trumans excellent adventure review

Truman’s Excellent Adventure.

By Matthew Algeo. (Chicago Review Press, Incorporated, 2011. Pp. 288. Preface, epilogue, content, postscript, afterword, acknowledgements, sources, bibliography, index. $17)

Matthew Algeo is a motivated writer and journalist who is known for his many historical writings. Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure, is one example of Algeo’s fascinating, historical books. To put it briefly, the author constructively recounts ex-president Harry Truman’s amazing adventure and his enchanting, post-presidential life. Overall, Algeo really zooms in on the extraordinary travels of Truman and his wife, while at the same time helping the reader understand the rapid changes of the mid-20th century in America. Further, the book is able to give the reader an equal blend of history and a slight biography on Harry Truman, the last citizen president. In fact, “Harry Truman was the last president to leave the White House and return to something resembling a normal life (Algeo 21).” Also, it is extremely interesting that Algeo followed Truman’s exact route and even added notes of his own experiences on the way. As a result, the reader is able to grasp a deeper understanding of Truman’s adventure due to the author’s magnificent efforts of reliving the travels.

Truman’s extravagant adventure began soon after his not so highly approved presidency ended in 1953. In sum, Truman’s American road trip began summer of 1953, when Truman and his wife, Bess, received an admirable Chrysler New Yorker for only one U.S. dollar. As a result, the couple jumped into the shiny, new car and hit America’s long and glorious roads. In addition, the book recounts Truman’s astonishing, long adventure very vividly and impressively, all the way fro...

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... In fact, the true story, taking place in the 1950s, almost makes the reader envious of the American citizens who lived during the era. The 1950s was one of the greatest time periods in American history, from the high standard of automobile manufacturing and the extremely low gas prices to the greatness of small businesses and restaurants. At last, the fantastic book is able to give the reader a very vivid image of the 1950s in America. In addition, the author did an excellent job at describing and illustrating the adventurous life and travels of Harry and Bess Truman, while spicing up the story with some extra delightful knowledge and enthusiastic humor. As a final point, the book is defiantly a charming, non-fiction story for anyone who loves history or wants to expand their knowledge on the 33rd U.S. president, Harry Truman.

Lamar University Connor Smith