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41: A Portrait of My Father
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.
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.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2014
514 people are currently reading
6913 people want to read
About the author
George W. Bush
110 books1,008 followersGEORGE W. BUSH is the 43rd President of the United States, serving from 2001 to 2009. He previously served as Governor of Texas. He and his wife, Laura, now live in Dallas, where they founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University. President Bush is the author of 41: A Portrait of My Father and his previous book, Decision Points, is the bestselling Presidential memoir of the modern era.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,209 reviews
November 17, 2014
George W. Bush writes what he calls a “love story” about his father. The book is folksy and a fun read. The book is obviously not unbiased but the author tried to paint a true picture of his father and family from his own viewpoint. George W. discusses his father’s influence on him throughout his own life.
George W writes of his father’s early success. He writes his father gave him “unconditional love.” He discusses his father’s well-known generosity, his talent for friendship and his willingness to take risks. The most interesting parts of the book deals with the personal side of the George H. W. Bush. The author discusses his father’s service in the Pacific during WWII, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business and his political rise as a Congressman. He reviews his work as U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA director, Vice President and President.
This is the only presidential biography of a father written by his son who was also a president. It is also the closest thing to an autobiography of Bush 41, since he has never written a memoir. George W. Bush narrated his own book. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. I fully enjoyed learning about the personal side of 41.
George W writes of his father’s early success. He writes his father gave him “unconditional love.” He discusses his father’s well-known generosity, his talent for friendship and his willingness to take risks. The most interesting parts of the book deals with the personal side of the George H. W. Bush. The author discusses his father’s service in the Pacific during WWII, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business and his political rise as a Congressman. He reviews his work as U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA director, Vice President and President.
This is the only presidential biography of a father written by his son who was also a president. It is also the closest thing to an autobiography of Bush 41, since he has never written a memoir. George W. Bush narrated his own book. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. I fully enjoyed learning about the personal side of 41.
November 29, 2014
This book made me cry, in all the good ways. I loved it from start to finish.
December 1, 2018
I do not remember 41's presidency being this eventful! No wonder he was so ill and exhausted at the end of his second campaign. And what a supportive family.
2017 Lenten nonfiction Buddy Reading Challenge book #32
My thoughts are with the Bush family in their time of loss.
2017 Lenten nonfiction Buddy Reading Challenge book #32
My thoughts are with the Bush family in their time of loss.
October 12, 2016
Didn't go into as much detail as I would have liked. George W. obviously respects his father a lot, and intended to write this as a tribute his father, but the reason I (and I'm sure many others) were excited to read this book is because it promised a glimpse into a president's life from the perspective of his son.
He says things about GHWB like the fact that he never heard harsh words exchanged between him and his mother. And every story he tells about his dad is positive. I'm willing to believe that his father was a great person, but where are the stories that humanize the former president? Where are stories about the time his father did something silly, or unexpected? This made me feel like I was reading about someone out of a parable, rather than a still living, former president.
As W points out, Bush Senior never wrote a presidential memoir, and if The President's Club taught me anything, it's that all outgoing presidents care about their legacy, and how they will be judged by history. Parts of this book felt like W was trying to draw parallels between his legacy, and that of his father's. That's fine, since former presidents are so rarely given the opportunity to speak candidly about their decisions without interruption. I don't mind reading that. However, then George W. should uphold his end of the bargain, and tell us something about his father that hasn't already been said by someone who wasn't his son.
He says things about GHWB like the fact that he never heard harsh words exchanged between him and his mother. And every story he tells about his dad is positive. I'm willing to believe that his father was a great person, but where are the stories that humanize the former president? Where are stories about the time his father did something silly, or unexpected? This made me feel like I was reading about someone out of a parable, rather than a still living, former president.
As W points out, Bush Senior never wrote a presidential memoir, and if The President's Club taught me anything, it's that all outgoing presidents care about their legacy, and how they will be judged by history. Parts of this book felt like W was trying to draw parallels between his legacy, and that of his father's. That's fine, since former presidents are so rarely given the opportunity to speak candidly about their decisions without interruption. I don't mind reading that. However, then George W. should uphold his end of the bargain, and tell us something about his father that hasn't already been said by someone who wasn't his son.
December 25, 2014
My reaction when I discovered I won this book:
I even picked up the dog and danced around with him for a while.
This was the book I most wanted this Christmas. It was also the one book I could remain pretty confident no one would get me. Winning it from the Goodreads giveaway?
Anyway, I love this type of book. I love how much George W. Bush expresses his admiration for his Dad. I love the reference to the historical precedence (like the father-son John Adams/John Quincy Adams or pulling a Martin Van Buren) I love the glimpse into policies and politics. I like the funny stories. I spent the entire book pestering my family with, "Did you know...?" and "Can you believe this....!"
I did not read this critically and I can't find it in me to be critical. I read it for my enjoyment, will re-read it for my enjoyment, and lend it out accordingly. Its the story of a great man told from the eyes of his son. It's effusive, occasionally repetitive, and every now and then goes on random tangents. But it's George W's story of his father and that makes it worth it.
I even picked up the dog and danced around with him for a while.
This was the book I most wanted this Christmas. It was also the one book I could remain pretty confident no one would get me. Winning it from the Goodreads giveaway?
Anyway, I love this type of book. I love how much George W. Bush expresses his admiration for his Dad. I love the reference to the historical precedence (like the father-son John Adams/John Quincy Adams or pulling a Martin Van Buren) I love the glimpse into policies and politics. I like the funny stories. I spent the entire book pestering my family with, "Did you know...?" and "Can you believe this....!"
I did not read this critically and I can't find it in me to be critical. I read it for my enjoyment, will re-read it for my enjoyment, and lend it out accordingly. Its the story of a great man told from the eyes of his son. It's effusive, occasionally repetitive, and every now and then goes on random tangents. But it's George W's story of his father and that makes it worth it.
December 2, 2014
Great story written about a father by an adoring son. The fact they were both President of the United States makes it that much more enjoyable. I learned quite a few things about 41, and it is very evident 43 loves his father. Definitely a good read.
December 19, 2022
Loved this book and loved learning things about GHWB that I didn't already know. What a tremendous human, life & legacy he lived! (I actually listened to this on Audible and the best part was listening to George W. Bush read this about his Dad! Highly recommend the audio version!)
November 28, 2014
The idea of this book had me expecting a five star performance. George H.W. Bush's reelection was the first that I voted for, although as an 18-year-old selling of the Religious Right, I was convinced that he was too moderate. As the years have gone by, my respect for the elder Bush's modest decency has increased as these qualities seem to be in shorter and shorter supply on the national stage. What better person to indicate these qualities and their source then a son who has also been President?
The trouble is, ex-presidents seem to look out for their own legacy above all else. Wherever W pointed out qualities in his father, he was shortly going to use them to justify himself. This was both disappointing and distracting. The maneuver also magnified the absence of personal warm in the son's words. This was his father that he knew like few other people, and get much of the text comes across as though he were documenting the resume of George H.W. Bush. I cannot say that warmth between the two does not exist, but I can say that the book does not employ the language to convey it with any consistency.
The trouble is, ex-presidents seem to look out for their own legacy above all else. Wherever W pointed out qualities in his father, he was shortly going to use them to justify himself. This was both disappointing and distracting. The maneuver also magnified the absence of personal warm in the son's words. This was his father that he knew like few other people, and get much of the text comes across as though he were documenting the resume of George H.W. Bush. I cannot say that warmth between the two does not exist, but I can say that the book does not employ the language to convey it with any consistency.
January 19, 2019
I listened to the audio and I really enjoyed listening to George W. Bush read his own book about his dad. Some of the stories that he shared were very touching, some funny, and some helped me understand the life and trials that our presidents endure a little better.
December 31, 2018
With a glimpse into the middle of this book shortly after I bought it in 2017, I saw a brief line about Bill Clinton that led me to believe this would be very politically slanted and biased. It was not. This is a touching family story, one told by a son about his father and of experiences they both shared. The closeness of the author to his subject and the sources he accessed provided a much more intimate look at the character of George Herbert Walker Bush than traditional biographies typically do of their own. The story is presented with love and with humor, and the reader almost feels a part of the family at times. The writing is simple yet colorful, much like the author himself, and it made for a quick and enjoyable read. I recommend this to everyone.
I read this presidential biography out of sequence from the ones I have or plan to read, in the order of the presidencies, but it is not the last I will take on for this remarkable man.
I wrote my own addendum to the book which I will slip inside the back cover for future readers:
I read this presidential biography out of sequence from the ones I have or plan to read, in the order of the presidencies, but it is not the last I will take on for this remarkable man.
I wrote my own addendum to the book which I will slip inside the back cover for future readers:
41 did not make it to another parachute jump at 95. In April 2018, two months before his 94th birthday, his beloved wife of 73 years passed away. In late November of that same year, George Bush joined her in the after-afterlife. To the end, he maintained the same humility and humor that he had throughout his life: When he asked biographer Ron Chernow to share with him the eulogy he had written for the inevitable day when George died (surely an awkward request for the writer), he listened and then replied, “I don’t know, that’s a lot about me.”
His funeral service included a familiar cast of characters. Of course the entire family was there. While Jeb and George W’s daughter Barbara had eulogized the former First Lady in April, speakers at HW’s gathering included Chernow, Alan Simpson, and number 43. While greeting former First Lady Michelle Obama, George W indiscreetly slipped her a piece of candy, a moment repeated from one joyously shared by the media and the country after it occurred at the funeral of Senator and presidential-candidate John McCain that August. The occasion brought together a strained group of presidents that included all of the living former chiefs (Carter, Clinton, and Obama, in addition to George W.), as well as their successor and frequent ridiculer, current president Donald Trump. 45 was not asked to speak.
The near-weeklong remembrance following George’s death included a service at the National Cathedral in Washington, after lying in state at the Capitol, where an old friend and rival stole the show. The ninety-five year old and also long wheelchair-bound former Kansas Senator Bob Dole was assisted in standing up from his confinement--a task which an aide gingerly completed—so he could salute the flag-draped casket of his fellow WWII hero.
In Texas, the casket was taken by train through several Houston suburbs before reaching its final destination of College Station, where George now rests beside Barbara and near the location of the ashes of campaign assistant Don Rhodes. The train engine was specially designed to resemble Air Force One, and numbered 4141. The car carrying the casket had clear walls, allowing thousands of people who gathered along the route to say a final goodbye as the train crept slowly through the towns.
George W. Bush was determined not to cry while delivering his eulogy, but broke up at the very end of it, as he spoke of his father “hugging Robin, and holding mom’s hand again.” The previous Saturday, he had received word that his father was slipping away, and had a chance to call him. The younger Bush told the elder that he had been a wonderful father and that he loved him. According to James Baker, who was at 41’s bedside with his friend and former boss, George HW Bush’s final words were, “I love you too.”
January 19, 2015
President George W. Bush writes a very personal portrait of President George H.W. Bush. Stories and background about the 41st President are included that only are available to a family member are just part of what makes this a worthwhile read.
Ol' 43 makes certain that the reader will view this in the proper light in the author's introduction. It is meant to be a loving portrait of his father. In that line, he succeeds above expectations. That he tells stories about his family, including his daughters, that are personal and caring far exceeds any need that he or his father have at this point in their lives or career.
A different type of work from a political figure in that it is not really political in anyway. 'W' even resorts to the humble self-deprecation that so many people missed in his personality and tells a hilarious story regarding his 'first' visit to the White House. It was a blind date that didn't go well. Nixon was involved which makes it funnier yet!
Highly recommended for all but the foaming at the mouth opponents of the family Bush. Or those who don't find any thing charming and entertaining about a 90 year old man jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and nearly plummeting, literally, into their own grave.
This book is meant to be fun, and it is!
Ol' 43 makes certain that the reader will view this in the proper light in the author's introduction. It is meant to be a loving portrait of his father. In that line, he succeeds above expectations. That he tells stories about his family, including his daughters, that are personal and caring far exceeds any need that he or his father have at this point in their lives or career.
A different type of work from a political figure in that it is not really political in anyway. 'W' even resorts to the humble self-deprecation that so many people missed in his personality and tells a hilarious story regarding his 'first' visit to the White House. It was a blind date that didn't go well. Nixon was involved which makes it funnier yet!
Highly recommended for all but the foaming at the mouth opponents of the family Bush. Or those who don't find any thing charming and entertaining about a 90 year old man jumping out of a perfectly good airplane and nearly plummeting, literally, into their own grave.
This book is meant to be fun, and it is!
December 30, 2022
I enjoyed this very much. It’s easy to forget the important events that each President must deal with during their time in office. George W writes this “love letter” to his father with grace and a simple faith in his dad.
March 23, 2015
I would actually rate this a 4.5. I enjoyed the voice and personality which came out in the writing.My book club read 41: A Portrait of My Father. I have to say that I enjoyed it. I liked the conversational style of the writing, and I thought George W. Bush's writing style came through.
I did enjoy learning some things about our 41st president. I didn't realize how much foreign experience he had before he became president. A couple of stories surprised me, one when Taiwan didn't get the vote for representation in the UN. The Taiwanese representative had to leave the assembly. Our UN Ambassador and his wife, George and Barbara Bush, walked out with him in solidarity and Barbara Bush was spit upon. Another was a funny story of George H. W. Bush, age 83, driving a speed boat with Putin and his interpreter on board.
The book holds touching family stories, especially about the death of their daughter from leukemia, plus how they came to acquire Walker's Point in Maine, etc. There are not many stories of Barbara Bush in here, but there are a few. You may agree with some of the stands and disagree with some, but you will also laugh and cry, cringe and applaud.
Political memoir is not my normal reading fare, but it was a change of pace. I've never read the genre before because of the obvious bias. I actually requested this book because it crosses genres, leaning more towards a family memoir. I may or may not try more political memoirs in the future.
I did enjoy learning some things about our 41st president. I didn't realize how much foreign experience he had before he became president. A couple of stories surprised me, one when Taiwan didn't get the vote for representation in the UN. The Taiwanese representative had to leave the assembly. Our UN Ambassador and his wife, George and Barbara Bush, walked out with him in solidarity and Barbara Bush was spit upon. Another was a funny story of George H. W. Bush, age 83, driving a speed boat with Putin and his interpreter on board.
The book holds touching family stories, especially about the death of their daughter from leukemia, plus how they came to acquire Walker's Point in Maine, etc. There are not many stories of Barbara Bush in here, but there are a few. You may agree with some of the stands and disagree with some, but you will also laugh and cry, cringe and applaud.
Political memoir is not my normal reading fare, but it was a change of pace. I've never read the genre before because of the obvious bias. I actually requested this book because it crosses genres, leaning more towards a family memoir. I may or may not try more political memoirs in the future.
February 2, 2015
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. This is the first time that a son who was a president told a story about his father who had also been a former president.
First, I would recommend that folks read or listen to this book because you do learn a lot of personal details about the 41st President George Herbert Walker Bush who by all accounts served his country in a variety of capacities including not only his stint as a Vice President but also other positions like being the Head of the CIA, being the youngest pilot in the Navy in WWII, becoming the Republican Party Chairman, serving as a member of the US House of Representatives, being appointed US Ambassador to the United Nations, being chosen to be chairman of the Republican National Committee, and being appointed the U.S. Envoy to the People's Republic of China which was probably his favorite job aside from the Presidency.
As far as I was concerned, I got the impression that George Herbert Walker Bush went from one appointed job to the next and was the "safe, loyal guy" that powerful men like to surround themselves with. He was the safe choice. But I also want to add that the Senior Bush appeared to be well liked.
I listened to this book on audible and I have to say that sometimes it was difficult understanding George W because he does not enunciate his words very well. But it was also interesting to hear him narrate the book. I did learn a lot of details about the 41st president that I did not know before - but George W had the irritating habit of trying to make his father's book about himself and his presidency - constantly interjecting all sorts of reasons and rationale as to why he did this or that in his own presidency versus strictly focusing on his Dad. Additionally he goes on and on extolling the virtues of his father's appointment to the Supreme Court of Clarence Thomas who as far as I am concerned is the most lackluster associate justice we have on the bench.
You could hear the love in his voice for his father and that is indisputable. But what I found also indisputable is that George W is still trying to explain his war with Saddam Hussein. He even digresses at the end and talks about ISIS and the future of Iraq??
Also it was disconcerting that every disaster, mistake or miscalculation and/or every scandal that occurred around the 41st president was explained away and George W emphasized that Dad knew nothing or had nothing to do with any of it. And that he did not like Richard Nixon that much (smile).
I think folks should make up their own minds when they read or listen to this book - but I think it is a worthwhile read or listen aside from the above.
Bentley - 2015
First, I would recommend that folks read or listen to this book because you do learn a lot of personal details about the 41st President George Herbert Walker Bush who by all accounts served his country in a variety of capacities including not only his stint as a Vice President but also other positions like being the Head of the CIA, being the youngest pilot in the Navy in WWII, becoming the Republican Party Chairman, serving as a member of the US House of Representatives, being appointed US Ambassador to the United Nations, being chosen to be chairman of the Republican National Committee, and being appointed the U.S. Envoy to the People's Republic of China which was probably his favorite job aside from the Presidency.
As far as I was concerned, I got the impression that George Herbert Walker Bush went from one appointed job to the next and was the "safe, loyal guy" that powerful men like to surround themselves with. He was the safe choice. But I also want to add that the Senior Bush appeared to be well liked.
I listened to this book on audible and I have to say that sometimes it was difficult understanding George W because he does not enunciate his words very well. But it was also interesting to hear him narrate the book. I did learn a lot of details about the 41st president that I did not know before - but George W had the irritating habit of trying to make his father's book about himself and his presidency - constantly interjecting all sorts of reasons and rationale as to why he did this or that in his own presidency versus strictly focusing on his Dad. Additionally he goes on and on extolling the virtues of his father's appointment to the Supreme Court of Clarence Thomas who as far as I am concerned is the most lackluster associate justice we have on the bench.
You could hear the love in his voice for his father and that is indisputable. But what I found also indisputable is that George W is still trying to explain his war with Saddam Hussein. He even digresses at the end and talks about ISIS and the future of Iraq??
Also it was disconcerting that every disaster, mistake or miscalculation and/or every scandal that occurred around the 41st president was explained away and George W emphasized that Dad knew nothing or had nothing to do with any of it. And that he did not like Richard Nixon that much (smile).
I think folks should make up their own minds when they read or listen to this book - but I think it is a worthwhile read or listen aside from the above.
Bentley - 2015
March 23, 2015
This is an awesome read. Even though I did not always agree with either of the Bush's policies as Presidents, they are people that I admire. Both Bush families have good hearts and I think they both know Jesus as their Savior. I have a few quotes for you to consider. The first is George W. telling you what made him think to write this book:
A few months after we left (George W. Bush), Laura and I invited Tim Lawson and his wife, Dorie McCullough Lawson, to our ranch in Crawford, Texas. I had commissioned Tim - a real artist, not an amateur like me - to paint some scenes of the landscape we love. As Tim observed the native prairie grasses and live oaks on the property, Dorie and I talked about her father, David McCullough. I told her that a highlight of my presidency had been meeting her dad, the fine historian and Pulitzer Prize - winning biographer of John Adams. After updating me on her father's health and projects, Dorie said, "You should know that one of my father's greatest regrets in studying John Adams is there was no serious account of him by his son John Quincy Adams." She knew, of course, my connection to John Quincy: We are the only sons of Presidents who have served as President ourselves. "For history's sake," she said, "I think you should write a book about your father."
Over the years, I suspect there will be many books analyzing George Herbert Walker Bush, the man and his presidency. Some of those works may be objective. This one is not. This book is a love story - a personal portrait of the extraordinary man who I am blessed to call my dad. I don't purport to cover every aspect of his life or his years of public service. I do hope to show you why George H. W. Bush is a great President and an even better father.
Only two times in American history has a President been sworn in with both his parents on hand to witness the moment. The first came in 1961, when Joseph and Rose Kennedy watched their son take the oath of office from Chief Justice Earl Warren. The second came in 2001, when my parents attended my inauguration.
After their fifty-fourth anniversary, my parents had passed John and Abigail Adams to claim the title of longest-married presidential couple. They are now just a few months away from extending their record to seventy years.
When my second term ended in 2009, I was fortunate to become the first President to leave office with both parents alive.
Don't be misled my the quotes I chose. This book is about George H.W. Bush. I selected the quotes above for two reasons, I thought they were interesting and I had not known the information before reading the book.
If you are interested in history, then I highly recommend this book!
A few months after we left (George W. Bush), Laura and I invited Tim Lawson and his wife, Dorie McCullough Lawson, to our ranch in Crawford, Texas. I had commissioned Tim - a real artist, not an amateur like me - to paint some scenes of the landscape we love. As Tim observed the native prairie grasses and live oaks on the property, Dorie and I talked about her father, David McCullough. I told her that a highlight of my presidency had been meeting her dad, the fine historian and Pulitzer Prize - winning biographer of John Adams. After updating me on her father's health and projects, Dorie said, "You should know that one of my father's greatest regrets in studying John Adams is there was no serious account of him by his son John Quincy Adams." She knew, of course, my connection to John Quincy: We are the only sons of Presidents who have served as President ourselves. "For history's sake," she said, "I think you should write a book about your father."
Over the years, I suspect there will be many books analyzing George Herbert Walker Bush, the man and his presidency. Some of those works may be objective. This one is not. This book is a love story - a personal portrait of the extraordinary man who I am blessed to call my dad. I don't purport to cover every aspect of his life or his years of public service. I do hope to show you why George H. W. Bush is a great President and an even better father.
Only two times in American history has a President been sworn in with both his parents on hand to witness the moment. The first came in 1961, when Joseph and Rose Kennedy watched their son take the oath of office from Chief Justice Earl Warren. The second came in 2001, when my parents attended my inauguration.
After their fifty-fourth anniversary, my parents had passed John and Abigail Adams to claim the title of longest-married presidential couple. They are now just a few months away from extending their record to seventy years.
When my second term ended in 2009, I was fortunate to become the first President to leave office with both parents alive.
Don't be misled my the quotes I chose. This book is about George H.W. Bush. I selected the quotes above for two reasons, I thought they were interesting and I had not known the information before reading the book.
If you are interested in history, then I highly recommend this book!
February 2, 2015
George H.'s #41's life story. What energy and personality, but moreover what humor and values! Someday they'll make a great movie of his life using a masterly actor. In this book his son illuminates and defines his Father. The chapters about Prescott and Dorothy, George H's parents- they were 5 star. Courage and immense risk tolerance coupled with no excuses. Never brag, and never complain. Such basic common sense to self-identity and achievement is hard to find paired with ability and grace within parenting, IMHO. Generosity from childhood to earn a nickname of "half"- from "You can have half"! Well, that's only a beginning lens to #41.
How could he have dropped all the Conn. and Yale/Harvard business opportunities to risk it all in Midland, Texas? How could he have had such an enduring and joyful marriage of 70 years, moving 25 times in the first 32 years of that span? How do you laugh in dire sadness over the death of your beloved child? How do you cross the politico divide to befriend an opponent, and do this nearly constantly? How do you make new friends without ever deserting the older or oldest? And do this while never forgetting two of the best would never made it to the raft? Living a full live before 25, and yet consistently taking another challenge after another, after another. Asking for feedback and constantly listening more than talking. Being the one who takes the job least wanted once and again and yet being there for adversaries in their worst days too.
George W. makes this book entirely about his father, and he only is represented in his own history with dates, events, milestones upon which his father is more strongly reflected.
Fabulous quotes in this book! "Never forget to preach, and sometimes you can even use words."
"Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself." UBER truth.
"Listen to your conscience. Don't be afraid not to join the mob- if you feel inside that it's wrong. Don't confuse being "soft" with seeing the other guy's point of view... Avoid self-righteously turning on a friend, but have your friendship mean that you would be willing to share with your friend your judgment. Don't assign away that judgment to achieve power."
All the jobs George H. has had and he is still with us. And still writing notes to all the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids.
The years from China, CIA and through his presidency are especially intriguing. COULD HE BUILD BRIDGES. He connected difference. Did not further divide.
How could he have dropped all the Conn. and Yale/Harvard business opportunities to risk it all in Midland, Texas? How could he have had such an enduring and joyful marriage of 70 years, moving 25 times in the first 32 years of that span? How do you laugh in dire sadness over the death of your beloved child? How do you cross the politico divide to befriend an opponent, and do this nearly constantly? How do you make new friends without ever deserting the older or oldest? And do this while never forgetting two of the best would never made it to the raft? Living a full live before 25, and yet consistently taking another challenge after another, after another. Asking for feedback and constantly listening more than talking. Being the one who takes the job least wanted once and again and yet being there for adversaries in their worst days too.
George W. makes this book entirely about his father, and he only is represented in his own history with dates, events, milestones upon which his father is more strongly reflected.
Fabulous quotes in this book! "Never forget to preach, and sometimes you can even use words."
"Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself." UBER truth.
"Listen to your conscience. Don't be afraid not to join the mob- if you feel inside that it's wrong. Don't confuse being "soft" with seeing the other guy's point of view... Avoid self-righteously turning on a friend, but have your friendship mean that you would be willing to share with your friend your judgment. Don't assign away that judgment to achieve power."
All the jobs George H. has had and he is still with us. And still writing notes to all the kids, grandkids, great-grandkids.
The years from China, CIA and through his presidency are especially intriguing. COULD HE BUILD BRIDGES. He connected difference. Did not further divide.
January 6, 2015
Love and affection leap from each page of this book. It's the story of a father's love for his family and a son's love for his father. Sure, it's getting read because George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the USA and George W. Bush was the 43rd President. But most of all, this is a story of how a family molds and supports its members.
There are some interesting political things discussed. And I learned a lot more about 41's numerous jobs in service to our country even before he was President.
Beyond that, though, is a family, sticking together through good and bad. It's a throwback to the times when family was important, when parents taught their children right and wrong, to help others, and to love and support each other while being kind and considerate of each other and other people. Maybe I'm getting old and sounding like my grandmother now, but I think a return to this type of family attitude would be a positive step for all of us.
In the meantime, George W. Bush has written a warm and loving tribute to his father which is a joy to read.
There are some interesting political things discussed. And I learned a lot more about 41's numerous jobs in service to our country even before he was President.
Beyond that, though, is a family, sticking together through good and bad. It's a throwback to the times when family was important, when parents taught their children right and wrong, to help others, and to love and support each other while being kind and considerate of each other and other people. Maybe I'm getting old and sounding like my grandmother now, but I think a return to this type of family attitude would be a positive step for all of us.
In the meantime, George W. Bush has written a warm and loving tribute to his father which is a joy to read.
April 15, 2015
This was a great story about a father and a son. Fan or no fan of this president or any other I thought the book was honest, sincere, and actually written by the author. It was a short and sweet look into the life of the 41st president.
January 22, 2016
I loved this audio book and the personal insights about the 41st President of the United States as only can be told by his son, George W. Bush, the 43rd president. He called it a love letter to his father and that love shines in these well-told stories. I highly recommend this biography.
June 19, 2015
"Now I'm no longer pursuing happiness. I have found happiness. I no longer pursue it, for it is mine." ~George H. W. Bush (August 2001)
May 8, 2020
Politics aside (though there is obviously some of that on display here), Portrait of My Father is exactly what the title implies. It is a sincere work of love and affection from a son to the man who raised him. While the book covers a number of political subjects, the sum of its parts are more so a reflection and praise for Bush Sr’s character and integrity- not his policies and ideas. In these increasingly partisan times, it’s worth reading as a reminder of a period in history not long ago when things were more civil, and our leaders valued their own character and example above all else.
March 20, 2020
Although I have read many books about the Bush family and the stories are repeated it's still an excellent read. George W. Bush's insight into the life of his father adds a different perspective of the person who was 41. I love this family because of their love for each other and their commitment to giving back to others. Their integrity and high moral standards never waver in and out of public life. Reading this story uplifted me and gave me hope for the future.
May 22, 2021
A very tender love letter from a loyal son to his dad. I half read, half listened (read by Bush 43!) and thoroughly enjoyed. ❤️💙
September 4, 2025
another great listen. they really don’t make em like they used to! this made me cry, laugh, and feel damn proud to be an Aggie (no surprise)
November 8, 2016
"41, A Portrait of My Father," is written by George W. Bush. He shares a conversation he'd had with author David McCullough's daughter. She said that one of her father's regrets in studying John Adams was that there was no biography of Adams written by his son, John Quincy Adams. "For history's sake, I think that you should write a book about your father," she said, to George W. -- half of history's two Presidential father/son pairs.
So he did, and this is that book. Bush starts out telling us that the book is not objective. He loves his dad, and that is reflected in this book -- as you would expect. Throughout the book, you can't help but be impressed by how loving and supportive the entire extended Bush family is of all its members. The elder Bush was raised by his mother to be humble, and to share credit. One of his mother's favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 27:2 -- "Let another man praise thee, and not thing own mouth." Bush has lived this out with his demeanor throughout life.
He was the youngest Navy pilot during WWII, where he served courageously. During one mission over the south Pacific, his plane was shot down, and he had to exit via parachute. He made it and was rescued, but his two comrades were not so fortunate. When asked by granddaughter Jenna whether he still thought about his lost comrades, on an interview marking his 90th birthday, he answered, "I think about them all the time."
The death of George and Barbara Bush's three-year-old daughter, Robin, from leukemia, had a huge and lasting impact on the family. For several months, the family traveled back and forth from Texas to New York in an attempt to get the best treatment for the toddler. The elder Bush spent as much time as he could with Robin, and he remembers her telling him during one of her final moments, "I love you more than tongue can tell." In 1980, when a journalist asked him if he had ever faced personal difficulty, he replied, "Have you ever sat and watched your child die? I did, for six months."
Bush does give some behind-the-scenes "dish" -- he calls Nancy Reagan "cordial," but says that she never reached out much to Barbara Bush. During the 8 Reagan/Bush years, Nancy never invited Barbara to tour the White House. In a pattern repeated often in the book, the younger Bush attempted to learn from his predecessor's mistakes, and he and Laura made a point of including the entire Cheney family to the White House and to many events there.
As Vice President, Bush 41 spent a lot of time traveling on behalf of President Reagan, and especially attending state funerals. Of Brezhnev's 1982 funeral, he wrote "Something was missing. There was no mention of God. There was no hope, no joy, no life ever after ... so discouraging in a sense, so hopeless, so lonely in a way." This is a bit of a tangent I know, but I remember feeling the same way while watching Princess Diana's funeral. It was really awful!
When Bush lost his second Presidential contest to Bill Clinton, George W. recounts how he left a note to Clinton, telling him how he was "rooting hard" for his success. Imagine, if Donald Trump wins today -- will Barack Obama leave a similar note for him?
I can't say the Bushes were some of my favorite Presidents. Their leanings were a bit farther left than mine. But, I would be hard-pressed to find more decent human beings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
So he did, and this is that book. Bush starts out telling us that the book is not objective. He loves his dad, and that is reflected in this book -- as you would expect. Throughout the book, you can't help but be impressed by how loving and supportive the entire extended Bush family is of all its members. The elder Bush was raised by his mother to be humble, and to share credit. One of his mother's favorite Bible verses was Proverbs 27:2 -- "Let another man praise thee, and not thing own mouth." Bush has lived this out with his demeanor throughout life.
He was the youngest Navy pilot during WWII, where he served courageously. During one mission over the south Pacific, his plane was shot down, and he had to exit via parachute. He made it and was rescued, but his two comrades were not so fortunate. When asked by granddaughter Jenna whether he still thought about his lost comrades, on an interview marking his 90th birthday, he answered, "I think about them all the time."
The death of George and Barbara Bush's three-year-old daughter, Robin, from leukemia, had a huge and lasting impact on the family. For several months, the family traveled back and forth from Texas to New York in an attempt to get the best treatment for the toddler. The elder Bush spent as much time as he could with Robin, and he remembers her telling him during one of her final moments, "I love you more than tongue can tell." In 1980, when a journalist asked him if he had ever faced personal difficulty, he replied, "Have you ever sat and watched your child die? I did, for six months."
Bush does give some behind-the-scenes "dish" -- he calls Nancy Reagan "cordial," but says that she never reached out much to Barbara Bush. During the 8 Reagan/Bush years, Nancy never invited Barbara to tour the White House. In a pattern repeated often in the book, the younger Bush attempted to learn from his predecessor's mistakes, and he and Laura made a point of including the entire Cheney family to the White House and to many events there.
As Vice President, Bush 41 spent a lot of time traveling on behalf of President Reagan, and especially attending state funerals. Of Brezhnev's 1982 funeral, he wrote "Something was missing. There was no mention of God. There was no hope, no joy, no life ever after ... so discouraging in a sense, so hopeless, so lonely in a way." This is a bit of a tangent I know, but I remember feeling the same way while watching Princess Diana's funeral. It was really awful!
When Bush lost his second Presidential contest to Bill Clinton, George W. recounts how he left a note to Clinton, telling him how he was "rooting hard" for his success. Imagine, if Donald Trump wins today -- will Barack Obama leave a similar note for him?
I can't say the Bushes were some of my favorite Presidents. Their leanings were a bit farther left than mine. But, I would be hard-pressed to find more decent human beings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
February 28, 2019
George W. Bush has done history a tremendous favor by recording this portrait of his father, the 41st President of the United States. I came to this book as someone who has never voted for a Bush in a primary election but always in the general election, so I'm not a devoted fan nor a political enemy. I lived through both Presidents' terms and remember them well, so this was a great perspective on the life of "41."
The life of George H. W. Bush typified the Greatest Generation. His devotion to family, his quiet faith, his solid character, his unwavering integrity, his love of country, and his passion for public service exemplified the best of America. He will be missed as a leader and a great human being.
Where this account shined was in the telling of the story of the man--his upbringing, his parenting style, his suffering, his devotion. The stories of his service in WWII were inspiring. His love for Barbara for over 70 years is an example we would all benefit by following. His suffering through the illness and death of a child are heartbreaking. Pretty much every story about George H.W. Bush made me like him even more. He grew and grew and grew through the telling of this account.
I had two problems with this book. One is that W isn't a particularly good story teller. His narrative is very Orwellian, getting the facts with only an occasional observation, though several observations that he makes are quite good. I especially enjoyed his description of the Clinton/H.W. relationship post-2001 and was surprised and impressed by H.W.'s "personal diplomacy." But W.'s recording of history, while great, leaves me wanting more. The other problem is that W. made this book too often about W. and detracted from H.W. There were a score of times when events related unnecessarily to himself. Some of this is necessary and proper since they both served as President, but often W. would sidetrack into an explanation or defense of his own time in the White House. There was an especially frustrating long sidebar apologetic about the War on Terror, which was a segway from the Kuwait War in 1991. Some tie in is appropriate, but this became a policy defense from 2002, not an explanation of what was going on in 1991.
Despite its flaws, I highly recommend this as a read for anyone interested in Cold War era history, the greatest generation, or just wants to read about a great man who left the world a better place than he found it.
The life of George H. W. Bush typified the Greatest Generation. His devotion to family, his quiet faith, his solid character, his unwavering integrity, his love of country, and his passion for public service exemplified the best of America. He will be missed as a leader and a great human being.
Where this account shined was in the telling of the story of the man--his upbringing, his parenting style, his suffering, his devotion. The stories of his service in WWII were inspiring. His love for Barbara for over 70 years is an example we would all benefit by following. His suffering through the illness and death of a child are heartbreaking. Pretty much every story about George H.W. Bush made me like him even more. He grew and grew and grew through the telling of this account.
I had two problems with this book. One is that W isn't a particularly good story teller. His narrative is very Orwellian, getting the facts with only an occasional observation, though several observations that he makes are quite good. I especially enjoyed his description of the Clinton/H.W. relationship post-2001 and was surprised and impressed by H.W.'s "personal diplomacy." But W.'s recording of history, while great, leaves me wanting more. The other problem is that W. made this book too often about W. and detracted from H.W. There were a score of times when events related unnecessarily to himself. Some of this is necessary and proper since they both served as President, but often W. would sidetrack into an explanation or defense of his own time in the White House. There was an especially frustrating long sidebar apologetic about the War on Terror, which was a segway from the Kuwait War in 1991. Some tie in is appropriate, but this became a policy defense from 2002, not an explanation of what was going on in 1991.
Despite its flaws, I highly recommend this as a read for anyone interested in Cold War era history, the greatest generation, or just wants to read about a great man who left the world a better place than he found it.
January 19, 2016
I have nothing but profound respect for George H.W. Bush. Though I didn't agree with all of his policies, I believe that he is an honest, thoughtful, intelligent individual and he is clearly willing to make the tough choices in order to come down on the right side of history. My rating is based solely on the content of the book.
G.W. Bush strings together a series of newspaper headlines, weak platitudes, and colloquialisms and perhaps unintentionally highlights the stark differences between himself and his father. More than an homage to 41, I think this book provides the historical record of 43 with a partial answer to the question "what went wrong?"
The author either had no editors or, like he highlights of himself on other matters in the book, just didn't listen to his advisors. While his father is self-less, the author spends roughly 30% of the book comparing his experiences and justifying his decisions on 41's experiences. 43 uses 41's decision to remove Manuel Noriega from power at the cost of 23 American lives to justify the loss of life in Iraq.
The author repeatedly highlights that 41 never advised 43 against carrying out his decisions (as 41's mother did to him on a regular basis). This fact and the empty feeling I have after finishing this book leave me wondering how differently the recent decades of American history and the several hours I wasted reading this book would have been spent if George Herbert Walker Bush had uttered the words, "That's a terrible idea."
G.W. Bush strings together a series of newspaper headlines, weak platitudes, and colloquialisms and perhaps unintentionally highlights the stark differences between himself and his father. More than an homage to 41, I think this book provides the historical record of 43 with a partial answer to the question "what went wrong?"
The author either had no editors or, like he highlights of himself on other matters in the book, just didn't listen to his advisors. While his father is self-less, the author spends roughly 30% of the book comparing his experiences and justifying his decisions on 41's experiences. 43 uses 41's decision to remove Manuel Noriega from power at the cost of 23 American lives to justify the loss of life in Iraq.
The author repeatedly highlights that 41 never advised 43 against carrying out his decisions (as 41's mother did to him on a regular basis). This fact and the empty feeling I have after finishing this book leave me wondering how differently the recent decades of American history and the several hours I wasted reading this book would have been spent if George Herbert Walker Bush had uttered the words, "That's a terrible idea."
December 18, 2014
Enjoyed this book a lot. From the unique perspective of George W. Bush as only the second son of a President to also hold the highest elected office, '43' as he's known gives an intimate portrait of his father, George H.W. Bush. But the book isn't written necessarily about one President from another; it's written from a son about his father, two men that hold a dynamic in America unknown to any other such father-son duo. Poignant. Intimate. Sweet. Heartfelt. Inspiring. And I guess it's one of those classic old scenarios of a boy bragging about how terrific his father is. Would expect this to actually appeal across partisan lines as George Bush the son, the brother, the Navy pilot, the husband, the father, the grandfather, and the President are all detailed. Fine book here. Highly recommended.
November 29, 2014
"He was a great president because he was a great man." President GWB obviously adored his father, and he makes a great case for him as a great man. Learning how he grew up, the values that he learned and followed were well-described and supported the portrait of 41. I have a greater appreciation for GHWB, and I think he is not as noteworthy as other presidents by virtue of his high character- he mother taught him not to brag, he learned compromise and used it well, and was a genuine, honest, principled and humble man who was not in it for himself, but from a desire to serve others. I have always been fascinated by men who have served as president, and this was a great character study of 41. I have a greater appreciation for the man and the former president.
February 15, 2015
George W. Bush writes that he was encouraged to tell the story of George H.W. Bush by David McCullough, who would have liked to see the life of John Adams written by the other presidential son of a President, John Quincy aka Number 6. 43 has duly obliged, writing a warm memoir that explores his father's life and occasionally attempts to contrast it with his own.
As history, it's slight. I don't think anything recounted will surprise long-time Bush-watchers, and the awkward parts of the family's history are carefully glossed over. But if you want to see elder Bush's charisma and strength of character -- and he has a lot of both -- then the eyes of his son are a pretty good lens to look through.
As history, it's slight. I don't think anything recounted will surprise long-time Bush-watchers, and the awkward parts of the family's history are carefully glossed over. But if you want to see elder Bush's charisma and strength of character -- and he has a lot of both -- then the eyes of his son are a pretty good lens to look through.
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