pickThe first of a three part biography by Edmund Morris. This highlights Theodore Roosevelt‘s life up to the presidency. This isn‘t the first time I‘ve read this. This book introduced me as a 19 year old to arguably the most interesting American who ever lived. Certainly the American who lived the fullest life.
pickI love TR but he would have annoyed the crap out of me. Loved learning about the women in his life
As someone who worked in this town for 3 1/2 summers in college, I forgot about the murder trial. The Marquis de Morés was an interesting character. Look up how he died.
I thought it was teatotaling. Like drink tea instead. 🤷🏼♀️
pickThe history of the National Forest Service and the men who helped form it along with a horrific forest fire that happened in Idaho at the time. This was a really good book in face of what‘s happening now. (Pictured is a note written in a historic school house in Smoky Mountain National Park.)
I started a re-listen to this book about the beginnings of the US Forest Service and the response to massive wildfires in Idaho around that time. Somehow I had forgotten what a great conservationist Teddy Roosevelt was.
Happy Presidents‘ Day* to those who celebrate.
Some good ones who must be looking on in horror at what we‘ve become, and some bad ones who must be patting themselves on the back for their part in getting us here.
IMHO part of the job of President is respecting the people who work for you. ALL of them. In this time of “narratives over facts,” starting tomorrow I‘ll share a few narratives about my experience as a #longtimefed employee.
pickDoris Kearns Goodwin brings the Presidents and journalists of the Progressive era alive in all of their strengths and foibles. Theodore Roosevelt comes across as a thoroughbred…always antsy for more, in love with physical stamina and hardship, reckless, and looking for a fight. Taft appears more of the loyal, plodding, draft horse who accomplishes perhaps more but with less showmanship. The advances of the era were many and profound.
