W.: The Rise and Fall of the Bush Dynasty

What a great book. Democrat or Republican, all should appreciate this writing. Not a documentary, but more, a story. Very easy reading. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards once delivered this unforgettable quip about George W. Bush: "Poor George, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth." Basically, that line has defined the media's portrayal of Bush ever since. He is depicted as the privileged, but none-too-bright scion of a political dynasty. Of course, as is the case with all really good insults, there is more than a little truth to Richard's words. But is there more to the man? That's the critical question of the 2000 presidential election, and for an answer, we at getAbstract.com recommend Elizabeth Mitchell's skillfully written account of the pampered life and tobacco-chewing times of W. Although the Bush family declined to cooperate with this particular bio, many family friends offered their insights, and the figure that emerges from their descriptions is far more complex than his late-night comedy caricature might suggest. Mitchell's superbly documented research reveals that the man who many imply is running for office simply because he has nothing better to do, is in fact guided by two powerful motives: personal redemption and family revenge. The latter agenda is clear: W. will avenge his father's defeat by striking down Al Gore, heir to the Clinton legacy. The personal redemption is a bit more difficult to isolate, but has something to do with measuring up to his father and discrediting critics like Ann Richards, who is, as we mentioned, the former governor of Texas. Smirk.

As opposed to some of the other George W. biographies, it wasn't readily apparent whether the author was a fan of the not-yet president-elect. This adds a bit to the objectivity of the book. I feel I could believe the author.I did think that she spent a bit more time than necessary at times talking about his father George and his brother Jeb. It is understandable that they do have an influence on W (the book points out where some ideas and phrases were borrowed for the father's and the brother's campaigns while W was running for governor), but I think the author went into more depth on them than was necessary.One of the major factors in W's credibility is that he was governor of Texas. I don't think that the author spend enough time there to really give us a good idea of how his actions in office match his objectives for his campaign. I thought this could have used a bit more coverage.Not the best biography out there, but I would still recommend reading it. When rea

It has been said that following in political family steps is often the most stressful way to make a living. You have a responsibility and family name to uphold and you are under constant scrutiny for everything you do. George W. Bush has made a political living out of defying the odds and this book is an excellent example of this.Mitchell's clear, concise and definitive look and what many are calling the next President is a remarkable story from beginning to the very end. Mitchell gives you a vast look into the man that has revitalized the Republican Party.The book goes into W's life from his childhood and college years, through his leadership in the state of Texas. What I found most fascinating about the whole book is the way the author remain objective in detailing how George W. learned the political game from watching dad.The book takes a look into a man the press knows very little about. The book and the author should be congratulated for the outstanding work. I highly recommend this book to anyone working politics or those wanting to get involved. Excellent job!

As a Texan, I especially appreciated how well Mitchell evokes the Midland landscape and people. I also found myself drawn into the compelling dramas of the Bush family, especially the way the family seemed to rally around George Senior and feel protective of him. Mitchell writes with empathy when describing the family's losses, but she can be sharp too-- when she describes their distaste for reading, for example. I felt as if I really knew these people, their foibles and their charms. Now when I see George W. Bush on television, even when he seems to be doing his best to be bland, I think about specific and well-told anecdotes in Mitchell's book that demonstrate both his tendency to take credit for things he's not responsible for, and his generosity and sense of humor. (I have to take issue with the reviewer who questions the reporting--Mitchell's sources are reliable ones, and it's not clear where the reviewer has found his facts.) I highly recommend this book. Mitchell tells the story with such care and insight that one can imagine what George W. might be like as a president. Not all political writers can tell a story so well, in such elegant and engaging prose.