Decision Points

By: George W. Bush

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

Length: 20 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions of his presidency and personal life.

Decision Points is the extraordinary memoir of America’s 43rd president. Shattering the conventions of political autobiography, George W. Bush offers a strikingly candid journey through the defining decisions of his life. In gripping, never-before-heard detail, President Bush brings listeners inside the Texas Governor’s Mansion on the night of the hotly contested 2000 election; aboard Air Force One on 9/11, in the hours after America’s most devastating attack since Pearl Harbor; at the head of the table in the Situation Room in the moments before launching the war in Iraq; and behind the Oval Office desk for his historic and controversial decisions on the financial crisis, Hurricane Katrina, Afghanistan, Iran, and other issues that have shaped the first decade of the 21st century.

President Bush writes honestly and directly about his flaws and mistakes, as well as his accomplishments reforming education, treating HIV/AIDS in Africa, and safeguarding the country amid chilling warnings of additional terrorist attacks. He also offers intimate new details on his decision to quit drinking, discovery of faith, and relationship with his family.

A groundbreaking new brand of memoir, Decision Points will captivate supporters, surprise critics, and change perspectives on one of the most consequential eras in American history - and the man at the center of events.

©2010 George W. Bush (P)2010 Random House

Great !!!

I enjoyed this book very much because it showed me how much our government does do and how much we as Americans do try to do the right thing. I only wish I would have read something like this 20 yrs ago it might have encouraged me to try to do more in the government.

Fantastic Book and a pleasure to listen to

I will start off saying that I liked George W. Bush as a person and a president before listening to the book. The narrator has a similar voice to that of George W Bush, which was pleasant to listen to. It was great to hear his opinion on the various issues during his presidency. I knew some of the issues, but other programs I was not even aware of honestly. I came away even more impressed with him as a person person and president. I would highly recommend this book and is very worth the time to listen to.

True to Character

Although I stayed a supporter of George Bush longer than most, I was not looking forward to listening to this for 20 hours: the old hickory common sense approach to decision making; the lay preacher sermon once every 30 minutes; the continual confirmation of love for his family. These repetitive, self righteous proclamations can grow old in a hurry, especially when read in in a West Texas drawl. But...then it would not have been George W without them and this book is true to George W., absolutely true.

It is a fascinating series of glimpses into the trials that face a President. The thematic approach, wherein George highlights a series of topics each from beginning to end, avoids the monotony common to a chronological autobiography. I think George tells it as it happened, much of which was either missed or misconstrued by the media. The one exception was the justification of why he kept quiet about his drinking violation; did he really believe his daughters were so weak as to be influenced by his youthful mistakes? Pity he did not just admit that one.

I was left with a small capsule of history; knowing why this man could keep a team together; and understanding why, despite all the criticism, he won tight races for power time after time.

I am glad I listened; as will history, I think more of him now than I did then.

Excellent Read

Would you consider the audio edition of Decision Points to be better than the print version?

A fantastic window into the life of a person who has had numerous trials and tribulations. His principals and convictions are admirable and his character stands out. Regardless of what side of the political debate you stand on, you cannot question his heart or integrity.

Candid and honest.

Would you consider the audio edition of Decision Points to be better than the print version?

No

What other book might you compare Decision Points to and why?

The Memoirs of President Grant. Garnt Memoir has long been held as one of the most candid presidential memoirs in U. S. history. A history professor recommended it to me thirty years ago, saying the bok was the most honest and least self-serving autobiographical pieces written by a President. Mr. Bush's book follows down that path. Selecting key decision points throghtout his presidency and the path leading up to it, He explains why he made the decisions he did, both right and wrong. He discusses the sources of advice and cousel he received and ultimate the reasons for the decisions he made. He does a fine job of expressing the weight of each decision, and clearly articulates a sense of the consequences of each.

Which character – as performed by Ron McLarty – was your favorite?

Not applicable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not Applicable

Any additional comments?

Both the supporters and detractors of Mr. Bush should read this. Both will find pause to reconsider their previously held opinions.

Phenomenal

Extremely moving, outstandingly funny, and full of wisdom. Makes you feel connected to, and proud of, America.

Unexpectedly captivating/entertaining/informative

What made the experience of listening to Decision Points the most enjoyable?

Fantastic book regardless of which side you are on in politics. Fascinating views on how 8 years of decisions were made.

GW Bush, full of character and commitment!

I enjoyed the explanations and back story to so many situations around Bush's Presidency. Very good and educational.

Very interesting

I was highly critical of Bush durring his presidency. It was very interesting to hear his side, from him. Great read/listen for anyone who is interested in his presidency. I can't say it changed my mind on his policies but it did add context and increased my respect for him.

George wins!

Great book, coming from an admirer of the mans character. Now I realize that we were fortunate to have him and I think History will reflect this too. Even if you don't like him, or just don't care....this book is a good listen with many informative topics from an inside perspective. Was he perfect? No, and he admits that, but at least I understand better why he did what he did, and it is hard to fault his decisions when you know the facts.