Truman's Excellent Adventure. By Matthew Algeo. (Chicago Review Press, Incorporated, 2011. Pp. 288. Preface, Epilogue, Contents, Postscript, Afterword, Acknowledgments, Sources, Bibliography, Index. $17) Matthew Algeo is a driven writer and journalist known for his many historical writings. The Excellent Adventure of Harry Truman is an example of Algeo's fascinating historical books. In short, the author constructively recounts the extraordinary adventure of former President Harry Truman and his enchanting post-presidential life. Overall, Algeo really focuses on the extraordinary travels of Truman and his wife, while also helping the reader understand the rapid changes of mid-20th century America. Additionally, the book is able to offer the reader a fair blend of history and a short biography about Harry Truman, the city's last president. In fact, “Harry Truman was the last president to leave the White House and return to anything resembling a normal life (Algeo 21).” Furthermore, it is extremely interesting that Algeo followed Truman's path exactly and even added notes about his own experiences along the way. As a result, the reader is able to grasp a deeper understanding of Truman's adventure thanks to the author's magnificent efforts in reliving the journeys. Truman's extravagant adventure began soon after the end of his not-so-approved presidency in 1953. In summary, Truman's American journey began the summer of 1953, when Truman and his wife Bess received an admirable Chrysler New Yorker for just one US dollar. As a result, the couple hopped into the shiny new car and hit the long, glorious American roads. In addition, the book tells the long and amazing adventure of Truman very vividly and impressively, from... middle of the paper... In fact, the true story, set in the 1950s, almost makes the reader envious of American citizens who lived in that era. The 1950s were one of the most important periods in American history, from the high standard of automobile manufacturing and extremely low fuel prices to the grandeur of small businesses and restaurants. Finally, the fantastic book manages to give the reader a very vivid image of the 1950s in America. Furthermore, the author has done an excellent job of describing and illustrating the adventurous life and travels of Harry and Bess Truman, enlivening the story with extra delightful knowledge and enthusiastic humor. As a final point, the book is undoubtedly a fascinating non-fiction account for anyone who loves history or wants to expand their knowledge about the 33rd president of the United States, Harry Truman. Lamar University Connor Smith
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