The next book is about the siblings of the presidents, and I have been working on the first Virginia presidents for the past few months; went to Virginia and was in heaven in all the homes and museums–and the Jefferson Library. When I came out of the library into the wild freshness of a Virginia winter, I was so filled with joy I wanted to twirl around like Julie Andrews on a mountaintop.
I am continually astounded at how the presidents–and often their families, too–gave everything they had for this country, usually winding up in disastrous debt and dying in poverty. I keep thinking of George Washington’s sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Fielding Lewis. Fielding gave his entire fortune to build an ammunition and gun factory, and died just days after he learned of Cornwallis’ defeat. Betty had little after his death, but what a blessing they learned about America’s victory before he died.
Would I have been willing to give up everything for a new country? Would I have been a sunshine patriot? I don’t know. But I do know that I, too,–and we–have a sacred responsibility to this country…now, more than ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed “All the President’s Children, and I am looking forward to the new book about siblings.
What an interesting and informative topic for our country’s history. The topic of our great Presidents’ families will shed light on how these men came to be and the support systems behind them.
Looking forward to this. Wondering if the great presidents turned out to be great parents.
Before the advent of this book series, who minded what went on in the background of American historical figures? The president himself always appeared “bigger than life,” so to look beyond seemed pointless.
American history is so full of stories — fact, fiction, and lie. Chronicling the “humanness” of those elected to the country’s highest office (and those of his — and maybe soon to be her — family) brings home infinite possibilities for the rest of us.
Great work!
Mary,
I could not put “The Raising of a President” down while I was reading it. I can’t wait to read the next book in the presidential family series. I enjoyed meeting you in Virginia! We are rich in American history! These books have looked at presidents with a new and exciting perspective. If there is anything else we can do to help, let us know!
Vickie Hayes