Rating: 
Summary: The Father of his Country
Review: There are all sorts of conservatisms. Noonan's is not the abrasive, accusative kind. Nor was her President's. Ronald Reagan, as portrayed by here, is filled with wonder and grace. He moves through office with the delight of a child anticipating Christmas. How can this be, in an office people seem to want to kill for? He really had the vision thing. He was a uniter, not a divider. I always wondered how Noonan reconciled her Irish Catholic background with the assumptions about the world which so many Republicans have. I also wondered how Reagan (who one day in 1962 sat down and wrote my housewife mother a reply to her letter, in his own handwriting - later authenticated by experts), could stomach the pretensions of the elite. Noonan says he was curious about everyone, not interested in rank (after all, he was "king"). He enjoyed applying a healing touch. How did it work? Noonan says that both conservatives and Democrats care about ideas. Republicans are about money. Reagan was so not about money, but about courage and optimism and helping people wake up from nightmares. He and Pope John Paul II both survived would-be assassins' bullets, and in both cases the men emerged with a defiantly positive bounce. Both were men of destiny who presided over the peaceful end of Soviet communism. There is just a very simple man here, not shallow, but simple. Noonan has done a series of sketches, not daring to interpose her ego or ideas. This is a love story.
Rating: 
Summary: A Hymnal
Review: When Lou Cannon was on The Today Show recently to promote his own new Reagan book, Katie Couric opened the interview by asking, with a sneer in her voice, 'Why do we need *another* book about Ronald Reagan?'Cannon was too polite to say so, but his answer could have been, 'Because people like you, Katie, keep getting him wrong.' As Peggy Noonan points out, most of the people who have written about the Gipper over the years, up to and including his official biographer Edmund Morris, have understood neither him nor the things he loved and that motivated him to greatness. But Peggy Noonan, she understands. And that has allowed her to present a moving, lyrical portrait of Ronald Reagan that not only reminds so many of us of what we loved about him, but lets us share her understanding in a way that other writers, blinded by their grudges and political biases, have never been able to. That seems to be her goal: to get us to understand the man -- the experiences that shaped him, and the way he lived his life -- as she does. The book is full of insights -- wonderful, revealing insights like the observation that nobody who really knew Reagan, from whatever part of the political spectrum, ever thought he was unkind or dishonest or untrustworthy. Only the people who never knew him said that [p. 83]. Or the comment that no other president, from FDR to Bush II (Truman possibly excepted), had as broad and varied a background in economics -- not as an academic discipline, but as an experience of life [p. 104]. The book is full of stories, too. Warm, moving stories like the one about President-elect Reagan hanging up the Christmas lights on his California home, or clearing brush on his ranch, or welcoming elderly Frances Green, whom he had never met, to the Oval Office: 'Frances! If I'd known you were coming, I'd have come out there to get you myself!' Ms Noonan looks in-depth at some of the key issues in Reagan's terms of office, including Iran-Contra and the arms reduction talks with the Soviets. But the particular strength of the book is in tracing Reagan's preparation for the presidency ... in the ways his character was shaped by battling Communists in Hollywood (something else the Left sneers about), or watching his first marriage collapse, or finding his perfect partner in Nancy Davis. This isn't the definitive Reagan biography. But it may well be the definitive portrait of the man -- and certainly the best one yet produced by someone who knew and worked with him first-hand. It's a cliché to say, 'You'll laugh, you'll cry.' But if you have even residual love, or admiration, or sympathy, or even interest in Ronald Reagan, you will find yourself deeply moved by this book. The usual types of people will sneer as they've always sneered (look at some of the reviews on this page). But you'll never see Reagan in quite the same way again.
Rating:
Summary: well written, not your run of the mill biography
Review: First, I'll freely admit -- I like Reagan. Now, with that out of the way, all Reagan bashers can skip this review. I won't refer to Reagan haters as liberals because I know liberals, some of my best friends are liberals and quite a few of them respect and admire Reagan. They may not agree with his policies, but they respect his leadership and his vision. I think Peggy Noonan deserves congratulations for the writing alone. She is a true artist. Miss Noonan has a beautiful style, one that is plain spoken, yet eloquent. I think that's probably why Mr. Reagan chose her to be on his staff - they share a similar style, said best by Reagan, "I wasn't a great communicator, I just communicated great things." The book was great. It illuminated the complexity of a man many detractors branded as a one-sided, uni-dimensional fool. She clearly debunks that myth, as if his two landslide electoral victories hadn't already. She gives us a glimpse of a man who grew up in what we today would call a "dysfunctional" family and managed to keep his optimism, a natural grace, and a deep love for America. The anecdotal stories will likely be dubbed Reagan propoganda, but the sheer volume of wonderful, flattering Reagan stories that have come to light since the 1980s allude to a body of evidence that cannot be disputed -- the man was great. End of story. By the close of the book, you have an understanding of Reagan as a human being. If you aren't in awe of the man before reading When Character Was King, you certainly will be after. The end is heartbreaking, tragic, and bittersweet. If you like Reagan this is a must read. If you don't know much about him this is a must read. And, if you hate him, save yourself the trouble and wait for Clinton's autobiography.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant author writing about a great leader
Review: Peggy Noonan has a way with thoughts and words. She makes the pages of history sing as she documents the presidency of Ronald Regan. Her perspective is unique.
Rating:
Summary: Characterizing a Character's Character-- The Reagan Persona
Review: If Ronald Reagan had followed in his father's and brother's footsteps and remained Roman Catholic, Peggy Noonan's "When Character Was King" would surely be on its way to Rome to support Reagan's eventual canonization. This is a warm and warming, highly informed exercise in political hagiography. Noonan is a superb writer with a gift for storytelling shared by many fine speechwriters as well as Reagan himself. She tells the story of Ronald Reagan's life in the broadest brushstrokes and makes no pretence of delving into detailed analysis of the weighty
national and geopolitical issues of the Reagan times. This is fine and even appropriate, especially if it is true that Reagan himself never got lost in the forest of policy minutae. Nor is there candid discussion of Reagan's myopically conservative prejudices; and any other intimations of personal or policy faults are swiftly batted down. This is a big-picture book about a big-picture man. In attempting to explain Reagan's relative success as president and his enduring charismatic and positive image, Noonan does not much "exercise" the various definitions of the key word in the book's title: Character. It is well-accepted that Reagan is a highly principled and honest person, in stark contrast to other presidents of both parties in recent history. But it has always seemed to me that a central element of Reagan's innate genius in his presidency was his ability to construct a "character" -- a persona -- that was powerfully presidential and exactly what the times required. While Jimmy Carter brought impeccable high values and impregnable reputation to the office, he was ultimatley just a well-intentioned, moralistic policy wonk who kept his sense of humor and self-deprecation carefully under wraps. And when you think about it, very few presidents ever really achieved a transcendant moment -- let alone an enduringly moving persona -- during their presidencies. In contrast, Reagan had an inner radar that guided him to communicate specific policies and a project a general attitude that resonated broadly with the American public. The Reagan "character" is thus a far more complex construction than we have yet fully appreciated. Arguably, the most perceptive comment in the Noonan book is from President George W. Bush, whose early style in office is highly Reaganesque. Bush rightly says that Ronald Reagan "defined a vision and he carried out a vision,he defined a philosophy and he stuck by a philosophy. And plus his disposition was such that he brightened America and its hopes." And as President Bush points out, the last president to do this on a consistent basis was Franklin Roosevelt. While the definitive Reagan biography has yet to be written, "When Character Was King" will always serve to remind us of the freshness and unique vitality that Ronald Reagan contributed to the "character" of United States president.
Rating:
Summary: History Continues to Shine A Bright Light
Review: Peggy Noonan has continued the course of history breaking apart the myths and legends that detracted from a great presidency. As our nation's 40th President, Ronald Reagan will continue to have his detractors put partisanship aside and place credit where it is due. Noonan admits even her own negative feelings and comments since her service to Reagan from '84-'86 have been revised in talking with those who were at arms length of this wonderful president. Even detractors come forward to admit that,even though they didnt like his policy, they commend his ability to be a straight shooter and work with them while staunchly defending his own position. I have read nearly twenty books on Reagan and continue to enjoy them more and more despite often getting the same anecdotes, though through a new set of analytical eyes. Reagan is the Conservative's Kennedy, and time will show, once as Noonan puts it, the clouds of partisanship fall away, that this man deserves the credit for many great things. This is not to say that he did not make mistakes, he certainly did, but this book addresses them and gives a hindsight analysis that perhaps Reagan did not have. The book tells of a man of principle and character, something that has been missing for the last 8 years in the White House. Reading this book compelled me to seek out a copy of Noonan's first book on Reagan and I look forward to that as well to compare then to now.
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Makes You Feel Good
Review: Peggy digs into the truth about the history of this president. Some of it surprising news, some we've guessed. This is not an exciting book, if scandals are why you read biographies, but it is a very satisfying book. Someone who was honest; someone who was consistent in what he said and what he did; someone who didn't look at the polls before deciding his actions. Someone who looked at what is right and good as the basis for his actions. Yes, this is very satisfying to see in a president. I only hope the title, WHEN Character was King, doesn't imply that such behavior is history. I'd like to believe that we have, and will have other leaders who are truly LEADERS as Ronald Reagan was. We need them.
Rating:
Summary: Great memories relived
Review: President Reagan's eight years in office have had a profound impact on me. As I came to the United States from Canada in 1984 to enter college, I was thoroughly impressed by the patriotism and genuine love of country americans had. I believe that the leadership and character of President Reagan reflected in the general mood of the country. Having a succession of nondescript and colourless leaders in Canada, Reagan has always fascinated me. Peggy Noonan has written a wonderful book with new insights and fresh new perspectives. Having read several books on President Reagan, I feel that this book serves as both a quality primer to the life of Ronald Reagan and a vital read to all those who seek a leadership role.
Rating:
Summary: Give The Book A Chance
Review: If the Reagan Presidency is one that you have strong negative feelings about, this book is not for you. If you feel unconditional admiration for the man and his time in office, again this particular book is not for you. In my opinion the book is more favorable to the man than negative, however the author devotes a substantial portion of the book to comments from those who opposed President Reagan while in office. Author Peggy Noonan is clearly an admirer of her subject, although this was not always the case as she herself had written and published comments that are normal for politics but would make the average person feel anger at the very least. This is only my thought, however I think that presenting a book that was a condemnation of the man and his service to the country would be a questionable decision at present. President Reagan in October became the longest living President in the nation's history, and with that age he has become one of the millions who suffer from Alzheimer's. There is also public opinion, which was expressed via a Gallup Poll commissioned by CNN during the spring of 2001. Polls are not perfect, but this one showed that together with Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, President Regan is one of, if not the most, admired of all Presidents. Ms. Noonan has access to many of the Reagan Family and she clearly has their trust. This includes the former First Lady who is well known to be what many would feel is hyper protective of her husband. After I completed this book I felt that the degree to which she was concerned was very understandable. The relationship between this couple has been documented elsewhere and it clearly is a special one. This book covers much familiar ground for those who have read President Reagan's Autobiography, so the first half of the book is review for those who have passed those parts before. There are two elements of the book that were of great interest, one added a great deal of information to the attempt upon his life, and the other section was devoted to recollections of many who served during his Presidency albeit from the opposing party. Iran-Contra is also covered in detail and in no way apologizes for what President Reagan allowed either directly or tacitly. Ms. Noonan places the blame on President Reagan. Her coverage of the issue is done in detail and dispassionately. This is a man she clearly admires and was disappointed and angry when the controversy came to light. Her insights into his views on what happened and why are interesting as well. She adds to her words those of other familiar figures like Tip O'Neal, Dan Rastinkowski, and others. Some of these people clearly did not agree with Reagan on the methods to achieve a variety of goals, however amongst any criticism, it is clear they respected him as a man and a President with integrity. She also puts to rest claims made by detractors that may gain notice but are based on the imagination of those that spread the stories. One of the more notable stories surrounded the accusation he lied about being present when concentration camps were liberated. This and other falsehoods are remedied. President Reagan makes a great target for actions that seem corny to many. Twenty years have passed and history is remembering the President with great affection. If it's to be branded as corny a President who would not remove his suit coat or blazer in The Oval Office out of respect for what that room represents, I'll take such a President. Just over a generation has passed since he first took office as president, and history appears to be remembering, as he was, a flawed but remarkable president.
Rating:
Summary: A-plus-plus
Review: For devout Reaganites, Peggy Noonan's new book covers familiar ground. We're well acquainted with this quintessentially American success story, and with the deeply patriotic and moralistic ideals which underpinned RR's policies, particularly in the foreign policy sphere. Yet, what makes this book so special is Ms. Noonan's extraordinary gifts for storytelling. A measure of her formidable talents is her ability to take well-chronicled events -- the hardscrabble Illinois childhood, the SAG and GE years, the 1976 near miss, the PATCO strike, the assassination ordeal, Iran-Contra, the Iceland Summit, etc, etc -- and infuse them with fresh energy and perspective. As Ms. Noonan recounted RR's clear-eyed, strong-willed, visionary posture vis-a-vis the Soviets, I could not help but reflect on how those qualities have been sorely absent from U.S. foreign policy over the past decade -- and how urgently important they are right now. Indeed, the book's penultimate chapter is devoted to the lessons George W. Bush absorbed from nearly a decade of watching RR. "When Character is King" advances Peggy Noonan's reputation as one of the finest political writers of her generation. A worthy successor to the memoir of her years in the Reagan White House: "What I Saw at the Revolution."
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