President's Day read

I recently finished this fun read by Matthew Algeo. Within months of leaving Washington, D.C., Harry Truman is on his way back for a visit. He drives his own new car and travels without the benefit of any help or Secret Service agents. That is yet to be in the summer of 1953.

I really enjoyed following the road trip place by place, but even more I loved all the little tidbits of information such as what was happening elsewhere in the world each day of the journey. It was interesting to have a view into the window of the United States when I was just a months old baby.

My mother, the ever consistent Republican, always spoke highly of Truman. The more I learn of him (and that includes reading "Truman" by David McCullough) I find myself in agreement. Perhaps it has something to do with him being an unwilling president, nominated under duress to be the vice presidential candidate to Franklin Roosevelt and only then becoming aware of the precarious health of the President. Just 100 days or so into Franklin Roosevelt's fourth term, Truman inherits the presidency while the world is in true turmoil. Perhaps that's more appealing than a candidate for president who plans and schemes for years in preparation.