What Would Lincoln Do?: Lincoln's Most Inspired Solutions to Challenging Problems and Difficult Situations

As a teenager, which has been several years ago, I truly enjoyed reading anything I could find on Abraham Lincoln. I think it was his quiet strength that fed my interest in him. This book, on numerous occasions, exhibited that quality he possessed which was, in part, responsible for his ability to become perhaps the greatest leader in our nation's history. The author inserted many of Lincoln's letters written to political adversaries, friends, family members, and military officers. These letters brilliantly described his thoughts and intentions in these writings as he grew from a young attorney into a man chosen to somehow mend a country so divided that nothing short of civil war could solve the issues of the day. As I read, I was captivated not only by what Lincoln had written, but by how the author's description of his strategy and purpose of those words made perfect sense, regardless if his purpose was to advise, council, compliment, reprimand or issue an order. I live in Arkansas and hope for the opportunity to someday meet David Acord and tell him personally how very much I enjoyed the book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to know and understand what qualities Abraham Lincoln possessed that enabled him to accomplish a seemingly impossible task. Jim Lewis (Clarksville, Arkansas USA)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It really showed perspective on Lincoln. But it was a surprise to see how well he used his research of Lincoln's letters to show how they can used as a guide for e-mails today. I had a personal reason for reading this book. David Acord is a former student of mine. He was a junior in high school, the first year I taught Gifted and Talented students in a small rural school in Arkansas. I quickly recognized his intelligence and creativity as well as artistic ability. When his mother told me the title of his book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was so pleased to see that he used his love of history and combined it with his business experience. Since I am retired now, I may not be able to use his good advice; but I am sharing this book with my children so they can better use the technology of today. I feel it will really help them deal with their co-workers and bosses. It is so gratifying to see how successful David has become. Our community can be proud. I eagerly await his next book.

You don't have to be a Lincoln fan to enjoy this book. The author brings Lincoln into today's world of e-mails. It is well written and researched. Explaining the context of Lincoln's letters is well done. This book is written in a easy to read, fun style, rarely seen in this serious subject type of book. I found it informational and entertaining. There were several nuggets of information I can use in my work and personal life. Just the right size to take with you for travel, or any time you need to something to do while in a waiting room or called to jury duty. Would definitely recommend!!!

Abraham Lincoln has become so iconic that it is easy to forget he was an actual human who had the same kind of issues in his daily life as we do: people being a jerk to him in public and having a lazy relative, among other things. Lincoln experienced the equivalent of somebody dogging him on Facebook. How does and how should a person respond to such a situation? "WWLD" humanizes the granite statue in Washington and makes him relevant to the 21st century. The book is a handy size and is easy to travel with or to tuck into a handbag. The topics are discussed in breezy, modern, casual prose that makes for a good read. You almost forget you're reading about philosophies of a "Great Man." Instead, you feel like you're getting advice from a wizened uncle. Pick it up!

I probably haven't read anything about Abraham Lincoln since college (more likely high school) but was intrigued after hearing the author interviewed on the radio. What Would Lincoln Do? is a quick and entertaining read (ideal for a plane ride or subway commute). It's also painstakingly researched and includes a wide variety of Lincoln's personal and political writings ... each followed by insightful and often humorous between-the-lines interpretations of what was said and, more importantly, what wasn't. It also illustrates the power of brevity and simplicity in virtually any sort of correspondence ... and the importance of knowing your audience. A letter Lincoln wrote to a political adversary in 1840, for example, could be effectively used today as a guide to crafting concise and effective e-mails to supervisors and colleagues ... as well as to back-biting coworkers and annoying relatives. Lincoln wrote from the heart, but took the time to eliminate unnecessary emotion when responding to emotionally-charged letters. I have to wonder if he would have been as thoughtful a writer if BlackBerry devices and Facebook were available in the 19th century. (Abe is thinking about growing a beard.)