Too Close To Sun

One of the best books I've read of late is Curtis Roosevelt's Too Close To the Sun: Growing Up in the Shadow of My Grandparents, Franklin and Eleanor.

Curtis Roosevelt was three when he and his sister, Eleanor, arrived at the White House soon after their grandfather’s inauguration. The country’s “First Grandchildren,” a pint-sized double act, they were known to the media as “Sistie and Buzzie.”

That means that Curtis Roosevelt is now just shy of 80 years old. Finally, he has come forward to tell his story.

I've read lots of Roosevelt books and yet I find there is always more to read; not just about FDR but about Eleanor as well.
In this rich memoir, Roosevelt brings us into “the goldfish bowl,” as his family called it He recounts his misadventures as a hapless kid in an unforgivably formal setting and describes his role as a tiny planet circling the dual suns of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

You might think the story is sad or that there are some hidden secrets that are finally revealed here. Such is not the case. Curtis adored his grandparents who gave him unconditional love. They were great figures -- larger than life in more ways then one -- but they were also simply good grandparents. And here we get to know them as multi-faceted members of a ruling class with a keen sense of responsibility and a unique ability to balance the public and personal aspects of their lives amidst a great deal of pressure and a grueling schedule.
Blending self-abasement, humor, awe and affection, Too Close to the Sun is an intimate portrait of two of the most influential and inspirational figures in modern American history—and a thoughtful exploration of the emotional impact of growing up in their irresistible aura.

Yes, Curtis was deeply affected by all of this.

He developed a lifelong tendency to shy away from everyday personal relationships and an arresting habit of drifting into his own personal dream world - the Big Stage world of power and influence that surrounded the charismatic Eleanor and Franklin.

The real world of Eleanor and Franklin became a world of memories, mementos and dreamy nostalgia. He never got over them.

This is a compelling read with many never-before-seen photos.

I highly recommend it.