Rating: 
Summary: yawn
Review: .....It is a good thing you came and woke me up I had fallen asleep reading this book. Check it out at the library and don't waste your money.
Rating: 
Summary: Same old Barbara Bush...
Review: ...and I mean that as a compliment Barbara Bush has always been my favorite first lady even though I wasn't too fond of her husband (as President, not personally). Tough and honest but also warm and witty, you always knew where Mrs. Bush stood. This book focuses on the post-Presidential lives of Mr. and Mrs. George H.W. Bush. It's an interesting glimpse into the changes that take place in your life when you are no longer at the epicenter of world power and must adjust accordingly.After reading Reflections, I have gained an even deeper admiration for both Mrs. Bush and the former President. It's clear that they have an extremely close relationship and are true partners in every sense of the word. This book is so much more honest than Hillary Clinton's recent book. Hillary could learn a thing or two from Mrs. Bush. I hope Mrs. Bush continues to write. She is a national treasure.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as her first; but still has some value
Review: After reading Mrs. Bush's first memoir, her husband's second book, and finally this book, I did have a profound respect for her dignity, love for her family, and stamina. Reading between the lines, I did see an elitisism about which she is oblivious. It could be argued it was well earned elitisism. Also, although I respect her refusal to say anything hurtful or scandalous, some of the stories she sugar coated made me think she was either too involved to be objective or just plain trying to manipulate public opinion. The "perfect family" picture is warming to read, but if true, something few can relate to I think. Overall, I enjoyed her books (much more so the first one) but her effort to change opinions on gray issues did not change my mind one bit. The books did, however, make me admire the Bush's as a couple more, the love for their kids and each other, and their principles, even if I did not agree with all of the latter.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her first book
Review: After reading Mrs. Bush's first memoir, her husband's second book, and finally this book, I did have a profound respect for her dignity, love for her family, and stamina. Reading between the lines, I did see an elitisism about which she is oblivious. It could be argued it was well earned elitisism. Also, although I respect her refusal to say anything hurtful or scandalous, some of the stories she sugar coated made me think she was either too involved to be objective or just plain trying to manipulate public opinion. The "perfect family" picture is warming to read, but if true, something few can relate to I think. Overall, I enjoyed her books (much more so the first one) but her effort to change opinions on gray issues did not change my mind one bit. The books did, however, make me admire the Bush's as a couple more, the love for their kids and each other, and their principles, even if I did not agree with all of the latter.
Rating: 
Summary: I have not read the book, but feel the need to comment....
Review: After reading the reviews of this book, I feel compelled to make a comment even though I have not read the book (YET!). Barbara Bush is a great lady. So what if her son (43)was in the National Guard at least he didn't dodge the draft. At least he was doing SOMETHING military-related. My father was in the National Guard during Vietnam. GET OVER IT!Further, defending Laura Bush, she did not MURDER anyone! She was involved in a terrible motor vehicle accident that could have happened to anyone (DOES CHAPPAQUIDICK RING ANY BELLS FOR YOU TREE-HUGGING LIBERALS??) This is a book of reflection, it was not written to air the dirty laundry of the Bush family. It is a reflection of happier times and personal struggles. If you don't like the Bush family then WHY even read the book?! You will be disappointed because it is scandal free.
Rating:
Summary: Made me want to cry
Review: As I was reading this book, it really made me wonder where the great Republican leaders have gone to. I voted for Bush back in the day, but he just squandered our Republican power built up by Reagan. It seems now that Barbara is just going around and having a good time. I wish she would try and help her son get his act together instead of having tea parties.
Rating:
Summary: A fun read by a classy lady
Review: For those of us who wonder what life after the White House is all about, this book is an informative but light-hearted answer to that question. Mrs Bush begins her story as she and the President depart the White House. She possesses the rare talent to express her feelings about that difficult time without the venom and spite you might expect from a First Lady whose husband has just lost the presidency. The book takes us through the transition to "normal" life and Mrs Bush's quick wit and self-depreciating humor are evident throughout the book. From vacationing with the Oak Ridge Boys to dropping in on the queen of England, Barbara Bush shows that she has a love of people regardless of their social circle. The book had many amusing quips and stories that made me laugh out loud. For instance, I was surprised to learn she is quite proud to be named "First Lady of the Century" by Outlaw Biker magazine. The book shows her proudest accomplishment has nothing to do with politics or fame, however. Her fierce love and devotion for her family is apparent in every page of the book. I, for one, find it refreshing. The only down side to the book is the endless mention of names. While I appreciate the fact that she tried to acknowledge so many acquaintances, the endless list of people throughout the book seemed to interrupt the flow of the story. Overall, this was a nice read and I would highly recommend it to biography junkies such as myself and supporters of the Bush family. Regardless of your political affiliation, I find it hard not to admire this spunky lady.
Rating: 
Summary: Should have been called "Barbara's Itinerary"
Review: How terribly disappointed I was in this book, which could have been so interesting. Basically, Mrs. Bush simply is printing her journals, which consist of not much but a listing of everywhere she has traveled in the past few years, and everyone she has had lunch or dinner with --- hunderds of names, with no character development at all. In some ways it would be interesting to go back through this very lame excuse for a book and see how many times she used the term "my dear friends" prior to listing everyone with whom she dined. Her portrayal of her family has elevated all members to the level of sainthood. Obviously, they can do no wrong. Mrs. Bush had a wonderful opportunity to tell fascinating stories about people and places in her latest book. Unfortunately, all she has done is cough up her daily schedules interspersed with tidbits of actual writing.
Rating:
Summary: Visiting with Mrs. Bush
Review: I bought this book for my elderly mother a week ago, and she is enjoying visiting with Barbara Bush again. She read Mrs. Bush's first book and loved it. She truly feels like she is visiting with Mrs. Bush, and being from the same generation, identifies with her. This book is really a continuation of her other book, where she tells about her life as Mrs. George Bush, and their adventures and her thoughts. There is a very sad story as she and George the elder visit President Reagan in his office after his diagnosis with Alzheimer's, and Mrs. Bush feels he has no idea who they are, but is his usual friendly, polite self. They visited for a few minutes, then left. She also tells how at her son's inauguration, all she could think about was how Al Gore must feel. She said she didn't think Gore won the election, but was sure he thought he did. Mrs. Bush states Gore was very cordial and came over to meet George and Laura's twin daughters. She thought Gore handled himself with class. (...) Mrs. Bush has class, but she's no shrinking violet. Since she was born up north, we will make her an honorary "steel magnolia" here in her adoptive state.
Rating:
Summary: Visiting with Mrs. Bush
Review: I bought this book for my elderly mother two weeks ago and she is enjoying visiting with Barbara Bush again. She read her first book, and loved every minute of it. This book picks up where the first book left off. My mother is the same age as Mrs. Bush and identifies with her in many ways (Barbara's wealth notwithstanding). If you are not a fan of the Bush family, don't bother with this book. But if you admire Barbara Bush and love her sense of humor, you will enjoy reading of her adventures and trials since her husband left office and her son took office.
|
