41: A Portrait of My Father

by George W. Bush Narrated by George W. Bush

Overview

George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, has authored a personal biography of his father, George H. W. Bush, the 41st President.

Forty-three men have served as President of the United States. Countless books have been written about them. But never before has a President told the story of his father, another President, through his own eyes and in his own words. A unique and intimate biography, the book covers the entire scope of the elder President Bush's life and career, including his service in the Pacific during World War II, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business, and his political rise as a Congressman, U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA Director, Vice President, and President.  The book shines new light on both the accomplished statesman and the warm, decent man known best by his family. In addition, George W. Bush discusses his father's influence on him throughout his own life, from his childhood in West Texas to his early campaign trips with his father, and from his decision to go into politics to his own two-term Presidency.

Editorial Reviews

The New York Times Book Review - Peter Baker

Bush's conversational storytelling makes for engaging reading…Beyond his father's well-known résumé, the book offers a sense of the toll a public life takes on a family, even one as accustomed to the spotlight as the Bushes…For a deeper look into this fascinating relationship, we will probably have to wait for presidential historians…For now, we have a son's loving testimonial…

The New York Times - Michiko Kakutani

At its best, the book has the qualities of the younger Mr. Bush's recent and much-talked-about paintings: It's folksy, sharply observed and surprisingly affecting…The most persuasive sections of this book deal not with the political, but with the personal. Mr. Bush's writing doesn't have the earnest charm of his father's letters…or the literary gifts displayed by his wife, Laura, in her memoir…But…this volume comes close to capturing Mr. Bush's distinctive voice—by turns jokey and sentimental, irreverent and sincere.

Publishers Weekly - Audio

★ 12/22/2014
Former president Bush brings an unassuming and straightforward delivery to the audio edition of his new biography of his father. The title provides a unique vantage point of public life and the presidency, as a son draws on his own later experiences in providing context for a dad’s journey. Bush has never been known for polished oratory or diction, and his delivery of certain phrases may not always flow together seamlessly. Yet his easy personal manner consistently projects warmth and approachability. The stirring presentation of the father-son bond during the joy of electoral victories and the pain of defeats is especially memorable. Listeners discouraged by the current climate of partisan polarization in Washington will appreciate the conciliatory tones toward the family’s political rivals, including a touching correspondence between the elder Bush and Geraldine Ferraro, the late congresswoman and 1984 vice-presidential nominee. These types of exchanges—while not denying the spirited and competitive nature of modern American politics as practiced by the Bush family—offer a measure of grace and civility that will appeal to a wide spectrum of history buffs and political junkies. A Crown hardcover. (Nov.)

FEBRUARY 2015 - AudioFile

This is a warm and affectionate biographical portrait of the forty-first U.S. president written and read by the forty-third U.S. president. George W. Bush uses reverential and understated tones as he informs and touches the listener with a most enjoyable audio treat. This narration is of the highest order because it brings to life the sincerity and love of a son for his father. The feelings are quite palpable. While there’s nothing surprising or scandalous here, and perhaps no new historic ground, the performance is engaging and exudes charm. It’s all here factually: George H. W. Bush’s WWII heroism, political wins and losses, pioneering work in the Texas oil business, and unlikely friendship and humanitarian work in concert with President Clinton. Both the senior and junior Bush demonstrate determination and commitment while maintaining steadfast, self-effacing points of view. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169411751
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	11/11/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	577,073

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