Frye Gaillard

I've now read biographies of every president from Washington to Carter. As the list approaches the current date, it becomes harder to find substantial biographies that cover the full life and presidency of the subject, especially those who are still living. Jimmy Carter is now the earliest still-living president at this date (July, 2019), and even though his presidency ended nearly 40 years ago, an in-depth full-scale biography by a more or less objective author has yet to appear. Frye Gaillard's book is the closest I have found, though he himself confirms that it is not intended as a deep dive into Carter's life. Carter, perhaps the most moral and ethically upstanding man ever to hold the office of president, nonetheless had failings, mostly in the arena of political action, that led him to be a dichotomy -- a deeply revered man who is generally considered a failure as president. Carter's life and works since his presidency are probably more admirable than those of any other chief executive, and Gaillard makes a good case for some of Carter's perceived presidential failures being less damnable than the conventional wisdom purports. A thorough excavation of the Carter presidency and of the life of this remarkable man will be written someday. Until then, Frye Gaillard's survey of Carter's story suffices but does not sate.… (mer)

The 60s were the defining years of my life. In 1961, I turned 13 so all of my formative teenager were lived during this tumultuous decade. When I think back on those years and some of the things that were accomplished, I wonder if I am remembering it correctly. Frye Gaillard's new book was a reminder for me of all that went on in those years. Some people will view A HARD RAIN as a history book, I view it as a way to remember.

A HARD RAIN is a large book divided up by years in the 60s and the significant events of each year. It combines politics, the assassinations of JFK, RFK and MLK, the Vietnam protests, the civil rights movement, the women's movement and so much more. Plus it recognizes the strong role that music played in this decade - Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Motown so many others. Reading this book brought back so many memories to me - both happy and sad. This is a book that will stay on my bookshelves as reference to dig down deeper into some of my fading memories.

The author says it best: “There are many different ways to remember the sixties,” Gaillard writes, “and this is mine. There was in these years the sense of a steady unfolding of time, as if history were on a forced march, and the changes spread to every corner of our lives. As future generations debate the meaning of the decade, I hope to offer a sense of how it felt to have lived it. A Hard Rain is one writer’s reconstruction and remembrance of a transcendent era ― one that, for better or worse, lives with us still.”

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.… (mer)

The author used letters from her own ancestor to create this book. This is the most realistic depiction of of what it was like to be on the battlefield. No movie could ever depict how horrible this war was. It was made clear in the letters that you did what you had to do to survive. Franklin Gaillard spoke of what it was like when he entered the war. He said the sight of blood and dead men turned his stomach. Then in a letter to his father he wrote that thirst would do funny things to you. He gathered canteens and found one on the body of a dead man. It was covered in blood. His thirst was so bad he tipped it so that he was pouring from the side with no blood on it and drank. He also spoke about the likes told throughout both sides. When he brought water to the injured, captured enemies they were surprised. They had been told how vicious the Confederates were. It was heart wrenching to read a letter to a young son telling him what he wanted from him in case he should be killed. Even from the war front fathers tried to mentor and teach their children.

These letters give the reader a look into the life of just a few soldiers and their family members during this trying time. We look at the way they lived, their spiritual life and in some cases the way they died. This is an excellent source that should be required primary source reading in schools. I am grateful I was given the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.… (mer)