Theodore Roosevelt: A Strenuous Life.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT: A STRENUOUS LIFE. Kathleen Dalton. 2002/2004. Read by Suzanne Toren. 20 tapes. 27.14 hrs. Recorded Books. 1-4025-8705-8. $109.75. Vinyl; content, reader notes. SA

Theodore Roosevelt's strenuous life is fully explored in this wonderful biography. His early life, especially the example of his father and the love of his sisters, which was so important to the shaping of his personality, is carefully documented. His first wife's early death and his second marriage to Edith reveal his personality as father and husband, which led to his concern for children and women. He was a progressive in his views about labor, civil rights and the need to take care of the poor and the working class. He expanded the new National Parks system to protect wildlife. While his life was full of contradictions and bluster, ambition and an inability to see his own limits, he was one of the most important presidents because of his innovations in many different areas, including federal monitoring of the economy and his "Square Deal," which led to Roosevelt's "New Deal." Criticized at different times by all parts of the political spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt's legacy will not be forgotten.

Toren does a great job carrying the reader through the dry parts and warmly reading the personal parts. Her interview with the author manages to tell even more stories about Roosevelt and the biographer's technique. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.