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Book Review
Review by: Walter Hoffman
It's always exciting to discover the talents of a new writer on the horizon. Combine that with a true story of one of our iconic presidents and you have a match made in book lover's heaven.
Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure written by Matthew Algeo & published by Chicago Review Press tells the story of a 2600-mile car trip taken in 1953 by our thirty-third president and his wife, Bess. With a fully-loaded Chrysler at hand and without any bodyguards or secret service protection, the Trumans head east to visit old friends, take in the sights of New York, and enjoy the fruits of being private citizens.
While the Trumans hoped to stay incognito, their plans went a wee bit astray. There are run-ins with fellow diners, bellhops and (in particular) one Pennsylvania state trooper who pulls the former first family over for a traffic violation.
What makes the book really work is the author revisiting in meticulous detail the exact route of the Truman family. He even gets the opportunity to interview several surviving people who interacted with the family along the way. He also frames the book with commentary on the demise of main street America.
Often hilarious and poignant at the same time, Algeo has captured a by-gone period of Americana. Through meticulous research and fact-based journalism, he makes this one road trip worth taking. Enjoy the ride!
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