Title: 41: A Portrait of My Father
Author: George W. Bush
First published November 11, 2014
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780553448276 (ISBN10: 0553448277)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
In Mary Kay Andrew’s latest novel, get ready to embark on a hilarious journey with a woman determined to fix up an old house and her life. After losing her job due to a political scandal, Dempsey Jo Killebrew is left with nothing but her father’s offer to refurbish their old family place in Georgia.
However, upon her arrival, she realizes that the house is in shambles and occupied by a murderously grumpy old lady. To make matters worse, the town seems to know everything about her, and the FBI is hot on her trail.
Despite the challenges, Dempsey decides to roll up her sleeves and get to work. As she starts to fix up the house, she discovers that it’s not just the house that needs fixing, but her life too.
Join Dempsey on her journey as she turns this labor of love into a journey back home.
About the Author
From 2001 to 2009, George W. Bush held the position of the 43rd President of the United States.
Prior to that, he served as Governor of Texas. Now residing in Dallas with his wife, Laura, they established the George W.
Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. President Bush has authored two books, including the bestselling Presidential memoir of the modern era, Decision Points, and 41: A Portrait of My Father.
Editoral Review
In 41: A Portrait of My Father, former President George W. Bush paints a moving and illuminating portrait of his father, the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.
Published on November 11, 2014, this biography falls under the category of non-fiction and is written in a straightforward and accessible style, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in American history or politics. The book traces the elder Bush’s life, starting with his childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut and covering his impressive career in public service, including his stints as the director of the CIA, ambassador to the United Nations, vice president, and president.
As we delve deeper into his life, we are introduced to the main characters who shaped his legacy and the key events that defined America in the late 20th century.
Bush’s insightful and personal look at his father’s life is a soaring tribute to an extraordinary man, a loving father, and a committed public servant.
The narrative is enlivened by such anecdotes as the story of the American-flag socks his father wore during his inauguration speech, a moment that captures the elder Bush’s humor and charisma. The book is historically significant for its behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the White House during the turbulent years of the late 20th century.
Bush provides numerous insights into historical issues such as the end of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War, and the 1992 presidential election, providing a wealth of information that is both enlightening and entertaining. While the book is primarily an admiring tribute to his father’s remarkable achievements, it also reveals his vulnerabilities and tendency to introspection.
Bush shows that his father is, in many ways, a man of his time, with flaws and insecurities that make him all the more human. The writing is clear, concise, and evocative, with Bush’s prose ably conveying the emotion and depth of his father’s life.
The pacing is well-judged, with the narrative never dragging or feeling rushed, a trademark of the author’s keen editorial eye. One of the strongest aspects of the book is Bush’s use of primary sources, including interviews with his father, diary entries, and letters, which provide invaluable insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters involved.
This lends a depth and authenticity that bolsters the book’s overall impact. In terms of criticisms, some readers may find the Bush family’s political bias unduly prominent, and may feel that some of the more divisive issues of the elder Bush’s presidency are painted in a more flattering light than is warranted.
Additionally, some may find the author’s approach overly sentimental, although this can be expected in a tribute to a loved one. Overall, “41: A Portrait of My Father” is a moving and insightful examination of one of America’s most revered political figures, written with warmth, humor, and grace.
It is a must-read for those interested in the political and cultural history of the United States, and for anyone who appreciates a well-written and heartfelt tribute to a life well-lived. Score: 9/10
