I have been casually reading a biography about Teddy Roosevelt, “Mornings on Horseback,” for about 4 years now. I got it after a high recommendation by one of my pastors. I decided that I would get educated about why this guy was on Mt. Rushmore with Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.
Overall it was a good, educational and thorough read. I was hoping for more of a biography encompassing the entire life of Roosevelt (about 60 years), and really what is presented is a walk through of the Roosevelt life in general. The first 1/4 of the book is dedicated to ancestors, the second 1/4 to his father and the last half of the book is young Teddy from age 18-28. Though I learned a great deal about the Roosevelt family and the character of some of its stalwarts, I really longed for more insight into his political career.
Yes we get an understanding of his college career, his few years in as a Representative in New York and three years as a ranchman in Dakota as well as his run for NYC mayor (all by the age of 27 mind you!!). But to me there is a lot missing, his involvement in the Panama Canal, as a Rough Rider, NYC police Commissioner, Naval Commander, Vice President and President. Granted that might have 
the 400+ page book to over 800 pages of detail.
Often times the book reads like a fireside chat with an old relative or family friend of the Roosevelts. I do admire David McCullough for his thoroughness and attention to detail. I even picked up his John Adams and was working my way through that for awhile (until I found out there was a TV version).
My wife knowing that I like Teddy Roosevelt (I liked him because I wanted to like him, not really knowing anything about him), bought me “The Man in the Arena” a collection of his writings during his various political capacities. If you want to know more about the Man from the Man then I recommend getting “Arena,” especially if you have a sentimental soft spot for letters and works by the presidents themselves (key: anything by Reagan or Lincoln). It doesn’t hurt that Roosevelt is a more stirring writer, evoking something patriotic and noble inside the heart of the reader. As he said “I don’t know how the people feel, I only know how the people should feel.” It’s an important difference that Roosevelt still has the ability to tap into. But if you want a historical account with a slight personal touch, “Mornings on Horseback” is for you.
