Rating: 
Summary: The life and trials of young George.
Review: A biographer of a major political figure needs to have great credibility, especially when serious allegations are made. My feeling is that this is an honest work in its intent, but I was not always fully convinced by its journalistic standards. Some of the author's findings are very damning to President Bush: the worst are using political influence to gain windfall profits and his "no prisoners taken" approach to winning elections (so how is this new in politics, you may ask?). The rest, his "unexplained absence" from National Guard service during several months, his possible consumption of cocaine, and his hedonistic years seem unremarkable for a young man of his times, except that he happened to have an influential family. All in all, the book represents a fine and extraordinary effort, but the definitive book about George W. Bush remains to be written. We'll have to wait for that.
Rating: 
Summary: Fleshing and Flushing out the Bushes
Review: After J.H. Hatfield's book on George W. Bush and family had reached The New York Times bestseller list before its initial run, publisher St. Martin's Press announced that it was withdrawing publication. George Bush I was seen on national television and snarling that the book was "garbage." That is what happens when 1) individuals have more clout than they deserve, and 2) they are unable to refute the message of the author, and so they attack the messenger, an old trick, this time exercised by the candidate who gave us a campaign predicated on Willie Horton and the mandatory pledge of allegiance.The book was fortunately brought out by a smaller company with the integrity to let the message be sent to those who wish to read it. What inflamed the Bushes was that Hatfield dared to write the unthinkable, posing the issue that Bush II had been convicted of drug possession and that an unexplained period of community service in a Houston ghetto at a time when he was devoting himself to hedonistic hellraising appeared suspiciously out of character. Hatfield's suspicions were confirmed by the fact that Bush refused to discuss any questions dealing with his life prior to his twenty-sixth birthday, a stark departure from expectations concerning Bill Clinton and his Oxford University days, along with whether or not he inhaled. The Bushes feared this book not because they believed its contents constituted "garbage" but because the record was clear that a candidate for the highest office in the land had led a dissolute life in which family influence served as a launching pad to great political success. George II's family contacts led to dealmaking with the deep pockets of corporate America along with the oil patch elite. Hatfield details the pattern of corruption and, alas, has never been refuted. The right declares that its voices have been silenced, even amid the steady drumbeats of the Limbaughs, O'Reillys, Hannitys and Coulters. Fortunately the attempted bookburning exercise failed and Hatfield's message reached willing listeners. The Bush presidency and the positions taken, whether they be tax cuts for the rich or lies about weapons of mass destruction, are logical successors to the backdrop provided by the author's splendidly researched volume.
Rating:
Summary: Well researched and revealing
Review: After reading all the claims that this book used questionable sources and shoddy research, I almost wrote it off. But after actually reading it, I realized that nothing could be further from the truth. This book is not (unlike most liberally leaning books on the Bush dynasty) a biased and desperate slam on the president. The sources are certainly not "crackpot websites" as one reviewer claimed, and the book was not dropped by its first publisher because it was innacurate (it was dropped from political pressure from the bush administration).
I find it kind of funny that all of these such claims are accompanied by NO comments which would actually indicate that these reviewers even read the book (and then go on to make claims such as 'liberals will love this because they love anything that bashes the president).
I'm not what I would call a liberal. I'm certainly not a democrat. But I will admit I think Bush is a terrible president. This book helped to cement my dislike for the man.
This is not slander. It even portrays him in a positive light at times. It questions the claims of Bush detractors as well as supporters. It's thorough and (at least in its narrative, you can argue about the facts presented) for the most part unbiased (even though its hard to remain completely objective when you're talking about a man who publicly mocked a woman he just sentenced to death...)
The sources I checked up on were authentic. In the end, its a damning portrayal of our president. Anyone who is even remotely curious as to what kind of insanity is running through our commander-in-cheif's head owes it to themselves to read through this book.
In all truth, if you're a Bush supporter, you probably will have few problems with alot of what's revealed in this book. A friend of mine (who is a hard-core bush enthusiast) read the book, and his response (for the most part) was "so what?" But then again, he and I have a very different set of moral and political beliefs, and my response to the book was certainly different.
Take it for what it is. It's a biography. If you support him, you should know more about him. If you don't, this book will give you a few more reasons not to.
Rating:
Summary: very entertaining and informative book
Review: an interesting look at the american president in a time when even criticizing the president is called "unpatriotic".
Rating:
Summary: well researched biography of George W. Bush
Review: As with any book, like Al Franken's, "Lies....", any attempt to prevent it from being published, makes people want to know why, and that is why I read this book. It is well researched, there are pages and pages of sources to back up his statements. He had tried numerous times to talk to Bush about the book, but was ignored and then he and his family were threatened, they even knew the baby's name, if he published the book. Now that really got my interest. When I started to read the book I was puzzled by their actions. He didn't sound biased, in fact, as you read about Bush in his childhood you got the feeling he kind a liked him. Bush was a little wild growing up, drank a lot and chased women, which a good portion of young men do at that time in their lives. There's even a few stories, if he had wanted to, he could have used malice, but he didn't, in fact, I ended up grinning at a couple of his antics. He was writing a biography and tried to write it as accurate and truthful as he knew how. He told about Bush's drinking problems, how losing his little sister hurt him, about him accepting Jesus and his turning to sobriety and his business deals, etc. As Bush matured, we get a look at a different person, one who doesn't act so christian. The man he has turned into is one that is downright scary for the people of our country. Through the name and position of his father, we find that young Bush is rescued and backed financially by moneyed people. People with money who expected to be rewarded for their generosity and that is repeated over and over. This book clearly shows us an accurate picture of the man in the White House. If there are things in this book that he and his party don't like (and there are many things), it is not the fault of the author, for he just reported the facts, Bush did the deeds. We all, sometime or another, have to reap what we sow. I would recommend that everyone should read this book before the next election so that you will know who this man truly is before deciding your vote.
Rating:
Summary: Wheel of fortune
Review: Expecting a full blast attack on Bush this biography turned out to be almost low key compared with the second generation of exposes now on the bestseller lists, and perhaps triggered the genre. Kevin Phillips' American Dynasty rather lands a forward pass from somewhere here. Proceeding from grandfather to father to 'Junior' every stage seems to leave behind a problem zone, mess, or blot on the record. The book is effective in simply telling the story without hysteria as the details mount up to a portrait that is unsettling, almost unnerving, with its question in the background--how did the system work to put his man in power? Even with its broad hints the book merely indicates the surface rustling in the bushes we don't see. After prolonged mental strain, I was reduced to hazarding a guess--Texas oil money? This guy is your employee, check his resume.
Rating:
Summary: It's a credible account of privilege and smooth talking
Review: Fortunate Son is a well-written and well-documented book and I am puzzled by the furor from the Republicans over its publication. Most of the information in the book has been covered in newspapers and magazines; however, it does put under one cover, the extraordinary advantages of having rich friends who are so eager to share their wealth, their expertise, and their silence with seemingly no desire for return. It appears that GW Bush is able to talk his friends into almost anything, particularly where money is involved. This probably accounts for the arrogance that comes across in Hatfield's account. It's no wonder that people who supplied information did not want their names revealed. For someone who professes to be against bringing suit against others, it's ironic that this is often the threat when Republicans see something they don't like. It's an interesting read for anyone who would like to know more about the personality and past of our current president. I plan to share my copy with friends. AB Muhs
Rating:
Summary: An intellectually honest review of a sad state of affairs
Review: Hatfield comes across as a man looking for the truth, and in my view, he uncovers what any intuitive person would expect to find, if not more discouraging. There is much that smells bad about George W. Bush, his easy life, and the clean-up that occurred to make him pretty for election. This book, if you are interested in something approaching a credible explanation of how this boy became president, takes you right to the source of that smell. It's too bad Hatfield was hounded to a less than "compassionate" end for his efforts to pull back the curtain on the unlikely successes of George W. Bush.
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting look at the orchestration of "W"'s success
Review: Hatfield has written a relatively unbiased account of the rise of George W. Bush to the presidency. He apparently upset some folks by exploring certain issues that have been covered up by mainstream journalists and image-makers, such as George W.'s apparent cocaine use and protection from legal consequences, and the manner in which his business failures were obscured by wealthy benefactors. There are other books that provide far more information about Bush family misdeeds and the occult background to this family, as Hatfield was not an author with background in censored history or occult agendas when he took on this project. Unfortunately, Hatfield is now deceased following an alleged suicide. Perhaps another brave author will do a bio of Hatfield and look into the details of his life and death. This book is a good introduction to the Bush dynasty for those who recognize that the wealthy Bush supporters and media are covering up the true nature of the family, family connections, family "business" activities, and the elite agendas the Bushes are a part of.
Rating:
Summary: Hatfield Gives Voice to Both Sides of Bush
Review: Hatfield succeeded in one of the most challenging goals of journalism. He presented Bush as a total person with qualities and life experiences I admire in addition to the ones I dislike. For insight into Bush the man as well as Bush the politician, read this book. It offers hope for the reinstatement of the checks and balances central to democracy. Hatfield's rare gift and courage will be missed.
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