Review of 41: A Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush

“Appealing!” I thought, glancing at 41: A Portrait Of My Father by President George W. Bush. Only twice in history has a son followed his father to the Presidency. John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams both served one term in the White House early in our nation’s history. The twentieth century saw President George Herbert Walker Bush elected in 1988 and his son George W. Bush elected in 2000. The elder President Bush served one term and his son served two terms.
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When the elder President Bush was in the White House, including his time as President Reagan’s second-in-command, I had so much affection for him. Finally, I figured out that he reminded me of my grandfather. My own grandfather Harry Leon King was kind and loving, without ever drawing attention to his good deeds. He quietly lived his faith and made lifelong friends wherever he went. Their home was full of people who came to visit from all over the world. Like President Bush, he was a faithful attendee at the local Episcopal Church. What I admired about both men was their integrity and loyalty. Both men placed high value on relationships. So I was eager to read this book about the self-effacing politician who reminded me of my grandfather. 

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Reading about President Bush’s life was exciting. He was a fighter pilot and war hero in World War II. He was the UN Ambassador, leader of the Republican National Committee, Ambassador to China, Vice-President, and President of the greatest nation on earth. A loyal and faithful husband, he and his wife endured tragedy beyond losing elections: they lost a precious daughter. Throughout his life, he gave praise and credit to the other guy, was a team player, and lived out his values.
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More than his thrilling life, I enjoyed reading a son talk about his father with respect and affection. Through every page, President George W. Bush’s devotion to his father shines through. Unusual in our day and age, this was my favorite thing about the book. I loved reading how the family rallied for each other in good and bad times. I enjoyed the jokes, the conversations, and the little details of family life. I closed the book with a new respect for both presidents and a deep wish that we could see more presidents with the integrity and character of the Bush family. 

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You can purchase 41: A Portrait Of My Father at Great Christian Books.

This book is part of our HIS Story of the 20th Century high school curriculum. You can purchase HIS Story of the 20th Century at Amazon and the E-book at PayHip and Currclick. 

The high school workbook, HIS Story of the 20th Century High School Workbook is available at Amazon and the E-book at PayHip and Currclick.

The middle school workbook, HIS Story of the 20th Century High School Workbook is available at Amazon and the E-book at PayHip and Currclick.

We recommend that you enjoy learning about the 20th Century with living books, hands-on history labs, fun writing assignments, and an enjoyable history textbook. 

For His Glory, 
Meredith Curtis

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