There is much truth and insight to be found in the parallel between Roosevelt’s first hundred days and Obama’s first hundred days in office. Like Roosevelt, Obama is being forced to become a proactive leader who must deftly navigate a harsh political terrain due to a swelling economic crisis.

Obama’s first hundred days aren’t over yet but his ability to organize collations while creating focused agendas will be severely tested in the upcoming weeks.

The following books all take studied looks at how Roosevelt defined America’s unique challenges and the revolutionary leadership role he molded in order to overcome them.

Obviously, there are dangers in drawing parallels, but if ever one were tempted to draw parallels among proactive leaders facing immense uncertainty, this is one case where a comparison could be a lesson.

The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and Triumph of Hope by Johnathan Alter.

FDR: The First Hundred Days by Anthony J. Badger.

Nothing to Fear: FDR’s Inner Circle and the Hundred days That Created Modern America by Adam Cohen.