I am a huge fan of Teddy Roosevelt. And Jeff Shaara helps bring him to life in this historical fiction. The book starts with “Teedie” as a young boy causing apoplexy in the house with his animal specimens left cooling on the same ice as the family’s milk or stored in the laundry cabinet. It moved back and forth through his life, using an interview with his biographer as the plot mechanism. I can’t say it was entirely successful, as those chapters would tend to slow the flow down.
I thought I knew a lot about Roosevelt, but this book gave me greater insight into the thoughts and beliefs that led to his political stances. Despite his privileged background, he was a strong believer in equality between the rich and the working classes. He was a firm believer in the suffragist movement. He wasn’t quite as open about equality of the races but still believed that no individual should be denied the ability to move forward based on their own merits. Listening to TR talk about his political beliefs, it was obvious not much has changed over the last 100+ years and we’re still just fighting a lot of the same old battles.
What impressed me about TR is that he wasn’t fearless. Rather he faced his fears and worked hard to vanquish them. Likewise, he wasn’t so much healthy as determined to overcome his health issues. He didn’t suffer fools or foolish ideas. My favorite part of the book was how he managed in the Spanish American War, getting around idiotic orders.
Roosevelt was a huge personality. Shaara manages to give us a true feeling for the man without making him come off as a cartoon hero. He confronts his mistakes (his Bull Moose run for President), although maybe not in as much detail as I would have liked. His list of accomplishments is mind boggling, whether the number of acres preserved, his Nobel Peace Prize, the laws passed to protect the common man. Truly one of our best presidents ever.
This is my first book by Jeff Shaara, but it won’t be my last.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

Jeff Shaara has done it again! I have read other books by Shaara and they were great, but when I saw a,book in which Theodore Roosevelt was the topic, I was a bit skeptical. I was so wrong!

I opened this book and was immediately gripped into the story. Being told in the first person, The Old Lion has Theodore Roosevelt telling his own story - from early childhood until his death. Shaara, through the use of various sources, is able to create vivid descriptions and dialogues of Roosevelt's various adventures and discussions - political and non-political. Though obviously historical fiction, it reads more like a very well-written autobiography or even a transcription of Roosevelt himself telling his life stories!

A great read and if you like historical fiction about the real lives of U.S. presidents, this book is for you!

So I thought I would just skim this book, as I have read quite a bit about Roosevelt before. BUT....I really got sucked in. Though it's presented as fiction, most events were true, and I learned many things I had not come across before. This was well written, and I actually read it in two days. Definitely recommend! Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
As a European I didn't know that much about American history, not having been to school here.
But thanks to Jeff Shaara I feel I've come up to speed. I love this author, he has obviously done a ton of research and writes beautifully.
The book brought TR to life for me and I enjoyed it immensely. I had to pry my Kindle away from my husband who wanted to read the book first! He's a fan too and will be reading it next.
Highly recommended!

Jeff Shaara writes excitement into history. That's the easiest way to explain all his books, and this one is no exception. You get all sides to Teddy Roosevelt, which is refreshing as he was a complicated figure.

We were given 2 days to read this book so I scanned it. I was disappointed because I've read many of Shaara's books (especially the Civil War) and really enjoyed them. The beginning of this book states that this is not a biography, bur a story with Roosevelt as the center point - and exploring his life through Roosevelt's lenses.

It still felt like a biography and in a general sense, it is. I felt the conversational idiom was a bit juvenile - like this book would be good for middle school kids - and I believe it would be. As an adult, you already know TR's story. This unfolds accurately. I believe Mr. Shaara did a good deal of research for this book - but it really is another biography - just told in a middle school voice.

The Old Lion, by Jeff Shaara, is an excellent retelling of the life of Teddy Roosevelt. The author brings to life TR’s larger than life personality, as a child dealing with asthma to his days out West in the Dakota Territory, on to his Rough Rider days in the Spanish-American War, his Presidency, and so much more. I learned so much about the man and his love of his country. It is a long book but well worth the read for those who enjoy history and learning about the men and women so instrumental in the development of our country.

I love Jeff Shaara's books. He has the innate ability to bring history to life, even when you know the outcome in advance you just cannot quit reading. The books grab you right from the start and don't let go. As such, I was a little surprised by the slow pace at the beginning of this book. Roosevelt's youth and education at Harvard (while entertaining) do not have quite the same "hook" as previous novels. (I did learn something new about Roosevelt's forward views on suffrage.) Don't get me wrong, it is still interesting enough to push you along your reading adventure. Of course, once Roosevelt begins his political journey you see the real Bull Moose. I agree with Shaara that Roosevelt is one of our greatest presidents and I think readers will come to the same conclusion when they finish this novel. I started out sounding like I didn't like the book. That could not be farther from the truth. I liked it a lot. I do think it ranks a little lower than my favorite of the Shaara novels - BUT a "lesser" Shaara book is still better than about 95% of all other books being published.

Prior to reading The Old Lion, my experience with Roosevelt was through McCullough's Mornings on Horseback. I was immediately endeared to the man and upbringing that he had which so closely portrayed the Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education I embrace for my children.
Reading Carry a Big Stick by George Grant gave me a beautiful picture of faith for Roosevelt.
Upon beginning this new title, I found neither of these things present. It was a disappointing start. It didn't feel like the Teddy I knew through said sources. However, around 60% the story began to pick up for me. This marked a time of his life that I have a desiring for further reading. Finding Candice Millard's River of Doubt and Doris Kearn Goodwin's Bully Pulpit in the end notes were an encouragement to read said titles even more so.
My thoughts are if you are inclined toward nonfiction, you may find the excellent titles above mentioned more to your liking. However, for fans of historical fiction that want a compelling read, this works.
It just at times represented a different man than the one I had portrayed him to be.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this title ahead of its release.

I received a free ARC ebook of <i>The Old Lion</i> from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Jeff Shaara's books usually open readers up to people and places that are part of our American story. This time he writes of Teddy Rrosevelt, adventurer, war hero, writer and president. Although I enjoyed this work, it suffers in comparison to his others. It took too long to see Roosevelt as more than an entitled rich man. In other Shaara works that I have read, the focus has been on the events and how ordinary people have performed under extraordinary circumstances. The famous leaders or politicians were present of course but not the protagonists.
Even at a young age, Roosevelt was deemed to have an important and worthy future that would matter. There was no doubt that he would do great things for others. For this reader, however, it took awhile for that destiny to become evident.

biographical-novel, famous-author, famous-persons, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, personalized*****

October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919
Against the backdrop of T. R.'s last days and the successive interviews with his biographer comes the story of his life as if told by Roosevelt himself. I've always admired the "Trustbuster" who did his best to hold others to the same high standard that he himself strove for, so I am aware of the extensive research that was done by the author. I found this book to be that from a very gifted storyteller who is able to turn a legend back into a real person. This will be a great gift for one of my family members who majored in history and thoroughly admires this Roosevelt.
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

You can’t read Jeff Shaara's The Old Lion without coming away feeling like you know Teddy Roosevelt--Teedy to his family. Though Teddy began life as a weak child with lots to complain about, his father never allowed him to feel sorry for himself, always provided guidance in how to overcome his shortfalls. That might be why Teddy developed a joie de vivre as he aged that rivaled any problems he faced. He focused this 'never quit, never complain' attitude, mixed with a firm core of justice, on doing right by the common man, those who worked hard their entire life for no other reason than they believed in the American dream. That propelled Teddy through ups and downs, wins and losses, from Assistant Secretary of the Navy who fought in the Spanish American War to president of the United States.

When I started this book, I thought I knew Teddy, would fill in a few holes in my knowledge, but soon realized all I knew was the narrative overlay of his life. I didn't know about his love of the Old West, how he selflessly fought outlaws, his leadership in the charge up San Juan Hill in the Spanish American War, the bias for action that often made him the proverbial 'bull in a China shop, and so much more.

If I had one complaint, it would be jumping forward and back in Teddy's life as Shaara made a point about influences on Teddy's accomplishments. It wasn't clear how much time had passed between the past and present, so I had to page back to figure that out. Annoying? Maybe, but not enough for even a lost star. Highly recommended for those who love American history and biographies of passionate, history-making people.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing an early copy of The Old Lion by Jeff Shaara

There was no doubt from the opening page that Jeff Shaara would once again bring an historical figure to life in The Old Lion---Theodore Roosevelt, cattleman, soldier, politician, adventurer and family man. Theodore Roosevelt knew himself better than anyone, his strengths and weaknesses, his gifts and his demons, and he lived every day "no holds barred".

While traveling through the life of Teddy Roosevelt, readers are aware that he faced many of the challenges that are still with us today: an unpredictable Congress that made enacting laws difficult, campaigns that relied more on darkening the reputation of the opponent rather than developing ideas for change, and racism that kept many Americans from reaching their potentials.

Each of the parts of The Old Lion focus on a particular developing aspect of Theodore Roosevelt as a man who set a goal and worked endlessly to reach it. He faced the truth at every turn and made the best of near-impossible situations.

The use of extensive dialog throughout the book brings the reader closer to Roosevelt as though absorbed into the very essence of what made Theodore Roosevelt such an icon in America's history. His legacy is with us today from the establishment of national parks to the Teddy Bear.

Reading Jeff Shaara is so much more than a read.

No one does it better that Jeff Shaara. When it comes to bringing historical figures and events to life, he shines. As a history major and history lover, I thought I knew a great deal about Theodore Roosevelt. I wasn't totally wrong. Being familiar with his life and times, however, was nothing like seeing it through the eyes of Roosevelt.

True, this is historical fiction, but Shaara backs his story with solid research. You'll feel like you're there, whether through the eyes of the young, terrified boy who feels every breath he takes may be his last. Asthma had him in its grip as a young man and treatments were not only often vomit inducing but painful to the then frail Roosevelt. His father's suggestion that he fight back by making himself stronger, not to mention take up boxing, colored much of his early life. You'll feel his desire to make his father proud.

Later, you're there with him then, just as you are when he loses both his wife and mother on the same day. You'll join him on horseback in the Badlands, during the height of his military fame, as he rears his own family, and enters politics. Most notably, you'll probably understand why many of his political foes wished he'd stayed in the Badlands. You campaign with him, knowing what it's like to be the target of an assassin. You'll travel with him to Panama. You'll feel his ever growing weakness as pain invades, pain only adding to his despair at the loss of his son Quinton in WWI.

That's really only skimming the surface of Roosevelt's eventful, meaningful life. Shaara does an excellent job putting you in his shoes, letting you feel his pain/hopes/triumphs/and more, allowing you to see it all through the eyes of Roosevelt himself. I first encountered a Shaara book while seeking insight into the Battle of Gettysburg as part of my family roots search. I'm delighted to have run into him again and the sometimes exasperating, always amazing Theodore Roosevelt. As is probably obvious, I highly recommend you read this one.

Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for reminding me what I've been missing by not reading a Jeff Shaara book for, well, too long

A departure from the author's "usual" books. As if any of his books can be considered "usual"! Shaara is one of the best authors writing today. His ability to tell a story, backed up by incredible research, is unreal. I have read all of his books (and his father's). Never have I been disappointed.
This time, Shaara steps out and concentrates on just one character, Theodore Roosevelt. So much has been written about TR, but I don't think ever from a "historical fiction" angle. Shaara takes you deep into the mind of Roosevelt, exposing his confidence, his bluster, his doubts, his thinking, his pain. It's just incredible! I have said it before about his books, but I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It's the book of the year for me. Reminds me of Goodwin's Team of Rivals, which is extremely high praise! I sincerely hope that Shaara continues writing in this vein, there are so many interesting Presidents he could write about. And generals, and congressman, and on and on. Better get busy, Mr. Shaara, I'm waiting very impatiently for the next book! Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and advance reading copy of this book.

The Old Lion: A Novel of Theodore Roosevelt
by Jeff Shaara is an excellent historical fiction biography that gives us an insight into one of the most beloved Presidents.

This book is just wonderful. Mr. Shaara doesn’t do what others have done before by creating another nonfiction account of the former President. What he crafts is a wonderful, engaging, realistic, and entertaining novel in the voice of former President Roosevelt himself.

Through this book, we can get a better feel of the human side of the man, not just the facts and dry details of his life, troubles, triumphs, and accomplishments…but the mind behind it. The emotions, the love, the passion, the loss, the drive, and through this, we can better appreciate the man himself….not just the myths, legends, statistics, and facts…but the real core…

Just great!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/16/23.

5 stars

What a wonderful book! Jeff Shaara once again demonstrates his remarkable talent for creating and recreating lives. In this novel he tells the reader about the colorful life of Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

I wish I could have met Teddy Roosevelt. He has always been one of my favorite presidents. He had an extreme affinity for nature and created many national parks and created the governmental body that oversees them. His time as a soldier in the Spanish-American War made him a national hero. He overcame childhood asthma through sheer strength of will and vigorous exercise. His love of his father and his own family was heartwarming to read. He was unpopular for his stance on granting equal rights to women.

As the President, he moved the United States forward into the industrial revolution.

He was often loud and sometimes said unfortunate things, but always spoke his mind. He was a great man at a time when the US needed his guidance.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful novel. I truly enjoyed reading it. Mr. Shaara is a wonderful writer who can create brilliant pictures with his words. Whether he is talking about a person, nature or society, he gives the reader a first row seat to the action. I have read all of his - and his father’s - books, and will continue to do so. I have seldom run across such a talented man.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Another outstanding historical fiction presentation about one our country’s beloved figures. No on does it better than Jeff Shaara when bringing to life history’s notables. He captured Roosevelt’s charm, his boisterousness, his sometimes overwhelming personality, but at the same time readers will see the vulnerability of a young man who so wanted to please his father. His love of nature and his determination to safeguard the natural resources are on full display. Teddy Roosevelt deserved his place on Mt. Rushmore.

TR has to be one of the most fascinating and colorful characters in our nation's history. The body of information that is out there on him is volumous. How does one separate the myth form the legend? The author has managed to do just that. In this expansive narrative of TR, the author has captured the essence of his life by giving us fact and sprinkling it with the sparkle that was part of the allure if him. Thanks Net Galley for this opportunity.

I'm surprised that Theodore Roosevelt doesn't have more historical fiction novels, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was what I was hoping for from a Teddy Roosevelt story. It was written super well and the characters worked well as the same real people. I enjoyed what Jeff Shaara wrote this and can't wait for more from him.

"He crossed the shallow river, more shallow now given the lack of rain, and moved through Medora, which could, at best, be called the little brother to Little Missouri. The town was owned and planned out by a flamboyant Frenchman Roosevelt had not yet met. But the man’s odd reputation was everywhere, inspiring both laughter and greed."