One of the most engaging biographies I have ever read
I knew next to nothing about Teddy Roosevelt prior to opening this book, which was recommended by a friend as the most superb example of a biography they’d encountered. I can echo this sentiment, as the prose, storytelling, and detail orientation is top-notch. Unbeknownst to me initially, this is part one of a trilogy, and I’m now committed to slogging through the entire work - part 1 ends with William McKinley’s assasination, making Teddy President of the United States at 42 years old. I’ll save most of my comments for when I’ve finished all three books, but here are a few ways in which TR stands out:
- He overcame significant health issues as a child by adopting a strenuous fitness regimen, eventually becoming the epitome of health and manliness
- He was not afraid to stand up for his beliefs, even in cases where it was not politically or financially in his best interest to do so
- He was an avid reader and writer, both of which I’ve come to learn run in tandem with success
I look forward to updating this post once I’ve finished the series.