Pearls of Wisdom

December 15, 2019
A celebratory gathering of memories from Barbara Bush's friends and family, featuring her own quotes. "You might question how someone who left this good earth two years ago could be the author of a new book," writes Jean Becker, who worked for Bush for nearly 30 years. "Simple, really. It was her words--that made this book possible. It is indeed written in her voice and in her spirit." Beginning with a who's who glossary of the extended Bush family and their circle, which included statesmen, writers, and celebrities, Becker loosely groups Barbara's advice on family, living well, and literacy, among other topics. A patchwork (some may say scattershot), round-table approach yields colorful reflections on a woman who was known as "The Enforcer," Barb, and, to her grandchildren, Ganny. More than the first lady's advice--which draws on sensible optimism: "You can like what you do OR you can dislike it. I choose to like it, and what fun I've had"--it's everyday situations that lead to original, unscripted quips. Sometimes, frightened staff recall Bush's graceful way of handling the unexpected and of putting everyone at ease. Family who visited Kennebunkport recount her no-nonsense yet loving discipline, and friends who witnessed the Bush's marriage depict the couple's mutual respect and banter. Such memories reveal a plainspoken individual who was prone to faux pas yet could laugh at herself. Writings from Bush's children mix gentle humor with awe, as when her son, Jeb, calls her parenting a "benevolent dictatorship." This is a fond retrospective that sometimes repeats biographical details and nuggets of wisdom. In the author's note, Becker apologizes for the repetition, which dilutes the focus. Readers seeking insight on a dynastic political family will find a down-to-earth, humanizing portrait of a much-loved matriarch. Those hoping for novel wisdom will find unsurprising comments on gratitude, kindness, love, and living fully with joy. A tribute to an American icon that brims with love and hope.

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 13, 2020
The late former first lady Bush (Reflections) shares pearls of wisdom in this charming posthumous collection of down-to-earth and often funny advice. Topics covered include looking for the good in others, enjoying life, cherishing relationships, being punctual, and learning not to waste time, and Bush (1925–2018) addresses them with a mix of her own wisdom and tidbits from others, among them author Mary Higgins Clark, former president Bill Clinton, actor Teri Hatcher, and musician Reba McEntire. Examples from Bush’s many commencement speeches (Wellesley: “Be compassionate with one another”; Smith College: “Serve others. You will always get back more than you give”) are included, as well, along with testimonials of those who met Bush. She also writes about living through the heartbreaking death of her three-year-old daughter, Robin, to leukemia, and how hardship has always made her value family above all else. This sage, valuable volume will appeal to readers looking for general advice, no matter one’s political leanings.

March 1, 2020

Jean Becker, the ghostwriter of this book, worked for former first lady Barbara Bush (1925-2018) in a variety of roles from 1993 to 2018. She put together this tribute containing excerpts from Bush's diaries, notes from her family members, and a collection of anecdotes from aides, historians, and family friends. The entries are grouped into categories, such as friends, family, and the importance of reading, and contain everything from minding one's manners (e.g., looking someone in the eyes when meeting them) to having a positive attitude (e.g., always be grateful). VERDICT A pithy book that packs a wallop of information and lots of laughs, this is a perfect gift for fans of the former first lady.

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.