The American Story from our Presidents

On Presidents’ Day, I thought sharing about a few of the many books that have been written by our former presidents might be in order.  These below are often rated as the best of the lot by many book critics, and I present them as a reflection upon the fact that they felt it was important to put words onto paper and share their thoughts in this manner.

They also provide a great look at the times in which these men worked and lived – a “written” snapshot, if you will, on America, the world, and history.

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Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant by U.S. Grant.  While this book focuses on his time in the Civil War instead of his presidency, many regard this as one of the best books - if not THE best - written by a President. 

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Crusade in Europe by Dwight Eisenhower.  Eisenhower was best known as a key player in America’s World War II efforts. This book focuses on the drama and stress war brings; however, many commend it for its surprisingly warm account of his life and those around him.

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A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter.   Carter authored many books, but this is perhaps the most comprehensive about his life, and thoughts about his predecessors.

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Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama.   Obama’s emotional account of race in America was so popular it became a #1 New York Times best-seller even before he was elected.

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Theodore Roosevelt (an autobiography).  Roosevelt was our most prolific Presidential author, penning 38 books and thousands upon thousands of letters, essays and other writings.  This 1913 book is a detailed and remarkable accounting of a great life.  He died in 1919.

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As I wrote above, these are just a few of the books by our Presidents.  Today or the week ahead would be a great time to start a book by any of them (each of our former Presidents has written at least one book; most more) and reflect on their "Writers Moments" that capture our American story in its fullest.   Happy Presidents’ Day.

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