A very special review

This post is about a very precious book, I shall reveal the title at the end <3

I hesitate to call this book a biography, because it reads like a novel. Each character in this book is growing and becomes real. Each one I felt like I knew personally. They weren't like characters you read about in a traditional biography, they were dynamic and likeable (or dislikeable if they were a villain!)
Some examples are John Calhoun; the sensitive, caring, and intense thinker, Henry Clay the charismatic, ambitious, friendly and funny guy, Daniel Webster the loyal friend and outdoorsy one, Andrew Jackson, the handsome popular war leader, with a temper that men flee with, Martin Van Buren the scheming "sly fox" who controls a political machines.  The bad guys, although they may appear to triumph at first corruption ultimately will be their downfall. I shall not say which of these characters I mentioned is a bad guy, for spoilers.  Each character though, has his flaws and his strengths. Not even the hero is perfect, each one has a fault.  They do though (some of them) repent of the fault, and grow.

The locations were described as though I was there. The Senate chamber, the frontier, and Fort Hill plantation came alive right before my eyes. I could close my eyes and be there.

The emotions I felt with the characters. I felt happiness, anger, sadness, and excitement.

This book starts out on the frontier, a young boy named John Calhoun grows up and is largely self-taught. John can't get into Yale at first because of his lack of education, but then after intense studying is able.  John defies all odds and gets an education. He falls in love with a girl named Floride, and later marries her.  John is elected as a state Representative in South Carolina. Later John is elected to the US House of Representatives, and plays a major part in encouraging Americans to go to war with England (the War of 1812.)  John becomes Secretary of War under James Monroe. Also, John Calhoun is elected Vice President, under JQA and Andrew Jackson. Andrew Jackson has spies in the White House to spy on his enemies. Andrew also, has an intense hatred for John Calhoun, and Secretary of State Martin Van Buren... jealous of Calhoun plots against him.  A bill is passed, the Tariff of Abominations a controversial bill that charged a 50%-100% tax on foreign made goods. The South is outraged, and Jackson is promoting the bill. Calhoun, believes this bill to be unconstitutional and encourages South Carolina to nullify the law. When Jackson hears about Calhoun's doing, he attempts to murder him.  Jackson (this isn't mentioned but, he actually had a secretary in his secret cabinet control the media) played public opinion against Calhoun.  Calhoun, scared for his life returns to South Carolina, on his way back he contracts a illness...he brushes off at the time but the illness is tuberculosis, which will come back to haunt him. Calhoun resigns being Vice President, and returns as a Senator to Washington.  In Washington many men who claimed to be John's "friend" openly agreed with Andrew Jackson to murder Calhoun. Heartbroken, Calhoun sinks into a bitterness because of his tuberculosis and his so called "friends" betraying him.  

Calhoun's true friends gather around him and convince him to get out of his bitterness. Calhoun grows out of his bitterness, and never enters it again.   Calhoun loves his plantation Fort Hill, and reading the book the author describes the plantation to make you feel there. I've never been to Fort Hill, but its my favorite place on earth :) the way the author paints its image in your mind.

Senator Calhoun becomes Secretary of State to John Tyler. Eccentric Tyler is distracted by political issues at his wedding, so Calhoun comforts the new First Lady and makes her feel at ease in Washington.


Calhoun is reelected to the Senate, but isn't very happy about it. His tuberculosis was drastic weakening him. More then anything Calhoun wanted to retire, but didn't because he felt somebody corrupt will take his place.
Calhoun returns to Washington, and is immediately bedridden. Calhoun laying in bed, has a beautiful flashback scene. By far, the best flashback in literature that I have read, he was picturing young Floride, his children, his plantation... as well as other events.

Calhoun's political opponent, and dear friend Daniel Webster comes to visit him. Webster confides in him, that he is nervous about a speech he has to deliver. Calhoun would love to be there, but was afraid he may not live.  Webster while making his speech doesn't notice Calhoun slowly entering the chamber. Calhoun tried to interupt, but was too weak. Finally Calhoun lets Webster know.  Webster gets emotional, and very touched his friend would be there for him.

Calhoun never left a will because he spent his time "making his peace with God"  The book says his spiritual doubts were resolved, and Calhoun places his trust in God.

Calhoun dies of tuberculosis at the age of 68 on March 31 1850.

 Completely at peace and ease.


There is so much more to the book!

My favorite scene was the Andrew Jackson- John Calhoun stand off. Calhoun risked his life, and his career to go against the popular wind.  I also loved the flashback scene, and the Fort Hill scenes  Calhoun  also stood up against political corruption, and made a choice to stay pure.

The name is John C. Calhoun: American Portrait.

This book inspired me to become a better person, I always was a "good girl" but Calhoun inspired me to stand for being pure, to not be ashamed of my love of intense discussions and politics.  He also inspired me to continue pursuing my dreams even when trials come.  John C. Calhoun, was a character who I could relate to, he reminded me of myself. Other characters such as Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and others reminded me of dear friends of mine.  Also, the beautiful descriptions of people and places just captured my heart like I can't explain <3
Even if you don't like history,  and if you don't like Calhoun trust me you will just the literary quality and dramatic story in this unique book you will fall in love with.

Courageous

Movie Title: Courageous
Rating: D- (or F)


Overall, the plot line of fathers trying to be better fathers was very good. But many of the issues presented were much deeper and more complex then the movie made them out to be. Parts of the movie dragged on slowly, and the acting could have been worked on (especially the running scene)



Also, I know at least six movies that kill off characters named Emily, silly concern but that is starting to be stereotyped, and is rather annoying. Why not give the characters different names? There are plenty of girl names out there.


I know many of my friends love this movie, but I didn't really get into it.