Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States, was thrust into office on April 12th, 1945. His path to the presidency did not follow a straight trajectory. Truman had been an ordinary American, growing up in the Midwest where he was raised by parents who were unable to provide the benefits associated with rank or status. Truman made up for his lack of pedigree through dedication and hard work. However, hard work did not always mean immediate reward, as was the case with life on the family farm or Truman's numerous business failures. In fact, failure was one of the guiding constants in his life, but the man always managed to overcome obstacles and personal setbacks. This book examines Harry S. Truman, focusing on his long road from ordinary American to president of the United States.