Helpful Score: 4
There was just something so special about Ronald Reagan. He was both adored & despised, but even his harshest enemies admit he had unshakeable character and integrity - two qualities sadly missing in most politicians these days. Peggy Noonan tells of the life of Reagan as someone who knew and respected him. I was fascinated by so many behind-the-scenes stories that revealed the depth of character of this great man. I couldn't put this book down, probably because it was such a refreshing contrast to today's presidential politics.
Janis K. (scrapbooklady) reviewed When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
In "When Character Was King" Peggy Noonan wrote her story of a great man and the building of his character as Ronald Reagan lay dying. Now that he's gone, Peggy Noonan is our era's great communicator. Not every word of "When Character Was King" is the utterly necessary word at the absolutely necessary time -- a few of her words don't fit and an occasional fact is flubbed -- but for the most part all other words fit perfectly into the best portrait we have of a good and great man.
Noonan, I believe, is the only biographer of President Reagan who understands the import of a first-term footnote, an episode that most of the world has learned to forget or has learned to diminish. That's the PATCO strike which, as Noonan shows, had world-historical implications. By the force of his focus, President Reagan used PATCO to reassert free-world mastery in our twilight struggle with an Evil Empire that was evil and that was an empire. We are fortunate that we had Reagan at a moment of maximum danger and Noonan to tell his story.
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Noonan, I believe, is the only biographer of President Reagan who understands the import of a first-term footnote, an episode that most of the world has learned to forget or has learned to diminish. That's the PATCO strike which, as Noonan shows, had world-historical implications. By the force of his focus, President Reagan used PATCO to reassert free-world mastery in our twilight struggle with an Evil Empire that was evil and that was an empire. We are fortunate that we had Reagan at a moment of maximum danger and Noonan to tell his story.
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Helpful Score: 2
Having read several books about Reagan, I found this one the most insightful into the personality and character of President Reagan. There were many stories that I had read no where else. I loved this book!
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, really enjoyed learning about one of our finest presidents.
Helpful Score: 1
excellent book
Perhaps the best book written about Ronald Reagan. It is inspiring and contains many lessons to be learned by the aspiring leader in any career field. It is well written and certainly rises from an author who "was there". Ms. Noonan saw the Reagan years first hand as did those whom she interviews. The differences between the "mainstream" media and the real voices who worked with the man are startling! Excellent book; a MUST read!
The subject of the book was great. I love Ronald Reagan and think he is one of the greatest men who ever lived. BUT...the author was not so great. She jumped around too much and her telling of such an amazing life story left me kind of bored. How can you tell Ronald Reagan's life story and make it boring? Disappointing book.
Rose P. (magiccityrose) - , reviewed When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan on + 15 more book reviews
What a wonderful man! Peggy Noonan took us from his childhood to just before his death, to see the hidden man.
Gerry H. (FrontRoyalGerry) reviewed When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan on + 209 more book reviews
Just a wonderful book about a great man!
