Richard Nixon: California's Native Son Hardcover – September 1, 2023

I really enjoyed reading this book...the author had no agenda in describing President Nixon's California life experiences...after reading countless Nixon books that had a lot of negatives finally a book that has a lot of positives depicting the incredible life of a truly great man...Richard M Nixon.

By mining hundreds of pages of previously un-examined local archives in Southern California, Paul Carter unveils a fuller picture of the political phenomenon known as “Nixon” than that readers generally see. For years, the missing link in the telling of Nixon’s story was how he developed the political style and acumen that carried him in six short years from freshman Congressman to Vice President. That story consisted of warm home in which he was reared (with its emphasis on self-discipline and preparedness ) and the support group that sprung up about him of neighbors, teachers, coaches, supporters, early donors, and lifelong friends that coalesced to help him achieve his goals.These people recognized Nixon’s leadership potential early and provided the organization and wherewithal that enabled him to live out his childhood dream of traveling to far off places and leading a life invested in a cause bigger than himself.It is both surprising and appalling, given the abundance of books we have about Nixon by journalists and professional historians, that few biographers before Mr. Carter bothered to fully explore this important side of Nixon’s story. The files Carter examined relate how others saw Nixon, while he was growing up and making his way into his chosen calling. So many of his predecessors pick up the story after Nixon first arrived in Washington.Often, they relied more on the memories of Nixon critics than supporters. Carter takes a step back from the Herblock caricature of an unshaven Nixon emerging from a sewer covered in muck. His focus is what there was about Nixon that caused so many who knew him best to invest their time and resources in his advancement and the extent to which he went to show them his appreciation.Warning: This is not a full account of Nixon’s presidency. His China and other policies are more fully examined elsewhere. Instead, readers will see how Nixon was able to see beyond corners to take his country and the world to a different place.Alvin S. Felzenberg, author, “The Leaders We Deserved…Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game” and “A Man and His Presidents: The Political Biography of William F. Buckley, Jr.”

I found this to be a well written examination of Richard Nixon’s family roots. Given the volume of writing on the man’s eventual downfall, I can forgive the hagiographic tone of this book.

Great book for history buffs

The most unique political biography I’ve ever read. As a native Californian myself, the descriptions of places in Southern CA during Nixon’s life are fascinating. The emphasis on Nixon’s love for his wife, his family, his friends and classmates, his town, his faith, and the country are a service and honor to who Richard Nixon really was.

Was a fantastic read. Well researched and loved the California native son viewpoint.

Readers who consider the Nixon era to be ancient history and RMN to be one of our most villainous leaders, need to read this book for a more nuanced perspective on this uniquely American politician. Unfortunately, the public's perception of our 37th president has degenerated into a Herblock caricature because of the unceasing focus on the Watergate scandal. This book focuses on his early years in California and his return there in disgrace during his later years. His Quaker upbringing, natural politeness, humor, and kindness to distant relatives, old classmates, and early political allies and opponents as well as his relationship to his wife, Pat, during his 53-year marriage should resonate to a new generation of readers. They will be reminded that he failed to contest his razor-thin defeat to JFK or to engage in a prolonged impeachment trial because he feared disruption of democratic institutions and permanent damage to our Constitution. What a concept!

Paul Carter captivates with his intimate stories of President Nixon. This book is a refreshing view of a true American leader and his personal relationships. While I have no doubt it may be met with some resistance, California Native's Son unapologetically dives deep into Nixon's talents, great achievements and finesse. Fascinating!