Reflections: Life After the White House

by Barbara Bush

Book Overview

The author traces the eight years between the presidencies of her husband and son, discussing her charity work, relationships with her children and grandchildren, and her family's reactions to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743223594
• ISBN13: 9780743223591
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 420 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A fun read by a classy lady

For those of us who wonder what life after the White House is all about, this book is an informative but light-hearted answer to that question.Mrs Bush begins her story as she and the President depart the White House. She possesses the rare talent to express her feelings about that difficult time without the venom and spite you might expect from a First Lady whose husband has just lost the presidency. The book takes us through the transition to "normal" life and Mrs Bush's quick wit and self-depreciating humor are evident throughout the book. From vacationing with the Oak Ridge Boys to dropping in on the queen of England, Barbara Bush shows that she has a love of people regardless of their social circle. The book had many amusing quips and stories that made me laugh out loud. For instance, I was surprised to learn she is quite proud to be named "First Lady of the Century" by Outlaw Biker magazine.The book shows her proudest accomplishment has nothing to do with politics or fame, however. Her fierce love and devotion for her family is apparent in every page of the book. I, for one, find it refreshing.The only down side to the book is the endless mention of names. While I appreciate the fact that she tried to acknowledge so many acquaintances, the endless list of people throughout the book seemed to interrupt the flow of the story.Overall, this was a nice read and I would highly recommend it to biography junkies such as myself and supporters of the Bush family. Regardless of your political affiliation, I find it hard not to admire this spunky lady.

Refreshing!!

Thank you Mrs. Bush! It is so refreshing to read a book that is scandal free and that isn't laced with bitterness towards anyone. Quite the contrary, Mrs. Bush sees the best in people...a theme that should be embraced by all of us! Anyone who finds good, old fashioned values and morals threatening, stay away from this book!

Witty & Interesting from a Facinating Woman

Slanted, just as she states it would be and I loved it. How refreshing to read a book of a wife who adores her husband. How nice for a mother to share with readers tidbits about her children with such respect and wit. And how interesting and often humorous it was to read the author's comments about herself. On several occasions throughout this book it was a "laugh out loud" moment for me. I completely enjoyed her reflections and highly recommend it to others, especially wives and moms.

Visiting with Mrs. Bush

I bought this book for my elderly mother two weeks ago and she is enjoying visiting with Barbara Bush again. She read her first book, and loved every minute of it. This book picks up where the first book left off. My mother is the same age as Mrs. Bush and identifies with her in many ways (Barbara's wealth notwithstanding).If you are not a fan of the Bush family, don't bother with this book. But if you admire Barbara Bush and love her sense of humor, you will enjoy reading of her adventures and trials since her husband left office and her son took office.

At Ease with Barbara Bush

Thanks, Barbara Bush, for an enjoyable and enlightening book about yourself, your family,your travels and accomplishments since leaving the White House.This book reflects the author's zest for living. She recounts her journal entries from the past decade and takes us with her all over the world. She supports worthwhile causes, gives generously of her time, gets excited about her family, acknowledges the special bond between her and George W. Bush, counts her blessings and is unafraid to "tell it like it is". How refreshing.If you enjoy reading non fiction and would like to take a peak into the life of a former first lady, get comfortable and read this one thru. It is a happy book mostly,a true account of the author's feelings as written in her journals year by year and lots of asides that will make you laugh.Mrs. Bush enjoys reading and supplies us with some of her favorite books. I thought she could have included more non fiction and would have appreciated a listing of her favorites in the back of her book. There are some recipes, accounts of visitors at Kennebunkeport, vacations on Greek islands, travels to China and many other countries spiced up with tales of family and friends that will entertain and inform you Barbara Bush appears to be a down to earth realist and she continues to work tirelessly for her causes which are literacy and education. She chose a pleasant, easy, elegant style in her role as first lady. You'll be amazed at her energy, her insights, her devotion and loyalty to her family, how she is coping with health problems, and how many speeches she gives.Curious about Barbara? Read the book. She doesn't disappoint.