Check it out

As we look forward to commemorating our first president’s birth and

prepare to elect our next White House occupant, readers may wish to

reflect on past and future leaders with new biographies available at

Newport Beach public libraries.

Along with straightforward commentary about Dwight Eisenhower, there are

fresh perspectives on World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, the

civil rights movement, McCarthyism and Vietnam in “Eisenhower.”

While reviewing the talents that enabled “Ike” to ensure the Allies’

World War II victory, military historian Geoffrey Perret profiles the man

behind the famous grin and analyzes his popularity with Americans in the

1940s and ‘50s.

From his humble origins to his rise to the presidency, Pulitzer

Prize-winner Irwin Unger paints a sympathetic portrait of our 36th

president in “LBJ: A Life.” In addition to exploring LBJ’s charisma and

unpredictability, this readable volume provides an insightful analysis of

the Vietnam conflict that made the period during which LBJ occupied the

White House one of the most tumultuous in recent history.

The early career years of the president credited with ending the Vietnam

War are the focus of Irwin Gellman’s “The Contender.” In a heavily

documented work (that acknowledges Newport Beach Public Library staff for

abundant research assistance), Gellman contends that Richard Nixon was

not a ruthless liar, but rather “a success story in a troubled era ...

who steered a sensible anticommunist course against McCarthy and other

extreme right-wingers.”

One of our most publicly reticent presidents shares his private thoughts

through letters in “All the Best, George Bush.” Ranging from a teenage

George’s missives to his parents during World War II to writings offering

commentary on Nixon’s resignation and Desert Storm, the correspondence

provides an intimate portrait of our 41st president.

For readers interested in the possible perpetuation of the Bush family

dynasty, “First Son” provides an in-depth look at the Texas governor with

his eyes on the White House. From hundreds of interviews, Lone Star

journalist Bill Minutaglio has reconstructed the life of George W. Bush,

from his years in elite boarding schools through his rise to national

politics.

Another presidential hopeful is profiled in “John McCain, An American

Odyssey.” Beginning with his rambunctious childhood, through his grim

experiences as a POW in Vietnam, this new biography provides a fine

introduction to the Arizona senator who has captured the imagination of

many Americans.

The political career of a third contender in presidential race 2000 is

charted in “Gore: A Political Life,” by former ABC News correspondent Bob

Zelnick. From his rise from a life on Embassy Row as the son of Sen. Al

Gore Sr. to his vice presidency in the Clinton administration, this is a

revealing biography about a man who has been on the Washington political

scene for most of his life.

Don’t want to read a book but need a crash course about candidates and

ballot issues? Pick up “Easy Reading Voter Guide” at any Newport Beach

Public Library for concise candidate profiles and a quick way of learning

about all the issues you’ll want to consider in this year’s upcoming

elections.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

June Pilsitz.