REVIEW: Differ We Must by Steve Inskeep

 

In this book, Inskeep, a morning anchor on NPR, draws on 16 interactions with well known Washington politicians, at the time (although we have forgotten them) that Lincoln had. While the stories and chapters were very interesting and informative, there wasn't anything new or compelling insofar as the argument that these interactions helped Lincoln actually develop his policies. I very much enjoyed the anecdotes about the President under pressure, who exhibited some humanity. 

I very much enjoyed the chapters about the women in his life - there's a chapter about a female army private and, of course, Mary Todd Lincoln (who apparently suffered from some mental ailments).  The book itself is easily accessible and very readable, but I don't think that there is anything groundbreaking in it.  

Definitely worth the read but make sure your expectations are adjusted accordingly.