Challenges discussion

It's been a while since I've talked with most of you, so I thought it would be a good chance to catch up and hear where you're at in the challenge and what thoughts you have about the experience.

I'm making my way through Peskin's Garfield bio, which is lengthy but (so far) well written.

It was quite a struggle to get through the stretch from Jackson to Lincoln, but I think it ultimately helps put the presidency in better perspective. The greatness of certain men really shines in comparison!

I agree about Presidents 9- 15- not a lot of complimentary biographies either *ahem Pierce*. For whatever reason, I got stuck on Lincoln, even though it was relevantly short, about 600 pages, it took me almost 8 weeks to muster through it- started in August and finished in October. But since then I've been on a roll. I'm on Wilson now. I'm panicking at the idea of picking a biography for FDR- any books I should look into? Again, I'm looking for a whole life view, something from birth to death. Thanks all! Hope you're enjoying the slogging through as well :)

Champion of Freedom by Conrad Black covers birth to death fairly well. I was motivated enough to reach the start of World War II, but at that point, the book became much more war-focused to the detriment of every other aspect of his life, so I returned it unfinished.

I did not even get two chapters into Jean Edward Smith's book. I just do not like his style and formatting.

I still plan to give Traitor to His Class by H.W. Brands a try. He did a good job with Jackson and Reagan, so I am more hopeful with that.

I wish there was a nice summary biography for 8-15. Polk had an interesting presidency and biography, but the others are a bit lacking.

My 2015 new years resolution is almost to an end. Almost finished with the (truly awful) Bill Clinton biography. I cannot recommend you avoiding Nigel Hamilton more vigorously (but it was what the library system had available). I've got Jean Edward Smith's "Bush" lined up. Hope everyone is doing well on their biography journey.

I'm grateful for this group and how the love of knowledge, history, and reading brings all cross sections of America together. Thanks for reading along with me.

I'd love to hear any biography recommendation for Obama.

I'm reading H.W. Brand's biography of Grant, and it is fascinating so far.

As for Obama, I'm pretty sure we'll get something in 2017 or 2018 that covers his birth-to-presidency story.