The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (Modern Library Paperbacks)

This book sat next to my bed for many months. I would peek into it every night before falling asleep. I found that a history/biography is perfect for late-night reading. Even though the writing was superb, there were few parts that would keep me up wanting to read more. The exception was Roosevelt's participation in the Spanish-American war with Roosevelt's Rough Riders. I knew nothing about this war, and I found myself fascinated by the history, explanations, and how Roosevelt resigned as Assistant Secretary of the Navy to participate as an officer commanding the troops. It's easier to understand what it means to be courageous (in it's non-cynical form) when you review Roosevelt's life.

My only complain with this book is that it needed a huge sticker on the cover: "WARNING: This book ends when Theodore Roosevelt becomes President of the United States of America. Read at your own risk."

I should have known something was up when Doolies asked me where I was in the book a few days ago. I told her that Roosevelt had just become President of the police board of NYC. I was about three-quarters of the way through. It never dawned on me that it may end on the day he assumed the presidency. I finished reading last night, realizing the last eighth of the book was endnotes, and stormed to find Doolies, stamping down the hallway between our bedroom and our office to tell her about the cliffhanger ending.

Overall, it was a great read. Roosevelt is a fascinating individual--one of those great men who people want to be near just to bask in his energy. You can feel that energy reading about his early life. I now need to find out how his presidency went. Time to visit Amazon again.