Synopsis
The first biography of Laura Bush to be written with White House cooperation offers a look at the private world of this famously reserved woman, as well as the beliefs and attitudes that shape it. Based on interviews with her closest friends and confidantes from childhood to the present, as well as family members and administration heavyweights, Kessler paints a portrait of a woman who, even as she ascended to the heights of political fortune and power, never lost touch with the bedrock American values she absorbed in her youth. Kessler reveals how Laura's opinions have brought budget changes to a range of federal agencies and have affected her husband's policies, appointments, and worldview; what Laura's own political opinions are and what her relationship with twin daughters Jenna and Barbara is really like; what Laura says in private about Hillary Clinton, media attacks on her husband, and his victory in the 2004 election.--From publisher description.
This semi-friendly portrait of First Lady Laura Bush was written with the cooperation of the White House, and Ronald Kessler clearly benefited greatly from his insider access to those close to Mrs. Bush. Fans will enjoy the portrait of everyday life in the White House, as well as the way Laura, like every one who preceded her in that undefined role, shapes her own path. She comes across as a steady and independent person who wields power with discretion. Mrs. Bush clearly listens to and is listened to by the man in the most powerful office, and Kessler records her influence in appointments, and in helping to keep the President on message, acting as a sounding board and consultant in key historical events. Kessler traces how Laura's background and life experiences have shaped her values, examines her role as the mother of twins, and shows examples of her sensitivity to criticism, in particular her occasional angry flare-ups at the press.
There is a balance of juicy gossip and investigative reporting from Kessler, whose credentials include pieces for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, plus several prestigious journalism awards, including the George Polk Award.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2006-04-04 |
| Size | | Length: | 272 pages | | Height: | 9.5 in | | Width: | 6.8 in | | Thickness: | 1.0 in | | Weight: | 20.0 oz |
Publisher's Note
An authorized portrait of America's First Lady, written with full White House cooperation, offers a rare glimpse inside the private world of Laura Bush, the beliefs and attitudes that shape her life, and her important influence on the president and his administration.
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