Destiny and Power Destiny and Power

Destiny and Power

The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush

    • 4.1 • 139 Ratings
    • $14.99
    • $14.99

Publisher Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this “illuminating” (USA Today) biography, Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham chronicles the life of George Herbert Walker Bush.

Destiny and Power reflects the qualities of both subject and biographer: judicious, balanced, deliberative, with a deep appreciation of history and the personalities who shape it.”—The New York Times Book Review

ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, NPR, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Drawing on President Bush’s personal diaries, on the diaries of his wife, Barbara, and on extraordinary access to the forty-first president and his family, Meacham paints an intimate and surprising portrait of an intensely private man who led the nation through tumultuous times. From the Oval Office to Camp David, from his study in the private quarters of the White House to Air Force One, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the first Gulf War to the end of Communism, Destiny and Power charts the thoughts, decisions, and emotions of a modern president who may have been the last of his kind. This is the human story of a man who was, like the nation he led, at once noble and flawed.

From the Pacific to the presidency, Destiny and Power charts the vicissitudes of the life of this quietly compelling American original. Meacham sheds new light on the rise of the right wing in the Republican Party, a shift that signaled the beginning of the end of the center in American politics. Destiny and Power is an affecting portrait of a man who, driven by destiny and by duty, forever sought, ultimately, to put the country first.

GENRE
Biographies & Memoirs
RELEASED
2015
November 10
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
864
Pages
PUBLISHER
Random House Publishing Group
SELLER
Penguin Random House LLC
SIZE
131.8
MB

Customer Reviews

Frustrated Moderate ,

Superb Job Telling Bush 41's Story

While a fan of Jon Meachum as a talking head, particularly on historical subjects, some of his previous books didn't quite hit the mark for me. It's obvious his research is first rate, his command of surrounding history related to the subjects of his books is impeccable - in short he's the real deal. Still not every well researched and prepared speech, hits it mark, makes cogent points, and leaves a profound impression on its audience.

However in this book, Jon hit a home run. George H. W. Bush's story is well laid out, themes begin to emerge early, and insight on the core "Poppy" are identified and explained. While few facts were new to me, as #41's history has been pretty well covered, tying them to his entire life, seeing the influence of his parents, and how that prepared and shaped him is quite the compelling story. Another aspect I find particularly remarkable -in many ways #41's story is typical of his generation, coming of age in World War II, serving bravely, playing well his role in the post war boom years, building a business, raising a family, and constant devotion to that family, always striving, and appreciation for the ideals and training his forebears provided him. But in a few distinct ways, George H. W. Bush's story is not typical - he was born into an upper class family, he did not suffer through the Great Depression like so many of his generation did, and his father's proximity to the real power brokers - #41 made the most of these, wasn't afraid to take unpopular stances, more than paid his dues, waited his turn, and when given the chance to lead our country, he handled the massive responsibility deftly. For a politician, he uncharacteristically took little credit for how smoothly he guided our country and the world through the end of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

Some extremely poignant and warm moments revealed added to the richness of this biography - probably the best a letter #41 wrote his mother about his daughter Robin near the end of chapter 10.. Highly recommend everyone read this book. Congratulations Jon.

INFJ-male ,

You Have To Be ...

How can you even consider this cost for a digital book. $18.00! And no COLA for Medicare Recipients. If GHWB agreed with this price...I've lost some respect.
I dare you to not post this review. Greed is a dangerous goal. Even if you do post this...I will watch for your retaliation.
If you do post and maintain this ridiculously price, I will continue to slip my opinion in one day and time of my choice.
Be realistic ... How about 12.95?????

JoshKnell ,

Great Read

A great, unbiased account of 41's life. Shows how his true character was always a constant factor in his public/private life.

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