“Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan” by Del Quentin Wilber [BOOK REVIEW]
“Rawhide Down” by Del Quentin Wilber is a gripping account of the near assassination of President Ronald Reagan. Wilber takes readers minute-by-minute through the events of that fateful day in 1981, providing a detailed and riveting narrative of the assassination attempt, the response of the Secret Service, and Reagan’s remarkable recovery. This book offers a unique and chilling perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.
About the Author:
Del Quentin Wilber is an American author and journalist known for his extensive coverage of crime, law enforcement, and national security issues. He has worked as a reporter for The Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post, winning accolades for his investigative reporting and in-depth analysis. Wilber’s expertise in these areas shines through in his meticulous research and compelling storytelling in “Rawhide Down.”
Rawhide Down [BOOK SUMMARY]:
“Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan” by Del Quentin Wilber provides an in-depth and captivating retelling of the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Wilber meticulously reconstructs the events of that day, offering a gripping narrative that sheds light on the bravery of those involved and the resilience of the President.
The book begins by setting the stage, detailing the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., during the early 1980s and the security measures in place to protect the President. Wilber then takes readers through the events of March 30, 1981, when John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel.
“The chapters that detail the assassination attempt and its immediate aftermath read like a thriller. In clear prose, we learn that Reagan was far closer to death than was previously thought.”
David Baldacci, The Washington Post
Wilber provides a minute-by-minute account of the assassination attempt, describing the chaos, confusion, and heroic response of the Secret Service agents on the scene. He explores the immediate aftermath, the swift medical intervention, and the race to get President Reagan to the hospital.
Through interviews with key individuals involved, including Secret Service agents, medical personnel, and White House staff, Wilber offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intense efforts to save Reagan’s life and maintain stability in the wake of the shooting.
“A page-turner from beginning to end… You will learn a lot about an event that came razor-close to changing America forever.”
Bill O’Reilly, author of Killing Lincoln: The Assassination that Changed America Forever
“Rawhide Down” also delves into the personal and psychological aspects of the assassination attempt. Wilber explores the motivations of John Hinckley Jr. and the impact of the incident on President Reagan, his family, and his administration. He provides insights into Reagan’s remarkable recovery and his unwavering spirit during a challenging time for the nation.
The book not only focuses on the individuals directly involved but also examines the broader implications of the assassination attempt. Wilber discusses the changes in security protocols and the lasting effects on the Secret Service’s approach to protecting the President.
“Newly revealing… A fast-paced book that captures many points of view.”
Janet Maslin, The New York Times
In conclusion, “Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan” by Del Quentin Wilber is a captivating and well-researched account of the events surrounding the attempted assassination of President Reagan. Wilber’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with his compelling storytelling, provides readers with a deeper understanding of the bravery displayed by the Secret Service, Reagan’s remarkable recovery, and the lasting impact of the assassination attempt on his presidency. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, politics, or the resilience of a nation in the face of adversity.
Main Takeaways:
- The Heroism of the Secret Service
Wilber highlights the exceptional bravery and professionalism displayed by the Secret Service agents in their swift response to the assassination attempt. Through meticulous research and interviews with key individuals involved, he reveals the dedication and sacrifices made by these agents to protect the president.
- Reagan’s Remarkable Recovery
The book explores President Reagan’s resilience and determination to recover from the assassination attempt. Wilber delves into the details of Reagan’s surgery, his physical and emotional struggles, and the impact of the incident on his presidency.
- The Impact on Reagan’s Presidency
“Rawhide Down” examines how the assassination attempt influenced Reagan’s presidency and policy decisions. Wilber delves into the aftermath of the incident, including the effect on Reagan’s popularity, the heightened security measures, and the impact on his approach to domestic and foreign policy.
Related Books:
- “Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
- “The Day John Died” by Christopher Andersen
- “The Killing of Uncle Sam: The Demise of the United States of America” by Rodney Howard-Browne and Paul L. Williams
Rawhide Down [BOOK DETAILS]:
FROM GOODREADS: On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was just seventy days into his first term of office when John Hinckley Jr. opened fire outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, wounding the president, press secretary James Brady, a Secret Service agent, and a D.C. police officer. For years, few people knew the truth about how close the president came to dying, and no one has ever written a detailed narrative of that harrowing day. Now, drawing on exclusive new interviews and never-before-seen documents, photos, and videos, Del Quentin Wilber tells the electrifying story of a moment when the nation faced a terrifying crisis that it had experienced less than twenty years before, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.With cinematic clarity, we see Secret Service agent Jerry Parr, whose fast reflexes saved the president’s life; the brilliant surgeons who operated on Reagan as he was losing half his blood; and the small group of White House officials frantically trying to determine whether the country was under attack. Most especially, we encounter the man code-named “Rawhide,” a leader of uncommon grace who inspired affection and awe in everyone who worked with him.Ronald Reagan was the only serving U.S. president to survive being shot in an assassination attempt.* Rawhide Down is the first true record of the day and events that literally shaped Reagan’s presidency and sealed his image in the modern American political firmament.*There have been many assassination attempts on U.S. presidents, four of which were Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy. President Theodore Roosevelt was injured in an assassination attempt after leaving office.
My Goodreads Review:
Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan by Del Quentin WilberMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was still young when this happened. Reading this book made me understand more the roles of the Secret Service when it comes to protecting the US president.
The book is detailed account of the dramatic events surrounding the 1981 assassination attempt on President Reagan. The author brings to life the heroism and quick decisions that saved the president’s life, making it a must-read for history and political enthusiasts.
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