Close Calls: How Eleven US Presidents Escaped from the Brink of Death

Close Calls: How Eleven US Presidents Escaped from the Brink of Death is a fascinating and fast-paced look at the moments when history nearly changed forever. Through gripping, well-researched accounts, Spradlin reveals how presidents from George Washington to Ronald Reagan narrowly avoided assassination, accidents, and illness. Each chapter reads like a suspense story, combining historical detail with a sense of urgency that keeps readers hooked. The book balances drama with fact, offering insight into the vulnerability and resilience of the nation’s leaders. Spradlin’s accessible writing makes complex historical moments come alive and is appealing to both young readers and adults interested in US history. Beyond the thrilling near-misses, the stories highlight courage, luck, and the unpredictable twists of fate that have shaped the presidency. Close Calls is an engaging, educational read that shows just how close America has come to rewriting its own history.

(Reviewed by an Official Good and Beautiful Reviewer)