When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan Review

When Character Was King, Peggy Noonan.
4.5 stars.


This was one of the first biographies that I have read, and my first on Ronald Reagan. Thus it is hard for me to judge its quality in terms of other similar books on this topic. But what I immediately noticed was that it seems to be unique stylistically: It has a narrative, story-telling like format that you might expect from the author because she is a speech-writer.

This biography did not have a lot of depth, but it covers a broad range of topics pertaining to Reagan's life and offers sufficient background to be able to get a solid picture of his personality. Thus, it is a great approachable read to learn about whom he was and what he did. She did an excellent job capturing a sense of

Reagan's personality, and communicating that to her reader.
I was born right after the end of Reagan's political career, thus I know very little about the life of this conservative legend: I am one of the first people to have to learn about Reagan completely from tradition and the legacy he left. I am her audience when she concludes "Each generation must relearn, and make new again, as it lives on through history." Thus, I cannot judge the accuracy or know what was left out of this biography, but I received a lot from what she captured of Reagan's life. Once the book got going, she wrote with such humor and excitement that I would find myself wrapped up in the tale ... ready and wanting to learn more about Reagan.
The title reflects very well what this book communicates of Reagan: Character. It illustrates the importance that - service, humor, leadership, loyalty, love of country, and being a man of his word - had on his career and his way of life.

Further, she doesn't seem to paint a false/idealistic picture of presidential perfection. She tells the stories of a tough life and mistakes that he made; like a pro-abortion vote, and Iran Contra. She describes his early life as a union leader and a liberal democrat. She includes that his hero was FDR. Therefore, Noonan is trying to give a holistic vision of Reagan that we can learn from, not a caricature to please his supporters. And she accomplishes that task with a "job well-done."

While may say that it might not be the best Reagan biography ever written, it is good. She talked not only about him, but a bit about his legacy too. It not only gave me a good working background knowledge on the life and accomplishments of this great president but it also made me want to learn and read more about him; which might be one of the greatest compliments a reader can give an author.

When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan Overview

From the bestselling author of What I Saw at the Revolution comes an elegiac tribute to one of America's most beloved leaders.

It is twenty years—a full generation—since Ronald Reagan first walked into the White House and ignited a revolution. From the beginning, he enjoyed the American people's affection but now, as he approaches the end of his life, he has received what he deserved even more: their deep respect.

What was the wellspring of his greatness? Peggy Noonan, bestselling author of the classic Reagan-era memoir What I Saw at the Revolution, former speechwriter, and now a columnist and contributing editor for The Wall Street Journal, argues that the secret of Reagan's success was no secret at all. It was his character—his courage, his kindness, his persistence, his honesty, and his almost heroic patience in the face of setbacks—that was the most important element of his success.

The one thing a man must bring into the White House with him if he is to succeed, Noonan contends, is a character that people come to recognize as high, sturdy, and reliable.

Noonan, renowned for her special insight into Ronald Reagan's history and personality, brings her own reflections to Reagan to bear in When Character Was King and discloses never-before-told stories from the former president's family, friends, and White House colleagues to reveal the true nature of a man even his opponents now view as a maker of big history.

Marked by incisive wit and elegant prose, When Character Was King will enlighten and move readers.

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