Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice

by Barbara Bush

The best advice First Lady Barbara Bush offered her family, staff, and close friends.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Biography, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Audiobook, Politics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

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

Barbara Bush, First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 as the wife of George Herbert Walker Bush, president, actively promoted literacy.

She mothered George Walker Bush and Jeb Bush, governor of Florida. From 1981, she served as the second to her husband, vice to Ronald Wilson Reagan. Barbara Pierce Bush made the 41st.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara...

Reviews

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pearls of Wisdom by Barbara Bush goes beyond the life of the author by using her words from letters, diaries, and speeches, and from memories of people who knew and loved her. In this book, Barbara Bush states, “The most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and co-workers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. Don’t miss the section by Jon Meacham in the chapter titled “Reflections.” Pearls of Wisdom is a fun loving and touching reminder of values that lead to a full, rewarding life well done.

Find this book and other titles within our catalog.

-Dee

[Kelley Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book packed with anecdotes of wisdom from former First Lady Barbara Bush. A read that will warm your heart and give you a chuckle or two. After finishing this story collection I came away feeling like I knew her from a personal perspective. Highly recommend this one.

[Una Tiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the former first lady with inserts from her children, her journal and speeches. Some examples were overdone, but the book was light and thoughtful.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remembrances of Barbara Bush who, from all accounts, was a straight-shooter but loving and compassionate. The "advice" was good - God and family first, be good to your fellow man regardless of his station in life, don't get too big for your britches, choose joy -- but none of it was all that novel. Living it is the hard part, which, apparently, she did.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with a forward by President George W. Bush and then lists every contributor along with a very brief bio. Then it goes into little stories about First Lady Barbara Bush by each of those contributors. I loved this book.

Sit up straight, say please and thank you. tell the truth, think of others
Don't buy what you can't afford, return dinner invitations, don't ever put the last puzzle piece in, if it is not your puzzle
Read. Read to your children, Read for pleasure, Read to learn, Read to expand your world.
Faith, family and friends are the only things you really need in life.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I really didn't know that much about Barbara Bush prior to this book. In fact, I was looking for a book with pearls on the cover for a reading challenge when I found this one and thought "why not?" I'm glad I picked this one. There is a lot of good advice (or pearls of wisdom) and a fair amount of biographical anecdotes that put those pearls into context. There were a few moments that I could feel a tear or two welling up and other moments that got a laugh. I feel like I understand the former First Lady a little bit better now and might seek out more about her at some point.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This is a book that I would definitely reccommend to anyone the classic wisdom and advice are great! You can really tell Barbara was loved and the impact that she made on everyone she made contact with and I truly feel as if she acted and advised everyone as if she were their mother! Loved this book and definitly one that will go on the shelf with the last lecture something that gives soo much insight and wisdom!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved hearing a little of what this neat lady was like!

[Barbara Mittelstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love this book. What a great read, especially during this time in the world. My grandma admired Bar Bush. I always liked her, but after reading this, I LOVE her. She was truly a wise woman with great advice. I enjoyed reading the many people whose lives had been impacted by her words of wisdom.

Great gift book...maybe with a strand of pearls. I plan on buying a few for friends. Definitely one to keep on the nightstand or bookshelf as a go to when struggling in life.

[Taylor Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So many great quotes and loved hearing how much Barbara Bush impacted so many people through out her life time. What a wonderful women!

[Leah L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sure she was a remarkable woman, and I can tell that she influenced a lot of people for the better, but these lackluster stories and "tidbits" came across as sanctimonious.

[Sara Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to rate this as it isn't my usual read. As far as pseudo-memoirs go, this was written very well. You can tell that this ghost writer (a collaborator of Barbara's that had written with her for many projects and compiled these pieces to create for her after her passing), was very familiar with her style and the energy she brought to her writing. While I think this is a little self-indulgent (as these projects usually are), I liked that you could read things between the lines and it made for a great discussion piece about the way one lives their life and the unintended consequences of making a choice in life (particularly in parenting). It flowed easily, and it was a very fun collection of anecdotes and essays written by an interesting cast of characters in her life. Overall, an enjoyable enough read, if not a little preachy, and even though I can't say I left with a stellar opinion of the family, I definitely feel it is a great piece for humanizing people who are so far into the spotlight you can hardly see the details anymore. It did take me a while to finish as it didn't have much of a driving force for completing it, but it wasn't for lack of style, more for lack of interest in content.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I want to have the optimistic outlook, strong convictions, compassion, love and family focus that Barbara Bush had. It was great to hear perspectives from her children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, dignitaries — such an interesting life she and he husband / family led. So much great advice — indeed, pearls of wisdom! I will edit with a few of my favorites.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book that shined a bright light on the beautiful, full life of Barbara Bush. Her impacts on the world in the realm of literacy and personal compassion were beyond compare. I loved all of the little tid bits to live by. I loved the name of the book being “Pearls of wisdom”. And learning that after a pearl is removed from the oyster, it doesn’t survive long because the pearl was its most magnificent creation. What a great metaphor for life. Keep creating. Keep impacting. Keep living.

[Kelly Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good book to read once, then read again and again.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a tribute to Barbara Bush giving us a summary of her advice to her children and others on how to live a good life. The accounts shared give a glimpse of her personality and interactions with those she loved and in turn was loved by. It is a composite of the memories those she has left behind will treasure about their mother, their grandmother or their dear friend.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A loving tribute from family and friends for a respectable, feisty lady. It's filled with anecdotes from those who knew her best and gives a lively portrait of who she was, from her life lessons freely given to her compassionate, charitable nature.

[Jennie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book Mrs Bush was full of wisdom

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

very inspiring
look for good in others - enjoy life - be on time- be yourself- always be grateful -read, read, read - words mater, kindness matters, looks fade - when someone gives you a compliment, say thank you -do something every single day to make the world a better place - yes, you can - attitude - have fun - spend time with family - be of good character - volunteer - there is sways something to be thankful for if you take the time to look - let the world hear your music - don't give up on your dreams and goals - never ask someone seventy or older how they feel - remember what is really important in life - learn not to waste time - learn to love everyone - don't stay angry -help someone learn to read - always tell the truth - "Joyful, joyful we adore Thee..." - the best is yet to come - choose happy - leave a positive and lasting legacy - be ready to meet Jesus

good read - nice picture of Barbara - very encouraging - what a lady!

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how impressions can sometimes meet expectations. My only impression of Former First Lady Barbara Bush was from what I saw of her while growing up. Being able to read "Pearls of Wisdom" completed that picture of a classy, assertive, thoughtful woman who spoke into thousands of lives with her words of advice and life well-lived.

In this easy-to-read book and enjoyable book, readers are able to gain from the wisdom Mrs. Bush shared with her family, friends and contemporaries. Much of her advice still holds true for generations to come and will serve many well, if followed.

Ultimately, it is Mrs. Bush's service to the cause of literacy that leads the most lasting mark on our nation and beyond, and this book will give a beautiful glimpse into that role that she carried so well.
Barabara Bush is a wonderful example of all a First Lady and American lady should be.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book that illustrates a life well-lived.
I enjoyed the little things that portrayed her gentle wisdom, such as when her hair dye experience wasn't quite what she expected. She didn't say anything about it, but just quietly returned to her signature natural grey. And, being a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, she cautions not to pick up a piece unless you know where you're going to put it :)
The book is great for reading in little portions when you have a few minutes here and there. The hard cover (with jacket) is of wonderful quality and is a pleasure to read. I'm so grateful to have won this in a goodreads give-a-way. It is a book to treasure.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about Barbara Bush as she is the second person in history to be both the wife and mother of a POTUS. I’ve also read books about Abigail Adams.

Take always:
She always spoke her mind and was candid. People knew where they stood.

She liked to share her opinion.

She was able to help bridge gaps between myths of HIV patients and truth simply be hugging an infected baby.

She truly must have been remarkable and strong to be able to raise such strong children.

She had a 3 year old daughter die of cancer.

She loved gossip and treated everyone with love.

She seemed to be comfortable with herself and helped others to do so as well.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long admired Barbara Bush, so I was happy to order this book. It's a wonderful keepsake for their family, but really, for all of us. There are timeless pieces of advice, and the way it's structured is unique. Family and friends give anecdotes about their time with Barbara, but the authors bold any words that are actually from her. Additionally, there is a lot of time recounting her efforts on literacy, which is near and dear to my heart. I loved this book.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of memories written by family, friends, and people who worked for Barbara Bush. She had a respect for everyone and is a well admired first lady. All proceeds from the book go to the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, because everyone should be able to read a good story.

I received this book from #goodreads for an honest review.

[Gay Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get some good advice from Barbara Bush. Friends and family share what Barbara taught them.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Barbara Pierce Bush lovers everywhere, her incredibly close knit family and friends share their stories about Barbara, the advice and wisdom she imparted and her insight to life. Little snippets that can be read in bites; a small book with a big wallop. I admire her even more than before!

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the quotes but the narrative got a little dense. The latest bio of BB was better especially the audio book.

[David Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words of wisdom down from the ages and even today

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great words of advice, but the biggest take away for me was a life well lived.

[Clwseattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go a Long Way) is a wonderful little book, reminding of more mannerly times and our better angels, modeled wonderfully by Barbara Pierce Bush. Her love and spunk shine through her words and those of whom held her dear.

As an avid reader her love of books and literacy are close to my heart.
As a woman of a certain age with little (or mostly no) filter, I love her frankness, although my kids call it 'Mom telling us hard things, . . . again'. Oh, I hope that's how I'm remembered.

My favorite Mrs. Bush story from the book took place in 1982 at lunch with Emperor Hirohito at the Imperial Palace. In trying to engage him in more than a yes or no conversation, she remarked to him the new palace was lovely:

" "Thank you", he answered.
Then I tried, "is it new?"
"Yes."
Finally I tried: "Was the old palace just so old that it was falling down?"
He turned to me with a charming smile on his face and said, "No, I'm afraid you bombed it."
I turned to my partner on the left."

Everyone she brought into her circle, many who only met her briefly, those who served in the White House were treated as cherished extended family members and, evidently recipients of her much given 'advice'.

The love story between husband and wife was visible even to those of us seeing them on our televisions and reading Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go a Long Way)

Indeed, as was said of President George H. W. and Mrs. Bush, "They loved well and were well loved.

5 stars