“With
Malice Toward None: The Life of Abraham Lincoln” by Stephen B. Oates, publisher: Harper and Row, copyright 1977. This book takes the reader
from birth to death in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s biography goes beyond the textbook
and brings even greater respect and deeper honor to this well known president. The first half of the book
is spent detailing his career as a lawyer and politician, which reveals the character and determination of Lincoln as well
as the development of his personal and political convictions. The reader actually senses a climax as the
presidential election of 1860 takes place with the Southern States seceding from the Union before Abraham Lincoln is even
inaugurated. The book is thorough in its recount of Lincoln’s supporters and detractors; including
those men he surrounded himself with on a daily basis. For Civil War buffs this biography takes a different
perspective; what the war looked like from the President’s office. President Lincoln was a somber
man of deep thought and concern for the responsibility he bore. He stood firm on the principles he was elected on even amidst
great pressure to compromise. Politics then were not that much different from politics now.
In fact I was surprised to learn that there was a “Peace Movement” with demonstrations in the North, as
well as “race riots” (white people were rioting.) It sounded very much like the tumultuous
times of the Vietnam War. He anguished over the progress of the war with its casualties and his decision
to emancipate the slaves at risk of further dividing our nation. I couldn’t help but be impressed with the recounting
of Gettysburg and the subsequent speech the President gave at the battlefield. His second inaugural speech
was also moving, anticipating the end of the war; he sets forth the tone of reconciliation:
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right,
let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne
the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace, among
ourselves, and with all nations.” President Abraham Lincoln was a man of great character. He had experienced tragedy
on the personal as well as the national level, and yet had great compassion and sympathy for those around him.
This book is well worth reading. Three
Cups of Tea; One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David
Oliver Relin; published by Penguin Books
If there was ever a true story about how one ordinary
person can make a difference in the world this is it. Although I’m not sure that I would classify
Greg Mortenson as “ordinary”. He is like you and I in that he did not have great financial
resources but he had an uncommon drive and sacrificial nature. This adventure starts with Mortenson’s failed attempt to climb K2 the
second highest mountain peak in the world located in the country of Pakistan. On his way down the mountain
he loses his guide and almost dies of the elements. His guide finds him again, gets him on the right path
and goes ahead to set up camp and fix dinner. But Mortenson, distracted by the beauty around him, misses the trail to camp
and ends up taking a trail that would change his life. Wandering into the remote mountain village of Korphe
he meets the nurmadhar or chief of the village who welcomes him to his home, the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
In thanks for the recuperative care the villagers give him Mortenson wants to make a donation to the village school to help
the children. To his shock he is told there is no school building. The children meet
outside on a ledge in the cold mountain air. A teacher costs a dollar a day, more than the village can
afford so they share a teacher with the neighboring village. Before Mortenson departs he promises the village
chief that he will build a school. Three Cups of Tea is the fascinating story of how Greg Mortenson, just an ordinary guy, accomplishes
that task. The stories of finding the funds, negotiating for materials over tea, bridges and plumb lines,
rock slides and the Taliban, all are riveting and incredible. Greg Mortenson eventually becomes
the director of the Central Asia Institute, whose purpose is to establish schools to give a balanced education to boys and
girls as an alternative to the extremist madrassas. He is changing the image of Americans one
mountain village at a time. This book was a joy to read. Although I do not agree with Mr. Mortenson’s political or religious
positions I greatly respect the good he is doing in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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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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