A review by cheryl6of8
One Soldier's Story by Bob Dole
3.0
An interesting look at the life of the Senator and former Presidential Candidate and his experiences recovering from the injuries sustained in World War II. It was his combat experience and his recover that mostly drew me to this book, because of my current work adjudicating disability claims for US veterans. Like most Americans, I knew that Dole lost the use of his right arm due to his injuries, but I knew nothing about the circumstances. And I didn't know that he had so little use of his "good" left arm, lost a kidney, and nearly died at least 3 times. I didn't realize he had been paralyzed for a long time or that he had such extensive nerve damage. The examination of that aspect of his life was interesting.
I also enjoyed the look at his upbringing and his athletic achievements prior to the war. Given that my political philosophy is quite different, I was glad that most of his story after entering politics was not included. He did explain at least some of the reasons he felt the way he did about government but I think he missed a few basic points. Oh well, I enjoyed the book and was largely able to set aside the politics to get to know the man -- and he seems to have been a pretty good man, on the whole. And I appreciated the strength and determination he brought to dealing with his disability.
I also enjoyed the look at his upbringing and his athletic achievements prior to the war. Given that my political philosophy is quite different, I was glad that most of his story after entering politics was not included. He did explain at least some of the reasons he felt the way he did about government but I think he missed a few basic points. Oh well, I enjoyed the book and was largely able to set aside the politics to get to know the man -- and he seems to have been a pretty good man, on the whole. And I appreciated the strength and determination he brought to dealing with his disability.