Summary of When the Center Held
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Qualities
- Concrete Examples
- Engaging
- Insider's Take
While the rating tells you how good a book is according to our two core criteria, it says nothing about its particular defining features. Therefore, we use a set of 20 qualities to characterize each book by its strengths:
Applicable – You’ll get advice that can be directly applied in the workplace or in everyday situations.
Analytical – You’ll understand the inner workings of the subject matter.
Background – You’ll get contextual knowledge as a frame for informed action or analysis.
Bold – You’ll find arguments that may break with predominant views.
Comprehensive – You’ll find every aspect of the subject matter covered.
Concrete Examples – You’ll get practical advice illustrated with examples of real-world applications or anecdotes.
Controversial – You’ll be confronted with strongly debated opinions.
Eloquent – You’ll enjoy a masterfully written or presented text.
Engaging – You’ll read or watch this all the way through the end.
Eye opening – You’ll be offered highly surprising insights.
For beginners – You’ll find this to be a good primer if you’re a learner with little or no prior experience/knowledge.
For experts – You’ll get the higher-level knowledge/instructions you need as an expert.
Hot Topic – You’ll find yourself in the middle of a highly debated issue.
Innovative – You can expect some truly fresh ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends.
Insider’s take – You’ll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows her or his topic inside-out.
Inspiring – You’ll want to put into practice what you’ve read immediately.
Overview – You’ll get a broad treatment of the subject matter, mentioning all its major aspects.
Scientific – You’ll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research.
Visionary – You’ll get a glimpse of the future and what it might mean for you.
Well structured – You’ll find this to be particularly well organized to support its reception or application.
Recommendation
In the wake of President Richard Nixon’s resignation, the United States needed someone to unite and help heal the country. Gerald R. Ford was that leader. Donald Rumsfeld draws on notes and memoranda from his time in the administration as chairman of the presidential transition team, White House chief of staff and secretary of defense to relay how Jerry Ford brought balance to the country. Rumsfeld, an engaging writer, describes the challenges, context and successes of Ford’s 1974-1977 presidency while detailing his own role. Rumsfeld’s commentary can seem like Monday-morning quarterbacking, but overall, his approach proves insightful and well-informed. Short chapters make for a well-paced read. This book is a tribute, because this Ford has few warts. But it will be of note to those who enjoy inside looks at presidencies, to anyone interested in the Republican Party’s evolving identity, and to those seeking inspiration about surviving today’s highly charged political climate.
About the Author
Former congressman Donald Rumsfeld was twice US secretary of defense, US ambassador to NATO, envoy to the Middle East and White House chief of staff.
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