Non-Fiction Review

Rebirth of a Realist
by David Truskoff
ISBN-10: 1413438873
Review by Heather Froeschl

Can America learn from its past mistakes? How about those in the very recent past? Is it possible that we could learn something from the past words of our leaders? In a time when a lot of Americans feel that all we hear is lip service from our currents leaders, maybe we are due to listen more carefully to the past.

"Rebirth of a Realist" offers the words and wisdom of Henry Wallace and Franklin D. Roosevelt. It offers a relevant look at the Preamble of the Progressive Party Platform from 1948, which could very easily be applied to today's world. But, will we listen?

Author David Truskoff takes us back in the beginning of the book via his journal of 1947. A veteran of the war, happy to be back home but unsure of what his life would be, he hitchhiked across the country to discover himself. His rediscovery of that journal triggers memories of that time, up to the present day as memories have a way of progressing. During the recollection of those he also shares moments of politics and world affairs and brings to life the quotes of those he wishes us to pay heed to.

A work of non-fiction, "Rebirth of a Realist" reads much like a political editorial commentary. It isn't for everyone's tastes, but everyone should hear its message. We cannot sit blindly by when there is much to be done. Younger folks should read it as a means of discovering some truth about America's history through the last century, truths you may not hear about in history class. Those of the "greatest generation" will likely find points within the book to agree upon and nod over as well as others that won't be quite as they recalled.

Truskoff speaks his mind. He is a realist. He offers voices from the past so that we just might listen.