I Love You, Ronnie: The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan

I, like so many others, was saddened by the death of Ronald Reagan just a handful of days ago. Innundated by coverage as we have been lately, one strip of video had a particularly strong affect on me: it was the video of Nancy Reagan stroking the flag that lay over her late husbands coffin. Her hands moved back and forth over it almost as if she were trying to pat out wrinkles from a perfectly pressed flag; and she was speaking to her husband, moving her mouth uttering words unaudible to the public.My eyes welled instantaneously. I immediately remembered why that scene affected me as it did. I remembered reading the letters written by Ronald, saved by Nancy, organized and published in this wonderfully interesting and telling book. I remembered how deeply in love the two were with each other, and how utterly devastating it must be for her to lose such a great husband...such a great friend.If my memory serves me correctly, Reagan held some high position in the acting biz (perhaps it was the Screen Actors Guild), and was introduced to Nancy by a mutual friend (she wanted to be an actress, and I think had done some work...it was some time ago that I read this, so please forgive any inaccuracies), anyway, they hit it off immediately, as is so often the case in relationships of great quality. Almost immediately (like a modern day relationship might start trading e-mails) they began to trade letters. She saved them all, and published them chronologically in this book.He soon after took a job with GE as a corporate spokesperson and was shuttled around the country to speak on the company's behalf (despite his great fear of flying). It was during his time on the road that he really grew comfortable trusting Nancy with his innermost thoughts. And private they are! She was a friend, a lover, a mother (of both him and their children), priest, and parishioner. I was struck by the eloquence in Reagan's writing. His often labeled "The Great Communicator", well, that holds true not just in his ability to give great speaches, he's an equally adept writer. Some of his letters are so tender, passionate, and well composed that it reads more like poetry than a simple letter. I recommend this book to any who would like a deeper, more intimate understanding of who R. Reagan was when the lights were off, and cameras were stowed.Christian Hunter

There is evidently a survey done annually that asks people to rate who the greatest Presidents were to have served this Country. Number one has often been Abraham Lincoln, and he was so chosen again this year. Number two was John F. Kennedy, and number three was Ronald Reagan. I have always been a great admirer of the man, but I never had strong impressions about his wife. This collection of memories by Former First Lady Nancy Reagan entitled, "I Love You Ronnie", portrays Mr. Reagan as one might expect. Of greater interest was what can be learned about this Country's Former First Lady.You do not have to read very far into this book of letters and recollections to understand that their marriage was unique. The bond between them reads more like a fairly tale, and that makes the truth of it all the more unusual. Their story of course has been heading toward its end through the tragedy of Alzheimer's, however even this trial was shared publicly for the benefit it may bring. This book as well will benefit The Alzheimer's Foundation as well as The Presidential Library Of Mr. Reagan. The last fact is important as it clears the air as to the suggestion this book was written for profit and personal wealth for Mr. And Mrs. Reagan.Mrs. Reagan was often portrayed as a woman who was impossible to get along with, an interference, and a borderline head case when she was alleged to have sought the advice of an astrologer regarding her husband's activities. Her decisions become clearer even if you do not share her belief in the methods she may have consulted, and to why she conducted herself the way she did. This is a couple of nearly 50 years who would write notes to each other when they were only across the room. This is a couple that was as excited about being together decade after decade as they were in the opening days of their initial romance. Their relationship is so lengthy and intense it could almost be called symbiotic.Three months after he becomes President he is shot and very nearly dies. She would later have Cancer, and he would deal with Cancer not once but twice in his administration. They always shared these personal travails with the public in the hope it would help others. They had a special respect for, and a relationship with The American People. Going on National television and telling the Nation mind your own business would not have occurred to this President.The book is also helpful in gaining an insight as to how he evolved via his relationship with General Electric, from a spokesperson for them, to a man that became first the Governor of California, and then the President, twice. Much of what Mrs. Reagan has to say would be dismissed out of hand by more "modern" First Ladies. How she viewed her responsibilities are for readers to judge. For readers who were around and aware of Mr. Reagan's years in office, you will remember they were not perfect, no administration ever has been. But after only a very short time as measured by History, th

Sweet and sincere best describe this lovely collection of love letters from Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan. The media seemed to show that Nancy Reagan was a control freak and overbearing during The White House years, this book tells another story. The story is of a man and a woman deeply in love and totally committed to one another. What impressed me most was the sweetness and the vulnerability of this once very powerful man.Many of the letters have been scanned from the original copies so you get a real taste of the time and the personality of Ronald Reagan. The letterhead is often from various places and penned in his own handwriting. These letters show his most private and personal feelings of loving his wife and just how much she meant to him. You also get some insight into his sense of humor and in his ability to love and express love. I was charmed by the feeling that he never took his position(s) in government life so seriously that he lost his true core and his true heart.At first I was a bit shocked that Nancy Reagan would share something so personal because that was not the impression I once had of her. I also wondered what was in it for her? Fame, she has, fortune? But I later learned the proceeds from this book will benefit the Alzeimers Foundation. Whatever her motivation this is a wonderful surprise of a book and a great way for her to share some really neat things about one of our ex-presidents.

People may not like the Reagan's and that is their loss. The fact is President and Mrs Reagan have the marriage and deep legit soul mate connection that yuppies wax poetic about but know little about in reality.This book is proof positive that true love can be a reality and that two people can connect in such a way that they leave others in awe and I might say a tad bit of envy. But the books also shows that this marriage and lifelong LOVE affair has taken serious effort on a day to day basis. This book puts to words the pictures so many of us remember from his day's as our state's Governor (California) and later as the President of the United States. where they would both look with great fondness at each other, or he would be speaking and she would be beaming with love at him. It also helps put to rest what some of their jealous critics, who said he was pushed into doing things. Or that he was dense and she led him. The fact is, as the book so well shows, they were and are true soul mates who like any real soul mates each have strength as well as the ability to finish each others sentences.And how nice to have an example of what love letters can be and should be, especially after one is married. The Reagans are a great example for those younger, who need to see how to keep a marriage alive, healthy and vibrant. And even men will appreciate the book....My husband who is also named Ron got me the book, for our 34th wedding anniversary which is September 16th. A better gift I could not have gotten.Our prayers are with President and Mrs Reagan. God Bless.

Very touching and emotional. I voted for Reagan twice, and if I'd know that he was such a sensitive man, I would have voted much more than that. I enjoyed the letters from his Hollywood days best, because they showed a young man with bright optimism, and because I'm a sucker for anything from Hollywood's Golden Age (and finally because 'Knute Rockne, All American' is one of my favourite films; "Win one for the Gipper!"). This period also dealt with his experiences as head of the actor's union, a great precursor to his headier political endeavors, and the beginning of his romance with Nancy.The most heart-wrenching parts, though, are Nancy's commentary. She has an amazing ability to get past her fears about Ronnie's current illness, and talk openly about what she was feeling the first time she read these letters (that alone makes this a truly courageous book). In doing so, she creates a powerful central theme: memory and its ability to create and destroy the past.