Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan Review

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Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan ReviewGiven that Edmund Morris had an unprecedented amount of access to Ronald Reagan and the White House, he had a duty as a historian to write a solid, historical work, impeccably researched, well annotated, and one that could form, at a minimum, a baseline for other future efforts.
Instead, the book he wrote is a travesty; a series of ramblings presented from a bewildering array of real and fictional characters. Morris unbelievably writes from the first person -- and writes of times, palces, and events which he could not have experienced first hand, except through his imagination. One never knows whether an insight or an opinion is that of the actual Morris or the fictional Morris whom he invented that went to Eureka College with Reagan in the 1930s. Given this, can one take the quotes Morris includes from Cap Weinberger or James Baker seriously? Legitimate and interesting historical questions Morris raises (did Reagan, the idealistic young Democrat, flirt with Communism in the 1940s?) are ruined because the author does not maintain the appropriate distance.
For such an important historical figure as Reagan, this is especially unfair treatment.
Morris is trying to make a point with all this -- which is that if you scratch the surface of Reagan, you will find that there is nothing there. But instead of using this to write a legitimate history, he becomes so disillusioned that he can only write this disturbing act of literary and historical vandalism. If Morris beleives that Reagan "was an airhead", he should lay out the facts, back it up with research and quotes, and lay the record bare. This collection of musings, half-truths, and speculation ultimately is an unfair assassination of character.
Although Morris is a far bettter writer than Dinesh D'Souza, I am forced to conclude that D'Souza's book, which is a one-sided apologia for Reagan, not only is more accurate but is a better work of history.
I am saddened by this book, Dutch, as I have been by few others. Reagan, the American people, and history deserve better.Dutch: A Memoir of Ronald Reagan Overview

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Lessons from the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton Review

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Lessons from the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton ReviewLessons From the Mountain recounts the childhood of Mary McDonough and her experiences of growing up on the Mountain as one of the beloved children in The Waltons.
Her accounts stirred my heart, bringing to life the young acress' experiences, both delightful and heartbreaking. Through dispelling myths, sharing insecurities and recounting all the good times and gags (mostly by John Boy--my favorite was the foaming mouth scene in the middle of church) from the Walton's set, McDonough's memoirs are touching in true-to-life fashion. She offers the reader a real treat, an inside look into these fond memories, leaving us understanding a little more about the characters and crew that made up The Waltons.
As her endearing innocence faded into insecurities and struggles with self-worth, Mary searched to find herself. Her days were filled with sets and wardrobes, stylists and media scrutiny, bullies and blunders. Lost in an imaginary world where time stood still, she was always seen as the cute kid with freckles through the world's television screen and though the show must always go on, she secretly struggled behind her character's persona. This book shines a bright light on the realities that Mary faced as a child actor and surprisingly, her experiences were often times heartbreaking.
As those around her helped her carve out a new and victorious path, she began to find herself among the not-so glitz and glam of the Hollywood she knew. Yet even as an adult, Mary's struggle with fitting in haunted her and a decision to improve her appearance nearly cost the actress her life. Lessons From The Mountain shares her intense climb out of her sorrows and fears and into a world where she realized her voice was powerful--not just as an actress--but as a women's rights advocate, mother and friend. What's so special about this book is the way Mary recounts all her memories and experiences, whether good or bad, with the utmost class--a true testament to her character, making Lessons From The Mountain an excellent read. joannebischof.comLessons from the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton OverviewIn this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse (really a Warner Brothers back lot in Burbank) - sneaking off to steal candy from Ike Godsey's store; developing crushes on guest stars; trying to crack up cast members during takes; and, most of all, forming a tight-knit second family who played, worked, hugged, and squabbled together. But in the years that followed the show's long run, as McDonough tried to reinvent herself, she found herself battling depression and personal insecurities amplified by her celebrity. Gradually she gained the courage to stand up not just for herself, but - in true Waltons tradition - for others, taking on a new role as an activist for women's body image issues.

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