Reviews

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

gary_a_witte's review against another edition

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5.0

Join me, if you would, in a moment of silence to remember the days when the Republicans were the good guys.

ptenorio71's review against another edition

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5.0

Excellent book detailing the need for Lincoln to have dialogue and discussion with his key confidant , which included enemies and rivals, in order to help him to refine his ideas and carve out a plan of action.

mcrembold's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed learning more about Lincoln and his ability to lead our country during one of the most turbulent times in our history.

shw214's review against another edition

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5.0

I’ve had this book on my shelf since it came out to the public, but decided to read it now. Doris Kearns Goodwin is very detailed in her descriptions about what was going on in the mid 1800s and the political players who participated. So much of what was happening in Lincoln’s time can be mirrored to today’s political endeavors. Name calling, over zealous media, insurrections, death, racism, conspiracies, and political divisiveness all take part in this story about Lincoln’s rise and fall as president. It seemed that all who worked with Lincoln held him in high regard, regardless of political party.

dcoutz's review against another edition

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4.0

If you're even remotely interested in Lincoln you should check this out. One of the best biographies I've ever read.

2nd read
First time was an audio book and I felt like I missed a lot. I was surprised how easily and quickly I was able to make it through. Lincoln is such a fascinating man. Not perfect but grows as a person throughout his life especially in his understanding of race.

bookmarksandbrews's review against another edition

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5.0

I first read this amazing book five years ago.

This re-read was even better, as I caught many things I missed in my first read through.

It is a book I highly recommend to everyone I can.

10 canon blasts out of 10.

lcstevens92's review against another edition

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4.0

Being over 700 pages, it took me a month and a half to read this book. I don't usually read non-fiction so this was a bit of a challenge for me. I feel like I climbed Mt. Everest or something. That said, I did enjoy the book. Doris Kearns Goodwin does an amazing job of going through all of the enormous amounts of research on Lincoln, letters, biographies, etc. and putting it together into a readable tale with the focus on the Lincoln's cabinet and the impact that had on all of the events of that time.

Over and over again I found myself relating things in this book to things happening today. Kudos to Kearns Goodwin for this great book.

Now bring on the fiction. It's time to immerse myself in a story again.

sheeptracks's review against another edition

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4.0

Well, I read part of this book. Our book club selected it a couple years ago and since it was gargantuan, we decided to split it into sections and each take a part of it and then share it that way with one another. It worked. But one intrepid person did read the entire thing cover to cover, and for that she has our infinite praise. It was a fascinating look inside a presidency and a life, and I am glad to have had some time with this book.

lynnevan's review against another edition

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5.0

I have heard people recommending this book for a long time and have had it in my "to read" list for just as long. While it took awhile to get to it, I am certainly glad I did! Of course, Lincoln was a fascinating man, an inspiring leader, and one of our cherished statesmen. It is the story of his cabinet being formed from people who had opposed him and coming together in such a successful way that makes this book so timely now. Americans could certainly learn from this example. I particularly liked the point made that if everyone on the cabinet always agrees with the president, they are not really useful. The fact that Lincoln surrounded himself with people who would question him, offer differing opinions, and saw things from a different perspective shows the strength of character and the backbone the man had. He listened and took in as much information as he could, but then made the decision himself. A hero for all times.

shannoncary's review against another edition

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5.0

An incredible, thorough look at Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Kearns Goodwin is such a good storyteller, so don't let the book's length stop you from reading.