"The Post Library"

 Over the last year or so, I’ve been reading a lot more than ever before, mostly on the bus commute to and from work.  Periodically I’ve shared with you a review on what I will call now “The Post Library.”

This 900+ page biography of Harry Truman (ISBN 978-0-671-86920-5) is both an historical evaluation of his presidency and a paean to the 33^rd President’s rock-solid American values. Truman was a compromise candidate for vice president in 1944, becoming an accidental president after Franklin Roosevelt's death 12 weeks into his fourth term. Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness were appreciated by ordinary Americans, and even his political rivals, perhaps, as author David McCullough notes, because he was one himself. His presidency was dominated by enormously controversial issues: he dropped the atomic bombs on Japan, established anti-Communism as the bedrock of American foreign policy, sent U.S. troops into the Korean War and fired General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. In this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, McCullough argues that history has validated most of Truman's wartime and Cold War decisions.

I would recommend Truman to anyone who is interested in modern American history.  The long book will take you an amazingly quick read through the life of this complex Missouri farmer, World War I Army artillery captain, local politician and world leader.   In this 2012 political season, it was fun to see how this president, in office when I was born in 1947, help shaped the last half of the 20^th century.  No matter what your political leaning, I think you would enjoy it.

The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven (ISBN 978-1-4143-3606-0) by Kevin Malarkey is a “can’t-put-this-book-down” story of the 2004 horrific car accident in which he and his six-year-old son, Alex, were badly injured.  The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. 'I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,' a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy's most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex's eyes, you'll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father's love.  (taken partially from Amazon.com’s book description)  This is a quick, enjoyable and uplifting read!

I would give this book a rating of a whole bunch of stars!