Mornings on Horseback

Title: Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child who Became Theodore Roosevelt
Author: David McCullough
Genre: Biography
Pages: 370
Rating (out of 5 stars): ***1/2
Reviewed by: Ben
Description: A biographical sketch of not just Theodore Roosevelt, but of his whole family.  The book describes what it was like growing up a Roosevelt, and follows Teddy only until about age 30, a full twelve years before he became president.  Rather than give a full biography, the goal of the book is to help the reader understand how Teddy became Teddy, one of our most iconic presidents.
Thoughts: This is another great McCullough book, full of interesting detail and extremely well-written, as I've come to expect from McCullough.  I did find it fascinating to learn about Theodore Roosevelt's upbringing in one of the super-rich families in New York.  My only complaint really is that it ends too early; I wish it had at least covered his life up until he became president.  Instead, we miss out on any information about his rise in politics or his time with the Rough Riders and the Battle of San Juan Hill.  On the other hand, the focus of the book allows much more detail about Teddy's upbringing in a truly unique family.  So, there's trade-offs there, I guess.  Overall, another solid book from David McCullough.
Disclaimer: None.

Eldorado

Title: Eldorado
Author: Baroness Orczy
Genre: Classic (19th century adventure/romance)
Pages: 352
Rating (out of 5 stars): ***1/2
Reviewed by: Ben
Description: A sequal to The Scarlet Pimpernel, Eldorado picks up the plot and follows Sir Percy and his gang back to France who seek to rescue the young King Louis XVII from the hands of the French Revolution.  But the plot thickens when one of the Scarlet Pimpernel's gang ignores his command and endangers the Pimpernel himself.
Thoughts: This is the kind of fun, light-hearted book that I have a hard time putting down once I start.  I'm a sucker for intrigue and twisting plots, and this has plenty of those.  My only complaint is that it might be a bit over-dramatic at points, but you have to expect that with these kind of books.  Overall, a very worthy sequel to The Scarlet Pimpernel, and if you liked the first one you should pick this up as well.
Disclaimer: None.