Nancy
A Portrait of My Years with Nancy Reagan
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4.5 • 4 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
She was the daughter of a single mother, a Hollywood movie star, the wife of one of the greatest presidents of the twentieth century, a cancer survivor. And she waged her greatest battle against her husband's Alzheimer's disease. Nancy Davis Reagan has led an extraordinary life. Now, Mike Deaver, whose relationship with Mrs. Reagan dates back to the 1960s, shares the side of Nancy that only her intimates know.
The Nancy Reagan with whom most Americans are familiar is a caricature shaped by consistently negative press coverage. But the Nancy Reagan whom Mike Deaver has come to know for more than thirty-five years, the woman portrayed in Nancy, is far more complicated. Nancy has been no bit player in the Reagan story. Deaver believes that Ronald Reagan would not have risen to such distinction without Nancy at his side.
To the man Ronald Reagan, Nancy gave the gift of her unrestricted love. She was his respite, his comfort, his reward at the end of the day. When Ronnie's image might be tainted, she would fervently guard it, even at the expense of her own. Now, Nancy is guardian and nurturer of the Great Communicator's legacy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
To long-time Reagan staffer Deaver, it has often seemed as if there were two Nancy Reagans, one whom the public loves to criticize and a private, gentler version. In his latest book, Deaver (A Different Drummer) writes about a Nancy Reagan most people have never gotten to know. Deaver is not blind to his subject's failings, but he argues that the public has never really understood what Nancy is about. Her involvement in political matters, her impatient and intimidating demeanor and her take-no-prisoners attitude stemmed, he says, from a genuine desire to protect and shield her husband from those who had something other than his best interests at heart. Throughout the trials that have plagued the Reagans' lives, from the assassination attempt to the president's affliction with Alzheimer's, Nancy has stood unfailingly by Reagan's side, even if he can no longer stand by hers. "It was always about him," Deaver explains. This is not a comprehensive biography, nor does it seek to push a political agenda. More than anything, it is deeply personal, a moving tribute to the Nancy Reagan he got to know over the many years in their personal and professional relationship. His poignant writing portrays a determined and courageous woman who throughout her life has been motivated by one thing: love. Politics was just noise in the background. 8 pages of b&w photos not seen by PW.
