ebooks Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush by Jon Meacham in History

Review

141 of 154 people found the following review helpful. It's a really good Biography; just for the sake of a biography.By College StealthSo; this isn’t a quick read; but it’s a good one; thick with information; back story and really tracing family genealogy at the onset so you get a sense of who is who. Also; before you get all angry about Republican vs. Democrat; etc. Keep in mind; it’s a biography; a well written one at that; which highlights some really interesting aspects of Former President Bush’s life; it’s relatively apolitical and focuses on the actions of Bush. It may seem a bit formal for some; but it’s actually a refreshing write; without yelling obscenities or blaming others; it’s a really good reflection on Bush; his life; and attitude and approach to various events. It is interesting that the book; in the Prologue; actually starts off in the defeat of Bush in 1992. However; in the Prologue it raises some interesting observations about the changing lens of America; moving away from President’s who actively served vs. those who did not. Overall; it’s an expansive look at Bush’s life; which keeps the reader moving forward with appropriate attention paid to details someone may wish to know a little bit more about; and then keeps moving forward. It’s a really good biography.An element that I did enjoy was the backstory to the Bush family in general. There is no hiding the aspect that it was and has been an affluent family for quite some time and gives insight into this rise of upper class; it even takes the time to go into a bit of the backstory of Andover; discuss Bush’s experiences at the school (at least from the lens of others) and moves in to Bush’s time at Phillips Academy. The relationship between “Poppy” (as Bush was called) and Barbara Bush is quite charming; having excerpts from early communication between the two; a relationship that began in 1941/42; prior to Bush entering the military. A random tid-bit; Bush sent a letter to his mother talking about wanting to remain a virgin prior to marriage; as he believed that was a character trait; and would be upset if his wife had “wife had known some other man;” essentially; he wasn’t a fan of a double standard.The book chronicles Bush’s time during the war; followed up with his time at Yale. It is interesting to note that Bush had a family while he was attending Yale and also played baseball. It is interesting to note that there was an aversion to relying on family money post-graduation from college; hence why he did not pursue a Rhodes scholarship. Bush moved out to Texas to pursue some business options; but there is a significant focus on their child Robin who passed away at 3 and a half. The mourning is touched on by the author; in particular Bush’s own recollection of the passing of his daughter; the maintaining of her photo (even in the White House); and inability to even talk about it in present day. There is an interesting aspect in which Barbara recognized her mourning over Robin was having a negative impact on “Georgie” and she realized that she had to refocus her life in order to be a good mother.The book continues; I worry about just rambling on about the whole thing in this review. However; there are a lot of letters that are referenced; interviews; and diary entries that come up. There are also these moments of humanistic insight of the Bush’s; such as their move to Washington and the vast number of house guests that they would have; with Bush inviting the moving men to even spend the night the first night that they lived in the house. It’s interesting to see the Bush’s as individuals who are very affable and young and welcoming to others. This is also reflected in Bush’s choice to see Johnson off when his presidency ended rather than being in town for Republican festivities. This courtesy also emerges again later on as Bush passes the presidency to Clinton and asks for only one element; which is to maintain an emphasis on volunteerism.If you have the Kindle version; the book is only about 55% of the actual Kindle; the rest are citations. The reading goes all the way through Bush 43’rds time in the office and after; discussing the relationship that father and son had together during this time. Prior to this point in the story it talks about Bush’s relationships and more publically known presence; with additional vignettes about how he interacted with people in private; more often than not maintaining respect and courtesy. I really liked the pictures; there were a fair number I had not seen before and gave a very humanistic perspective of Bush.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A President Who Earned Our RespectBy Andy GlassJon Meacham's treatment of Bush's life was very well done. Bush is one of those Presidents who flew under the radar. That was based on his personality and quiet style. One of the biggest things that struck me; in light of where we are politically and with our current President (writing this review in Fall of 2017); is what a class act he was. I knew that and remember it; but reading about him was a good reminder. Bush served at the period that I think of as the end of civility; compromise and progress in politics. Right at the crest of where the left chose to not listen to or work with the right; and vice-versa. The beginning of the broken system we now have. We follow Bush from his childhood; WWII service; his career in business and the into public service. The story is very well paced and was an easy read; while also being very in-depth. It also revealed a George Bush that I never really knew; except through his guarded public persona. What we see is a genuine person; and one who had a real sense of duty and a deep compassion for people. We also see a person who was singularly driven and focused on attaining the ultimate prize in American politics. And what's striking about that ambition is that he did it without the ugliness that we see in today's political creatures. Overall; this is one of the better Presidential biographies I've read. And it was a great reminder that; yes; someone who can earn one's respect through their actions and how they treat others - not take that respect for granted simply by the office they hold - can rise to the office of President of the United States.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Study of Great LeadershipBy Richard C. GeschkeWhen looking at history and looking back at accomplishments of Presidents past one can overlook the efforts of Bush 41 or George Herbert Walker Bush. Born of privilege to the Eastern elite; George Bush found himself duty bound to serve his country whether it was during WWII in the Army Air Corp or later in Congress as Director of the CIA and later as a two term Vice President under Ronald Regan and finally as the 41st President of the United States. Bush also sought success in the business world and made a name for himself not on the East Coast where he was educated at Yale and born and raised. He became an oil magnate with high executive skills which made him not only very successful but also very wealthy. His propensity for politics came from his father who was a US Senator. Upon entering politics John Meacham shows us the political philosophy of a moderate Conservative. Meacham shows us a politician who I more middle of the road who was willing to lean toward bipartisanship to affect a more even handed government intended on accomplishing terms for the betterment of America. Meacham shows us how Bush approached the Gulf crisis and how he took great care to not get us involved in another Vietnam. Meacham shows a man of honor and a man who had the courage to follow his convictions. I learned a lot of a President who served only one term and hold his work in far better regard that I did before reading this fine work.