Helpful Score: 11
I thought this was a very good book. I really enjoyed the stories he tells of things that happened in his life. It is really funny in parts. Even if you didn't like him as a president I think you will really enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 11
From the final chapter of George W. Bush's book: "Finally, I thank the men and women of the United States military. While I dedicated this book to Laura, Barbara, and Jenna, nobody did more to inspire me than those who wear the uniform of this country and their families. Their achievements will rank alongside those of the greatest generations in history, and the highest honor of my life was to serve as their commander in chief." This book made me laugh and it made me cry but it also gave me an insight into a man who's decisions influenced a part of my life since I was active duty while he was Commander in Chief. I can't say that all of his decisions were the right ones, but if you have any interest in politics and how decisions are made in the Oval Office than I would definitely recommend reading this particular book.
Helpful Score: 6
Even if you didn't agree with his politics or policies, it's a great read. He is to be commended for telling you his stories without airs or pretense. He explains why he believes what he believes and why he decided what he did. I laughed and I cried and I came away with more respect for the American leader who, no doubt, faced some of toughest challenges of the last sixty or so years. Any easy read, but well worth it!
Helpful Score: 3
An educational read that opened my mind about the wars we faced while Bush was President and helped me understand the decisions that he had to make in 8 years in office. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or just an American, this book is a worthy read for those who want to see a behind the scenes look of Bush's presidency and the world that he had to deal with.
I read the headlines, but didn't completely understand the history behind the conflicts in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After reading this book, I think I know more about the history and the steps that our government took to help these countries build a better democracy. I had no idea that not all of our conflicts were related to 9/11 - yes, maybe I am not the most newsorthy follower, but I am a reader, so maybe I get my facts a little late.
As a DC resident, I have been thoroughly enjoying reading all the books that have a political realm because I know feel surrounded by it all. I think all readers would enjoy this account of Bush presidency, whether you agree with all the decisions he made - this read helped understand all that went behind the decisions he had to make.
I read the headlines, but didn't completely understand the history behind the conflicts in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After reading this book, I think I know more about the history and the steps that our government took to help these countries build a better democracy. I had no idea that not all of our conflicts were related to 9/11 - yes, maybe I am not the most newsorthy follower, but I am a reader, so maybe I get my facts a little late.
As a DC resident, I have been thoroughly enjoying reading all the books that have a political realm because I know feel surrounded by it all. I think all readers would enjoy this account of Bush presidency, whether you agree with all the decisions he made - this read helped understand all that went behind the decisions he had to make.
Helpful Score: 2
Honest... Just like W.
I enjoyed it. Pretty much confirms my suspicions that GWB, Jr. was an OK guy (an average Joe) who tried to do his job in a reasonable deliberate way. Unfortunately he was vilified by "the loyal opposition" for political reasons and he was encumbered with unfortunate Texas accent & a poor turn of phrase. His perspective is important historically and I am pleased to say I read it while all my associates considered him a dunderhead and not worth reading. While I don't think he will go down in History as one of the five greatest presidents, I am sure 50 years from now he won't be portrayed as the personification of evil and will be found to have acquitted himself reasonably well given the world situation and the political realities.
Cheryl (boomerbooklover) -
Good account of the various hard decisions Bush had to make in office, from the 9 11 attacks to the banking crisis.
This is one of the most candid autobiographies that I have ever read. It is good look at Bush's life from his own perspective. He admits that he made mistakes. He also looks back at many of his achivements. It should be standard reading for anyone who wants to understand the man and his presidency.
Horribly boring. Really that is about all there is to say. I enjoy biographies, Laura Bush's was wonderful, but it seemed so much more personal, this was a list of name dropping. To me that is useless, but it is like many other presidental biographies, so I should not have expected more.
My perusal of several chapters confirms that he is a very reticent man, really doesn't like to say a lot. A big contrast from his predecessor.
