Most of my "professional" reading centers around these themes: Bible, theology, Christian life, ministry, leadership, etc. I like to read books outside these themes to simply relax. Fiction is not my favorite. Biographies of historic American figures are what I enjoy most for casual reading. Right now, I am reading "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin.
At nearly a thousand pages, the author spent ten years researching and writing this great book. While I have read several other biographies about Lincoln and his leadership, this book has a unique perspective. Goodwin writes about Lincoln through the eyes of those who were closest to him during his presidency - five men who were at one time some of Lincoln's staunchest rivals. Three of them (Steward, Chase, and Bates) were ahead of Lincoln as the presidential favorite at the 1860 Republican convention. In many ways, he subtly positioned himself to be the alternative choice to these favorites - and it worked.
Lincoln would later include all of his major rivals in his cabinet. Men who had once said awful things about him would come to love and admire him so much as they watched him govern that they were emotionally, personally, and professionally devastated by his assassination more than most.
What Lincoln did in developing his "Team of Rivals" was as unheard of in 19th century politics as it would be today. Imagine Barack Obama getting elected President and appointing John McCain Defense Secretary, Sarah Palin Energy Secretary, Hillary Clinton Secretary of Health and Human Services, Bill Richardson Secretary of State, Mitt Romney Commerce Secretary, and Mike Huckabee Attorney General. That is the kind of cabinet of advisors Lincoln built with his "Team of Rivals."
I am enjoying reading the mini biographies of the major rivals Goodwin includes. She does a great job painting portraits of their families, personalities, successes, and struggles. As you understand these various life stories, you understand how they intersected, influenced, and were affected by Abraham Lincoln. Great stuff! Only seven hundred pages to go!
Anyway, that's what I am reading.
2 comments:
Shawn, I was just reading your blog and mentioned to Dan the book on Lincoln that you're reading. He said that's the one he read last year that he'd enjoyed so much.
I've listened to your sermons online and have really enjoyed them. Calvary is very fortunate to have you. We sure miss you at Bible Center, but it's a strong church and is doing well. You'd be proud of Jesse.
I hope you and your family are doing well in your new environment.
Take care and God bless you and yours.
Debbie Miller
Shawn,
I read this book last year and really enjoyed it. I also had a chance to go see Doris Kearns Goodwin speak about her experience writing the book.
If you enjoy her style of writing, I highly recommend you attend one of her talks, she is very interesting.
I'm like you and enjoy non fiction, especially biographies. You might try Lombardi.
Tim Ahern
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