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Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A vibrant collection of oil paintings and stories by President George W. Bush honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military veterans.
With Forewords by former First Lady Laura Bush and General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Growing out of President Bush’s own outreach and the ongoing work of the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together sixty-six full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of members of the United States military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11—and whom he has come to know personally.
Our men and women in uniform have faced down enemies, liberated millions, and in doing so showed the true compassion of our nation. Often, they return home with injuries—both visible and invisible—that intensify the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. In addition to these burdens, research shows a civilian-military divide. Seventy-one percent of Americans say they have little understanding of the issues facing veterans, and veterans agree: eighty-four percent say that the public has "little awareness" of the issues facing them and their families.
Each painting in this meticulously produced hardcover volume is accompanied by the inspiring story of the veteran depicted, written by the President. Readers can see the faces of those who answered the nation’s call and learn from their bravery on the battlefield, their journeys to recovery, and the continued leadership and contributions they are making as civilians. It is President Bush’s desire that these stories of courage and resilience will honor our men and women in uniform, highlight their family and caregivers who bear the burden of their sacrifice, and help Americans understand how we can support our veterans and empower them to succeed.
President Bush will donate his net author proceeds from PORTRAITS OF COURAGE to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.
With Forewords by former First Lady Laura Bush and General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Growing out of President Bush’s own outreach and the ongoing work of the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together sixty-six full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of members of the United States military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11—and whom he has come to know personally.
Our men and women in uniform have faced down enemies, liberated millions, and in doing so showed the true compassion of our nation. Often, they return home with injuries—both visible and invisible—that intensify the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. In addition to these burdens, research shows a civilian-military divide. Seventy-one percent of Americans say they have little understanding of the issues facing veterans, and veterans agree: eighty-four percent say that the public has "little awareness" of the issues facing them and their families.
Each painting in this meticulously produced hardcover volume is accompanied by the inspiring story of the veteran depicted, written by the President. Readers can see the faces of those who answered the nation’s call and learn from their bravery on the battlefield, their journeys to recovery, and the continued leadership and contributions they are making as civilians. It is President Bush’s desire that these stories of courage and resilience will honor our men and women in uniform, highlight their family and caregivers who bear the burden of their sacrifice, and help Americans understand how we can support our veterans and empower them to succeed.
President Bush will donate his net author proceeds from PORTRAITS OF COURAGE to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
149 people are currently reading
1035 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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July 4, 2017
Happy July 4th ...where 13 colonies claimed their independence from England in 1776!!!
NOTE TO ALL MY FRIENDS... and members who have followed my reviews: THANK YOU!!!! THIS IS MY LAST REVIEW!!!! I am retiring 'completely'!!!!
ABOUT *THIS* BOOK:
It's a collection of portraits of our nations heroes -- that I've owned for about six weeks. Paul and I have both been enjoying it.
We are both really' inspired. Paul says....."after reading this book, and given our current situation, I never thought I'd be saying this....but I wish George Bush were President right now.
Regardless of your political views --this book is SPECTACULAR!!! It moves you emotionally--
From the start, I adored reading the forward by Laura Bush. --- and there is something so 'darn cute' about looking at the 'very first' colored photo of George Bush painting - in his T-Shirt - his portraits!!!!! The photo shows Bush dipping his paint brush into the paint. The canvas he has painted ( which looks done to me), is of 11 men and women --all in one painting. Each of the facial expressions in each of these 11 people are so expressive. George looks so focused-- concentrating on his work. George Bush is relatively a new artist--( he never touched a paint brush until the age of 66 years of age) --and there is so much to admire about his work - and purpose. George says, "As far as I knew, no other President had painted world leaders".
George goes on to share about the challenge of painting human faces. George was driven to learn. He found an instructor by the name of Jim Woodson. Under Jim's tutelage, he painted a series of cacti, water lilies, hats, and more.
Then another artist offered help - Sedrick Huckaby- who suggested that Bush paint people whom he knew. Bush instantly thought of painting wounded warriors that he had gotten to know during the W1000K Mountain bike rides and Warrior Open golf outings put on by the Bush institute. And so in September, 2015, Bush started painting the 98 man and women who are featured in this book.
I understand Laura had previously called Bush's art studio his 'man cave'. It's his ARTIST STUDIO now!!!! I get it....BUSH IS A DEDICATED ARTIST!!
While he was painting the men and women he knew, he thought about their backgrounds in the military and the issues that they dealt with as a result of combat from mini visible injuries, others invisible wounds such as post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Wish wanted to honor these men and women for their service and show his respect for their sacrifice and courage.
All proceeds from this book goes towards supporting causes for veterans.
Honestly--some of the individual stories bring real tears to your eyes. I didn't know who these men were 'at all' until reading this book - but each 'short' biography along side their portrait allows us to have a genuine experience of them - men and women - who faced the Battlefield, their journeys, their recoveries, ( and not always), and contributions.
.....sharing about 1 man in this book: there are 97 more:
SCOTT NEIL was in the U.S. Army.
Scott grew up on a cattle ranch in Florida. He was predisposed to be a cowboy. He even looks a little like John Wayne.
Scott had a 24 years in the army. He conducted Special Forces missions in Kenya, Kuwait, Arabia, Pakistan, Oman, and Yemen. After 9/11 he was deployed to Afghanistan has one of the first Green Berets in. He went on to Iraq for three rotations, then sent to Africa in pursuit of foreign fighters there. Intense combat operations almost nightly. The fighting took a heavy toll on his body. After and explosive attack on his vehicle in 2004, Scott started to notice that he had a tendency to become angry- and extreme pain in his neck. Eventually, Scott left the army and learned that the outdoors, what is the best therapy for him. Bush had received a picture of Scotty and his cowboy hat riding a horse - He was peaceful and in a better place : "through the hate tunnel, and enjoying being a great American". Scott's latest project was consulting on a documentary fim titled "The Legion", about the American special forces who led the first charge into Afghanistan after 9/11 while mounted on horses.
This book is sooooo inspiring. It encourages us to understand deeper of the issues facing veterans. Plus...kudos to George Bush --for taking on painting with a zest of passion to honor our military in the way he has. Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Highly Recommend!!!!!!
NOTE TO ALL MY FRIENDS... and members who have followed my reviews: THANK YOU!!!! THIS IS MY LAST REVIEW!!!! I am retiring 'completely'!!!!
ABOUT *THIS* BOOK:
It's a collection of portraits of our nations heroes -- that I've owned for about six weeks. Paul and I have both been enjoying it.
We are both really' inspired. Paul says....."after reading this book, and given our current situation, I never thought I'd be saying this....but I wish George Bush were President right now.
Regardless of your political views --this book is SPECTACULAR!!! It moves you emotionally--
From the start, I adored reading the forward by Laura Bush. --- and there is something so 'darn cute' about looking at the 'very first' colored photo of George Bush painting - in his T-Shirt - his portraits!!!!! The photo shows Bush dipping his paint brush into the paint. The canvas he has painted ( which looks done to me), is of 11 men and women --all in one painting. Each of the facial expressions in each of these 11 people are so expressive. George looks so focused-- concentrating on his work. George Bush is relatively a new artist--( he never touched a paint brush until the age of 66 years of age) --and there is so much to admire about his work - and purpose. George says, "As far as I knew, no other President had painted world leaders".
George goes on to share about the challenge of painting human faces. George was driven to learn. He found an instructor by the name of Jim Woodson. Under Jim's tutelage, he painted a series of cacti, water lilies, hats, and more.
Then another artist offered help - Sedrick Huckaby- who suggested that Bush paint people whom he knew. Bush instantly thought of painting wounded warriors that he had gotten to know during the W1000K Mountain bike rides and Warrior Open golf outings put on by the Bush institute. And so in September, 2015, Bush started painting the 98 man and women who are featured in this book.
I understand Laura had previously called Bush's art studio his 'man cave'. It's his ARTIST STUDIO now!!!! I get it....BUSH IS A DEDICATED ARTIST!!
While he was painting the men and women he knew, he thought about their backgrounds in the military and the issues that they dealt with as a result of combat from mini visible injuries, others invisible wounds such as post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Wish wanted to honor these men and women for their service and show his respect for their sacrifice and courage.
All proceeds from this book goes towards supporting causes for veterans.
Honestly--some of the individual stories bring real tears to your eyes. I didn't know who these men were 'at all' until reading this book - but each 'short' biography along side their portrait allows us to have a genuine experience of them - men and women - who faced the Battlefield, their journeys, their recoveries, ( and not always), and contributions.
.....sharing about 1 man in this book: there are 97 more:
SCOTT NEIL was in the U.S. Army.
Scott grew up on a cattle ranch in Florida. He was predisposed to be a cowboy. He even looks a little like John Wayne.
Scott had a 24 years in the army. He conducted Special Forces missions in Kenya, Kuwait, Arabia, Pakistan, Oman, and Yemen. After 9/11 he was deployed to Afghanistan has one of the first Green Berets in. He went on to Iraq for three rotations, then sent to Africa in pursuit of foreign fighters there. Intense combat operations almost nightly. The fighting took a heavy toll on his body. After and explosive attack on his vehicle in 2004, Scott started to notice that he had a tendency to become angry- and extreme pain in his neck. Eventually, Scott left the army and learned that the outdoors, what is the best therapy for him. Bush had received a picture of Scotty and his cowboy hat riding a horse - He was peaceful and in a better place : "through the hate tunnel, and enjoying being a great American". Scott's latest project was consulting on a documentary fim titled "The Legion", about the American special forces who led the first charge into Afghanistan after 9/11 while mounted on horses.
This book is sooooo inspiring. It encourages us to understand deeper of the issues facing veterans. Plus...kudos to George Bush --for taking on painting with a zest of passion to honor our military in the way he has. Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Highly Recommend!!!!!!
July 12, 2017
I doubt many people in this generation of Americans will forget where they were on September 11, 2001. In the subsequent years over four million Americans were to serve our country in the armed forces in the war against terror. Many suffered from brain trauma, post traumatic stress syndrome, and debilitating injuries including amputations and countless gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Since leaving office, President George W. Bush has taken up painting. Under the tutelage of three expert teachers, he graduated from still life to portraits. Using Winston Churchill as his inspiration, W has even painted the portraits of his fellow world leaders. Over time, he has made painting into more than a hobby with Mrs Laura Bush stating that the President's studio is his "man cave." When my friend Elyse recently reviewed Portraits of Courage, I was moved to read it. The President has captured the image of 98 veteran soldiers, each accompanied by a brief biography. Through these images we meet a cross section of the armed forces who give so much to the United States.
I am impressed that a man as accomplished as President Bush would decide to take up painting at age 70. He was not content to dabble in water colors and took classes from university professors as he strove to achieve as much as possible at this point in his life. I am equally impressed at the poignancy in his artwork. It is no secret that the President loves and admires the armed forces. He treats each soldier as he would his own child, forging relationships with many that last well after they are discharged. That he would paint the soldiers with such detail, capturing their emotions is as inspiring to me as the soldiers accomplishments on and off of the battle field.
The Bush Center has established many programs for wounded warriors including setting up veterans with therapies such as mountain biking and golf, including inspirational weekends at the President's ranch in Crawford, Texas. As the President and veterans point out here, many civilians are unaware of the hidden trauma that veterans face when they return from battle. Post traumatic stress is a battle many will cope with for the rest of their lives. Through the VA and other veterans networks, those returning from conflict are encouraged to impart to others what they are experiencing so that they do not have the trauma define them. Programs like Wounded Warriors, the Bush Institute, and others allow veterans to make positive advances in their lives. Many depicted in the pages of this book were able to marry and have children and be positive role models in their communities due to the efforts of programs as these.
It was tough to rate this book because I was more inspired by the stories of the soldiers who rebuilt their lives after leaving the armed forces than I was by the writing. Yet, this book was meant to capture the perseverance of the veteran soldiers through their portraits rather than words. The President's artwork was inspirational showing that it is never too late in life to try new things. I would look forward to viewing a larger cross section of the President's artwork. This collection of portraits is worth 5 stars despite the lower overall rating for the book. Nothing takes away from the accomplishments of the men and women shown on these pages. It was time well spent learning about their lives.
Since leaving office, President George W. Bush has taken up painting. Under the tutelage of three expert teachers, he graduated from still life to portraits. Using Winston Churchill as his inspiration, W has even painted the portraits of his fellow world leaders. Over time, he has made painting into more than a hobby with Mrs Laura Bush stating that the President's studio is his "man cave." When my friend Elyse recently reviewed Portraits of Courage, I was moved to read it. The President has captured the image of 98 veteran soldiers, each accompanied by a brief biography. Through these images we meet a cross section of the armed forces who give so much to the United States.
I am impressed that a man as accomplished as President Bush would decide to take up painting at age 70. He was not content to dabble in water colors and took classes from university professors as he strove to achieve as much as possible at this point in his life. I am equally impressed at the poignancy in his artwork. It is no secret that the President loves and admires the armed forces. He treats each soldier as he would his own child, forging relationships with many that last well after they are discharged. That he would paint the soldiers with such detail, capturing their emotions is as inspiring to me as the soldiers accomplishments on and off of the battle field.
The Bush Center has established many programs for wounded warriors including setting up veterans with therapies such as mountain biking and golf, including inspirational weekends at the President's ranch in Crawford, Texas. As the President and veterans point out here, many civilians are unaware of the hidden trauma that veterans face when they return from battle. Post traumatic stress is a battle many will cope with for the rest of their lives. Through the VA and other veterans networks, those returning from conflict are encouraged to impart to others what they are experiencing so that they do not have the trauma define them. Programs like Wounded Warriors, the Bush Institute, and others allow veterans to make positive advances in their lives. Many depicted in the pages of this book were able to marry and have children and be positive role models in their communities due to the efforts of programs as these.
It was tough to rate this book because I was more inspired by the stories of the soldiers who rebuilt their lives after leaving the armed forces than I was by the writing. Yet, this book was meant to capture the perseverance of the veteran soldiers through their portraits rather than words. The President's artwork was inspirational showing that it is never too late in life to try new things. I would look forward to viewing a larger cross section of the President's artwork. This collection of portraits is worth 5 stars despite the lower overall rating for the book. Nothing takes away from the accomplishments of the men and women shown on these pages. It was time well spent learning about their lives.
April 26, 2017
We all know that Dubya is experiencing a bit of a Georgeaissance if you will. To be honest I prefer not to think about what kind of world I'm living in where I look back fondly at the George W. Bush years.
Now let's not kid ourselves, reading this book did not make me realize what a gift we all had in a guy who I'm sure was great fun to have a beer with when he wasn't busy mangling the English language and getting several thousand people killed and landing on aircraft carriers yelling "Mission Accomplished" in the world's worst sequel to "Top Gun" and ain't no one forgetting the abortion restrictions and the faith based welfare initiatives and that whole war to look for things that weren't there.
Yet here I find myself having to accept the fact that people, even people like this guy, are at the end of the day...people. We've all got layers and public faces and private faces and feelings no one knows we have and things we can't show people because we need them to see us in just a certain way.
George W. Bush should never have been president but damned if he shouldn't have considered a career in the arts. Because, early self portraits notwithstanding, it turns out he's kinda really talented. He's also dead serious about the work he's been doing since he left office. Which leaves me in the utterly bizarre position of kind of admiring the guy.
This book is a series of portraits and stories of the men and women GWB has met and worked with through his charitable organizations, groups that organize golf tournaments and mountain biking events for veterans, many of them horribly wounded in action. These are people he sent to war and his work shows that he knows that.
I know that probably sounds bizarre but what I mean is he's achieved such a level of proficiency and depth in his painting that you can actually see his emotional connection to his subjects in these portraits. He really cares about each and every one of these people and that's not something I've ever given him credit for before, actually caring about the people he sent off to war.
There's so much happening in these paintings. The paint is heavy, he uses a ton of it for each piece, and brightly colored and there's something kind of amazing about the way he portrays even the most heavily scarred of his subjects. You know these are people who have been horribly maimed but you don't see the scars. You see bright, sometimes very haunted eyes and flowing hair that honestly made me think of Van Gogh and so many smiles. I found myself really sitting with some of these portraits, just examining them the way you do with really fascinating artwork. Because this is real, very fascinating, honest, beautiful artwork.
Every painting comes with a story, where he met the subject, some experience they shared and always the story of what happened to them. I don't think he had a ghostwriter for these and again I find myself having to reevaluate my impressions of GWB the human being versus GWB the president. He's down right reverential in the way he talks about these men and women. He really, really knows who each and every one of them are and its clearly so important to him that we see them and understand what they've sacrificed.
What's also kind of amazing is how positive each of these stories is. He doesn't throw softballs about what these people have gone through but he's clearly more interested in highlighting how they've recovered and in some cases returned to fight or gone on to do amazing work with other soldiers not as fortunate. He puts a real spotlight on the incredible importance of mental and spiritual health for soldiers and he gives a literary shout out to every organization these people are part of or work for. He is just so proud of these people, and so grateful to them. I really couldn't help but feel how powerful a message that is.
I've been hearing the word "atonement" a lot with regard to this book. Reviews that hail the artwork and the courage of its subjects but always with the caveat that they're only subjects in a book like this because he was responsible for sending them into harms way. So it is hard to see those two things next to each other; the president who brought about so much ruin and death for so many people and the man who did what he thought he had to and now wants to do what he can to apologize and say thank you.
It won't be enough because nothing could be enough but it matters that he's doing it. We need to be reminded of the men and women who go where they're ordered with no thought for their own safety. The ones who leave their families for years at a time and go off to some place where everyone they encounter wants them dead just for being Americans and then come home broken and changed forever by what they've had to do.
This is a book very much worth checking out no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. If for no other reason than because it reminded me that you can be both a dullard who can't pronounce "nuclear" and a rather exceptional artist with a compassionate and deeply regretful heart.
Now let's not kid ourselves, reading this book did not make me realize what a gift we all had in a guy who I'm sure was great fun to have a beer with when he wasn't busy mangling the English language and getting several thousand people killed and landing on aircraft carriers yelling "Mission Accomplished" in the world's worst sequel to "Top Gun" and ain't no one forgetting the abortion restrictions and the faith based welfare initiatives and that whole war to look for things that weren't there.
Yet here I find myself having to accept the fact that people, even people like this guy, are at the end of the day...people. We've all got layers and public faces and private faces and feelings no one knows we have and things we can't show people because we need them to see us in just a certain way.
George W. Bush should never have been president but damned if he shouldn't have considered a career in the arts. Because, early self portraits notwithstanding, it turns out he's kinda really talented. He's also dead serious about the work he's been doing since he left office. Which leaves me in the utterly bizarre position of kind of admiring the guy.
This book is a series of portraits and stories of the men and women GWB has met and worked with through his charitable organizations, groups that organize golf tournaments and mountain biking events for veterans, many of them horribly wounded in action. These are people he sent to war and his work shows that he knows that.
I know that probably sounds bizarre but what I mean is he's achieved such a level of proficiency and depth in his painting that you can actually see his emotional connection to his subjects in these portraits. He really cares about each and every one of these people and that's not something I've ever given him credit for before, actually caring about the people he sent off to war.
There's so much happening in these paintings. The paint is heavy, he uses a ton of it for each piece, and brightly colored and there's something kind of amazing about the way he portrays even the most heavily scarred of his subjects. You know these are people who have been horribly maimed but you don't see the scars. You see bright, sometimes very haunted eyes and flowing hair that honestly made me think of Van Gogh and so many smiles. I found myself really sitting with some of these portraits, just examining them the way you do with really fascinating artwork. Because this is real, very fascinating, honest, beautiful artwork.
Every painting comes with a story, where he met the subject, some experience they shared and always the story of what happened to them. I don't think he had a ghostwriter for these and again I find myself having to reevaluate my impressions of GWB the human being versus GWB the president. He's down right reverential in the way he talks about these men and women. He really, really knows who each and every one of them are and its clearly so important to him that we see them and understand what they've sacrificed.
What's also kind of amazing is how positive each of these stories is. He doesn't throw softballs about what these people have gone through but he's clearly more interested in highlighting how they've recovered and in some cases returned to fight or gone on to do amazing work with other soldiers not as fortunate. He puts a real spotlight on the incredible importance of mental and spiritual health for soldiers and he gives a literary shout out to every organization these people are part of or work for. He is just so proud of these people, and so grateful to them. I really couldn't help but feel how powerful a message that is.
I've been hearing the word "atonement" a lot with regard to this book. Reviews that hail the artwork and the courage of its subjects but always with the caveat that they're only subjects in a book like this because he was responsible for sending them into harms way. So it is hard to see those two things next to each other; the president who brought about so much ruin and death for so many people and the man who did what he thought he had to and now wants to do what he can to apologize and say thank you.
It won't be enough because nothing could be enough but it matters that he's doing it. We need to be reminded of the men and women who go where they're ordered with no thought for their own safety. The ones who leave their families for years at a time and go off to some place where everyone they encounter wants them dead just for being Americans and then come home broken and changed forever by what they've had to do.
This is a book very much worth checking out no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. If for no other reason than because it reminded me that you can be both a dullard who can't pronounce "nuclear" and a rather exceptional artist with a compassionate and deeply regretful heart.
March 20, 2017
This review is strictly about this book and does not reflect my views on anything political, so please refrain from making any comments of a political nature, thanks!
I really enjoyed this book from the painting aspect and think the portraits are pretty great. I studied fine arts for 2 years before finishing my degree in Anthropology and will always love any type of art. Especially painting. I read this book on my Kindle because I borrowed it from my library so I imagine the portraits are even better in person and in the print version of the book. I also enjoyed all of the stories that went along with the portraits and love that he took the time to not only paint their portraits, but to tell their stories. I hold a deep respect for anyone and everyone who protects and serves our country and it's nice to see that respect for veterans in this book. I hope that his original oil on canvas paintings will be properly displayed, along with the stories that go with them, in a gallery sometime soon.
I really enjoyed this book from the painting aspect and think the portraits are pretty great. I studied fine arts for 2 years before finishing my degree in Anthropology and will always love any type of art. Especially painting. I read this book on my Kindle because I borrowed it from my library so I imagine the portraits are even better in person and in the print version of the book. I also enjoyed all of the stories that went along with the portraits and love that he took the time to not only paint their portraits, but to tell their stories. I hold a deep respect for anyone and everyone who protects and serves our country and it's nice to see that respect for veterans in this book. I hope that his original oil on canvas paintings will be properly displayed, along with the stories that go with them, in a gallery sometime soon.
Read
June 21, 2017I just can't get my head around the way this starts off like the xkcd cartoon - world leader destabilising the world or art school...hmmm.... - but it turns out maybe the guy can paint and it all should have turned out differently....
April 17, 2017
I have never been a President George W. Bush's supporter. I was against almost everything he did while he was president. However, I like his portraits and this book. He is a talented artist, and his portraits have depth.
While I was reading this book, the word "atonement" came up to my mind.
My review @ Newsweek Japan:
http://www.newsweekjapan.jp/watanabe/...
While I was reading this book, the word "atonement" came up to my mind.
My review @ Newsweek Japan:
http://www.newsweekjapan.jp/watanabe/...
November 12, 2016
The most remarkable portraits in this book are of dead Iraqi civilians. In a stunning Conceptualist gesture reminiscent of Rauschenburg's White Paintings series, Bush depicts them as empty white pages at the beginning and end of the book, symbolizing thousands of lost possibilities and life stories never to be written as a direct result of his own illegal and unjust actions.
March 24, 2017
I think it's relevant these days to state that I am a dirty liberal. I deeply resent almost everything the Republicans claim "real Americans" believe in, and so on and so forth. I was in high school when GWB took office the second time, and I was a liberal then, too. Even so, I signed on with the Navy a month or two after I graduated high school, a career path that didn't pan out for medical reasons. Two of my cousins served in Iraq under Bush's presidency.
I think it's relevant to say all of that because, as much as I hated so many of Bush's choices, I always thought he was a pretty decent person. He reached out to the Muslim community immediately following 9/11. He tried to follow the customs of our allies when he visited abroad. And very recently, when Captain Cheeto tried to ram his Muslim Ban through, Bush publicly denounced it. It was such a relief to see someone the Right adored state that what was happening was wrong.
Since leaving office, Bush has kept busy with the veteran community. This book is about the men and women who served the United States. This book confirms all the quiet suspicions I had as a teenager that Bush, if not the leader I wanted for my country, was still an empathetic person. Considering the things we're contending with now, that feels somehow huge and poignant.
I'm astounded by the time that he took to get to know these people, to do their portraits, to write us a snapshot of their lives--a snapshot that is warm and personal and touching. In the forward, Bush calls himself a novice and says he doesn't know how much artistic merit there is in his work. I'm not an artist (well, I'm a photographer, but.) However I think Bush's relative lack of experience actually adds something to this project. There's an earnestness to it that works very much in its favor.
I would recommend this book to people on both sides of the aisle, and those in the middle as well.
I think it's relevant to say all of that because, as much as I hated so many of Bush's choices, I always thought he was a pretty decent person. He reached out to the Muslim community immediately following 9/11. He tried to follow the customs of our allies when he visited abroad. And very recently, when Captain Cheeto tried to ram his Muslim Ban through, Bush publicly denounced it. It was such a relief to see someone the Right adored state that what was happening was wrong.
Since leaving office, Bush has kept busy with the veteran community. This book is about the men and women who served the United States. This book confirms all the quiet suspicions I had as a teenager that Bush, if not the leader I wanted for my country, was still an empathetic person. Considering the things we're contending with now, that feels somehow huge and poignant.
I'm astounded by the time that he took to get to know these people, to do their portraits, to write us a snapshot of their lives--a snapshot that is warm and personal and touching. In the forward, Bush calls himself a novice and says he doesn't know how much artistic merit there is in his work. I'm not an artist (well, I'm a photographer, but.) However I think Bush's relative lack of experience actually adds something to this project. There's an earnestness to it that works very much in its favor.
I would recommend this book to people on both sides of the aisle, and those in the middle as well.
March 5, 2017
This is a remarkable book. President George W. Bush fills this book with portraits he painted of wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He highlights the individual stories of those soldiers included in the book using his plain-spoken style and occasional dry wit he is known for. One more note, many of those whose stories are include here speak of their healing being a life-long journey they have embraced. Most cite the love of family, faith, medical care, and exercise as key components in their recovery. And as the author mentions several times the soldiers courage played no small part as well. Think this will be my Dad's Birthday present this year.
March 4, 2017
Great job!
I was watching Ellen shows when I see Former President Bush on the stages and talked about life after his presidency. And also talk about his book about military men's and women's in service. Wow the former president wrote a book? I was so excited to go online and get it and read it right away. Anyway I chose this rating because I was very touched about our veterans what they've been going through after service.. I was crying while reading all their stories. And as a matter of fact it will help me to help my friend suffering from PTS. God Bless You Mr. Bush I really like that you find time to write and helped our military men and women in service. Keep up the good work!
I was watching Ellen shows when I see Former President Bush on the stages and talked about life after his presidency. And also talk about his book about military men's and women's in service. Wow the former president wrote a book? I was so excited to go online and get it and read it right away. Anyway I chose this rating because I was very touched about our veterans what they've been going through after service.. I was crying while reading all their stories. And as a matter of fact it will help me to help my friend suffering from PTS. God Bless You Mr. Bush I really like that you find time to write and helped our military men and women in service. Keep up the good work!
March 4, 2017
I saw the President on the Today Show and liked the concept of the book and that proceeds were going to help veterans. So when I saw the book later that day at Barnes and Noble, I bought it to support both the bookstore and the cause. I didn't expect to be captivated by it. I barely knew if I would appreciate the art component, much less the stories. But the stories gripped me and I read it almost straight through. The recollections of injuries always ended in hope for the future. I was amazed by all that these men and women have accomplished. As well, I appreciated Bush's personal style of painting. A great tribute by our former Commander in Chief.
October 6, 2017
Never take your life, health, and Freedom for granted! This is a wonderful book! Thank you to all the active military soldiers and Veterans in the world!
March 14, 2017
"I hope he and his brothers and sisters in arms know that I care about them still, and that I will until the day I die" (174). -President Bush, Portraits of Courage
Without a doubt, one can feel the immense love and admiration President Bush feels toward our service men and women. The book is a testament to President Bush's life mission since he left the White House in January 2009, to honor our veterans and current men and women serving in the military. President Bush's portraits, coupled with anecdotes about each individual, beautifully exhibit the sacrifice of our service men and women, the struggle upon returning to civilian life, and the miracle of each recovery.
The focus of this book, however, is each individual's captivating story. Each individual within Portraits of Courage is an American to be admired and respected. Each story is a story of sacrifice, heartache, love, family, determination, and joy. I am amazed at the tenacity and drive that each individual exhibits, not letting an injury, or sometimes injuries, keep him or her down. All of the men and women that compile this book continued their service to the United States upon returning to civilian life. Their stories are beautiful and I thank President Bush for sharing them.
The men and women that compile Portraits of Courage are true American heroes.
Without a doubt, one can feel the immense love and admiration President Bush feels toward our service men and women. The book is a testament to President Bush's life mission since he left the White House in January 2009, to honor our veterans and current men and women serving in the military. President Bush's portraits, coupled with anecdotes about each individual, beautifully exhibit the sacrifice of our service men and women, the struggle upon returning to civilian life, and the miracle of each recovery.
The focus of this book, however, is each individual's captivating story. Each individual within Portraits of Courage is an American to be admired and respected. Each story is a story of sacrifice, heartache, love, family, determination, and joy. I am amazed at the tenacity and drive that each individual exhibits, not letting an injury, or sometimes injuries, keep him or her down. All of the men and women that compile this book continued their service to the United States upon returning to civilian life. Their stories are beautiful and I thank President Bush for sharing them.
The men and women that compile Portraits of Courage are true American heroes.
May 27, 2017
I completely support and respect this. Whether you love Bush or weren't a fan, as an American you owe it to these wounded warriors to hear their stories that he is telling. Bravo all of you, and Thank You for everything you've done for me and mine, though we didn't Deserve it. God Bless you All.
April 5, 2017
These portraits succeed in expressing real emotion. I found the stories about each of the subjects very moving. This is definitely worth a look.
March 5, 2017
Surprisingly moving account of close to 100 wounded warriors who have graced the former president with their presence and shared their stories with him. President Bush's amateur portraits convey spirit and essence of these soldiers who have sacrificed more than I can comprehend. Life is complex. The sense that 43 has dedicated his post-presidential life to art and to honoring those he sent on controversial missions is palpable. I felt emotional wondering what the world would be like had he discovered his passion for painting before serving as president. What if he had learned to see colors in the shadows before he sent soldiers into battle? Would he then have uttered, "I don't do nuance?" Crushing to contemplate, truly.
March 6, 2017
It's always interesting to see what presidents do after their term in office. George W. has been less in the public eye than some of his peers, but he's clearly been working on something impressive and noble. Portraits in Courage showcases dozens of American service men and women through portraits painted by Bush himself, along with a brief bio for each subject. The stories often demonstrate the commitment and sacrifice exemplified by these American heroes, many of whom have prevailed through lost limbs, stress disorders and other harms. I'm no art critic, but I found the portraits modern and emotional. This book is a worthy sequel to Bush's presidency. Regardless of your politics, it would be hard to read this without being moved and inspired by the stories within.
July 16, 2019
In his retirement from the presidency, George Bush began to paint, first as a hobby and then as a more serious pursuit. His subjects in this book are the soldiers he came to know personally during his time in office. As someone who can't paint or draw at all, I was impressed with his paintings. He is not afraid of color - George uses unusual combinations of vibrant colors when painting the soldiers' faces. His planes and lines are often elongated and can seem rough. These portraits are by no means polished.
The paintings are accompanied by his accounts of the people portrayed. Many are dealing with injuries caused by war. George's fondness and admiration of them shine through in this collection.
The paintings are accompanied by his accounts of the people portrayed. Many are dealing with injuries caused by war. George's fondness and admiration of them shine through in this collection.
March 16, 2017
Our former president, you know, the one people love to make fun of? He has learned to oil paint from three experts in Dallas, and has started a foundation for wounded warriors. Annually, George W. Bush has a 100K mountain bike rally on his own ranch in Crawford. Further, there is a golf tournament for these people too. In fact, as you look at their pictures, and read their histories, you see and feel how these two sports (and huge amounts of therapy - physical and mental) have helped them not just stay alive, but LIVE. This is a fast read, and the pix are VERY well done.
Kudos to you and these friends of yours, Mr. President.
Kudos to you and these friends of yours, Mr. President.
May 4, 2017
What I liked and also disliked about this book was that each page was a different story of soldier who served our country - a beautiful tribute. I liked it because whenever I had a few minutes, I could read a page or two. I guess what I didn't like about this is that I didn't get invested like I do with other books, turning each page, anticipating what was next. I knew it would be another inspiring story that would leave me feeling like I have nothing to complain about. The people depicted on those pages survived against all odds and continue to serve and make a difference. I could never be that brave.
March 17, 2017
No...I DID NOT vote for George Junior. With that being said, the former president of the US actually has some talent with a paintbrush.
To me, his work is a mix of naive art, Egon Schiele, and the creepy Francis Bacon. In a good way.
It's a nice coffee table book. And I believe that the proceeds of the book sales go to US veterans, as it should.
To me, his work is a mix of naive art, Egon Schiele, and the creepy Francis Bacon. In a good way.
It's a nice coffee table book. And I believe that the proceeds of the book sales go to US veterans, as it should.
March 26, 2017
Amazing tribute to some true heroes. Say what you want about Bush as a President, but you won't find many classier people on the planet who truly love their country & respect the military. He put an amazing amount of time into this with all those portraits & I applaud his efforts.
April 14, 2017
My head said no, but my body said yes. I was really moved by this.
January 15, 2021
I listened to it as an audiobook but then borrowed the kindle edition and now in search of borrowing hard-copy so I can “see” the men and women whose war experiences moved me so.
February 19, 2018
George W. Bush’s post presidency book is a collection of stories about military warriors who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and were injured in the line of duty. Each portrait was painted by President Bush and is accompanied by the serviceman’s story of courage and bravery at war, journey to recovery and often honorable discharge as well as their reentry into civilian life. Through the glimpses into the many broken lives, Bush challenges us to remember not all wounds are visible, there are many that are invisible such as PTS and TBI. It takes time to understand the journeys and issues that veterans face. Their best chances to heal successfully and lead productive lives is to surround them with encouragement and love and to help them find the resources they need. We must recognize their service and help them recover to the point where they are motivated and able to move forward. My two favorite quotes from two different soldiers are:
“I have accepted the fact that this will always be a part of who I am. It’s up to me to make it a positive part of my life.”
Christopher Andrew Turner p. 165
“We all have battles to conquer in life and that’s how we are judged: by how we pick ourselves up and move forward.”
Timothy John Lang p. 112
I highly recommend this book! It is certain to stop us in our tracks from complaining and to be thankful for the freedom we enjoy in our country.
Find Portraits of Courage at the Westminster Public Library!
“I have accepted the fact that this will always be a part of who I am. It’s up to me to make it a positive part of my life.”
Christopher Andrew Turner p. 165
“We all have battles to conquer in life and that’s how we are judged: by how we pick ourselves up and move forward.”
Timothy John Lang p. 112
I highly recommend this book! It is certain to stop us in our tracks from complaining and to be thankful for the freedom we enjoy in our country.
Find Portraits of Courage at the Westminster Public Library!
August 21, 2020
Absolutely stunning. A sobering and beautiful reminder of the sacrifices and heroic lives of warriors who defend our American ideals, way of life, freedom, and safety. I love President George W. Bush, and I am grateful for this gift he gave to our heroes and to us.
May 20, 2017
Politics aside, what an incredible concept. I checked this book out from the library out of curiosity and refusal to support the author financially. After reading it, I think everyone should. The paintings are great but the stories are incredible.
June 4, 2017
Love him or hate him, W sent a lot of people to war. Some of those troops came home with lasting effects of those wars. One day, shortly after leaving office, President George W. Bush decided to honor their sacrifice and courage by painting portraits of them. This book collects images of those paintings and the story behind them.
Bush will donate his net author proceeds from this work to a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.
Bush will donate his net author proceeds from this work to a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.
March 14, 2017
I love the fact that the former commander in chief, who sent the subjects of his paintings into battle, then decided to write about them and paint them and show us all that although they have been wounded in battle, they are still people who contribute and are amazing. If I were a better writer, I would be able to express how impressive our military is and how blessed we are to have such courageous and driven veterans. I appreciate all that President Bush does for our veterans and hope that his book inspires more of us to follow his example in honoring them.
September 2, 2017
When I first learned of President George W Bush’s hobby of painting portraits I was amazed. This was not what I expected from him. I guess not too many people did. I wanted to see his work, and to decide for myself whether he was an artist or not. I have seen his work and have decided he is an artist.
In his book Portraits of Courage, A Commander In Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors ninety-eight US Military personnel are depicted. Bush has written a short bio based on the warrior’s injuries and the path to recovery. There is a distinct similarity among all of them. They all lost limbs, suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress. Yet, each of them is distinctly different looking just like they are in life. President Bush captures not only the faces but also the look of the soldier. As an artist he is fully aware of the fact that no human being has a symmetrical face, and it is the asymmetry that defines all of us. He has captured the gaze of the eyes and more deeply into the soul of the subject.
A few years ago, while researching President Bush’s portraits of world leaders on the internet I read a series of comments regarding his work. I remember one in particular where the commenter sarcastically criticized Bush’s ability to paint by stating his amateur work was the opposite of an accomplished and seasoned portrait artist. I wished an evil act to befall the critic. His dislike for Bush as President showed.
All my life I have been a closet artist, and I can attest that drawing and painting faces is not easy. Capturing the lines, shades, values of a person’s uniquely distinctive facial features takes a ton of practice, and patience. Hell, I couldn’t even draw my own portrait to resemble me. I give George Bush five stars for his ability, and desire to do something radically different from what he did all his life, and to succeed in making people look like people in his work.
In his book Portraits of Courage, A Commander In Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors ninety-eight US Military personnel are depicted. Bush has written a short bio based on the warrior’s injuries and the path to recovery. There is a distinct similarity among all of them. They all lost limbs, suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress. Yet, each of them is distinctly different looking just like they are in life. President Bush captures not only the faces but also the look of the soldier. As an artist he is fully aware of the fact that no human being has a symmetrical face, and it is the asymmetry that defines all of us. He has captured the gaze of the eyes and more deeply into the soul of the subject.
A few years ago, while researching President Bush’s portraits of world leaders on the internet I read a series of comments regarding his work. I remember one in particular where the commenter sarcastically criticized Bush’s ability to paint by stating his amateur work was the opposite of an accomplished and seasoned portrait artist. I wished an evil act to befall the critic. His dislike for Bush as President showed.
All my life I have been a closet artist, and I can attest that drawing and painting faces is not easy. Capturing the lines, shades, values of a person’s uniquely distinctive facial features takes a ton of practice, and patience. Hell, I couldn’t even draw my own portrait to resemble me. I give George Bush five stars for his ability, and desire to do something radically different from what he did all his life, and to succeed in making people look like people in his work.
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