41

By: George W. Bush

Narrated by: George W. Bush

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, has authored a personal biography of his father, George H. W. Bush, the 41st president. Forty-three men have served as president of the United States. Countless books have been written about them. But never before has a president told the story of his father, another president, through his own eyes and in his own words. A unique and intimate biography, the book covers the entire scope of the elder President Bush’s life and career, including his service in the Pacific during World War II, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business, and his political rise as a Congressman, U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA Director, Vice President, and President. The book shines new light on both the accomplished statesman and the warm, decent man known best by his family. In addition, George W. Bush discusses his father’s influence on him throughout his own life, from his childhood in West Texas to his early campaign trips with his father, and from his decision to go into politics to his own two-term Presidency.

©2014 George W. Bush (P)2014 Random House Audio

Heartwarming and Honoring

If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be?

Integrity, Leadership, Family

What other book might you compare 41 to and why?

Don't know

Which scene was your favorite?

Not a favorite scene - but an eye opener. It is amazing to discover that the Clintons are actually very good friends with the Bush Family. They don't tear each other apart. They work with each other. Wish we all did the same.

Any additional comments?

Heartwarming. The reader will appreciate the love that was put into writing this book. It is full of respect, admiration, and stories that will make you smile. The book's value is increased due to it's characters still being alive and so much part of us. History in the making, but also History that's unique in its father/son relationship.Worth a credit.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great Story of a Son's Adoration of his Father.

If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be?

Man who lived the True American dream

What was one of the most memorable moments of 41?

Through everything the Bush family has accomplished, they have always remembered the importance of family.

Any additional comments?

Overall a great movie depicting the love a man has for his father. One of the best books I have ever read.

12 of 14 people found this review helpful

A special story

Very well done. I learned much more than I knew previously about father and son and also about other characters on the world stage, including Bill Clinton.

It was particularly enjoyable to listen to George Bush talk about his dad. It seemed much more powerful than it would have been simply to read it.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Touching story of a Father told by the Son

If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be?

Moving, Inspiring, captivating

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were points of tears, during the description of the loss of George H.W. Bush's daughter, Robin. Very emotional.

Any additional comments?

Easy to listen to, great to hear President George W. Bush narrate it. Gave me a lot more insight into G.H.W. Bush and a better respect for him as a husband, father, businessman and public servant. Enjoyed it immensely.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wonderfully Told Story Of A Father By A Son

Would you listen to 41 again? Why?

Yes I would listen to it again, because George W.'s reading is so incredibly honest, sincere, and full of love and respect as he talks about his father.

What other book might you compare 41 to and why?

I cannot compare this book as I cannot recall ever reading another like it.

What about George W. Bush’s performance did you like?

See my answer under the first question.

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

War hero. Business man. 41st President of the U.S.. A story told by one who knows him best as... father.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Engaging

George W. Bush writes what he calls a “love story” about his father. The book is folksy and a fun read. The book is obviously not unbiased but the author tried to paint a true picture of his father and family from his own viewpoint. George W. discusses his father’s influence on him throughout his own life.

George W writes of his father’s early success. He writes his father gave him “unconditional love.” He discusses his father’s well-known generosity, his talent for friendship and his willingness to take risks. The most interesting parts of the book deals with the personal side of the George H. W. Bush. The author discusses his father’s service in the Pacific during WWII, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business and his political rise as a Congressman. He reviews his work as U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA director, Vice President and President.

This is the only presidential biography of a father written by his son who was also a president. It is also the closest thing to an autobiography of Bush 41, since he has never written a memoir. George W. Bush narrated his own book. I fully enjoyed learning about the personal side of 41.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

I'm 31 years old.

The Bush v. Clinton election in '92 is the first one I remember. I believe I was in 2nd grade and we followed it in school. I remember feeling sad for Bush when he lost. I'm now 32 years old and I realized I didn't really KNOW George H W Bush, even though I attended his school at Texas A&M and met him twice while there. So I picked up this book. I couldn't stop. I feel as if I now know him. And also, that I respect, admire and even love him. What an amazing man of character and principal. One whom it would be an honor and benefit to strive to emulate.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A New View of Both Bush Presidents

What did you love best about 41?

I learned a lot about both George H W Bush and George W Bush. I've been alive for both presidents but I did not realize what all went on during the first Bush's presidency. I was a young child then and it was interesting to take a closer look at the politics involved.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 41?

He talked about how "Grandpappy" prepared for his presidential debate by leading a search for his granddaughter's lost stuffed animal.

What does George W. Bush bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love that George W. Bush read the book because he brought a warmth and sincerity to the reading. You can tell by his voice that he meant what he wrote.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed in some parts. I don't think I cried at all. The book kept my attention though as he brings in as many stories as he could.

Any additional comments?

I loved the book so much that I bought a copy for my mother's birthday and she is looking forward to reading it. I don't read a lot of nonfiction but I enjoyed this book.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Simple but perfect

The best president written by second best president. What a family. There will never be another like him, that's for sure.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very moving story about my Commander in Chief!

What a great story about a great American. I was proud to serve under George H. W. Bush 41. The story was made even better being narrated by his loving son George W. Bush 43. Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful