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Ten Minutes from Normal
A New York Times bestseller from President George W. Bush’s “most essential advisor” (ABC News).
An inside look at the life of Bush’s most respected aide and confidante, as she balanced her role as one of the most influential women ever to set foot in the White House against her role as a wife and mother.
“The rule of thumb in any White House is that nobody is indispensable except the president,” said The New York Times , “But Karen Hughes has come as close to that description as any recent presidential aide.” Ten Minutes from Normal is the often humorous, disarmingly down-to-earth, and politically fascinating journey of her time in Bush’s inner circle.
As Counselor to the President for his first eighteen months in the White House and as his communications director since he first ran for Governor of Texas in 1994, Hughes was a crucial influence. When he first moved to Washington, Bush told members of the White House staff that he wanted Karen in the room whenever any major decisions were made.
Being a journalist, she was fascinated by politics and inspired by people who sought elective office to improve their communities. When she married and became the instant mother of a nine-year-old stepdaughter, she realized her priorities had Family mattered, and she didn’t want to live as if it didn’t. Thus her life became one of balancing her career ambitions and her deeply felt sense of service and duty with her responsibilities and love for her family.
In various Republican campaigns in Texas, she worked from home with her young son, Robert, beside her. She planned the 1990 Republican State Convention from her driveway while Robert played in the dirt at her feet.
Karen tried to bring the perspective of a working mom to the White House, often asking the question she first learned as a “What does this mean to the average person?” Her exhilarating life in Washington was unlike anything she had experienced before, yet the lack of balance between her service to the President and country and her service to her family was a daily struggle.
By the spring of 2002, Karen found herself in turmoil. She knew the president needed her, but her family needed her, too. Her son was not happy in Washington; neither was her husband. After much soul-searching, she concluded that she could do a better job of serving the president from Texas than of serving her family from Washington. “I love you, Mr. President,” she told him, “but I have to move my family back to Texas.”
She continued to serve Bush from her home in Austin and laughed about the so-called “balance” she found. When she looked at the wall calendar in her kitchen, she found the State of the Union address side by side with her son’s orthodontist appointments.
An inside look at the life of Bush’s most respected aide and confidante, as she balanced her role as one of the most influential women ever to set foot in the White House against her role as a wife and mother.
“The rule of thumb in any White House is that nobody is indispensable except the president,” said The New York Times , “But Karen Hughes has come as close to that description as any recent presidential aide.” Ten Minutes from Normal is the often humorous, disarmingly down-to-earth, and politically fascinating journey of her time in Bush’s inner circle.
As Counselor to the President for his first eighteen months in the White House and as his communications director since he first ran for Governor of Texas in 1994, Hughes was a crucial influence. When he first moved to Washington, Bush told members of the White House staff that he wanted Karen in the room whenever any major decisions were made.
Being a journalist, she was fascinated by politics and inspired by people who sought elective office to improve their communities. When she married and became the instant mother of a nine-year-old stepdaughter, she realized her priorities had Family mattered, and she didn’t want to live as if it didn’t. Thus her life became one of balancing her career ambitions and her deeply felt sense of service and duty with her responsibilities and love for her family.
In various Republican campaigns in Texas, she worked from home with her young son, Robert, beside her. She planned the 1990 Republican State Convention from her driveway while Robert played in the dirt at her feet.
Karen tried to bring the perspective of a working mom to the White House, often asking the question she first learned as a “What does this mean to the average person?” Her exhilarating life in Washington was unlike anything she had experienced before, yet the lack of balance between her service to the President and country and her service to her family was a daily struggle.
By the spring of 2002, Karen found herself in turmoil. She knew the president needed her, but her family needed her, too. Her son was not happy in Washington; neither was her husband. After much soul-searching, she concluded that she could do a better job of serving the president from Texas than of serving her family from Washington. “I love you, Mr. President,” she told him, “but I have to move my family back to Texas.”
She continued to serve Bush from her home in Austin and laughed about the so-called “balance” she found. When she looked at the wall calendar in her kitchen, she found the State of the Union address side by side with her son’s orthodontist appointments.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2004
17 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hughes
3 books2 followersKaren Hughes served as counselor to the president, was one of three people who ran his presidential campaign and worked as his communications director during his six years as governor of Texas. She is an elder and longtime Sunday-school teacher in the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Hughes lives with her husband and son in Austin, Texas, where she continues to advise President Bush from her home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 7, 2024
I remember reading this book years ago and that it inspired me. Karen is a real person who struggles with balancing the realities of family and using her skills to impact national policy.
Reading it again now, I was afraid that I would be disappointed or be embarrassed that this book had such an impact on me as a teen. The opposite is true. Her struggle with normalcy being always just out of reach, the way she engages faith in her life, and her ability to beautifully paint the lessons from her time in the White House; they all bring clarity to life. This book is so much more than a political memoir.
If you are interested in the balance of family and politics, this book is a must read. If you want a glimpse into the life of one of my heroes, this book is a treasure. If you want to be inspired by someone whose life is real and relatable, yet impacting and one in a million, this book is that insight.
Reading it again now, I was afraid that I would be disappointed or be embarrassed that this book had such an impact on me as a teen. The opposite is true. Her struggle with normalcy being always just out of reach, the way she engages faith in her life, and her ability to beautifully paint the lessons from her time in the White House; they all bring clarity to life. This book is so much more than a political memoir.
If you are interested in the balance of family and politics, this book is a must read. If you want a glimpse into the life of one of my heroes, this book is a treasure. If you want to be inspired by someone whose life is real and relatable, yet impacting and one in a million, this book is that insight.
September 2, 2018
I happened by this book completely at random looking around the library waiting on my kids. It follows a reporter turned political consultant who first covered George W. Bush as a reporter and then became his press secretary in his runs for governor and then for US President.
As someone who has considered political office, it was interesting to see a "normal person" get pulled deep into the world of political races and governance. Ultimately she decided that returning to a more staid and normal life would be better for her family.
I have to admire Karen for sticking to her political convictions and ultimately choosing her family over the race for political gain. I found her one-sided devotion to George W. Bush a bit annoying at times, but it's hardly unexpected and I found her admiration of him to be genuine.
A good book to see politics from a different side as well as gaining more understanding of George W. Bush's presidency and personality.
As someone who has considered political office, it was interesting to see a "normal person" get pulled deep into the world of political races and governance. Ultimately she decided that returning to a more staid and normal life would be better for her family.
I have to admire Karen for sticking to her political convictions and ultimately choosing her family over the race for political gain. I found her one-sided devotion to George W. Bush a bit annoying at times, but it's hardly unexpected and I found her admiration of him to be genuine.
A good book to see politics from a different side as well as gaining more understanding of George W. Bush's presidency and personality.
October 16, 2022
cutting through the malarkey
This is a book of faith and truthful insight. We see who Karen Hughes is as a person and more importantly the true character and capability of her boss George W, Bush. Cutting through the stories colored by media in print and commentary helps readers better understand how important it is to do one’s own research and liste to what leaders say not what others say they said. Additionally this book underlines the importance of faith and family as a major component of solving what ails the world today.
This is a book of faith and truthful insight. We see who Karen Hughes is as a person and more importantly the true character and capability of her boss George W, Bush. Cutting through the stories colored by media in print and commentary helps readers better understand how important it is to do one’s own research and liste to what leaders say not what others say they said. Additionally this book underlines the importance of faith and family as a major component of solving what ails the world today.
May 16, 2008
Is there a way to do half a star on this thing? This book is only on my list to see if my friends are paying attention. I bought this book at a signing at Wal-Mart solely so I could confront Karen Hughes about equating pro-choice people with the 9/11 terrorists. It was worth the $24.95 to stare into her empty soul. So I thought I would try reading it. And I couldn't get past chapter 4. Insipid. Pathetic. Total Crap.
November 11, 2017
Karen Hughes, counsel to President George W. Bush, shares a candid look of what it is look to work closely with the POTUS. What a wonderful insider's look into a Presidential campaign, the Oval Office, and the impact of both on the personal lives of those who serve the President. Ever since I finished reading this book, I have quoted it to people several times and have loaned it out twice. It is an excellent read. I have a new respect for the daily lives and decisions of those in political office.
July 16, 2020
After sitting on shelf for years where my wife used to babysit Karen Hughes’ kids I finally sat down and read all about her life. An interesting story about how a working mom balances her duties of handling two lives in keeping faith in both of them. This book explains the significant relationship with the Bush family, remembrance from 9/11, and other historical moments.
August 7, 2017
Read this a decade ago and remembered how inspiring it was. A great inside like at the White House and First Family and those who advised them through some incredibly tough decisions. Thoroughly enjoyable. Especially valuable to anyone interested in Christians and women in politics.
July 9, 2020
Well-written, fascinating look into the life & times of a wife, Mom & counselor to President George W Bush.
Read
June 17, 2022Read twice and will read again for September Zoom with Karen.
January 14, 2010
I have had this book on my shelves for quite awhile. The title really grabbed my attention, and it is appropriate not just for the crazy life of a person immersed in politics and PR/Communications, but especially for the events of 9/11.
There were parts of the book that were a little long - laundry lists of people and tasks, especially early in the book. As the author delved into her role in the Bush campaigns for governor of Texas and then president of the United States, it became more interesting to me. Karen Hughes made the campaign trail come alive, and I learned more than I expected about what it is like to live through one of those for those who are deeply involved at the highest levels.
Life in the White House came alive for me, too, as she described the pace and the types of debate and decisions that are a part of everyday life. A life that really does age every person who holds the title of president far beyond the 4 or 8 years that they are in office.
But mostly, this is a book about the challenges of balancing family and career by a woman who is clearly not merely ambitious, but driven. The author shares some deeply personal stuff and shows her failures in this area as well as the special efforts she made to try and be present in her husband and son's lives. It is also a book about faith and personal growth, and how to make the really tough decisions.
I wouldn't say that the book is essentially partisan, although the author does explain why she is a Republican. However, it is written from a viewpoint that is highly loyal to George W. Bush. Leaders cannot be effective without an inner circle that has that degree of loyalty, so while others may be free to debate the pros and cons of the Bush administration, I applaud Karen for being loyal not just to the president, but to the nation she so strongly wanted to serve.
I realize I just called the author "Karen" as if I know her personally. LOL! Her book seems open and honest, and I hope that it really is. Strong, loyal, faith-filled, respectful, and concerned about doing the right thing - just the kind of person I can admire and learn from and would love to have as a friend.
There were parts of the book that were a little long - laundry lists of people and tasks, especially early in the book. As the author delved into her role in the Bush campaigns for governor of Texas and then president of the United States, it became more interesting to me. Karen Hughes made the campaign trail come alive, and I learned more than I expected about what it is like to live through one of those for those who are deeply involved at the highest levels.
Life in the White House came alive for me, too, as she described the pace and the types of debate and decisions that are a part of everyday life. A life that really does age every person who holds the title of president far beyond the 4 or 8 years that they are in office.
But mostly, this is a book about the challenges of balancing family and career by a woman who is clearly not merely ambitious, but driven. The author shares some deeply personal stuff and shows her failures in this area as well as the special efforts she made to try and be present in her husband and son's lives. It is also a book about faith and personal growth, and how to make the really tough decisions.
I wouldn't say that the book is essentially partisan, although the author does explain why she is a Republican. However, it is written from a viewpoint that is highly loyal to George W. Bush. Leaders cannot be effective without an inner circle that has that degree of loyalty, so while others may be free to debate the pros and cons of the Bush administration, I applaud Karen for being loyal not just to the president, but to the nation she so strongly wanted to serve.
I realize I just called the author "Karen" as if I know her personally. LOL! Her book seems open and honest, and I hope that it really is. Strong, loyal, faith-filled, respectful, and concerned about doing the right thing - just the kind of person I can admire and learn from and would love to have as a friend.
July 10, 2009
Intriguing woman who was closer to President Bush during his Texas governorship and early White House years than almost anyone else. Real testament to the American ideal that anyone can grow up to be anything. She honestly and thoroughly chronicled her struggles to balance career and family - just about every woman (and man) should identify with those frequently agonizing decisions.
Ms. Hughes also highlighted the difference between events themselves and how those events can be portrayed in the media. She was especially perceptive, I felt, as she started out her career as a reporter. Her advice: "listen to what our leaders actually say, rather than what the reporters say about what they say." This is, she acknowledges, sometimes very difficult to do, but really the best way to understand positions and policies instead of absorbing the editorialized comments and excerpts.
Naturally, she painted a very positive and sympathetic portrait of President Bush - I wouldn't have expected anything else from a longtime friend of his. I appreciated the anecdotes she shared to illustrate her points.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
Ms. Hughes also highlighted the difference between events themselves and how those events can be portrayed in the media. She was especially perceptive, I felt, as she started out her career as a reporter. Her advice: "listen to what our leaders actually say, rather than what the reporters say about what they say." This is, she acknowledges, sometimes very difficult to do, but really the best way to understand positions and policies instead of absorbing the editorialized comments and excerpts.
Naturally, she painted a very positive and sympathetic portrait of President Bush - I wouldn't have expected anything else from a longtime friend of his. I appreciated the anecdotes she shared to illustrate her points.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
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February 25, 2014I found the sincerity of GWB heart warming and genuine.
Karen I was utterly disappointed with. You have the opportunity of a lifetime a pole position people train for, prepare there whole lives for and never attain. I feel like she sets women back by 50 years with her sniveling account of her time in this amazing position.
My take away... She talks about how nice everyone was to her and how much they all loved her. I feel like she's trying to justify her side but the quitting is inexcusable. I wonder how much they were singing her praises after she left. Can't help but think if George had someone else...
Karen you did this for your child (I hope or Chelsea Clinton doesn't reading this book) but what did you teach him?
We fight for so much... And you just validated reasons why we don't get opportunities in a man's world.
#antifeminism #ugh #hereweare2014
Condi must of gagged...
Karen I was utterly disappointed with. You have the opportunity of a lifetime a pole position people train for, prepare there whole lives for and never attain. I feel like she sets women back by 50 years with her sniveling account of her time in this amazing position.
My take away... She talks about how nice everyone was to her and how much they all loved her. I feel like she's trying to justify her side but the quitting is inexcusable. I wonder how much they were singing her praises after she left. Can't help but think if George had someone else...
Karen you did this for your child (I hope or Chelsea Clinton doesn't reading this book) but what did you teach him?
We fight for so much... And you just validated reasons why we don't get opportunities in a man's world.
#antifeminism #ugh #hereweare2014
Condi must of gagged...
March 18, 2009
Fascinating read from a definite GWB insider (and very loyal one, so keep that in mind).
I especially enjoyed reading the play-by-play on 9/11. The only way to get any sense of balance on GWB is to read first-hand accounts, versus Bush-bashing "objective" journalism, so this is one of those sources that gives some perspective on how things really went down.
Of course, you always have to keep in mind that one's perspective is always different when you're on the inside. I doubt Hughes would've said anything critical of GWB, although I have no doubt she disagreed with things he said or did.
I didn't realize Hughes was a Christian so I appreciated her openness in that area. It's always inspiring to find out some presidential advisors have a moral backbone.
I especially enjoyed reading the play-by-play on 9/11. The only way to get any sense of balance on GWB is to read first-hand accounts, versus Bush-bashing "objective" journalism, so this is one of those sources that gives some perspective on how things really went down.
Of course, you always have to keep in mind that one's perspective is always different when you're on the inside. I doubt Hughes would've said anything critical of GWB, although I have no doubt she disagreed with things he said or did.
I didn't realize Hughes was a Christian so I appreciated her openness in that area. It's always inspiring to find out some presidential advisors have a moral backbone.
February 11, 2010
This is a very detailed and through memoir, starting with Karen's childhood and running through her 18 month term in the White House. I enjoyed some of the details, especially of the presidential campaign and the events of September 11. In most other places, it was almost too detailed and I ended up having to skim some parts.
Karen is a strong Christian and it was interesting to see how her faith affected her decisions, especially her return to Texas. If you enjoy reading about how the White House functions on a daily basis (or are a fan of "The West Wing"), you will probably enjoy this book.
And of course this book left me wanting to read the highly anticipated memoirs of Condi Rice, not expected to be published until late 2011.
Karen is a strong Christian and it was interesting to see how her faith affected her decisions, especially her return to Texas. If you enjoy reading about how the White House functions on a daily basis (or are a fan of "The West Wing"), you will probably enjoy this book.
And of course this book left me wanting to read the highly anticipated memoirs of Condi Rice, not expected to be published until late 2011.
September 1, 2008
This book is Karen Hughes' autobiography. Hughes was one of President Bush's closest advisers who left the White House to put her family first (which is why I picked the book up in the first place). While this book is about Karen Hughes, because she worked so closely with President Bush, it can't help but give an insider's perspective on the President and his administration. I loved the author's account of several various events that I recall hearing about on the news, but now I had the story from a different perspective. Also, Karen Hughes just has an interesting voice and is not afraid of being who she is.
August 14, 2011
Not sure why I bought this book, because it sat on my shelf for a long time, but once I started it I found it interesting. It made me wonder what I would do in under those circumstances. Would I give up the power and recognition because my child was unhappy? Would Church & family life be considered my highest priority? Karen Hughes balanced all of these things the best she could while remaining President Bush's chief Counselor. It also gave a different perspective to the Bush years. What was he really like and what was his reasoning for the choices he made during his presidency.
August 20, 2015
This was a very insightful look into one of the highest positions in the US Government. Karen Hughes is a smart woman, and was one of the closest advisors to George W Bush during his time at the White House, and before. If you don't like "Dubya", you won't like this book. Karen Hughes clearly admires the man and there isn't a harsh word about him or his administration. I enjoyed this book as it made the George W Bush seem even more real and personable than I'd already gathered from other things I've read or heard about him.
February 18, 2008
I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the fact that Karen was right-hand "man" to George Bush, who I voted for for President. I wanted to get a glimpse into his real personality. I was not disappointed. I learned that George and Laura Bush are kind and caring people, people of integrity, and people of faith. Karen Hughes is also. I just had the opportunity to meet her at a women's event in Utah. She is amazing.
April 11, 2010
Occasionally I read one of these political books just to see what they think if going on etc.
This book is worth the read and the effort. I found it to be an interesting book because of the information it gives, but would not get entirely wrapped up in any political book beause most of them are pretty well slanted to their point of view.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
This book is worth the read and the effort. I found it to be an interesting book because of the information it gives, but would not get entirely wrapped up in any political book beause most of them are pretty well slanted to their point of view.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
February 21, 2008
YUK! Like a laundry list of her daily activities! She's supposed to be a writer! This is the book which defined a whole new set of rules for Book Club: 1. The host must have already read the book. 2. The book must be available at the library (so 12 of us don't pay $25 for it!). BTW, I couldn't stand to finish it!
August 7, 2008
This is one I'd like to get back to eventually. She was an adviser to Pres. Bush in Texas and on the campaign. After 2 years in DC she left to go back to Texas so her son could finish high school there. I checked it out from the library and never got finished, but it was interesting to see a woman's perspective at that level.
Want to read
March 8, 2011I started reading this book over a year ago...then life got me distracted! What I read of it was a good autobiography of Bush's adviser Karen Hughes...Being a political buff, I loved reading an insider's view of the campaign & political process, but being a mom, I also loved reading about Hughes' internal battle between balancing home and work.
March 26, 2009
It's rare in today's world to find anyone who would give up their job for the sake of their children's happiness but that is exactly what Karen Hughes did when she left her job as a counselor to George W. Bush in 2002. This book is about her struggles to balance a personal life with a demanding job and deciding that it would not be possible.
May 16, 2014
As a person not having an anti-Bush bias, this book was really not as awful as people are saying. It is a good look at how many different paths there are to the inner circle of politics. I loved how she gave up her high position to spend time with her family, something that is not the usual, all or nothing, rise to the top career mentality.
September 18, 2014
I loved this book. I didn't really like Hughes initially for some reason but after reading this book I really came away liking her a lot. I forget now why I ended up buying the book or if someone gave it to me.
December 7, 2008
The campaign storis were most interesting to me as the author was the communications director. She talks a lot about faith, God and her christiantity - which I skimmed through as it was a little too evangelical. She does describe things briefly and I gained insight into President Bush.
January 22, 2009
A great book about Hughes' struggle with motherhood vs. work ... As Bush's Press Secretary, her life was demanding and she was constantly travelling. The book really showed how she balanced it all and remained sane, while making big decisions about family first.
February 27, 2010
I choose to read this book because of my career in public relations and found it an interesting personal story of behind-the-scenes politics. I like real-life stories and admire any woman that strives to find that balance between family and career.
May 16, 2008
really like it. a bit self-congrat. but an interesting read on how politics work and good topic.
May 16, 2008
I liked the portrait presented of G.W.Bush by someone who's known and worked with him for a long time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews