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Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood actor turned Republican politician known for his sunny optimism and gifted salesmanship. He entered the White House in 1981, a time when many Americans were wondering if their country's best days were behind them. But things had changed by the time he left office--the economy was thriving and the Cold War was coming to a close.
The child of an alcoholic, he was an intensely private man, yet he was so charming that he routinely befriended even his enemies. Reagan was both a complex man and political figure, and his legacy strongly influences politics today.
The child of an alcoholic, he was an intensely private man, yet he was so charming that he routinely befriended even his enemies. Reagan was both a complex man and political figure, and his legacy strongly influences politics today.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 9, 2020
Born on February 6, 1911 in Tampico Illinois Ronald Reagan the son of Jack and Nelle Reagan, Jack was an alcoholic throughout Ronald’s life. Ronald kept to himself a lot, but yet he was so kind at the same time and would befriend his worst enemies. Making his first appearance as an actor in 1937 in the movie Love is on the air. He got into politics after getting married in 1952. A democrat for a while until he turned republican in 1962. Reagan was elected as the 40th president of the United States in 1981 and served until 1989.
The author used irony throughout the story and one example is, “Jack had always encouraged his sons to get a college education, but he warned them that he did not have money to pay for it.” This is ironic because college is expensive and Jack wanted his kids to go to college, but he couldn’t pay for it.
The author also used things such as similes and metaphors throughout the story. For example comparing things like what if Reagan’s dreams of being a radio announcer came true instead of him then becoming an actor.
Ronald Reagan is remembered today as a very influential voice in modern conservatism. He was a great president and was very influential for many presidents to come after him. This book is a very good read especially if you like biographies and if you are interested in politics. I would give this book and solid four stars out of five.
October 23, 2012
Ronald Reagan
By: James Sutherland
Biography (Non-Fiction)
The book, Ronald Reagan is about a boy who has an alcholic father, born in 1911 and lives in Illinois. He was a football player and swimmer. He went to college and then became a Cubs baseball radio announcer, there he was paid $10 a game. Then he started appearing on television and in movies. During that he enlisted in the military, but due to his nearsightedness he was not able to see the battlefield. In 1948 he divorced from his first wife. He then met his soon to be second wife in 1949. They got married in 1952 and then Ronald got in to politics. He endorsed Eisenhower and Nixon when the ran for president as he shifted to the left he still remained a democrat until 1962 when he became republican. In 1967 Reagan ran for governor of California and won. He served this position until 1975, when his term ended. In 1976 Reagan ran for president and lost, but in 1980 he was he did better and won the election. On January 20, 1981 he became 40th President and the oldest president at age 69. He served America until 1989 when his term ended. During his presidency he ended the Cold War, stimulated the economy and created many jobs. Sadly, in 1994, at the age of 83 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He sent out a letter saying: "I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease... At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done... I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you." On June 5,2004 President Reagan died from pneumonia brought on by Alzheimer's. On June 11, 2004 Reagan was put to rest in California.
By: James Sutherland
Biography (Non-Fiction)
The book, Ronald Reagan is about a boy who has an alcholic father, born in 1911 and lives in Illinois. He was a football player and swimmer. He went to college and then became a Cubs baseball radio announcer, there he was paid $10 a game. Then he started appearing on television and in movies. During that he enlisted in the military, but due to his nearsightedness he was not able to see the battlefield. In 1948 he divorced from his first wife. He then met his soon to be second wife in 1949. They got married in 1952 and then Ronald got in to politics. He endorsed Eisenhower and Nixon when the ran for president as he shifted to the left he still remained a democrat until 1962 when he became republican. In 1967 Reagan ran for governor of California and won. He served this position until 1975, when his term ended. In 1976 Reagan ran for president and lost, but in 1980 he was he did better and won the election. On January 20, 1981 he became 40th President and the oldest president at age 69. He served America until 1989 when his term ended. During his presidency he ended the Cold War, stimulated the economy and created many jobs. Sadly, in 1994, at the age of 83 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He sent out a letter saying: "I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease... At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done... I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you." On June 5,2004 President Reagan died from pneumonia brought on by Alzheimer's. On June 11, 2004 Reagan was put to rest in California.
January 30, 2009
I quite enjoyed this book. Probably because I quite enjoy Ronald Reagan! I stood in line for hours and hours to see his flag-draped casket before he was barried at the Ronald Reagan Presidental Library in Simi Valley, CA. His burial site is inscribed with the following: "I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life." Now I want to read his autobiography....
June 16, 2017
A very interesting and entertaining biography of Ronald Reagan, the president of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He was born in 1911 and lived with his parents and older brother in small town Illinois. Although his father was an alcoholic and the family's money was always tight, Reagan seemed to have a fairly happy childhood and was popular in school. He was a good athlete and especially loved swimming. He worked as a lifeguard for extra money while in high school and saved quite a few lives at the local river swimming hole. After graduating from college, he became a radio announcer, before moving to California to try his luck at acting. He eventually got into politics and became the governor of California before running for president of the United States. His quick wit and sense of humor served him well throughout his lifetime.
I especially enjoyed the chapters pertaining to Reagan's earlier years, before he became president. There were also a nice variety of photos throughout the book. My husband and I actually bought this book at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, IL while on vacation.
I especially enjoyed the chapters pertaining to Reagan's earlier years, before he became president. There were also a nice variety of photos throughout the book. My husband and I actually bought this book at the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon, IL while on vacation.
March 8, 2017
Overall I’d give this book 3.5 stars. It was interesting at some parts. It tells you about Ronald Reagan’s life and there are parts where it's him directly speaking. It's decent, but It's not my favorite.
April 24, 2019
This book was fantastic and gave light to one of Americas greatest treasures. Ronald Reagan lived a good life and was a great President and was a American Hero.
May 14, 2019
Ronald Reagan, by James B. Sutherland, is a book of curiosity. Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved history. Finding this book, made me glad that I had reading time in class. This book is a biography about Ronald Regan, who was president from 1981 to 1989. President Reagan was a very interesting person, who was loved by everyone no matter what kind of decisions he made. Reagan moved around the place, mostly because of his love for horses. When Little Ronny Reagan was younger, he lived in the northern side of Illinois. Until he became President of course, when he moved to the White House in Washington D.C. When Reagan was growing up he was never like the other boys. Instead of doing football or basketball, Reagan wanted to swim and act. He was also very interested in politics, he was always there to give his opinion on voting. I rated this book 5 stars because it was very stupendous. It was also in some ways, inspiring. The words in this book made me not want to leave. I was consumed by them. Even in the beginning of the book the author started with a memory. That a totally made me feel like I chose the right book. I don’t have any complaints about this book. Not just because if I said that, I wouldn’t have to do more work but to be honest, this book was everything but atrocious. Even people who aren’t me would love this book. Anyone who has a fascinating side of history would love it. Reading this book wont just also make you more intelligent. But also it will make you feel more proud of being an American.
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September 16, 2016Ronald Reagan known as Dutch in his childhood grew up in a rough neighborhood.His father was always drunk but Dutch still loved him.Dutch was a shy kid with many dreams.By college,he was a radio host and he loved talking to people.He also loved being the announcer in football games. After he became a politician he was a experienced actor running for governor.He became the Governor of California but only served one term.After his time off he decided to become the president.Soon after the election,he won.Ronald Reagan became The President Of The United States Of America.
September 16, 2016
For a biography, I really enjoyed reading this!! It made me want to read more about people's lives. I think Ronald Reagan was such a brave and courageous child who grew up to be an enthusiastic and responsible president; the author portrayed that perfectly in my opinion! I cant find any criticism other than minor typos I spotted. My English teacher would be proud--I'd reccomend it to others anytime!
February 2, 2009
This book reviews some of the major things that happened in his stint
as Pres. I enjoyed reading how the Iran/Contra scandal came to be I never
did understand that until now. It was a short book. Interesting.
as Pres. I enjoyed reading how the Iran/Contra scandal came to be I never
did understand that until now. It was a short book. Interesting.
September 12, 2008
Written for kids, but good for adults in this political season. An unbiased look at a politician who had a huge impact on the past 30 years.
February 2, 2015
Wonderful! I loved the facts that I didn't know about Reagan! The details on the book were great! 5 Stars!
May 14, 2016
Good read, many interesting facts and stories on the life of Reagan.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews