The Man He Became

How FDR Defied Polio to Win the Presidency

By: James Tobin

Narrated by: Charles Constant

When polio paralyzed Franklin Roosevelt at the age of thirty-nine, people wept to think that the young man of golden promise must live out his days as a helpless invalid. He never again walked on his own. But in just over a decade, he regained his strength and seized the presidency.

This was the most remarkable comeback in the history of American politics. And, as author James Tobin shows, it was the pivot of Roosevelt's life-the triumphant struggle that tempered and revealed his true character. With enormous ambition, canny resourcefulness, and sheer grit, FDR willed himself back into contention and turned personal disaster to his political advantage. Tobin's dramatic account of Roosevelt's ordeal and victory offers central insights into the forging of one of our greatest presidents.

©2013 James Tobin (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Tobin's balanced and detailed approach offers a well-rounded look at a slice of F.D.R.'s life generally obscured from popular accounts, and it makes for fascinating reading." ( Publishers Weekly Starred Review)

Good slice of life bio

I've been underwhelmed by the full length FDR bios I've listened to or read (Smith, Daniels) and come to prefer books like this that focus on a period of his life. This one is centered around his battle with polio in the 1920's and it's well written and perceptive. The Richard Moe book about his 3rd term run in 1940 is another good one.

The narration was only adequate.

Captivating and Informative

What made the experience of listening to The Man He Became the most enjoyable?

I found this book intriguing because it not only told the story of FDR's terrible struggle with polio but also included scientific information about how the disease ravages the body. I have read many books on FDR but never one that went so deeply into his fight with polio.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Man He Became?

I found the retelling of FDRs initial battle with the disease, the several misdiagnoses, and the despair he felt to be unforgettable.

What about Charles Constant’s performance did you like?

Excellent reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

A very well written, well researched, interesting book.

Polio a life enhancing journey

Having contracted polio in 1954 I now have a better understanding of my journey. I have been and still are president of my business plus being chairman of various organizations including Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries and the UC sailing team. Not president of a country still a journey polio helped as it did for FDR.

Insightful but can be monotonous at times

What made the experience of listening to The Man He Became the most enjoyable?

Insight into the life of FDR and the way he powered through his challenges.

What did you like best about this story?

The way he proved that regardless of handicap, a person can rise to the pinnacle of society.

Which character – as performed by Charles Constant – was your favorite?

FDR.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Worth a read if you are figuring out how to overcome a handicap or want insight in to the life of FDR.

FDR fights for his life

To achieve what he did after the onslaught of Polio was almost unbelievable. Medically and emotionally it was an amazing achievement. He fought for his life.