I would heartily recommend this book for anyone, but it is geared toward children. (I would actually say from 9-12) depending on how much they like to read.


Its preety cool I like it   October 11, 1999
 23 out of 25 found this review helpful

It is one of those vivid and accurate biographies, which can not become old-fashioned with the years. The book describes the early boyhood and young manhood of Abraham Lincoln. It describes the long and not easy way, which Lincoln had to overcome to stay in history as the great and humane American President of the Civil War Years. I underlined the facts, which impressed me the most. Young Abe was the best wrestler for many miles along the midwestern coast. Several years ago I wondered: why sports should be important for politicians? They should be bright in something else - intellectwise. But now I understand that you have to be either in boxing or in karate or in wrestling like Lincoln when you are young. This will help you to overcome numerous defeats when you become older and go into political fights without any rules. Another fact from Lincoln's biography shocked me. He would walk miles to borrow a book. There was no Internet; there were no even libraries in the area where he lived. Why would he go for miles and I am sure it was not always easy for him. How many of my friends would go for miles to borrow a book? I do not know. In addition, the second thing about it. His parents were illiterate; they could not write or read. How and from whom he would know that you have to read books? I found out that one person influenced Abe a lot. That person was his teacher named Zachariaah Riney. From Riney Lincoln got a habit to read aloud to him and would do it for the rest of his life. The third fact from his biography is amazing. Lincoln read every newspaper, which he could find. I ask myself: do I always read New York Times, which I find at home? Alternatively, I prefer to watch cartoons with my brother Kevin. When I think about all of this I come to a sad conclusion: I will never become the President of the great country. However, I hope that at least I will become the Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court. The will power, this is what comes to my mind when I think about Lincoln while reading Sterling North's book. The life was not easy for him. However, he never gave up. I know that life is not easy for anyone. However, most people give up. In addition, they do not become the great Presidents. I was trying to find out what else influenced Lincoln and helped him to become what he became in the future. I am sure it was the environment of Cucumber Trail. It was a small place but Abe could see a larger world from his cabin. All sorts of travelers were passing by their cabin telling all kinds of stories about their life. Pioneers seeking for new land soldiers and even slaves in chains. It reminds me about the city where I live - New York. You can meet the entire world here and know much more about life if you are willing to talk to all these people like young Lincoln used to do. In addition, the last thing, which determined the future of Lincoln, was that his family moved a bit. This was giving to him an exciting feeling of constant adventure. I am sure that this feeling is extremely important for any politician otherwise he becomes and old and boring mosquito who fly's around and disturbs people with his monotonous songs.