Dear Great Book Guru,  This Saturday is the Sea Cliff Civic Association’s iconic event – the Progressive Dinner. Chaired by Tina Marchese, the Dinner is very popular and always sold out.  I am looking forward to delicious food and a great chance to meet friends old and new.   With the election in a few days, I know dinner  conversation will turn to politics.  Do you have a good book I can read and discuss with the other guests?   

Excited Progressive  Dinner Diner

Dear Excited Progressive Dinner Diner,  Tina does a fabulous job every year so I am sure you will indeed have a great time, and  I do  have the perfect book for you: THE SPOILS OF WAR by Bruce Bueno De Mesquita and Alistair Smith. This is a retelling of American history with an emphasis on the presidencies of Washington, Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Kennedy, Bush, and Obama.  The authors’ thesis is that the most popular presidents ruled during our bloodiest years. Cherished national myths are debunked with Washington and Lincoln receiving the harshest treatment. Washington is described as not so much a champion of independence, but a protector of his own vast personal wealth. Lincoln is criticized for prolonging  war to guarantee his reelection. On the other hand,  LBJ receives special attention and praise as someone who gave up hopes for  reelection in order to see his social programs triumph.  This is a fresh, interesting, and entertaining  look at our country’s leaders…. Highly recommended!