Heartbeat: George Bush in His Own Words (Lisa Drew Books)

A seminal selection of writings, including letters, speeches, public papers, interviews, and other excerpts offers an intimate portrait of America's forty-first president that conveys many of his private beliefs and fundamental values in such chapters as "Friends," "Family," and "Faith." 100,000 first printing.

A compilation of excerpts from George H.W. Bush's speeches, interviews and statements, Heartbeat: George Bush in His Own Words is not, writes editor Jim McGrath, "a political book," but rather an attempt to show the private man through his public words. The excerpts are short, ranging from a few paragraphs down to an aphoristic two lines. There are plenty of thoughtful moments, such as Bush's reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. ("His life was a metaphor for courage"), but overall, the balance seems to swing toward the humorous ("I'm President of the United States, and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli").

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

This light collection of short excerpts from letters, speeches, public papers, and interviews by former president George Bush is an attempt to define his "heartbeat" by presenting a version of who Bush is through his written and spoken words. The content ranges widely from commentary on Millie, the Bush family dog, to the search for peace; from Manuel Noriega to the meaning of national pride; from a thousand points of light to the dark days of his electoral defeat. If Bush's words lack a certain flair, imagination, or drama, they present a portrait of a man deeply rooted in American values. While the editor claims that this is "not a political book," it cannot avoid being a book with deep political implications especially given that the current occupant of the White House is his son. This book helps us understand Bush the father and Bush the president. Recommended for public and academic libraries. Michael A. Genovese, Loyola Marymount Univ., Los Angeles
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.