Presidential Reading Project

I have to admit something. I never like history class in school. I blame the teaching methods (rote memorization of facts and dates, to be specific). I don't think I'm that unusual in my feelings about rote memorization. I know that sometimes it is essential, like with multiplication tables, but when it comes to history I feel like a more effective method of learning would be through hands-on activities and story-telling. Something like Colonial Williamsburg or Conner Prairie.

If I could have identified with those dry, brittle facts in that history textbook maybe I would have developed a deep love of the subject like I did for Spanish and Art (both classes that were full of hands-on activities). As it stands, most of what I know about the US Presidents comes from a song by They Might Be Giants.



I have always regretted my lack of historical knowledge, and I have finally decided to do something about it. Recently I stumbled onto a blog devoted to something called the U. S. Presidents Reading Project. I love the idea behind the project, which is that you basically just start reading nonfictional biographies about all of the U.S. Presidents. That's all. There is no time limit or specific reading order required. The goal is just to read one nonfiction book about each prez, however long it takes.

In beginning my personal version of this project I made a few adjustments:

• I will read about the presidents in chronological order.
• After I have read about the president, I will read a nonfictional biography about their spouse.
• I will try to read about all of the presidents and their spouses within one year (this may or may not happen, and is sort unlikely).

Please let me know if you have any book, audiobook, or movie suggestions. And if you want to do this project, too, let me know!