Rating: 
Summary: Another Southern Dolt With A Shady Past
Review: If you don't follow politics, this book will inform you about the person who now sits in the White House. If you voted for him because you believe what the two parties tell you, then you should definitely read this. If you think he's any better of a "person" than Clinton, then you NEED to read this.Ivins, with sufficient proof, explains how "President" Bush: a) Avoided Vietnam because Daddy rigged it for him b) STILL went AWOL from the Texas Air Nat'l. Guard c) Drank and C-minused his way through Harvard (which Daddy got him into) d) Has never pulled off a successful business venture without the aid of Daddy and Daddy's friends e) Got elected Governor on the basis of Daddy's name, totally without qualifications An important, if somewhat dense and bitter, read.
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Summary: Not for Bush supporters (or maybe that's just who its for)
Review: Molly Ivins, not typically known as a horror writer, has penned the most terrifying book I have read in years. Through detailed descriptions of George W. Bush's term as Governor of Texas-itself a largely ceremonial post-she describes a man with neither the talent for nor any discernable interest in being the President (or holding any other elective office for that matter). W. was born into a degree of wealth that most of us can not even dream about. This privilege has formed his entire outlook on life, and policy. He instinctively believes that what is good for corporate America is best for the Country, and simply can not imagine thinking about issues in any other way. He has zero intellectual curiosity, and no interest at all in figuring out how to work the levers of power in government. He left the governing of Texas to others-appointed and elected heads of Boards, Commissions, and the (part time) legislature. This worked (sort of) in Texas, where the Governor is largely a symbolic office. However, it could spell disaster in the White House, where foreign leaders (not to mention us of the general populace) might expect him to actually have some interest and perhaps even knowledge about the issues confronting the nation. Aside from the informative content, Ivins is a terrific writer. Anyone not familiar with her columns is in for a pleasant surprise. Humor, information, and terror, all in the same book. Who can beat that?
Rating: 
Summary: Shearing the Family Bush
Review: When I picked up Molly Ivin's book "Shrub" I expected to read a fairly short, biting, and amusing commentary on a politician prone to malapropisms and frat-boy behavior. Instead I found myself crying. Crying because of the injustice that is occuring in Texas at this very moment, injustice cemented and continued by Bush's reign as governor. My strong reaction was due largely to the skill of Molly Ivin; although she is most assuredly not a member of the religious right, (she frequently pokes fun at them) the facts are presented in such a clear manner that they more than speak for themselves. Anyone expecting a 'tour de force' will be disappointed. This book is not "Les Miserables". However, if you're willing to be challenged, angered, and amused...you may find Ivin's book worthwhile reading.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent introduction to Dubya and Texas politics
Review: This is a well-written book that highlights some of the more notable times of George W. Bush's political life. Anyone looking for a gossipy insight into Dubya's private life during the 70's would be well advised to go elsewhere (try Fortunate Son if you can get your hands on it) as Molly Ivins goes out of her way to not dwell on the rumours that surround him. This book functions well as a summary of what Dubya has done (and, more importantly, what he hasn't done) during his time as Governor. It also brings the uninformed reader up to speed with the unique mechanics of the Texas political system. When I began this book, I knew next to nothing about the political state of affairs in Texas. The book provides a very insightful and humourous look into that state's system. By the end, I had learned quite a bit more than just what particular policies Gov. Bush had opposed or supported. As for how Bush himself comes off looking in the book, that probably depends on the reader's own prior political views. But Ivins gives a lot of detail into the role that money played in all of Bush's elections. The people who had Bush's ear in Texas were the one's signing the big checks, and I think it's impossible to read this book and believe that he has anyone else's interests at heart. On the other hand, she does give praise where she feels he has earned it. She discusses the role he has played in improving the Texas education system though she repeatedly points out that most of the turnaround occured based on programs that were started under the direction of the previous administration. But she does seem impressed by his willingness to try and his desire to improve the educational system even if his methods have not always turned out the expected results. All in all, I would recommend this book to everyone who gets an uneasy feeling when seeing politics in action on the nightly news.
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Summary: Dubya in Texasland and Through the Bidness Glass
Review: Kudos to Ivins and Dubose for taking a depressing topic and making it witty and entertaining. Not only does Shrub tell you a lot about Dubya, it explains the crazy world of Texas politics. An outspoken progressive,Molly Ivins comes across as surprisingly balanced. Ultimately, the thought of this totally undistinguished, completely corporate controlled man in the White House is enough to make you cry if Ivins and Dubose didn't have you laughing so hard. I'm glad I read Shrub; you will be, too.
Rating: 
Summary: Shrub-wow! What a clever title!
Review: Did Molly come up with this bright pun herself? Cause usually Molly just takes things other peolpe wrote and calls them her own. Or did she have her nasty, unhappy girlfriend Ann Richards, help her? You know--Ann--the mean democrat who got her fanny waxed by George Bush in the Texas gubernatorial election? Poor Molly is just beside herself with hatred. It must stink to be a mean-spirited, hypocritical plagiarist whose girlfriend got dumped by a decent man of substance and then watch him get elected president, too. I know--she can call him stupid! That will make her feel better! But if Molly/Ann got beat by a stupid man, what does that make them? Poor girls, you just keep raging against the machine. W will just keep on keeping on. Maybe while everyone is distracted by the stench and filth the felon-pardoning Clintons are in now, Molly can write another book about how bad Republicans are.
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Summary: Those surprised by Bush should have read this book
Review: Ivins gives the background and history of George W. Bush's brief political career from a liberal viewpoint. It's unnerving reading: Bush never saw a pro-corporate stance he didn't like, from tort reform (i.e, protecting corporations from their own mistakes) to environmental law to free trade. And anyone surprised at Bush's right-wing Cabinet appointments should have been reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: C_R_A_P
Review: Why doesn't the book tell about All the bad things he has done. I mean talk about one sided views. Where are the affairs,iligal activities,Smoking the herb? Down with the system
Rating:
Summary: Revealing
Review: While I already knew bits and pieces of G.W.'s past record, this book brought it all together. If more people had read "Shrub" before going to the voting booth, we would have witnessed a very different outcome to this past election. As in all of Molly Ivins' writings, she brings wit and a little Twain satire to the political world. She helps you laugh at the serious realities that make you want to cry. I have read all of her books, and while this isn't as hilarious as some, she tells it like she sees it and has lived it; and like all individuals who do so, you either love her or hate her with a passion depending on your personal idealogies. I for one am a devoted fan and hope that she continues her writings to reveal more about the records of Texas politicans like Bush in the light of day.
Rating:
Summary: An insufferable book
Review: Molly Ivins is completely incapable of writing an engaging, thoughtful, objective book. Unless you are a match with her left wing extremist views (yes, extremists are on both sides) then skip this book. I was hoping that she could behave professionally and write the good with the bad. The real funny thing is that Ivins is so out touch that she believes most people think like she does. Not the case. As usual, the truth is found someplace in the middle. If you have socialist leanings, like Molly, then this book is for you!
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