Book Review: "Nancy" by Michael Deaver

[NOTE: One of my resolutions for 2009 is to try to read an average of one biography (or autobiography) each month. These books contain stories of interesting lives and also usually have several possible illustrations for sermons and lessons.]

Subtitled A Portrait of My Years with Nancy Reagan, Michael Deaver’s book contains a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting first ladies our nation has ever had. Deaver worked as an aide for the Reagans back into the days when Ronald was governor of California, and he served right through the White House years. Through those years and beyond, he became a friend of both Ronald and Nancy.

It is obvious that Deaver wishes to dismiss some of the negative ideas that many felt about Nancy, including the famous “stare” she had. He wants us to see the forthright but loving side of this fascinating woman.

Since Deaver wishes to talk about his time with Nancy, he doesn’t spend a lot of time on her early years, though her childhood is discussed. It plays a very important role in some of her attitudes later displayed in both public and private life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, until I came to the final chapter. Throughout the volume, the well-publicized love between Ronald and Nancy is seen, but never more so than the years when Ronald was suffering greatly with mental issues, later known to be Alzheimer’s. The final chapter deals with his life, as well as some facts and helps dealing with mental issues. Having a grandmother who is dealing with those now makes it hard to read such things.

The book was published in 2004, so it can be found online for very little money. If you live close to Paducah, Kentucky, you might still be able to find it in the closeout book store in the mall. I got my paperback copy there for only $1.99. If you like insider’s looks at the lives of people, this is a great book to have.

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[NOTE: One more thing this post will begin is a list of pages containing illustrations I’ll be filing from each book I read. I will not list the actual illustration, so you will be more likely to purchase and read the book. I will list the page and paragraph, then the name under which the illustration will be filed. Let me know if this is a feature you enjoy in the coming book reviews.]

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR FILES

Page: 30-31
Paragraph: last on 30, first 3 on 31
File Under: Commitment/Family