In The River of Doubt, author Candice Millard focuses her researching and storytelling prowess on Teddy Roosevelt’s ill-conceived exploration of the Brazilian rain forest following his ego bruising, failed attempt to secure a third term as President of the United States. The story is enthralling because of its glimpse into Roosevelt’s larger than life personality as well as its details about the journey and what the men of the expedition were up against by taking on an unexplored section of the Amazon jungle. Continue reading
Category Archives: Biographical Nonfiction
Book Review: The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World by A. J. Baime
The Accidental President is a fascinating look at Harry S. Truman’s first four months as President of the United States. Thrown reluctantly into the role following the death of Franklin Roosevelt, Truman oversaw major world events including the end of World War II and the beginning of the nuclear arms race. Continue reading
Book Review: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Furiously Happy is Jenny Lawson’s candid and humorous memoir about her struggles with mental illness. Lawson, an award-winning blogger, holds nothing back in describing her disorders, her coping mechanisms, her family life, and her opinions on everything from the Australian outback to cats that yawn too much. Continue reading
Book Review: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Infidel is Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s 2006 memoir and tells of her remarkable journey from impoverished Somalia to the Dutch parliament. It’s also about her intellectual and spiritual journey, as her mind was broadened by Western ideas and she began to question the Muslim faith that is so deeply ingrained in Somali culture. Continue reading
Book Review: Open – An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
Open is the autobiography of tennis legend Andre Agassi. It opens with one of the most compelling prologues I’ve ever read and then serves up page after page of the fascinating triumphs and tribulations of Agassi’s life. (I promise that’s the only tennis pun I’ll use.) Continue reading
Book Review: The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson
Erik Larson has done it again! The author of Dead Wake and The Devil in the White City brings history to life with his latest, The Splendid and the Vile. This time he tackles the first year of Winston Churchill’s tenure as prime minister, with splendid results. Continue reading
Book Review: Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
Historical nonfiction can be so good when the subject is interesting and the author is talented. Destiny of the Republic has both things going for it. This book about President James Garfield’s life and assassination is engrossing and devastating. Continue reading
Book Review: Mother Teresa: An Authorized Biography by Kathryn Spink
My prayer: Lord, please send us another Mother Teresa to save us from our stupid selves. Amen. Continue reading
Book Review: Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service by Gary Sinise
Grateful American tells the remarkable evolution of Gary Sinise from a disillusioned teenager into someone who has devoted much of his adult life to serving veterans, active duty service members, and first responders. It’s a life story that easily could have turned out badly, but instead turned out triumphant. Continue reading
Book Review: From Fire, by Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith by Sohrab Ahmari
This Lenten season, I decided I needed to do something to enhance my faith. People often give up something for Lent – chocolate, swearing, Twitter, etc. But I’ve always liked the idea of adding something meaningful, so I chose to read From Fire, by Water, which is a conversion story. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 