George and Laura: Portrait of an American Marriage

by Christopher Andersen

A new biographical offering, featuring an American subject, by the People magazine journalist and controversial writer of The Day Diana Died, Diana's Boys, and The Day John Died features his meticulously researched style and confidential material.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Marriage, Relationships

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Christopher Peter Andersen is an American journalist and the author of 32 books, including many bestsellers. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Andersen joined the staff of Time Magazine as a contributing editor in 1969. From 1974 to 1986 Andersen was senior editor of Time Incorporated's People Magazine. He has also written for a wide range of publications, including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, Life, and Vanity Fair.

While his early nonfiction books veered from psychology (The Name Game) to true crime (The Serpent's Tooth) to art collecting ('The Best of Everything', with former Sotheby's chairman John Marion), he is best known for his controversial biographies. Between 1991 and 2011, he published 14 New York Times bestselling biographies. Andersen wrote Mick: The Wild Life and Mad Genius of Jagger to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones in July 2012. The book quickly became Andersen's 15th New York Times bestseller.

Reviews

[Stevie Ciske · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved George W. This was a great depiction of their lives. I expected more of their "love story" and it was lacking a tad in that area, but I do love hearing of the behind the scenes on the president's upbringing and "wild" days.

[Anne Roszczewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the honest coverage of the things President Bush did as a young man; his wild side and carelessness. It makes me appreciate even more, the man he became and his faithful devotion to his lovely wife. The book was well written, easily readable and interesting. I have grown to appreciate even more our 43rd president and I am certainly glad he was the one to guide us through the aftermath of 9/11. A great look into both George and Laura's backgrounds and the wonderful marriage they have. A breath of fresh air when compared to the Clintons.

[barbara stanisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was never a big fan of George Bush, but this book made him more palatable. I certainly was very surprised and very appreciative of his supportive attitude of Laura's viewpoint and the impact that she had on his presidency. I think the book is candid and is very readable. Author did alot of research and the book is not just a glad rag about George Bush. I think it is a balanced viewpoint and the author does a good job of presenting both the positive and negative. Definiotely worth reading.

[Jack Zhong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and laugh, got a good look at what made of a man a history, what endures in anyone's life that may aspire others. A great couple indeed, not one man world but a world shared with the other and then all.
Stopped at page 67 and surely will look up Bush's stories online; sharing his childhood stories was already fun and in some ways, very much helpful.

[Christi Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the honesty of this book. There is a lot of history about George W past when he was younger. I love reading about how he became a Christian and really loved that Laura was and continues to be an amazing woman.

Very touching story of their lives no matter what your party affiliation.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[Kym Edmiston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting to read. Lesson learned how ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Also nice to know we all should get 2d chances to correct our mistakes!

[Edward Maroncha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book. An exceptional, candid story. I enjoyed every bit of fit.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

More about George Bush’s life up to running for President than George and Laura’s marriage.

[Doug Adamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. Overall, the author seems well-informed and sympathetic yet critical. It was an interesting and encouraging read.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well written and very interesting.

[Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and honest review of the life of George and Laura. Interesting comments from their friends and families regarding their younger days.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me appreciate G.Bush more. I've always admired Laura.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could choose anyone famous with whom to have lunch, I would pick Laura Bush. I have long found her to be a fascinating, intelligent, charismatic, charming individual who appears to be as genuine on television as I would imagine her to be. This book proved my theories to be true. But more than that, I delighted in discovering that the title delivered its promise - Anderson details the hasty courtship and engagement as well as the low and highlights of an endearing marriage.
Both personalities became more human to me as their past mishaps,indiscretions and successes were recounted. Their solid dedication to and protection of each other are exemplary. During President Bush's two terms, I always felt that the interaction and emotion between the two that I was able to observe on television was real and natural, not staged and artificial as I've seen between other celebrities. For their relationship alone, this book is worth a read. Though political opinions and events do enter into the mix, these were not the book's focus.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Obviously I didn't pick up this book because I am a fan of the first couple but I'm very interested in marriage in general and specifically, marriage under pressure. I can't imagine any other pressure-cooker more stringent or all-consuming than the White House and I was interested to read one person's interpretation of why George and Laura are still together. More incredibly, for all George's faults, he has never been dogged by rumours of infidelity, the way previous presidents have.

I learned some interesting facts through this book. I didn't know that Laura was responsible for a fatal automobile accident while she was in her teens or that she chain-smokes; I didn't know that both Bush twins have multiple arrests and warnings for drinking offenses; I didn't know that President Bush's rise to the top seemed so incredilous to those who had been in politics for a long time. So I found it interesting but ultimately it did not change my opinion of the man, his family or his politics.

[Vicki]

I actually really liked this book. I learned a lot of things that I did not know about both of them, and I think it helped me understand a lot more about them. You really get to learn a lot of their motivations because of things that happened when they were younger. They really do have an amazing relationship, one that I think is pretty rare nowadays in our country. The chapters on when he was president show that he really was working hard to do the best he could for the country, even when he was down at Crawford and it might not have been completely apparent. I definitely recommend this book, even if you weren't a huge fan of Bush.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

George and Laura by Christopher Andersen is an intimate look at the Bushes and their family. I liked the insight Andersen gave me but was left wondering at his light handling of Bush's obvious intellectual challenges. For Laura I have nothing but praise having read this book. Maybe she should have been president. Of course I'm not an American so perhaps have a different viewpoint as an outsider looking in. I did end up liking this couple portrayed by Andersen as both having challenges and of finding ways to overcome them. Always a good life lesson.

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

got this as a gag gift from Elizabeth - but so far it's interesting, but not dramatic, telling of W's and Laura's upbringing from childhood thru 9/11. lots of cool anecdotes, lots of funny statements collected over the years. you can read this a little at a time, then put it down, and pick it up, and you'll never lose the flow.

if W's life wasn't true, it would be hard to write it even as fiction.

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book 3 stars only because, to me, it wasn't written well. Which is funny because I loved Christopher Anderson's writing with Princess Diana. It took me awhile to read it because it was just dull to me. I didn't like the first of the book especially. It was too slow & drawn out. But I do love former President George W Bush & former first lady Laura. I believe they truly love one another & work very well together. And this book many times did show this.

[Luann Habecker]

i don't know that i am the better for reading this. i persevered through it. honestly, it came across like someone got a handful of quotes that either of them had said and then took the liberty of filling in the blanks. it was really bad towards the end when the same quote/reference was used-again.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a George Bush fan, but this book was a great insight into the Bush family and those that make up our leaders. I gained a new respect for Laura, and it proves to every kid that great things can happen even if your are "average" (keeping mum on having the right amount of money.....)

An enjoyable non-fiction, from someone who doesn't read a lot of biographies.

[Jodielayton]

I think as with anything, you have to really learn about someone or a subject before you can decide you don't like them or it. I judge a man by the caliber of wife he catches. President George Bush is one who caught well.

[Sherrel Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the book. I both wondered how we could possibly elect George W. for President, and that fortunately he was the right man at the right time when 9-11 occurred. Laura Bush was a wonderful 1st lady and now I have a greater appreciation for both.

[Wendy Huffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just really liked this book. I know this president was not always looked kindly upon by many, but I like them as a couple. Great Americans, dedicated to their country, to their families, and to each other. I really admire Laura Bush. . . quite an inspiring woman. Would love to meet her.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a biographical account of the first couple’s marriage. It begins on September 11, 2001 and then flashes back to their beginnings. I found it to be interesting. It contained information that I wasn’t aware of. It is well written and a quick read.

[Edith Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too bad but this book is probably enjoyed by only certain political thinking people. I appreciated George and Laura more after I read the book.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting, nothing hard hitting here, just their story

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but made me dislike Bush as a president even more than I already did.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Whatever you think politically, this was about the relationship that the two have and I found it refreshing.

[Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome....great insight into their marriage and the presidency. Really interesting and very well written!