Shelley Fraser Mickle

She was a media sensation, with Gibson Girl looks. The newspapers called her Princess Alice. Her signature blue dress inspired the song Alice Blue Gown. She accompanied her father President Theodore Roosevelt to Germany where the kaiser asked her to christen his yacht; the Meteor Waltz was published in Germany with her image on the sheet music cover. She was the society first woman to smoke in public; Lucky Strike cigarettes ran an ad with her promoting them.

Alice Lee Roosevelt shocked her family and society by pushing the boundaries.

Her mother died on the day of her birth, breaking her father’s heart so deeply that he ran away to his ranch in the West, leaving her under his sister Bamie’s care. As a girl, she was a tomboy, running amok with a gang of boys. She was spoiled by her maternal grandparents. She had a life-long battle of wills with her step-mother Edith. Alice wore a green snake to social gatherings. She flirted with men, determined to snare a rich man. At nineteen she married, only to realize that her husband was a drinker and a womanizer. She was a bad mother but a good grandmother.

Alice Roosevelt is remembered for her sardonic remarks. She had a pillow embroidered with “If you can’t say something good about someone sit right her by me.”

I have read many books on TR and a biography of Edith, and was interested in learning more about Alice. This biography would be a good choice if you are not familiar with TR and his family.

Most of the book covers the Roosevelt family and TR’s career. The author concludes that Alice was emotionally damaged by not having experienced warm parental love. Bamie loved her, but Edith insisted that Alice live with TR. But Alice was the image of her mother, a constant reminder to TR of his loss. Edith was an unrelenting perfectionist, and Alice responded by rebellion.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.… (más)

This is a painless way to learn about the civil war. This book passes from today to the past flawlessly! It goes back and forth frequently, but it is clear that the author took many pains to make each transition clear. There was never any confusion when it shifted time periods. This book was very well put together. The plot is wonderful. I wish this was a true story and not fiction. The story goes quickly and the book is eventful and fast paced. The main characters in this book each have their own story. There is romance, addiction, terminal illness, family relationships and strong female characters. I was especially interested in the civil war parts concerning medical treatments, since I am a nurse. This book went fast for me. I didn't want it to end it was so good! This book had a great ending!! I'm not going to give it away though!! This is definitely a 5 star book!!!… (más)

For Racing Fans of All Ages

Though this book is clearly meant for younger readers, this emotional telling of the life and death of the famous and much loved Barbaro can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. In the process of telling the story, the author explains much about horse racing and all that is involved, as well as treating us to a series of unfolding snapshots that draw us into sharing the life of this famous race horse, and those around him that loved him dearly. Hard to read it without tearing up.… (más)

This life-story about the famous race horse is written for a younger fan group, but can be read and enjoyed by all. It includes all of Barbaro's life, from his birth to his soldiering on before death. This is a book for general fans of horse racing or for anyone who loved Barbaro. It is informative but simple and told somewhat through the eyes of America's favorite horse. In these pages you will learn a little about horse racing and a lot about a horse that captured the hearts of millions. Since this story is told from a horse's perspective or with his thoughts in mind, expect the tale to have just a little flick of fiction thrown in for the purpose of dramatic flair.… (más)