Review: "Killing Reagan" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

I read Killing Lincoln by these authors and although I found it wonderful, I had no interest in Killing Reagan until it was recommended by my best friend. Once I started, I didn’t want to put it down. This covers the story of Ronald Reagan and how he went from a Hollywood actor to the most powerful man in the world. It details not only his time as president but also the background and the politics of the men who came before him. In conjunction, it also focuses on John Hinckley and the part he played in Reagan’s life. Although Reagan seemed to recover from the assassination attempt with no ill effects, it explains how this may have brought on the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and cut his life short.

The book is written in chronological order which enables you to understand exactly what is going on. The authors are methodical with their information. Although the book is about Reagan, it is written realistically, exposing his idiosyncrasies, likes and dislikes of his fellow actors and politicians and also their thoughts about him. It follows the events in not only in Reagan’s life but the world at the time.

I strongly recommend this book. Although nonfiction, the writing style does not bog you down with unnecessary facts and you keeps you turning pages. This can be read and enjoyed by anyone who has a keen interest in the politics of the 80’s particularly the Reagan era.