Alice Roosevelt Longworth Book Review

ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH BOOK SYNOPSIS

The Other Washington Monument
Alice Roosevelt Longworth became known as "the other Washington Monument" in her lifetime. She lived 96 years from the "gilded Age" of the 1880's through the Vietnam War and into 1980.

Her personality, wit, charm, family devotion and sometimes rage, guided her through the elite of the world. First daughter of the popular President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, her political prowess and advocacy became sought after by presidents and world leaders throughout the 20th century. Known for her "Parlor teas," there wasn't one political icon that didn't seek her conversation and opinion.

Princess Alice
Her early years were filled with turmoil and loneliness. Her mother died giving birth to her and her father left to travel.

Her insecurities fed her desire to prove herself with dashing outrageousness. She created excitement as "Princess Alice" wherever she happened to go.

QUEENIE B SAYS

I LOVED THE BOOK. I read with fascination about this cynical, crazy, intelligent, well read, political genius, crazy lady, who somehow charmed everybody everywhere!!! Alice was selfish, greedy, beautiful, smart, mean, insecure, loyal, hilarious and sought after by men and women alike.

Alice probably got away with more shenanigans then any other person of her Era. In today's world as a progressive woman, Alice would have fit right in. She did what she wanted whenever she wanted. She wasn't a political, movie, or literary star, she just was a presence! When she died, according to her granddaughter’s boyfriend, she stuck her tongue out at him then closed her eyes and passed.

If you love reading stories about strong women of character filled with history, this one’s for you!

ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Alice Roosevelt was an icon of the 20th century. Do you think she would be as popular in today’s world?
2. Do you think Alice Roosevelt was selfish?
3. Do you think the loss of her mother at birth was a huge part of her personality in her teen years?

I want to note that the latest biographical account of Alice Roosevelt Longworth is now out: "Alice" Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker by Stacy A. Cordery, published in 2007.

This book promises to be more detailed and unfolds much more of the political detail of Ms. Alice's profile and her personal life. Being the latest of the biographies, new previously untapped family documents were available to the author giving her the chance to show us a more profound look at Ms. Longworth’s abilities as a political icon of the 20th century. Check back for my full review!

If you want to learn more about the women behind the powerful Roosevelt Clan, check out these other books related to this subject!

Alice by Stacy A. Cordery

The Roosevelt Women by Betty Boyd Caroli

The Roosevelt Cousins: growing up together 1882-1924 by Linda Donn

Nellie Taft, The Unconventional First Lady of the Ragtime Era by Carl Sferrazza Anthony