Customer Reviews

The Great Adventure: Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Modern America

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In this interesting biography, author and historian Professor Albert Marrin presents the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt. Beginning with a look at mid-nineteenth century Manhattan and Theodore Roosevelt's parents, the author then goes through the history of the United States, and the life of Roosevelt, as the one affected the other and vice versa.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting book. The author did a very good job of presenting President Roosevelt's life and the history of America in a brief yet informative manner, giving the reader a good understanding of who Theodore Roosevelt was and what he accomplished. My biggest gripe against this book, however, is that the author often seems to be talking down to the reader, as if a young reader needs to be told not just what the facts are but also what to think about them. After a short period of time I began to find it rather irritating.

But, that said, I do think that this is an interesting read, and a good biography of the twenty-sixth President of the United States.

I have read a lot about Roosevelt and didn't expect to learn much new, but being an Albert Marrin fan, decided to read the book anyway. Well, being an Albert Marrin fan, I should have known I would be learning a lot even if I had read a lot about Roosevelt. The reason being, he doesn't just focus on TR, he also talks a lot about the times in which he lived and the people around TR. This would be an excellent read for a high schooler studying US history or the 20th century. I would make any of Albert Marrin's works must reading for those in honor classes or AP.

Albert Marrin is a wonderful writer and he brings history to life. I have read several of his books and he has never failed to be informative and interesting. By the time you have finished the book, you feel as though you have met the person you are reading about. Unlike most biographies, he doesn't waste a lot of space on idle information. He gets to the point and gives you the important points while keeping the reader wanting more. I suggest all his books