Reflections : Life After the White House

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her first; but still has some value
Review: After reading Mrs. Bush's first memoir, her husband's second book, and finally this book, I did have a profound respect for her dignity, love for her family, and stamina. Reading between the lines, I did see an elitisism about which she is oblivious. It could be argued it was well earned elitisism. Also, although I respect her refusal to say anything hurtful or scandalous, some of the stories she sugar coated made me think she was either too involved to be objective or just plain trying to manipulate public opinion. The "perfect family" picture is warming to read, but if true, something few can relate to I think. Overall, I enjoyed her books (much more so the first one) but her effort to change opinions on gray issues did not change my mind one bit. The books did, however, make me admire the Bush's as a couple more, the love for their kids and each other, and their principles, even if I did not agree with all of the latter.

Rating:
Summary: A fun read by a classy lady
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Visiting with Mrs. Bush
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her first; but still has some value
Review: I collect books about the Presidential Families of the U.S. I am especially interested in the period of 1900-Present. I enjoy reading trivia about the White House, the political process and what makes our Presidents, their advisors, and our Congress human.

I am very impressed by the narratives our current first ladies have left us. As I write this I reflect on Jackie Kennedy's memorial (she died this day 10 years ago). Because of zelous secrecy on the part of her family -- the country does not have one good narrative by or about her. This is a shame. Our first ladies have all seen and done lots to help their husbands and their countries.

Barbara Bush wrote an excellent book about her time as First Lady. It is refreshing, seemingly honest, and well written. This second book does not measure up to her first effort. I think I agree with the other reviewers that the book contains lots of trivia regarding her speeches and fundraising efforts. She also does come across as sarcastic and elitist, but at least she is honest.

It is because of her honesty that I feel this book has a place in collections of first ladies. It does give the reader a feel for life on the speech-giving/spin-meistering/fund-raising circuit. I think she held back on lots of opinions and events because her son in now in office and was/is up for re-election at the time she wrote the book. Even though I didn't like all of her opinions, at least I got to know them, and that is very valuable.

Mrs. Bush has the ability to write well. I hope that after her son's presidency is over, and God willing she is in good health; she will offer us another book. Perhaps the book she really wanted to write in the first place. I am hoping she keeps a journal with the intent that it be published; because of her age. None of us get to live forever, so journals are important as well as permiting her personal papers to be printed at her descretion. She is a lively, feisty lady.

By all means by the book for it's historical place. There are gems between the lines.

Rating:
Summary: Love Barbara, Hate the Book
Review: I love Barbara Bush, but this book is difficult to read. It is a diary that hasn't been fleshed out. It consists of numerous entries that state that she went somewhere, met someone, her husband went somewhere, met someone, etc. Only rarely do we get a glimpse of her personal life. I enjoyed her recounting the time her grandchildren pelted the Secret Service agents with water balloons. It made the family seem more human, but these little gems are tucked away in the book amid detail after boring detail.

I am an avid reader. I pick a book up and rarely, put it down before I have read it in its entirety. Currently, I am stuck on page 281. I am going to have to force myself to finish it.

Rating:
Summary: The nut doesn't fall far from the "Bush"!
Review: IF you bought Reflections don't bother buying a travel book for your next vacation just read Barbara Bush's Reflections. Even President Bush doesn't travel that much. Mrs. Bush talks about volunterism and giving money, I wonder how much she gives money wise at all those functions she goes to. Anyone could go and say a few funny things but the real thing is MONEY GIVING that counts to all this charties she goes to . Better to not buy the book and give the money to a charity. Her first book was a four star but this one should never went to press.

Rating:
Summary: Witty & Interesting from a Facinating Woman
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing!!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: At Ease with Barbara Bush
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Simply a joy to read
Review: There has always been something about Mrs. Bush that I liked. Her honesty, her bluntness (no PC), her love, respect and devotion to her family and the way she has made being a wife, mother and helpmate an occupation to be admired.

Sure she has had opportunities and privilege that most of us will never encounter. But that makes her approach to life even more admirable, because at its roots she never forgets what is really important.

So many of the other reviewers have said what I would have said, so I wont repeat myself. I simply encourage people to read the book and enjoy it. And for those of my generation ( post WW2 ) read it and discover what really matters in life.