First published 2015
Ronald Reagan enjoys his retirement years with Nancy, savoring their freedom from the pressures of the presidency. The couple settles into private life, finding pleasure in simple moments together. Then comes the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Reagan and Nancy must confront this cruel enemy that will slowly steal away the mind that once commanded the world's attention. As the disease progresses, Nancy becomes his fierce protector while Reagan faces his decline with characteristic grace. The nation watches as their beloved former president fades, and when death finally comes, the massive outpouring of grief surprises even seasoned political observers. Craig Shirley draws on exclusive access to Reagan Foundation archives and sealed files to reveal untold stories from these final chapters. The book captures Reagan's private struggles, Nancy's devotion, the careful planning for his eventual state funeral, and the lasting impact of his legacy on American politics and culture.
Genres: history, 20th-century, american, biography-memoir, health, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: real-people-fiction
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
Audio CD · Thomas Nelson on Brilliance Audio
Content warnings: terminal-illness