Regardless of a person’s specific policy l leanings, Ad the author stated, George H Bush was an important figure in American politics for almost 70 years. I thought this was a very well written glimpse into a very interesting, complex, and heroic man. He made friends with both sides of the aisle, made decisions based on integrity and honor and his love for his country. I really enjoyed learning more about him and the author took the time to provide the most complete picture of the 41st president.

a solid biography but very fawning. did he have no bad habits at all? it sure didn't seem like it.

What a great biography. George HW must be one of the most underrated presidents. I learned a lot.

A remarkably well researched biography offered an intriguing insight into the life and career of one of the least explored presidents of the 20th century, a man who lived an extraordinarily active life. Having said that, I grew disappointed throughout the book, and particularly in the section covering Bush's presidency. Meacham's portrait of GHWB, while deeply researched, was highly sympathetic, and focused on his impression of Bush's moral character, at the expense of a full analysis of his political career. This book skipped quickly over numerous interesting historical phenomenons, including Iran/Contra, Bush's Congressional career, his 1988 campaign, and his relationship with Ross Perot, as well as other relevant episodes in Bush's life. In addition, I felt that this work would have benefited from further contextualization of the socio-political scenes that Bush encountered or engaged with throughout his life. Specifically, Bush's conflicted relationship with the Civil Rights Act, the nature of his role in the diplomatic relationship with China, particularly in the late 60's and early 70's, and his policy role in the Reagan administration would have made the book more interesting. Meacham touches on all of these things, but in each instance, seems to find one particular (positive) narrative, and then rolls on to the next moment in time.

Meacham, whom I consider to be a highly competent author and biographer, offers in this tome an impressive one volume biography of GHWB, and in doing so, (I'm speculating) probably begins the wave of fresh looks into an often overlooked presidency. He should be applauded for it. Having said all that, it can be fairly be said that his evaluation is overly warm and unbalanced, and the piece suffers as a result.

I have become a bit more selective on giving a rating of 5 stars to books. This book by Jon Meacham is very deserving of that rating. It is extremely well written, and very easy to read. George Herbert Walker Bush is an underappreciated POTUS. A return to his type of values would be appreciated. To quote Mr. Meacham, "[George Bush] spent his life presenting a face of grace and generosity to the world, and that face was real". As President Barack Obama stated, "From a decorated Navy pilot who nearly gave his life in World War II to U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, from CIA director to U.S. envoy to China to the vice presidency, his life is a testament that public service is a noble calling. As President, he expanded America's promise to new immigrants and people with disabilities". I highly recommend this book.

Love Meachum's examination of a good and decent man.

What a great biography. It’s brutally honest, always clear about the limits and inconsistencies of this remarkable man.

No matter your personal politics, this story is worthy of being heard. He was a truly original man, I’m thankful for having heard his life story.

I read a lot of Presidential History. It is by far my favorite genre. For the longest time, one of the Lincoln books in my library has been at the top of my favorite book list. Well, we have a new leader. While Jon Meacham has been an author I've appreciated, he wasn't on my "must read" list. This book changes things. I learned more about recent history in this book than I could have imagined. You'd think because I lived through a good chunk of it, I'd know most of the story of this book. Nope. Meacham does a spectacular job sharing details I never knew. The behind the scenes details of the 1980 Election Cycle specifically come to mind. I strongly recommend this book.

Unfortunately there were too many sections of this book that I found to be neither “vivid” nor “affecting.” Rather, large parts bordered on the side of dull and tedious, often to the point where I wanted to just return the book to its owner and be done with it! Having already invested enough time and energy into at least the first half, however, I soldiered through and finished it. I reached the same conclusion as a few other GR reviewers who found that Meacham truly likes GHWB and Family and wants his readers to like (if not adore/admire)them also.