Aspire to the Heavens

Written by Mary Clark

Narrated by Mary Higgins Clark

The man who would become the first president of the United States comes to life in this biographical novel written by acclaimed suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark. Strongly influenced by the gentility and generosity of spirit of his older brother, the young George matures into a devoted and able public servant in both the military and political arenas. Though marked by tragedies and disappointments, his domestic life offers him well-earned solace and satisfaction, especially after his marriage to the young widow, Martha "Patsy" Custis. The humanity and humor behind the "pious legend" emerge from this story of the man who enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life while always in pursuit of the motto “ Aspire to the Heavens.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Phoenix Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 1, 1993
• ISBN: 9781607470007

Mary Clark

Mary Clark spent her formative years in Florida where she was infused with awe and respect for the natural world. She was also aware of the lives of migrant workers, segregation, and the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. She graduated from Rutgers-Newark College of Arts and Sciences. In 1975, she moved to New York City and worked in the arts programs of St. Clement's Church in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. For many years she worked for community organizations and founded a community newspaper.She is the author of Tally: An Intuitive Life (All Things That Matter Press); Community: Journal of Power Politics and Democracy in Hell's Kitchen; Into The Fire: A Poet's Journey through Hell's Kitchen; the poetry novel, Children of Light (Ten Penny Players' BardPress), and Covenant: Growing Up in Florida's Lost Paradise. In her latest novel, Passages, a young aspiring writer explores sex, gender, fame, poverty, and love in 1970s New York City.

Reviews for Aspire to the Heavens

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A lightweight sweet version of the George and Martha story in which it is made quite clear how much George loves Mount Vernon.

[vhartpowers · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An endearing story of Martha (Patsy) and George Washington.

[carolynsuarez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

love the accurate history and the personal glimpse at George Washington.

[moonshineandrosefire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, not too much is known about the private life of George and Martha Washington. In Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington, Mary Higgins Clark relies on extensive biographical and historical research to bring George Washington and his life and marriage fully into focus for readers. Dispelling the widespread belief that although George Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis, his one true love was his best friend's wife, Sally Carey Fairfax, Mary Higgins Clark describes the marriage between George and Martha as one full of tenderness and passion - a bond between two people who shared their lives - even the bitter hardship of a winter in Valley Forge - in every way.For a debut novel, I really thought this book was excellent. I love reading people's biographies and become really immersed in the time periods that are portrayed. I think it was truly a harsh time for both George and Martha Washington as well as for the country as a whole. I give this book an A+!

[mahallett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

because this was m.h.clarke, i thought it would be a mystery. but anyway it was quite interesting, considering chart i am not interested in g.washington.

[cal8769 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Mary Higgins Clark's first book. I was impressed by how the historical facts were correct but the romantic side was just not there for me. I read in the biography, [The World of George Washington] by [[Richard M Ketchum]] that Washington did not keep his personal correspondence. Many historians have pieced his personal life together through other peoples' letters. Knowing this distracted me from liking this book too much.

[jeffersonsambrosia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book, I am not sure if I can find the right words. It is beautiful, a beautiful telling of the love between George Washington and his beautiful wife Martha. It is a charming romp through his memories, his life from child hood and on through. We find him remembering these things from his minds eye as he is giving over the reigns of his government to John Adams. It’s witty, and shows some funny jests about Thomas Jefferson (my all time favorite) and John Adams. This book was simply not long enough for me, I wanted more. I wanted to have more memories from George’s point of view. A wonderful book, that is making me wish to dig out my rev war books right now.

[taegan_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A very cute, easy, breezy read. I enjoyed the history, but kept wondering how much was truly "known" and how much was speculation.

[mramos_710291 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the frist book written by Mary Higgins Clark. This book focuses on the love story of George and Martha Washington. The book takes palce in two timelines. It begins with President Washington preparing to leave public office and return to Mount Vernon with his wife Martha, who liked to be called Patsy. And quickly jumps back to periods of Geroge Washinton's youth. Trying to give us some insight on the man and his relation ship with Martha.A lot of research went into this book. And I learned a lot about one of the founding fathers of the USA. The book is a charming and quick read. You almost are left with the thought of yearning for a few more chapters. It made me want to look further into George Washington's life and career.