Karen
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I'm so happy I finally finsihed this book! It wasn't a page turner for me, but very helpful in painting a picture of the 8 years Reagan was in the White House. He was a great president, and he looks even better when compared to Obama. Reagan was a true leader.
Note: Once again, my opinion of the main stream media declines, as if it could get any lower. The principle of a free press/freedom of speech is so vital to a free nation, but it is frustrating that a large number of those More...
Note: Once again, my opinion of the main stream media declines, as if it could get any lower. The principle of a free press/freedom of speech is so vital to a free nation, but it is frustrating that a large number of those More...
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Oct 19, 2011
TheRose
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My rating isn't so much for the book as the subject. One needs to scan this book rather than reading - 75% boring stuff. However, the 25% interesting/exciting stuff makes it all worthwhile! What an amazing, wonderful, humble, hardworking, intelligent, courageous president he was! The humility was, for me, the most moving aspect of his character. I know he wasn't perfect, but he was the last of the great statesmen - they just don't make them like him anymore. He simply did his best, and tha
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Jan 16, 2011
Adam
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A deep dive into Reagan's most personal thoughts throughout both of his terms as president. The only problem I had was it was so deep into detail of daily or bi weekly diary entries that it was difficult to connect it back to my understanding of main events of his two terms. Probably not necessary to read cover to cover unless your writing a thesis on Reagan. However, very interesting to see into his mind and soul with regards to those main accomplishments and challenges that I saw on TV as a
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Jan 21, 2010
Shan
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My memories of Reagan are from when I was a kid. I mainly remember seeing him on TV. It wasn't until I got older and began to learn more about his presidency that I realized what a truly great man he was for how he led our nation to prosperity.
Reading his diaries enabled me to get to know Reagan the man, not just Reagan the president. Reagan was very humble. He often worried about letting down the people of America. And he loved his wife. He wrote about her often and was open about h More...
Reading his diaries enabled me to get to know Reagan the man, not just Reagan the president. Reagan was very humble. He often worried about letting down the people of America. And he loved his wife. He wrote about her often and was open about h More...
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Nov 19, 2011
David
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OK, this is my third time getting this book and I have found the quote from Reagan, that I liked, "I spoke to ears that refused to hear."
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Yes, I am reading this once again. Regan has a good quote that I forgot to write down.
While, going through the book, I ran into entry about the automakers. They were wanting Regan to tell Japan to limit how many cars they bring to the US. Now think about that, they wanted the President to tell Japan to limit the More...
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Yes, I am reading this once again. Regan has a good quote that I forgot to write down.
While, going through the book, I ran into entry about the automakers. They were wanting Regan to tell Japan to limit how many cars they bring to the US. Now think about that, they wanted the President to tell Japan to limit the More...
Apr 24, 2008
Rachel
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Although I was not even born in the first few years of his presidency, I've always found Ronald Reagan to be very worthy of admiration. I've only gotten through about 1/4 of the book but I find it fascinating. Each entry is an insight to what he felt and what he was dealing with on each particular day. What a priviledge as an American to have the ability to go back in time and read about some of the most frightening and exciting times in our history through the eyes of the person at the forefron
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Feb 13, 2008
Bud
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I’ve always been a fan of Ronald Reagan’s, and with all the major Republican Presidential candidates invoking Reagan’s legacy, I certainly picked up this book at the right time.
As one would imagine, it’s a great historical document, and I recommend the Diaries for anyone who wants to know more about Dutch’s impact on our country.
And while I’ve only gotten about ¼ of the way through the book, there are a few common themes that I suspect are common throughout.
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As one would imagine, it’s a great historical document, and I recommend the Diaries for anyone who wants to know more about Dutch’s impact on our country.
And while I’ve only gotten about ¼ of the way through the book, there are a few common themes that I suspect are common throughout.
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Feb 14, 2010
Ray
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History can be read from a number of perspectives, but there's nothing like reading it first hand. Other authors can provide their perspectives of the Reagan presidency, and interpret the president's words and actions, but this abridged review of Reagan's diary gives you a look at history in the President's own words. This is an abridges selection, but covers most of the truly significant aspects from Reagan's terms of office. Very insightful, informative, and interesting, and an excellent re
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Aug 08, 2011
This book should probably be read by anyone interested in politics, especially those associated with the office of president of the United States. Reagan's diaries give a stunning look at both the wonderful and horrible things associated with being president for eight years. Even if you disagree with his politics, you will be unable to destest Reagan after experiencing his sincerity as expressed in these diaries.
Jan 05, 2011
Don
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In his own words he describes his transformation and re-transformation into the great man known as the “Great Communicator.” I am totally biased, as you might see, but I lived those times and would to God there arose another like him now. Often criticized by our own press, he restored the greatness of America in the eyes of the world including our own. As far as I am concerned, he belongs on Mt. Rushmore.
Apr 27, 2009
Bryce
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I think this book deserved probably 3 stars, I would think most might give it 2.
The reason I gave it 4 was simple, it pulled me in. I found it very interesting and on several occasions found myself online trying to get more background on something discussed.
A few thoughts on the book: Lots of mention on Iran Contra, seems like presidents spend much more time with Sec of State rather than VP's, you could tell he was an actor from his love of movies, he definitely cared ab More...
The reason I gave it 4 was simple, it pulled me in. I found it very interesting and on several occasions found myself online trying to get more background on something discussed.
A few thoughts on the book: Lots of mention on Iran Contra, seems like presidents spend much more time with Sec of State rather than VP's, you could tell he was an actor from his love of movies, he definitely cared ab More...
Jan 31, 2008
I'm about a quarter of the way done with this book. It is totally fascinating. Something like only 5 presidents have ever kept a daily journal and the last one before Reagan was very long ago. It is going to take me quite a while to get though because it is quite long, and also since it is diary entries, it is easy to put it aside after reading a month or year's worth, and read a novel or magazine before picking it up again. I am really enjoying the blend of routine daily events with the chronol
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Jul 20, 2011
Anyone that knows me knows that I have an extreme fondness for President Reagan. I like millions of other Americans sat glued to my TV screen when he passed away and watched his funeral with a box of tissues, he was a great man and a good man. I am really interested to read his diaries and see more inside of the man who was our 40th President.
Jun 22, 2009
Brian
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Wow what a great book. This really give you a feel for what was happening at the time. I have never been one for politics, but the diaries give you a sense that Regan was not only a great president, but a great man who just tried to do what was right each and every day. You really get a feel for his simple, common sense approach to governing as well as the charisma he seemed to take with him everywhere he went. Great book, I recommend it to anyone who really want to understand and appreciate
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Mar 20, 2008
It is a long book (around 900 pages) that cover his years in the White House. It is a fascinating insight into the greatest president of the 20th century. The journal entries reflect the deeply held views of a man in the highest position of power on the face of the Earth, and who managed to stay true to core principles and values, and as importantly, to never succumb to the God-complex that so many veteran politicians indulge in. From budget battles with Democrats, to his behind-the-scenes barte
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Sep 10, 2011
Lisa
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It was so dry I forced myself to listen to it for weeks, dreading it every time I got in the car. Positive: I know much more about the daily ins and outs of Reagan's administration. But there was more of a list of his schedule than insight or personal emotion.
Aug 11, 2009
Sjo
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Edited compilation of Ronald Reagan's presidential diary. Interesting window into the actual day to day job of the President and all the BS President's have to put up with. Reagan is pretty open at times, and human and the reader can draw their own conclusions.
Feb 23, 2009
Julie
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This isn't a book I read from front to back, but it was very insightful. I loved reading his personal feelings and observations after meetings with world leaders, his love for his wife, and his desire to do what he thought was best for this country.
Jan 01, 2009
Wally
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A wonderful way to learn more about Reagan. I always respected the way he communicated (even if I didn't always agree with him) and his diaries are 'so him'. The book's long and it took me quite awhile to read it, but it was worth the time.
Jan 08, 2012
Aaron
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Fascinating look at Reagan's presidency. It is fascinating to see his schedule on a daily basis - all of the meetings, visitors, talking to members of Congress and his cabinet, public appearances, and the never-ending travel schedule.
May 17, 2011
Dameon
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An awesome insight in to Histories greatest President of modern times. You get to see what he thought of Legislation, certain people, things that happened around him, and his awesome wife! Everything he writes about Nancy reads as a love story!
Nov 02, 2011
Joan
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The is actually the diary that Ronald Reagan kept throughout this 8-year presidency. I found it very interesting, although much less exciting than one would expect. i enjoyed the personal entries about his family and social connections.
