Genovese, Michael A. Memo to a New President: The Art and Science of Presidential Leadership

International Social Science Review, Spring-Summer, 2008 by Samuel B. Hoff

As is naturally the case with a book written in such a format, there are some shortcomings. For example, there is wide diversity in the number of chapters comprising each part of the book. Furthermore, the author misses an opportunity to provide historical examples of presidential family problems to avoid in the chapter on that subject. Instead, Genovese merely suggests having the president make an example of a reporter who violates his family's policy, which is both difficult and risky to accomplish. Finally, there is one case of an erroneous date pertaining to the arrest of Watergate suspects and another questionable date to mark the end of the Cold War. Notwithstanding these points, the book still makes a positive contribution to the literature and will undoubtedly receive the attention of presidential candidates during the 2008 election cycle.

Samuel B. Hoff, Ph.D.

George Washington Distinguished Professor of History and Political Science

Delaware State University

Dover, Delaware