#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Old Abe by John Cribb

I totally enjoyed this although there is sadness of course.

Old Abe: A Novel
by John Cribb
Narrated by Gary Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 06-01-21
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Genre: Biographical, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Old Abe: A Novel recounts the last five years of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the most cataclysmic years of America’s history. We are at Lincoln’s side on every page of this vivid novel as he presses forward amid disaster and comes to life once again fighting to save the country. The story begins in the spring of 1860 in Illinois and follows Lincoln through his election and the calamity of the Civil War to his assassination at the height of power. During the war, he walks the bloody battlefields of Virginia and Maryland. He peers down the Potomac River with a spyglass amid terrifying reports of approaching Confederate gunboats. Death stalks him: one summer evening, a would-be assassin fires a shot at him, and the bullet passes through his hat. At the White House, he weeps over the body of Willie, his second son to die in childhood. As he tries desperately to hold the Union together, he searches for a general who will fight and finds him at last in Ulysses S. Grant. Amid national and personal tragedy, he struggles to find meaning in the war and bring freedom to Southern slaves. Central to this novel is a love story—the story of Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s sometimes stormy yet devoted marriage. Mary Todd Lincoln’s strong will and ambition for her husband have helped drive him to the White House, but the presidency takes an awful toll on her, and she grows increasingly frightened and insecure. Lincoln watches helplessly as she becomes emotionally unstable, and he grasps for ways to support her. As Lincoln’s journey unfolds, Old Abe probes the enduring character and spirit of America. This story portrays Lincoln not only as a flesh-and-blood man, but a hero who embodies his country’s finest ideals. Set amid America’s most devastating tragedy, Old Abe captures the triumphs and defeats of one of the greatest leaders in US history, the one who set a divided country on track to become a great nation.

Review:
I was captivated by this historical fiction from beginning to end. I had to remind myself that it is fiction although I have little doubt that it is based on journals, notes and other historical support. Mr. Cribb makes Abe Lincoln a very real, beleaguered man who struggles with his leadership responsibilities while he leans on faith in God as well as a little bit of mysticism.

It has been years since I studied the Civil War so some of the details seemed new to me. The time frame is short, being the presidential election through the assassination and funeral. Everything focuses on Abe Lincoln, his personal thoughts, his family, friends in his cabinet and the pressures and stresses that challenge him.

I really wasn’t aware that President Lincoln had to deal with so much negative criticism and name calling, although it makes sense considering the divisions of the times. I also did not recall how fragile, and at times, unpleasant, Mary Todd Lincoln was. I had an Aunt who was devastated by the loss of a young son and Mrs. Lincoln had to cope with the loss of two. The deaths are a reason for extreme grief but no justification for social ineptitude, out of control spending for social impressions, and ugly personal interactions. I was sad to think Old Abe had to cope with these issues close to home while facing the severe issues of civil war, political pressures and threats of assassination. Of course, knowing how the story would end, expanded my sadness.

I was impressed how Mr. Cribb made the story so real to life. I loved the depiction of Old Abe’s relationship with his sons. The author also provides good insight on President Lincoln’s mindset and determination to save the Union, “… the last best hope” for freedom. I appreciated the inclusion of Frederick Douglas and his meetings with President Lincoln. I also liked the scenes of Lincoln interacting with political opponents, the different Union Generals, Confederate prisoners, and men and women in the street. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Civil War history.

Audio Notes: Gary Bennett does a good job with the narration. He provides a solemn delivery with voices that fit the characters. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley, 2021Audio, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Book Review: The Faith of Condoleezza Rice by Leslie Montgomery

This biography shares wonderful information about this remarkable woman and about the Civil Rights Movement.

The Faith of Condoleezza Rice
by Leslie Montgomery

Publisher : Crossway; 1st edition (March 7, 2007)
Hardcover : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 1581347995
Genre: Biographical, Black & African American Woman, Christian Faith
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

This is not a book about politics. It is a book about a little black girl who was born into a Christian home in the racially explosive town of Birmingham, Alabama, during the throes of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s about two parents who quietly defied discrimination, stood against injustice, clung to their faith, and raised their child to follow the Lord they themselves served. They believed wholeheartedly that she was a gift from God born for such a time as this and that he had a special plan and a purpose for her life—a plan for good, and not for evil, a plan to give her a hope and a future—all this despite what the world shouted at them through hatred and prejudice that hovered over them mercilessly.
Condoleezza Rice has built her life and career on defied expectations. She defied the shortsighted guidance counselor who advised her parents that their daughter wasn’t college material by earning not only a Bachelor’s Degree, but then a Master’s and a Ph.D. She took on roles that a black female had never held before—provost at Stanford University, National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State—and performed these roles skillfully. Once you read her story, you will recognize that even more than her vast intellectual capacity, ambition, and strong work ethic, it has been God’s leading in her life—and her willingness to follow his call—that has allowed her to come so far. In Condoleezza Rice we have a true spiritual hero.
She’s been called the devil’s handmaiden, a history-maker, a rock star, Bush’s secret weapon, the most influential woman in the world, a rising star, and a race traitor—among other things. Regardless of which opinion people come to about who she is or what label they’ve placed on her character, everyone knows there’s something uniquely different about the 5′7″ African-American woman who currently serves as our Secretary of State.
Condoleezza Rice has a mysterious stability, an enigmatic air, and an inexplicable confidence that is devoid of pride—a trait that is hard to find in the world, let alone in the slick world of politics. Her impenetrable strength and unshakable temperament are evidence of three defining characteristics—a faith that runs deep in her heritage, a personal passion for God, and moral convictions that stem from both.
No matter what your faith, to know and appreciate the character of Condoleezza Rice, you must learn about hers. To understand her passion for peace, you must become personally familiar with the chaotic state of the nation in which she was born. To fully grasp her heart and what has motivated her to far exceed the limited expectations that enslaved both her race and her gender for generations before her, you must examine her roots. To taste the inspiration for democracy that flows like a river from her heart, you must learn what it is that feeds her soul. The Faith of Condoleezza Rice reveals all of this and more.

Review:
I was not overly familiar with Condoleezza Rice but I was drawn to this title due to a) the emphasis on her faith and b) her success in politics after coming through the throes of the Civil Right years. The author does a beautiful job of giving a personal view of Condoleezza’s (Condi’s) life. This cover’s Condi’s birth in the early 1950s and her childhood growing up living on the edge of the tumultuous events of Birmingham as the Civil Rights Movement struggled to change attitudes throughout America.

The book actually starts before birth because it describes the lives and difficult years that her grandparents came through. Their steadfast faith, persevering through segregated racism in the South, deeply influenced Condi. Condi’s parents sheltered her from direct contact with the worst of community racial mistreatment. They explained the events to her in a way that precluded bitterness, letting her know that her color and family status in no way limited her opportunities. They stressed that faith in a loving and faithful God and the pursuit of education were paramount for success.

Condi is clearly a brilliant and diligent woman. From a young child she disciplined herself in all her endeavors, including practicing piano, studying hard, and learning Russian. As an adult she applied her skills in collegiate and political settings. The author makes a point that Condi’s success stems from her faith and positive attitude. I really like Condi’s attitude that “The first responsibility of the educated person is to be optimistic.” She also learned that strength comes through struggles and loss, as “it is through struggle that we find redemption and self-knowledge.” Her reliance upon God at a time of loss helped her to experience ‘the peace that surpasses all understanding.’

The author notes that Condi became a Republican because the party’s principles were consistent with her own. The book touches on her years in civil service and the many offers she received to seek positions as a Senator or Governor. But Condi didn’t want to run for office and repeatedly excelled in the field of education, being the youngest Provost at Stanford University in 1993. Condi had a staunch belief in liberty as God’s gift to humanity and that America leads the fight for liberation. Perhaps this belief, in addition to her previous work with President George W. Bush, influenced her decision to accept the position as Secretary of State in 2005, a few years after the terrorist attacks in 2001.

The blurb appropriately states that this “is not a book about politics.” It is a book that shares details of racial struggles and the faith that sustains Condoleezza in all aspects of her life. I have to say that I was appalled at descriptions of racial assaults during the Civil Rights years but even against Condi when she was Secretary of State! I enjoyed learning about this remarkable woman and especially enjoyed the positive theme and emphasis on faith. I recommend this as a worthwhile and inspirational memoir.

Source: February 2018 Discounted price at Christianbooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021 Print goals. This was a book shared with my Ladies Book Club.

Audible Book Review: The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn

This is full of interesting history tidbits about Santa and other Christmas traditions.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus
By: Jeff Guinn
Narrated by: John H. Mayer

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-10-04
Language: English
Publisher: Listen & Live Audio, Inc.
Genre: Biographical, Folklore, Memoir
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall, Story and Narration

Publisher's Summary
Jump on Santa's sleigh for a journey through 17 centuries of Christmas magic!
This enchanting holiday treasure combines historical fact with glorious legend as Saint Nicholas himself reveals the definitive story of Santa Claus. From his birth in Lycia to meeting Mrs. Claus and all of his helpers, Santa relates the tale of how he spread his message of generosity and the goodness of giving across the world.
Families will delight in every entertaining chapter of this holiday classic, one for each cold December night leading up to Christmas!
©2004 Jeff Guinn (P)2004 Listen & Live Audio, Inc.

Review:
This interesting work begins with Santa choosing to share his own biography to a journalist who doesn’t quite have all the facts. He tells of his birth in Lycia in 280 A.D. and shares how his Christian faith and the baby Jesus influenced him to share his wealth with others. After years the legend of Saint Nicholas was developed around his gift giving to others in his home town.

He shares how magic became part of his story as he picked up friends along his travels and how he was given different names around the world. He also shares how many of the Christmas traditions, such as stockings, trees, yule logs and much more, began.

I was fascinated and delighted by his helpful friends who include Felix, Layla, Attila the Hun, Arthur of Britain and even Leonardo Da Vinci! I was even more interested in the history, for example, learning that Christmas celebrations were banned by American pilgrims, but fortunately celebrated in the Dutch communities.

I didn’t realize until I looked at the Table of Contents on the Kindle ‘look inside’ feature that the chapters are set out so they can be read one a night for the first 24 days of December. That is a good idea and I think would make the reading or listening more enjoyable than forging through it as I did. I recommend this to families to read and share with their children during December. The story is filled with the philosophy that "it is better to give than receive."  It would be a great way to encourage finding ways to share with others instead of focusing only on the anticipation of receiving gifts.

Audio Notes: John H. Mayer’s deep voice fits the work and Santa’s personality. He captures other voices appropriately too. The listening is engaging and fun.

Source: Audible 12/24/17 Daily Deal Purchase $2.95. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.