<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Meacham#Bibliography">Meacham's biography on Jefferson</a>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Meacham#Bibliography">Meacham's biography on Andrew Jackson</a>
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Grant
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Washington: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1776_(book)">1776</a> by McCullough
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Adams_(book)">Adams</a>. Fabulous book, companion to the HBO show, single-handedly gave me a deep appreciation for New England and a desire to find a companion like Abigail. His sheer work ethic is inspirational.
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._J._Baime">Truman via the accidental president</a>. Embodies the spirit of ordinary Americans rising to the occassion to serve not only their country, but the world.
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Theodore Rosevelt: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_River_of_Doubt">River of Doubt</a>
American Idealism. American Exceptionalism without pomp of monarchy. Willingness to do what is best for America domestically and internationally, and sense of adventure as a way of self-improvement embodies the innovative, curious,entreprenurial culture of Americans.
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton_(book)">Hamilton</a> by Chernow
Incredibly humble beginnings, endowed with prodigious financial acumen. Devised robust systems which encourage faith in humanity but are not vulnerable to the most evil of men.
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_(book)">Grant</a> by Chernow, who was most impressive in his resilience coming from humble beginnings, being orphaned, and rising up to earn his respectthroughthe military, and leading on the battlefield, not in an office.
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Story about colleague @ c1 whose background was John quincy, lost a bet.