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Kristi's Book Picks
Many of you
might be surprised to learned that I am a voracious reader. I
have always loved to read and even got my BA in English in
college. I am never, ever, without a book! You never know when
the opportunity will arise for a bit of reading in your day.
February 2009 was the perfect month to kick-off a WFRW
reading column with the book on Mrs. Lincoln. As the year
progresses, we will add more books to this page. And, if you have
a book you would like to recommend to me, please do send me an
email. Enjoy!!
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Ed Nixon: A Brother's Perspective
In my last book review I mentioned my penchant for memoirs. I just love to read them! And it’s probably no coincidence the next book to cross my path was just that – a memoir. This time I read
The Nixons: A Family Portrait wherein President Richard Nixon’s youngest brother, Ed Nixon, recalls his famous brother’s presidency and his own travels to all 50 states and beyond! This memoir is beautifully penned by Ed Nixon and co-authored by Karen Olson. Karen Olson shares her memories on the Republican National Conventions of 1968 and 1972 and the special visit she received from Richard Nixon to her Seattle home when she was 13-years-old! Together, Ed and Karen have woven a timeless story that reads along as one of the best stories you’ve read.
We have all heard a plethora of stories about life during the Great Depression. This memoir captures the spirit that grew into Americans who lived during this timeframe. Richard Nixon was no different – he was solidified in his Quaker roots, a large and close family life, and family business where every member participated. Losing two brothers to TB was tragic and one of the most touching portions from Dick’s childhood is the story Ed recalls about the mixer brothers Dick and Harold buy for their mother’s birthday. Harold looses his battle with TB the same day as his mother’s birthday and Dick gives his mother the mixer.
The lessons learned from family life are interspersed all throughout The Nixons. The influence of Dick’s father transcend into his political ideology and the successes that Dick had in reaching the highest political office in the country. His own father expressed great frustration with the expansion of government and was concerned social and economic programs would erode self-reliance and require the government’s continued assistance. Ed recalls hearing his father’s influence in Dick’s first inauguration speech regarding the continued worry of big government and Americans not taking care of their own general welfare.
Ed focuses heartily in his memoir on all the positive aspects of his brother’s presidency. Dick’s role in the Herter Committee to help Europe recover from the devastating impacts of WWII was the catalyst pushing him into the international spotlight as a leader. Also highlighted is Dick’s support of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, his conversations with China and the Soviet Union, ending the Vietnam War and the draft, supporting the 18-year-old vote, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ed’s own influence in relating the devastating Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 without a doubt influenced his brothers successes in creating the EPA.
For those curious to delve more into the Watergate saga – this book only touches briefly on the subject. Ed mentions the poor quality of the Watergate tapes – how can one really accurately transcribe tapes that are muffled and full of simultaneously speaking participants? This struck a chord with me as it’s exactly what I’ve spent my career doing – working for a company that specializes in verbatim transcription. And, with more important issues at hand, Ed Nixon and co-author Karen Olson focus on the positive influence President Richard Nixon had on them and their country.
The Nixons is a magnificent read about one of the most memorable U.S. Presidents in history.
The Nixons is a richly crafted memoir that tells the story of our 37th President with heart and soul – how life is like having him as a brother and as your political hero.
Read this memoir! The positive story this memoir tells challenges all of us to always move forward and to cherish our roots.
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Queen of the Memoirs
I have declared 2008 the “year of the memoirs
” – there were so many excellent memoirs
that crossed my path last year I cannot count them all on one hand! There is nothing more delicious than reading about reality. When I read memoirs
I always have to stop and remember this really happened. And, some of the funniest passages I have ever read come from
“Queen of the Road” by Doreen Orion.
I loved, loved, loved this book! I have even befriended this author – she read my five star review of her book on
www.goodreads.com (a website that allows you and your friends to share, virtually, your bookshelves and book reviews – I am a super fan!).
“Queen of the Road” is a marvelous and hysterical book about two married psychiatrists packing up their life and hitting the road. But, there is certainly a twist – this is a rock star style bus! Going along for the hilarious romp through 47 states are 200 pairs of fabulous shoes, 2 cats, 1 large furry and totally gorgeous poodle, and a bus driver (Tim, the husband).
Doreen’s writing style is not only hilarious, it’s inspiring and reflective. I especially enjoyed the tidbit on chiggers, or as Doreen refers to them “microscopic dots of torture that lie in wait in grass to burrow under your skin.” Yeah, I wish I had known about chiggers before I encountered them this past July while on vacation. My experience sent me straight to the doctor and had me wearing long pants during the hottest part of the summer! I also got quite a kick out of Doreen’s “whiz” through Scappoose, Oregon where Doreen and Tim are not too impressed by the “Peace Candle.” I happen to know the mayor of Scappoose and completely got a chuckle out of this since I have never seen Scappoose mentioned in a book before.
I certainly felt the call of adventure after reading about Doreen’s travels. Her travels down south make me want to revisit New Orleans again. And the last portion of the book is set in Alaska. All of Doreen and Tim’s Alaska adventures left me absolutely inspired to visit this state so close to our own. Though, I am more likely to hop on the Princess Cruises than a rock star bus to pursue my Alaska travels!
Lastly, one of my favorite things about “Queen of the Road” is Doreen begins each chapter with a different martini and/or drink recipe. Seriously, I have tried several and loved them all. Cheers to Doreen...she's my new favorite author of 2009. I hope you all pick up this book and are inspired by Doreen, like I was, to try new experiences, visit new places, and revisit old travel haunts.
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In February 2009 all proud
Republicans celebrated 200 years of President Lincoln's
legacy. And, I am thrilled to recommend to you all an exciting
triumph of a book - "Mrs. Lincoln" by Catherine Clinton
"Mrs. Lincoln" is a fascinating romp through nineteenth century
history. One of the central themes of this book is women, and
this was a very frustrating time to be a woman in America.
Clinton leaves no corner untouched in her new book. Readers get
a magnificent look into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln - her
marriage, the struggles of being a woman living in a "man's
world", depression, family, the Civil War. And how the Civil
War, like WWI and WWII, gave women heightened responsibilities
in America.
In "Mrs. Lincoln", the excerpts on life in the White House are
breath taking. I love reading about the triumphs of women in
history - bad press aside. Mrs. Lincoln was a loyal wife to a
president who I think is hands down one of the most powerful men
to walk the earth. And, at over 400 pages, I hope you all pick
this up and read about one of my favorite first ladies...Mary
Todd Lincoln.
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