Spoken from the Heart Author: Visit Amazon's Laura Bush Page | Language: English | ISBN:
1439155216 | Format: EPUB
Spoken from the Heart Description
From Bookmarks Magazine
According to the Wall Street Journal, "Mrs. Bush's delicate rendering of the virtues and rhythms of mid-century Texas life sets this book far apart from the typical score-settling reminiscences of politicians or their spouses." Indeed, the former First Lady's autobiography is pleasantly--if unsurprisingly, given her famously serene demeanor--mostly free of political spitefulness. However, the critics unanimously declared that this sincere and self-assured memoir appears to be two books masquerading as one: a sentimental and richly detailed account of growing up in small-town America and a lackluster chronicle, "more travelogue and recitation" (Washington Post), of her years in the White House. Thoughtfully and elegantly written, Spoken From the Heart lovingly evokes Bush's beloved Texas even if it adds nothing new to readers' understanding of her husband's presidency.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A real, moving, intimate story."--"People"
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
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- Paperback: 464 pages
- Publisher: Scribner; Reprint edition (April 5, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1439155216
- ISBN-13: 978-1439155219
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
This chatty biography of former First Lady Laura Bush will appeal to anyone wanting a glimpse of what it is like to be a private person in the public spotlight. The book appears to perfectly capture the author's personality: polite, graceful, a little forgettable but worthy of respect. Whatever your politics, this firsthand account of the day-to-day activities and challenges of a president's spouse will entertain and enlighten.
The most interesting chapters are the first two, about growing up in Midland, Texas. Bush paints a vivid portrait of small-town life. Her beloved Daddy would come whistling into the house, "with dust on his shoes," telling funny stories, eating jalapeños and laughing with her mother. Bush's mother introduced the girl -- a future librarian and teacher -- to her lifelong love of reading, starting with Pinocchio and Snow White. Bush describes sedate "Daddy dates" at age 13, sitting in the backseats of cars driven by her escort's father. At 17, Bush causes a car accident that kills a good friend; the memory haunts her.
After Bush marries W at age 31 (as one townswoman sniffs: "the most eligible bachelor in Midland marrying the old maid of Midland"), the book settles down into recollections of raising twin babies and political travels. Bush is a quiet influence on her husband and girls, as she asks George to stop drinking, and worries the twins might have problems with their eyesight. There is nothing surprising or revelatory here, but it is diverting and well-written.
Included: 78 photos, both color and black and white, on glossy paper.
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