In the Words of Ronald Reagan: The Wit, Wisdom, and Eternal Optimism of America's 40th President

by Jim Denney

Book Overview

As one of the greatest presidents of the twentieth century, Ronald Wilson Reagan succeeded in renewing pride in America, strengthening the principles of family, faith, and freedom on which this nation was founded, and restoring our hope for the future. President Reagan endeared himself even to his political opponents with his self-effacing wit and irrepressible optimism. Inspiring, thoughtful, and at times downright funny, he had an amazing gift for...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078527023X
• ISBN13: 9780785270232
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Nelson Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

W A R Y......A D M I R A T I O N.....O F.....A....M O D E R A T E

Broadly speaking, many Democrats seem to think that most Republicans don't care about people who aren't rich, and haven't financially succeeded. And, also broadly speaking, many Republicans seem to think that most Democrats are spendthrifts, who like to use public tax money on programs which destroy families, and take away individual choice and initiative. While I am sure there ARE people in both philsophies that hold these extreme views, it is my own contention that most people, of whatever political stipe and ideals, mainly just want to live as happy long, and productive a life as possible, and make sure that their loved ones are able to do so as well. I suppose the main thing, as a moderate, that I personally have against Republicans, is that, though I throroughy DO agree with the philosophy of being able, proudly and individually, (and WITHOUT any meddling of government telling one what to do), to "pull oneself up by one's bootstraps", it seems that many Republicans tend to forget that there are MANY people who CAN'T pull themselves up by their theoretical bootstraps....simply because they have no shoes! Democrats take a different tack on this -- one I also enormously dislike. Yes -- they will give "shoes to the shoeless".....but they will NOT allow the people they are "helping" to CHOOSE their own shoes. If you are "helped" by a social-service agency, it seems, THEY tell you what to study, and/or what type of job you "should" be doing. So -- I guess, though I can see good things in both the Democratic and Republican philosophies, I also can see definite negatives in each. Being neither a complete Democrat, nor a complete Republican, I feel I am free to admire the best people of each party.... I admire Jimmy Carter, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Regan.........just to name a few. This small volume, IN THE WORDS OF RONAOLD REAGAN, by his son (with first wife Jane Wyman), is a fascinating little book! You can tell it was put together with love and devotion....and the reader, perusing its riches, can only wish it were longer. The picture of Ronald Reagan on the front cover, and the smaller one of Micahel Reagan, on the back inside bookjacket flap, are in "shiny" print....in a very good facimilie of an actual photograph. Within this book, interspersed between Ronald Reagan's words of wisdom and wit, are 28 additional photographs, portraying everything from a photo of the Regan family in 1915, (Ronald with his parents and brother Neil), to Mr. Reagan, as President of the US, inspecting sailors at the recomissioning of the USS New Jersey in 1982. Pictures are also present of the 1982 Inauguation, Mr. Regan's acting and football-playing days, meetings with world leaders, Mr. Regan on horseback and two very different pictures, taken seconds apart, on the day of the assassination attempt on Mr. Reagan. After a heart-felt and proud introduction by the compiler, Michael Regan, 62 categories of Ronald Reagan's words

Great little book

This is a great book to have if you appreciate all that President Reagan represented and accomplished, or if you were not around to understand the massive impact he had on our nation, then this is a greeat introduction to our 40th president. It is all the more valuable because it his insight from his son Michael, insight that can only be offered by a family member. For all the great publlic stuff I already knew about President Reagan, the advice he offers Michael for his marriage helped further my belief in what a great man he was. This is a quick read, but it is also one you will refer back to for quotes and enjoyment!

My shop's best seller

Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home buy more copies of this book than any other that we sell. Filled with positive little tidbits from a family perspective! It's great!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great words from a great leader.

Ronald Reagan will be long remembered as someone who could give a great speech. Critics, however, wrongly labeled him a dim-witted actor, propped up by good speechwriters. Their hatred for all things `Reagan' make it impossible for them to attribute even the slightest bit of intelligence to the 40th President. As their goal to alter the Reagan legacy, they completely omit the hundreds of radio addresses he personally wrote during the years prior to becoming President, which aptly chronicle the true brilliance that truly was Ronald Reagan. IN THE WORDS OF RONALD REAGAN, by his son Michael Reagan, continues in that arena by sharing with us, many of the personal letters this prolific letter writer penned. This compact, 200-page treatise, lends the reader yet a deeper look into the essence of thought that was Ronald Reagan. Here you will find a small portion of Reagan's discourse on subjects ranging from acting to welfare. If you admired Ronald Reagan, then you will admire this book. If you are too young to remember Ronald Reagan, this book will lend critical insight into his character and ideas. If you hate all things Reagan, then there is nothing for you to see here. Just shut up and move on. Monty Rainey www.juntosociety.com

The title says it all!

This is a great gift book for your Republican/conservative friends. It's title tells all--it is a charming little quote book of ideas from our fortieth president. Biographies by family members are always superior to biographies written by distant observers, and this non-exception proves the rule. It is a great gift book, meaning that it has dainty fonts and stunning pictures. It is organized topically, but is not indexed so you may have to hunt a little for your favorite quote. The cover is a nice balance of a thoughtful black and an autumn rust, reminding us that Reagan is in the autumn of his life and slowly heading to black. However, the cover has a border of gold remind us of the gold ofg life after death. We need politicians with wit--Kennedy and Reagan both had the Irish blarney, but the silver-tounge seems to be scarce among the current chain-gang in Congress. This book should be a manditory study gude. We need to eradicate the superficial smashmouth so common on the Sunday shows! Favorite Quotes: "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." "What American needs is a spiritual renewal and reconciliation-first man with God, and then man with man." "Since I came to the White House, I've gotten two hearing aids, had a colon operation, a prostate operation, skin cancer, and I've been shot. Funny thing is, I never felt better."