Donald, Aida D.: Lion in the White House; a life of Theodore Roosevelt

Kliatt, May, 2008 by John E. Boyd

DONALD, Aida D. Lion in the White House; a life of Theodore Roosevelt. Read by Pam Ward. 7 cds. 8 hrs. Blackstone Audio. 2007. 978-1-4332-0401-2. $55.00. Vinyl; content, author, reader notes. SA

Donald has captured the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt and Ward's matter-of-fact, no-nonsense reading brings it to life. In his day, Roosevelt was the most famous man in America and Donald's text is infused with his energy, enthusiasm, and ambition. She begins with his childhood and moves through his home life and college days and into his early forays into politics, and then his actions in the Spanish American War are given their due. The author continues with Theodore's post war-stint as Governor of New York State and his squabbles with the Republican Party bosses. Along the way, she observes that he developed his skills as an athlete, writer, rancher, conservationist, and family man. Roosevelt's outgoing nature, passion, and determination to accomplish his objectives carried over to his tenure in the White House. He took on the patronage system and brought about some changes; then he went after Big Business and fought to break up monopolies and to improve the lives of workers. Next, Roosevelt took an active part in world affairs and began the drive to establish the US as a world power. As a progressive, he soon ran afoul of the conservative Republican bosses and leaders of Big Business. He left office in 1909 but ran as a third party candidate in 1912 and lost to Wilson and the Democrats, thus ending his political career.

Ward's reading is straightforward but she varies her tone when reading quotes from personal letters and other sources. Her businesslike approach attaches an air of importance to the material and holds the listener's attention. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This is also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.