Looking Forward: an Autobiography

Vice President George Bush offers a revealing, anecdotal, and humorous portrait of his private and public life and provides in-depth analyses of governmental practices and institutions

YAFor anyone planning to enter po litical life or naive about its challenges, Bush's autobiography, filled with anec dotes and personal views of some of the leading national and international fig ures, is highly recommended. Bush provides new insights into his years as a Navy combat pilot, U. N. ambassador, Republican National Committee Chair man, envoy to China, C.I.A. director, and Vice President. As he tells of the political and war conflicts with the re straint of classical reporting, stating his reasons, logic, and philosophy, he makes this brief self-portrait one of the important political books of our genera tion and an excellent selection for YA collections. Barbara Batty, Port Ar thur Independent School District
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An early salvo in the vice-president's campaign for the White House in 1988, this is a standard candidate's biography but livelier than others because Bush has held such a variety of important positions. As a young man from Connecticut and a former Navy pilot in World War II, he went to Texas and made a fortune in the oil fields. After serving in the House of Representatives and two failed attempts at the U.S. Senate, he served as U.S. representative to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee (steering the party through the Watergate scandal), envoy to China in the last years of Chairman Mao and head of the CIA. Bush writes about his seven years as vice-president, stressing his belief that the prime requisite of the number-two spot is loyalty, and concludes by emphasizing his political conservatism. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Although Vice President Bush had planned to write this autobiography for several years, the timing of its release and its fluffy content make it typical of the campaign biographies of potential presidential candidates. However, this book may be recommended for its insights into Chinese culture and outline of Bush's notable career. Highlights, which include being a decorated World War II fighter pilot, receiving his Yale degree Phi Beta Kappa, making a fortune in the Texas oil industry, serving as a congressman from Texas, and being appointed ambassador to China and head of the CIA, are recounted in a modest but two-dimensional fashion. Recommended for current affairs collections or for libraries desiring pop political biographies. Karl Helicher, Wolfsohn Memorial Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.