Two things you may know (and you probably should):
1) Â It’s President’s Day (and if you have the day off, I’m deeply envious)
2) Â I’m kind of a giant geek.
I’ve alluded to the latter with the nature of some of my reading lists (yes, I read about the financial meltdown for fun), but I’m fully in geek territory. Â Today’s reading list is further evidence of that – it’s all about our presidents.
I have a deep fascination with our political history, and these books satisfied my thirst for that knowledge – and perhaps made it worse. Â These books aren’t the lightest of reads, but they’re brilliantly written and researched. Â And they’re not the worst thing you could read on our nation’s President’s Day (especially if you have the day off!)
If these books are too much for you, I won’t blame you if you opt for the films of the last two books instead. Â And make sure you check out this picture and caption on Facebook. Â Bizarre coincidence is the only way I can describe it.
The President’s Club -Â a fascinating read on the relationship of the then current president with former presidents, starting with Truman and Hoover. Â The book reads like a novel, outlining the relationships of these leaders in the context of a country in transition. Â The book left me with a great respect for Lyndon B. Johnson, a new perspective on Richard Nixon, and a new empathy for George W. Bush. Â Well worth a read.
Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero – regardless of your opinions on both the journalist or the president being profiled, this is one of the best written presidential biographies I’ve read.  It focuses on the two personas of Jack – the charmed son of the wealthy patrician, and the deeply curious, sickly boy with an deep thirst for knowledge.  Everyone I’ve recommended this book to enjoyed it – even Republicans.
The Obamas – An intimate look at the President and First Lady, this book shows that in many ways, the Obamas are really just like us.  Kantor’s book delves into their marriage, the challenges of raising two daughters in the spotlight, and the pressures of governing a nation in flux while trying to maintain a normal lifestyle – or as normal it can be, when the father is the leader of the free world.  Conservatives should read this book to understand our commander-in-chief better.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln - the framework for the Oscar-nominated film, this book is outstanding.  At least, that’s what my uncle tells me – but you can trust his impeccable taste in books.  Doris Kearns Goodwin simply doesn’t write bad books, so you can rest easy with this recommendation.
Game Change -Â Great movie. Â Even greater book. Â While the film focuses on the GOP end of the election, the book delves as deeply into the Democratic primary, including the Edwards mistress scandal and the venomous relationship between Hillary and Obama. Â The novel-esque style of the book makes it hard to put down.
Fess up – who here is a fellow geek or nerd like me? Â What is it about you that makes you a nerd? Â I’d really love to know.
