Rating: 
Summary: A Keeper
Review: I thought this book was very good. It is Bush's own writings thought out his life. It was very interesting and enjoyable! Easy reading and it shows the real Bush - a true man of integrity!
Rating:
Summary: Suprisingly moving look at the first President Bush
Review: Heard the taped version of MY LIFE IN LETTERS AND OTHER
WRITINGS by George Bush . . . I liked the fact that he was
one of the readers, along with Barbara Bush and other members
of his family . . . since the former president does not plan to write his autobiography, this collection of letters, diary entries and memos--with his accompanying commentary--fills the void . . . I was surprised that I liked this as much as I did . . . it helped me gain insights into his career highlights, but also about Bush the man . . . I found his entries to be most interesting for their candor, poignancy and humor.There were many memorable passages; among them:
* [when the NATIONAL EXAMINER came out with the shocking
news that Saddam Husssein, Queen Elizabeth and Bush were all
blood relatives, he moved quickly to reassure his team]
10-25-90 FROM THE PRESIDENT TO: The Vice President
Sec State
Sec Def
NSC Adviser
Chief of Staff
Director of Central Intelligence Disclaimer--
No decisions I make will be affected by relationship with Saddam
Hussein. The Queen and I would have it no other way. George Bush 8 [to his wife on their anniversary]
January 6, 1994 For: Barbara Pierce From: GHWB Will you marry me? Oops, I forgot, you did that 49 years ago
today! I was very happy on that day in 1945, but I am even
happier today. You have given me joy that few men know. You
have made our boys into men by bawling them out and then,
right away, by loving them. You have helped Doro be the
sweetest greatest daughter in the whole wide world. I have
climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even
that cannot hold a candle to being Barbara's husband. Mum
used to tell me: "Now, George, don't walk ahead." Little did
she know I was only trying to keep up--keep up with Barbara
Pierce from Onondago Street in Rye New York. I love you! * [on aging from a letter he wrote to his children on 9.23.98]
Then there's memory. I'm still pretty good at faking it. "Well,
I'll be darn, how in the heck are you?" or "long time, no see!"
or "What you been up to?" or if I want to gamble, "How's your
better half?" Careful of this last one at both 73 and 74 though.
The better half crop is getting a little thinner. Death has
claimed some "better halfs" and over the years some have
been dumped.
Rating: 
Summary: Great insight of a true moral, political mind.
Review: If you enjoyed Tom Brokaws "The Greatest Generation" but wanted to see more, you will love this book. President George Bush shows, through his letters, how to assurt, love, and lead. I am 27, and after reading this book I now know that real men can be sincere as well as stolid. Thank you Mr President.
Rating:
Summary: A man of high integrity, a highly under rated POTUS
Review: Former Pres. GHW Bush has lived the equalivent of three lifetimes, it seems, because of what he has been privilaged to do. Naval avaitor, shot down in the Pacific and almost captured by the Japanese, Young entrepenuer in the West Texas oil business, U.S. Congressman, Envoy to China, Chair of the RNC, Ambassador to the U.N., CIA Director, Unsuccessful candidate for president in 1980, Reagan's running mate and Veep for 8 years, and then POTUS in his own right. This book traces him through all those stages. He shows that he was a very dedicated public servant, that served the US in every facet thinkable. A truly great book by a truly great man.
Rating:
Summary: Opinion of a token Brit
Review: When I started to read this tome, I was admittedly a tad pre-judgmental. After all, this is a look at the life of George Bush, father of good ole' Dubya. During the election, I'd watched the media virtually strip the whole Bush family of their dignity. I'd listened to both sides of the election debate, and being a UK citizen, couldn't honestly understand what all the fuss was about. I'd always assumed (though I'm embarassed to admit it)that GB and his son Dubya were victims of white-rich-boy syndrome. And, I did expect the same from Bush Snr's book. Under the pretense of supporting my husband's Republican interests, I snuggled up on the sofa with a blankie and a hot toddy, and settled in for what I thought would be a tedious read (thus the blankie..). After the first 10 or so pages, however, I began to enjoy the book. I began to see a naive, frightened young man, out on his own for the first time, terrified of both his own naivete and the War. His sense of morality, family life and loyalty, even then, were obvious. As I read further, one theme kept revolving wonderfully in my head - that of his love for Bar (Barbara Pierce-Bush). Call me a sucker, but a guy who so clearly adores his beloved can't be all that bad. A picture was emerging of a man who loved and lived strongly and passionately - not exactly what I was expecting. The more I read, devouring the letters from his fledgling years as a businessman with Zapata, and his political trials and tribulations, the more I saw the human side of George Bush. And I liked it. The letters themselves do range from tear-inducing, heartwarming and funny, to quite honestly, brain-numbingly boring (at this point I'll advise readers to read EVERY letter - it's essential American history..don't think you can skip and miss a couple!) But even through the not-so-stimulating letters, you are always reminded that above everything, George Bush is an American, with a loyalty and passion towards both his family and his country that is rarely seen. Read this book. If you're American, it's essential reading. If you're not, then read it anyway - just to see an amazing collection of letters that illustrates one American boy's life. Bravo, George!
Rating:
Summary: George Bush, Sr. can sure write a letter!
Review: All The Best, George, is a wonderful collection of the letters and other writings of (former) President George Bush. I was impressed not only by Bush's intelligence, unabashed patriotism and sentimentality, love of life and his family, and strong moral fiber, but by the realization that here is a person with excellent manners, a true gentleman. As a former liberal who is growing more conservative with age (and is hopefully picking up some ladylike manners in my dotage), I wish I had appreciated President Bush (Sr.)'s sincerity and integrity more during his term in office. Instead, I voted differently, and these letters illustrate qualities that, sadly, have not been much in evidence on Pennsylvania Avenue during the past 8 years.
Rating: 
Summary: Booooooring, unreadable....................
Review: Maybe its because I am a Generation X-er... I couldn't even getthrough this book... its absolutely in my humble opinion(((((UNREADABLE))))Parts of it were sweet like the letter GB wroteabout the death of his young daughter...(I have been to PresidentBush's Library at Texas A&M University a few times....but for somereason, didn't quite get that glimpse into his feeling for his youngdaughter)... I am sure I'll find some value out of this sooner orlater but.... (((I liked the into pages that introduce all themeaningful people, gives a goood hard solid Geneology to his family)for that the book is worth it.... Like a Good dictionary....To date Ihave read all the Bush's books, Barbara Bush's book and GeorgeJr's... I couldn't get through this one...This is the worst book I'veread all year long.. I think the only book out of HUNDREDS that I haveREAD that I HAVE NOT AND REFUSED TO FINISH..... Colin' Powells bookand Norm Schwarzkoff's were far better and more funny andconversational.... You can certainly see why George Bush becamepresident, honorable, classy guy, inteligent (far beyond the scope oftoday's youth)in his youth... I can't tell you how Glad I am that Idid NOT pay the full price for this book... Well, at least it willcomplete my collection of having the entire BUSH collection.... BuyBarbara Bush's Book, its far more conversational and"chatty" than George Seniors...although it has that lame40's 50's style... you get more insight... and George Jr's (currentpresident is worth a glance) or 2... Try the library on George Jr'sbook, first.... Eitherway I am a BIG fan of keeping... in Business, soI don't consider either purchase a loss....
Rating:
Summary: Who knew?
Review: It is hard to believe the same man who said, "This will not stand," is the same guy who wrote such WONDERFUL letters to his children, grandchildren and friends. We have always known that family and friends were very important to the Bush's, but now we understand why. I truly LOVED this book. George Bush has a wonderful style of self-deprecating, "I don't take myself too serious" humor. I could picture all the scenarios he wrote in his diaries from granddaughter Ellie in the bathroom to his discussions with Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. It's great he was willing to share these letters and thoughts with us. It gave me a greater appreciation of our former president and his family.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: This book truly embarks on a historic journey into the life of George Bush. The letters take you through the triumphs and failures of the 41st president. You leave the book with a great understanding of what this great man stands for and what he believe.......
Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Mr. Bush
Review: George Bush does not intend to write his memoirs. He feels that his wife's book BARBARA BUSH: A MEMOIR and the book he wrote with Brent Scowcroft A WORLD TRANSFORMED told the story of his family life and his public one. But then his editor suggested that what was missing was "a personal book, a book giving a deeper insight into what his own heartbeat is, what his values are and what has motivated him in life." She suggested he publish a book of the letters he wrote during his life, along with journal entries. It was a brilliant idea! At no time is this book boring. It starts when he was a young man writing letters home to his mother and father while training to fight in World War II. To me, his letters and journal entries sounded just like my dad's. He used the word "swell" a lot, talked about the girl back home and his feelings on the situation he found himself in. There was pride of country and the longing to be able to come back home and continue a normal life. The book continues with letters written during the early years of his marriage, the loss of their daughter and eventually getting into politics. One chapter deals with their stay in China where he was an ambassador. He writes of how it felt to be so far from home, but eager to learn everything about the country they were in and also to be a good representative of the country they came from. The chapters continue with his time as Director of the CIA, vice president, president and then back home to a life with his family in Texas. The letters are very diversified. They are to his mother and father, his wife, his children, grandchildren, friends, but also to other leaders, both home and abroad. Some are written with a sense of humor, a lot of them with love, some to people who had written him critical letters, and some in times of events that were deeply troubling to him. George Bush is a thoroughly decent man who loves his country, his family and his life. That comes through in the book. At some parts, I laughed out loud, at others a tear came to my eye but mostly I felt happy that he allowed these letters and thoughts to be printed.
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