While reading this book the reader gets more and more sure that James A. Garfield must deserve more historical recognition, one might say he’s almost forgotten! Horatio Alger's excellent biography should be required reading for all high school students and all Americans, who should see the country as a land of opportunity, learning that any person may make what he wants of himself! It is a rags-to-riches story that amuses as well as informs. It’s truly encouraging to be reminded that a sincere, frugal, pleasant, and scrupulous man like James A. Garfield, who was brought up in a humble, rather poor family, born in a log cabin, no shoes till he was four, could rise through military and political ranks to become America's 20th president. This is a very special book, where Alger wrote about success principles that worked 100 years ago - as they do nowadays. Thus, any of us can use these principles to achieve what we desire. James A. Garfield reached his aim without compromising his steady personal values or his integrity. It’s strongly recommended for those readers who still believe in the ‘American Dream’ and who try hard to achieve a goal of any difficulty and ultimately succeed.