Mark Weinberg

Somewhat of a disappointment. I had hoped more older films would be covered. The author mentioned King's Row (probably Reagan's best film performance was shown) but did not comment on it. No westerns were included even though these were Reagan's favorite. Did they not watch any of the Warner Brother classics like Casablanca, Yankee Doodle Dandy, or White Heat. The book seemed written to younger people who would be familiar with the films discussed but I had hoped, since the Reagan's were part of classic Hollywood, more classic films would be discussed. However what was truly impressive was, in this era of Trump, is having a leader who was honest and cared about his staff.… (mer)

Filled with interesting stories and memories from a Ronald Reagan's press secretary who became part of the Reagan family. Mark Weinberg spent his weeks working in the White House with President Reagan and topped them off by spending the weekends with the Reagans at their weekend retreat. There he enjoyed "movie night" with the Reagans and other members of their staff as the president screened new movies, old favorites, and a number of films starring himself and/or Nancy Davis Reagan.

There is nothing all that revealing in the book, but it is a pleasant read and a reminder of a time that, despite the assassination attempt on the president, seems a little simpler in retrospect. Reagan comes across as a genuinely nice man whose word was his bond, a man who treated everyone as an equal.. Nancy comes across as a nice woman who would have probably given her own life for the president. Theirs is one heck of a love story...maybe, in fact, that's the most inspirational part of the whole book.… (mer)