Ronald Reagan in Private: A Memoir of My Years in the White House by Jim Kuhn, Executive Assistant to
the President Publisher: Sentinel 2004 What
is it like to be the personal assistant to one of the United States’, arguably the world’s, most popular presidents?
I
enjoyed this book because it gave me an idea of the logistics involved in a presidential campaign as well as daily life at
the White House. This book is written from the perspective of the Executive Assistant to the President,
who in this case also worked on two Reagan presidential campaigns as an advance man. It is really quite
amazing all that goes into “an appointment” or an “appearance” by the President. There are certainly insights into the
personality and demeanor of President and Mrs. Reagan in the book as well as personal anecdotes, but this is by no means a
“tell-all” or biography of the man. Jim Kuhn is a die-hard fan of the Reagans
and you will not find one negative word about them in the book. The author spent day and night with or very near the president
for four years and still has only praise for his boss. I found the section about the negotiations with Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985 and 1986 especially interesting coming
from the perspective of the personal assistant. There were a number of details in the meetings that appeared to contribute
greatly to the outcome. It was also revealing to hear about President Reagan’s response when talks
broke down and success seemed to escape him. If you enjoy reading about history or real people and real
events, this is a nice “light read”. A Place of Quiet Rest: Finding Intimacy with God Through a Daily Devotional Life by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada Publisher: Moody Publishers 2002 The book begins by laying out the priority and purpose for having a daily personal time with God in such a way that
you hunger and thirst to have something that meaningful yourself. It is not lofty or arrogant but instead
gives evidence that we were created for intimacy with God. The author states, “Many of the men and women of Scripture illustrate what it is
to be loved by God and to respond to His divine initiative with wonder, worship, and glad surrender. Those
who drank from the deep well of that divine love longed to linger in His presence and counted it their highest privilege and
aim to live in unbroken union and communion with Him. Their lives make us thirsty for intimacy with the
Creator-Lover who corresponds to that hole in our hearts.” The book also
gives practical suggestions for implementing and pursuing a fruitful and meaningful time in God’s Word, prayer and meditation.
The author addresses problems that prevent or hinder us from this bold pursuit of God such as; a busy life, young children,
a wandering mind, or interruptions and distractions. Each chapter is followed by a personal reflection
from notable Christian women such as Elisabeth Elliot, Kay Arthur and Joni Eareckson Tada. There is a “Making
It Personal” section after each chapter with questions and thoughts to meditate upon. The book certainly
challenged and encouraged me to make the daily time I spend with God deeper and more meaningful, not to mention the reminder
that it should be my first priority.
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Just a word
about "Book Jacket"
At first I felt compelled to provide reviews of new or at least recent books. Although
that may be the case at times I decided that really isn't who "Calico Woman" is. Calico Woman finds books
at thrift stores, second hand stores and garage sales. Oh yes...I do order new books and shop at my favorite bookstore,
but it is most likely you will find books here that I've been "meaning to read" for a long while. I will
make sure that they are still available to you either new or used or via the library. Happy Reading!
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