This book is very interesting. I had a hard time putting it dow. The book covers Michael Reagan's life and the personal obstacles he has overcome. The book is centered around Michael's belief that his parents never really loved him because he is adopted. Michael has sure had his share of ups and downs in life from being molested as a child and having to tell Ronald and Nancy Reagan about it years after the fact. (The Gipper wanted to go after the guy) to Michael finally growing up and discovering an identity of his own. This book will definitely give you an insiders view in to the Reagan's family life.

Michael Reagan had a painful life, including sexual abuse. It took him until he was forty to straighten himself out. He started out to write a score-settling attack on Ronald and Nancy Reagan, but changed his mind and courageously avoids the easy way out of passing the blame. The book is heartfelt and moving, but though sympathetic to the First Family, it confirms some negative aspects of their image. Having done this, though, Mike apparently felt that once was enough, and he has now made a career as a right wing talk show host out of attacking and blaming others on the flimsiest evidence. This book has all the virtues that his later career so conspicuously lacks. Where did they go?

Michael Reagan with brutal honesty, and a whole lot guts, tells the gutwrenching but inspiring story of his much traveled life. From living a childhood that included such traumatic experiences as: being ridiculed for being adopted, being brutally molested by a camp councellor, having his parents divorce,and being constantly switched to different boarding schools,Michael grew up feeling very low about himself, and contemplated suicide on several occasions. His young adulthood was marred by consusion and self destructive behavior. While in his twenties Michael racked up staggering debt, had a failed marriage, and was dogged by a failure to hold down a steady job. While the young Michael was not extemly proud of his irresponsible lifestyle he had no great desire to reform himself because his parents, namely his mother, would always bail him out. It was in meeting his current wife Colleen that Michael experienced the turning point of his life. Colleen quickly let it be known that Michael's lifestyle was unaccaptable, and would have to be ended if they were to be together. This was to be Michael's ephinany, and it started the turnaround that allowed him to exorcise the deamons of his past, live a blessed, and honest life, and fully reconcile with his father. This book is sure to be an inspiration to anyone who has lived a trying life, and will provide valuable lessons to anyone who feels as though they are alone and that their life is spinning out of control.

Hyam walks a thin line in this book, that between the Scylla of condoning or trivializing concubinage and the Charybdis of its single-minded condemnation. He begins with non-technical coverage of the psychology of sexuality, and proceeds to contrast official attitudes and the Purity Campaign with imperial scandal and many highlights from individuals important in the history of British Empire. He is convincing in his central thesis on the origins of these conflicts. This book focuses mainly on India, and deals particularly with how British sexual attitudes influenced race relations.

A rewarding but sometimes confusing read, "Britain's Imperial Century" examines the rise and fall of the British Empire everywhere from North America, to India, Africa, and Australasia. Aimed at students, the book is a good, interesting read compared to most soporific textbooks. It is not however an ideal starting point if you are not familiar with the topic. Prof. Hyam assumes a level of familiarity with the subject I found a bit steep, even as a student of British history. Unfortunately, the organization is a bit tricky as well, and jumps from subject to subject with little order. If you know something about the British Empire and are looking for a scholarly, engaging study, Hyam is your man. If you are just poking around - keep going.