The Common Sense of an Uncommon Man: The Wit, Wisdom, and Eternal Optimism of Ronald Reagan

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." (p. 111)"What American needs is a spiritual renewal and reconciliation-firt man with God, and then man with man." (p. 75)"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." (p. 22)

I've been doing my own little research project on Ronald Reagan, and this book was great. It describes some things about him that only a family memeber could describe. You can definitely tell it was written by an adoring son, but it gives insight that no one else has, and reminds us of what a patriot, team player, and forward thinker Ronald Reagan was.

@In this book I have underlined or marked 115 partsAall of which can help me stay optimistic and start afresh in any difficult situation. The best feature of this book is the author's (President's son) brief comment in each chapter before President's quoted remarks. Through each bit of the author's episodic description of Ronald Reagan, I believe we can take a glimpse of Ronald Reagan's sincerity, honesty, dedication for the good of the United States and after all for democracy. The author's friend, a White House speechwriter for Reagan, personally told the author how Reagan, disapproving of his national security adviser's frantic opposition, had come to give a famous speech before the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Reagan told the author himself on the occasion of the Reagan family gathering what he really wanted to whisper to the Russian Secretary General at the side of a negotiation table. The author's description on personal exchange with President, in coordination with well-selected quotes, successfully can show me who Ronald Reagan is and bring me to further reading on Reagan. @

This book reminds the world of the Great Communicator. The reader is inpired by the words and life of this great American. Ronald Reagan had the capacity to remind Americans WHY America is a great country. Basing his beliefs and motivations on the morals and character traits that have blessed America with pride and prosperity, Reagan stands in the shadow of all the great leaders of this country as he speaks to the future generations. His words uplift, inspire, teach and move to action. Since the end of the Reagan administration, there has not been a leader who so inspired the Americana populice. This is why this book is a MUST read for all of the youth in this country, as well as those who have forgotten, or would like to be reminded, what great US leadership is all about.This book reminds us of the moral and spiritual fiber upon which this country was founded. It lets us know that that greatness can be rekindled to burn brightly again; if, we will but return to the principles and motivation he inspired in the citizens of the world, especially Americans.

I received this book as a Christmas present from my Daughter. I will always be gratful to her for bringing the book to my attention. It is one of the most inspiring books I have read ina number of years. It helps me remember why I was always felt so positive after hearing President Reagan speak. It is this type of positive chrisma our current President will never even come close too. I recommend this book to anyone who values the tradtional American ideal and morality. Should be a great read for all young Americans.