Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris KearnsGoodwin

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to presidential history. I

love learning how our presidents rose to leadership and the personal stories that

shaped them. My favorites have always been Abraham Lincoln and Theodore

Roosevelt. (I also enjoy uncovering the ties between my hometown of Buffalo and the

presidency—but I’ll save those stories for another time.)

Doris Kearns Goodwin is one of the most celebrated historians of our time, especially

when it comes to writing about presidents. I had the opportunity to hear her speak at a

national conference a few years ago, and she was captivating. She has a gift for

distilling complex historical moments and legendary leaders into stories that feel human,

relatable, and inspiring. I’ve read several of her books, but Team of Rivals is one of my

favorites.

This biography details Lincoln’s unlikely rise to the presidency, at a time when few

considered him a frontrunner. What stands out most is how he stayed true to his moral

compass while also mastering the art of communication. He worked tirelessly to break

down complex issues into clear, relatable narratives that helped ordinary people

understand not just what he believed in, but why it mattered for the nation as a whole.

Lincoln wasn’t a polished orator by training, but through experience and practice, he

became a storyteller who could hold an audience’s attention for hours.

Perhaps most impressive was his leadership after winning the presidency. Rather than

surrounding himself with loyalists or yes-men, he appointed some of his fiercest rivals to

his cabinet. Lincoln believed that true leaders bring the best minds to the table—even if

they disagree with you. That confidence, humility, and foresight allowed him to unite

people in a time of national crisis.

Team of Rivals is a longer read, but one that is absolutely worth the time. If you’re

interested in history, leadership, or just the story of one of America’s greatest

presidents, this book will not disappoint.