Friday, April 20, 2012

Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush

This is a very well written autobiography of an admirable woman.
When she sums up her years in the White House, she notes she had helped restore five historic rooms and had worked on redecorating the cabins at Camp David. She helped renovate the Press briefing Room and updated the Cabinet and Roosevelt rooms. “In the White House, George and I had hosted over fifteen hundred social events; many were to award medals or honor accomplishments or great moments in American arts and literature. With Jim Billington I had started the National Book Festival, which now draws some 120,000 visitors each fall, and I had worked to combat illiteracy worldwide. I had done what I had hoped to do: I had worked to be a good steward of the White House for our nation. Every day, even the difficult ones, had been a privilege.” (423)
It was inspiring to read about her life as a teacher and librarian, then meeting and marrying George at age 30. Her love for literature was evidenced by her establishing the Texas Book Festival. Her compassion is seen in her work for women in Afghanistan.
Granted, she does defend her husband regarding some of his unpopular decisions but is very honest and objective about the difficult role of President during times of unanticipated tragedy.
This book was a delight to read.

Scribner, 456 pages.

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