March Senior News Book Review Column

For those outside of Texas or folks who just could not find a copy in state, here is my column for last month in Senior News. Enjoy!

“Work Hard, Study….and Keep Out of Politics!”
By James A. Baker, III with Steve Fiffer
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN# 0-399-15377-2

Subtitled “Adventures and Lessons from an Unexpected Public Life” Texan James Baker recounts how he eventually ignored his grandfather’s advice and by the mid seventies was actively involved in politics. Through eighteen extensive chapters and over 460 pages, the author with the help of Steve Fiffer describes a life spent in service to his country at home and abroad. That wasn’t the plan and yet as he explains in detail the family history; it becomes clear that things couldn’t have happened any other way. While there aren’t any real surprises here as most of it has been reported on in one way or another over the years, the photographs as well as the behind the scenes details bring alive the nuances of the political process and create an interesting read.

My Father My President
By Doro Bush Koch
Warner Books
ISBN# 0-446-57990-4

The same theme of service to his country describes this book with the subtitle “A Personal Account Of The Life of George H. W. Bush.” Doro Bush Koch writes of the man she knows as her father first and president second in great detail. For those events that she was not present for, she relies on an extensive network of friends to fill in the gaps. The result is a moving and overall powerfully positive portrait of the man commonly referred to in the media as “Bush 41” and how he continues to serve his country today in various ways. Like Baker’s book, much of what is recounted here is already known and yet because of whom she is, the author is able to shed light on behind the scenes details throughout this heavily detailed and sourced 586 page read.

Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2007