THEODORE ROOSEVELT A Strenuous Life

Dalton's biography of TR begins with the premise that his actions were all a response to his sickly childhood and that proving himself a man was his life's goal. To that end, the book is a great success. Roosevelt's commitment to political reform and conservation was ahead of its time and set a course for U.S. policy for the rest of the century. Narrator Suzanne Toren does an excellent job keeping this mammoth story moving. Her voice, easy to follow, has a straightforward, authoritative tone. She pauses effectively for quotes and allows us to digest points before moving on. The result is a satisfying story and, better yet, good history. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE/JULY 05]