Grace & Steel: Dorothy, Barbara, Laura, and the Women of the Bush Dynasty

by J. Randy Taraborrelli

From New York Times bestselling celebrity biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli comes Grace & Steel, the epic, hidden history of the exceptional women behind the greatest political dynasty of all time―the Bush family.

Bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli reveals the unsung heroines of the inimitable Bush family dynasty: not only First Ladies Barbara and Laura, but other colorful women whose stories have been left out of history for far too long, including Barbara’s mother-in-law, the formidable Dorothy Bush; the enigmatic Columba and the controversial Sharon; and Laura’s twins, Jenna and Barbara.

No matter the challenges related to power and politics, the women of the Bush dynasty always fought for equality in their marriages as they raised their children to be true to American values. In doing so, they inspired everyday Americans to do the same. Or, as Barbara Bush put it, “The future of this nation does not depend on what happens in the White House, but what happens in your house.”

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, Family, Womens

560 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

J. Randy Taraborrelli is an author known for biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. He is a featured writer in several entertainment magazines in Canada, England, and Australia. He also appears on television as an entertainment news reporter on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Today and CBS This Morning. Taraborrelli resides in Los Angeles, California.

Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.

In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.

Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.

Reviews

[Glae R. Egoville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where on the best seller lists

This superb biography of the Bush Family women should be ( would be) on the best seller lists if they were fairly chosen. Randy Taraborrelli has written the definitive story of the incredible women who were born Bush or married into the family . Sadly today if anything remotely reads as admiring or flattering regarding a Republican politician or their family it will be ignored by the powers that be. Don't ignore this book. Taraborelli's research is impeccable and he adds many funny, poignant, unflattering and never revealed anecdotes which make this book a page turner. Like them or not the Bush family honored qualities of dignity and class that have disappeared in today's world. This book reminds the reader that they once mattered.

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, insightful, and sensitive, this strong narrative showcases the strengths and connections of multiple generations of Bush women. A must-read for fans of political history!

This was an ARC.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Foss was a wonderful narrator. It just makes such a difference in the enjoyment of an audiobook when you like the narrator!

This book just kind of happened upon my landscape. I wasn't looking for it. I think it just appeared as an available one on my Libby app so I checked it out. I'm so glad I did. The author takes us on a journey of three Bush women: Dorothy (George H.W.'s mom), Barbara and Laura. He also touches a bit on the wives of Jeb and Neil Bush. I especially enjoyed hearing about Dorothy as I didn't know anything about her prior to reading this book. There were humorous parts along the way, and I loved the interactions between Barbara and Nancy Reagan.

The way the information was presented was wonderful. The author didn't chronologically go through each woman's story but kind of bounced around, yet it wasn't confusing at all. If anything it enhanced their stories.

This definitely will go down as one of my favs.

[Esmeralda_L+L]

RTC

[B. Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of J.R.T's biographies and with each one, they get better and better.
JRT makes sure his books very detailed and his books definitely make you feel like you know the people personally.

[Janie A. Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Taraborrelli never disappoints. His book Grace & Steel is aptly named. The lives of the Bush family women and the men they married is deeply researched and pulls no punches. Strong women all.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read by an author who has grown in competence over time. This is a story of the Bush women, from Dorothy (mother of George H.W.) to Barbara and Jenna (daughters of George W.). The book begins with Dorothy’s story—a rich account of her life as a woman before her time, a person who adored her husband and also wanted independence to make her own life decisions. This section and the ones on Barbara (George H.W.’s wife) and Laura are truly outstanding. The author captures the heart of Barbara, a sensitive person who did not discover until late in life that she was in charge of her own happiness. She had serious challenges from a demanding and demeaning mother; an adored husband who ignored her need for recognition and validation; lifelong bouts with (untreated) depression; the death of her beloved daughter, Robin; and her husband’s 18-year affair with Jennifer Fitzgerald. Her pithy and hard-hitting comments brought discomfort to others; they were, interestingly, in sharp contrast to her inability to express her more tender feelings and emotions. Laura Bush comes off as a sane and good person who believes that her husband completes her but does not define her.

The book is really wonderful in parts, with new information about the “real” lives of the Bush women. Its quality is, unfortunately, diminished by the contrast between the outstanding detail about the forementioned Bush women versus far less detailed portraits of the wives of two Bush sons, Neil and Jeb; of Doro, the daughter of Barbara and George; and the absence of any information about Marvin’s wife. The author describes his twisted path to defining this book in the Afterword; perhaps he would have had a tighter story had he narrowed the focus to Dorothy, Barbara and Laura. As with many of his earlier books, he let the urge to share juicy research findings about the other people he mentions obstruct the composition of a tightly focused story.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read about the strong women in the Bush family. They were only the second family to have a father and a son become President of the US, the first being the John Adams family over a hundred years ago. Barbara Bush was the only woman to see her husband and son sworn into office as POTUS. Author did a decent job of showing the Bush family's flaws and their bright spots.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biographical novel about Dorothy, Barbara, Laura and the women of the dynasty, and how these strong and sometimes opinionated women lead their families and supported their husbands careers, as well as leaving their own mark on history.

Well researched, with interviews from family and close friends from as far back as childhood. He doesn't just include main characters we all know like, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barbara and Laura and the kids, but Neil and Marvin, and the Pierces and Robinson's (Barbara's side). Also Laura Welch Bush's parents Harold Welch and Jenna Hawkins, but the queen of the Bush family Dorothy (Walker) Bush and Prescott Bush. Dorothy is a remarkable woman, way ahead of her time living and thriving in a very provincial family. Taraborelli gives insight into their financial struggles to their successes, sibling rivalries, parent and child disagreements and losses, and finally to political ambitions, failures and successes.

In no way is this politically motivated book, but one that lays out “The Bush Dynasty”, that has left its mark in and on American History.

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All that really matters are the three f’s: faith, family, and freedom.” Pauline Pierce
“…the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.” Barbara Pierce Bush
“The whole universe is at your fingertips, Laura. There are no limits.” Jenna Hawkins Welch

From Dorothy Walker Bush to Jenna Welch Bush and Barbara Pierce Bush, an onlooker observes a in the Bush women belief in someone greater than themselves and a commitment to family, with the exception of Pauline Pierce. Four generations of women in one family have been in the public eye, under public scrutiny, and have not only survived but prevailed. From roots in Missouri, Ohio, and Texas, they brought their families to Washington, DC to become part of the political scene and serve the American people. Summers in Kennebunkport, Maine gave multiple generations of Bushes the chance to compete and bond with one another. Personal tragedies provided Barbara, George H.W., Laura, George W., Jeb, and Columba Bush with strength and compassion which gained them respect even from those who disagree with their politics. In fact, that may be the secret to their successes both individually and as a family. The fifth generation, including George P, Jenna Bush Hager, and her sister Barbara, look promising.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bush family is the only one that had a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law as First Lady. That alone is interesting and I was curious to know more about the "behind the scenes" lives these women lived. This book certainly accomplished that, going back to Dorothy Bush, the mother of George H.W. Bush and ending with Jenna & Barbara, the twin daughters of George W. Bush.

My concerns that it might be sensational (in which case I would've dropped it) were unfounded. I was particularly struck by the fact that the Bush "dynasty" was similar to the Kennedy family in terms of the love and loyalty of family members for each other and the importance of service to one's country but quite distanced from the Kennedys regarding true adherence to family values.

This was a compelling look at a family that held up well under scrutiny.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading more and more books that talk about women in history and how they influenced men in power. Grace & Steel explores the Bush family's women: George HW Bush's mother, Dorothy, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, the Bush twins, as well as Jeb Bush's wife, Columba (sp?) and Doro, GHWB and Barbara's only surviving daughter.

There's plenty of new-to-me information here, as all the reading I've done on 41 and 43 spends little time talking about the women, so for that alone, this book should get five stars. Some of the stories of the Bush women aren't flattering, some are gut-wrenching, and others bring a smile to one's face. There's a balance to the narrative.

I listened to this on audiobook via the library's Libby app and thought the narrator did a good job. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in womens history or Presidential history.

[Kieran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book on many levels. I felt it was strongly lopsided in the telling of Barbara Bush's story.

Not only did she have her story - but she made guest appearances in everyone else's too! It would have been nice to hear more about Jenna and Laura. I even found myself to be curious about Columba and her relationship with Jeb and their children.

One thing about Barbara though, if the author was accurate in the retelling, Mrs. 41 had penchant - even a gift - for one-liners.

All in all, it was a quick, easy read. Probably with some fact and some fiction; but, interesting all the same.

Who would I recommend this book to?

Someone trying to cut their teeth on political history/biography. Or a high school student needing a source for a research paper.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

No body does a biography quite as well as this guy! Always fast paced and juicy. Believable. Just what readers who are cynical and readers who are groupies want to read. (Does anyone still say "groupie"?) Barbara Bush, the First Lady, was by far the most popular and lively in my lifetime. Lots of fun to read and the photos helped. I also read the book about the founding mothers of NPR at the same time and it didn't have the same "I cannot put this down." And those women were pretty saucy pioneers, too.
Back to Barbara: you just cannot say enough about Nancy Reagan in any biography. Well done.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are many inaccurate details in this book that could have been corrected by a simple google search - getting Doro’s husbands name wrong in one passage, saying George and Laura moved to Houston rather than Dallas after his presidency. These sloppy mistakes makes one wonder what gossip the author got wrong.
He said he was inspired by Dorothy Bush in writing about all the Bush women. He should have stuck to his admiration of her.
I will give the author credit for one key point. While he covers many women in the Bush family, he for the most part stayed away from telling stories of the women who choose not to be in the public eye. I give him props for that.

[Susan Lorenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eminently readable group biography of the Bush family women. While they are all mentioned, some are given only enough words and space to cement their place within the dynasty. The real heroines are the mother, wife and oldest daughter-in-law of George H. W. Bush. The author is particularly sensitive in his telling of the death of little Robin and the fatal car crash caused by Laura. Yet the book doesn't shy away from unflattering behaviors by many in the Bush orbit. Nancy Reagan and George H. W. himself do not come away with glowing evaluations at all. But the shining moments definitely revolve around the strength and goodness of the Big Three - Dorothy, Barbara and Laura.

[Kevin Eggleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

An astute portrait of the Bush women and their web and connections. And it makes sense that we’d see Nancy Reagan or the Clintons through their eyes. But whenever actual politics is touched upon, just the basic facts of American campaigns or elections, the naïveté of the author becomes a bit ridiculous, as they seem unable to grasp the important information, and portrays the characters as sort of innocently apart from the fray, riding history along.

Still, quite fascinating descriptions of Dorothy, Bar, & Laura in particular—and a comfort with their respective dark sides. A shame they couldn’t do the same for the larger arc.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

.

This was interesting, and while nonfiction isn't usually my thing, it's been growing on me thanks to books like this. Brief chapters made it easy to pick up and put down, and easy to track the story. I learned some new things, and saw some things I already knew through a new perspective. No matter how you feel politically, there's something to be learned from strong, successful female leaders and in this case, three generations of them. I loved the old stories from before my memory, they were particularly good.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible and compelling history of the Bush family that focuses on the women. Beginning with Dorothy Walker and Pauline Robinson and ending with their great granddaughters, Jenna and Barbara, most of this book covers Barbara and Laura Bush extensively. Taraborrelli has done a lot of research and has organized and presented it so that it is interesting as well as informative. This will be appreciated by readers who enjoy the histories of political families.

[Jen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book highlighting the Bush women and their extraordinary lives. It also mentions the Bush men and their personal and political journeys.

I have long admired the Bush’s and was excited to read this book. Their family values speak volumes about the people they are. I love seeing the relationships they have across political lines (with the Obama’s and Clinton’s). They are truly an example of compassion and kindness.

While I am not a Republican, I found many shared values between myself and the Bush family. I hope people can put their political views aside and pick up this intriguing read.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read insights about the Bush women. Throughout the book I felt the author was fair to both the Bushes and their opponents until I got to the chapter dealing with Jeb Bush's attempt to win the Republican presidential nomination over Donald Trump. Then the negativism and dislike for Trump jumped off the page, never giving President Trump credit for his championing the Republican values the Bushes had always espoused.

[Susan Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several bios and memoirs on and by both Barbara and Laura Bush, I was pleased to learn new things from this book. While it still brought up somethings that are still questionable in my opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed this good read and how it peeled away the complicated layers of the relationships between these remarkable women.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting view of the Bush women. This includes information on Dorothy Bush, George H.W.'s mother, as well as Jenna Welch, Laura Bush's mother. It also touches on the wives of the Bush family members. It promotes a little more depth to our knowledge of Barbara and Laura. Some of these women were ahead of their time! Feminists before the feminist movement. I enjoyed it.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books on the Bush family and appreciated that this one focused on the women: Dorothy, Barbara and Laura, rather than their husbands. Columba has a little bit written about her as well. No big reveals if you're familiar with this family, but Taraborrelli does his typical good job of sharing information.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. This is not the scholarly read I was hoping for, but rather a gossipy, poorly written book about the women of the Bush dynasty. What frustrated me the most was the lack of documentation. I want footnotes when an author puts thoughts into someone’s mind, not a list of sources in the back of the book. I have no clue was was actually fact, and what was only surmised.

[Al Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the leading ladies of the Bush Dynasty, Dorothy, Barbara and Laura, well written and an approachable read.


Key take away in case it wasn’t obvious enough was just how evil Hillary Clinton is, after HW called a secret service member stationed at the White House after hearing that his Mother died, She had him fired cause he had talked to Bush.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have much more respect for the Bush women, and much less respect for the men.

It takes some kind of moxie to be upset that the press asked about George Sr longtime affair, while attacking Bill Clinton for his affairs, and trumpeting family values. The hypocrisy of a republicans seems to have no bounds.

[Brit Guad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very fascinating look into the lives of the women who have married into the Bush family and their respective parents. While including lots of information and anecdotes, it was still interesting and easy to follow. I didn’t know anything about Dorothy Walker Bush, but after reading this I am eager to learn more.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but too much about Barbara, about whom a lot of other books have been written. I was hoping there would be more on the younger generation but the other focus was Laura, which was good, but basically nothing about the other sisters-in-law. Well, very little.

[Barbara Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books written about strong women, and this one is definitely that. Taraborrelli paints vivid pictures of the Bush women, flaws and all. Yet, he goes beyond the flaws and public personas to find the inner strength of each.