The Family: the Real Story of the Bush Dynasty

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 · 716 ratings  · 74 reviews

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May 12, 2013 Louise rated it really liked it

My expectations were low. I never read a Kitty Kelley book earlier, then information technology's articulate that her critics had done their piece of work on me. While some sour grapes relatives had their say, the volume had far more meat than I expected. At that place was plenty of written tape, and in that location are the all and then telling (if they could exist read) sealed and missing records.

Kelley'southward presentation about the Bush intra-Family, Bush-Yale, Bush-Reagan Bush-Republican Political party, relationships etc. provided the gum for putting the missing piece

My expectations were depression. I never read a Kitty Kelley volume before, so it's clear that her critics had done their work on me. While some sour grapes relatives had their say, the book had far more meat than I expected. There was plenty of written record, and at that place are the all so telling (if they could be read) sealed and missing records.

Kelley's presentation about the Bush-league intra-Family, Bush-Yale, Bush-Reagan Bush-league-Republican Party, relationships etc. provided the glue for putting the missing pieces of the family story together. Now I know why Bush 41 had the succession of unrelated regime positions before he ran with Reagan.

Every family has blackness sheep and secrets, merely within this family, the stories of these relatives and their excommunication from the family are farthermost. In that location is a lot of nutrient for thought on how family dynamics over 3 generations have spurred political ambition.

New to me, was that upon ballot Bush 41 was worth only $2 million. I thought they were far richer than this. They may exist now, Bush 43 made $15 one thousand thousand alone capitalizing on the family name/contacts to get taxpayers to fund his baseball squad. Kelley says almost nothing on the family relations with the Saudis.

Kelley tackled 3 generations and did a competent job. There is enough of unexplored turf for the next biographers.

...more

Jul sixteen, 2010 J rated it did not like it

I picked up this volume because I was legitimately interested in the Bush family history.

Around page 200 when she gets into the lives of the two Bush presidents, her tone is not merely disrespectful just malicious. I had just finished her book on Oprah which seems to glow with praise despite the damning facts presented. I was severely frustrated by having to skim through her repeated attacks on the presidents and her assumptions that the Bushes were morally corrupt liars that routinely did anything

I picked up this book because I was legitimately interested in the Bush-league family unit history.

Around folio 200 when she gets into the lives of the two Bush presidents, her tone is non merely disrespectful but malicious. I had only finished her book on Oprah which seems to glow with praise despite the damning facts presented. I was severely frustrated by having to skim through her repeated attacks on the presidents and her assumptions that the Bushes were morally corrupt liars that routinely did anything to win. I estimate I was besides naive to expect a sure level of professionalism. I forgot how horrible liberals became at the stop of Bush's presidency. They really broke new lows of disrespectful and inappropriate behavior. Kelley jumps right in to join them. Very sad.

Kelley disagrees with both Bushes and this book is a long biting diatribe against them.

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Nov 22, 2008 Judy rated it liked it

Well, this was pretty much trash. Since I listened to it on sound, I guess that it could be classified as "ear candy". In my defense, I needed a book to listen to while en route to Hilton Head that wouldn't distress my husband. So I stooped to his "Bush-league is an idiot" mentality and picked this up at the library. I volition admit that he stayed awake and listened to it on the trip downwardly I-95. Nigh of the book is a rehash of rumors about the Bush family unit that have circulated for years. Only the information Well, this was pretty much trash. Since I listened to it on sound, I judge that it could be classified as "ear processed". In my defense, I needed a book to listen to while en route to Hilton Head that wouldn't distress my hubby. And so I stooped to his "Bush is an idiot" mentality and picked this up at the library. I will admit that he stayed awake and listened to information technology on the trip down I-95. Most of the book is a rehash of rumors well-nigh the Bush family that have circulated for years. But the information virtually George Bush'southward strained relationship with his male parent was revealing. Aha! The "tin can I always make my begetter proud of me" syndrome. Know information technology well. This has been widely reported in the press, but y'all have to feel bad for George W. in his attempts to gain his parent'south attending. It must accept been horrible for him the evening that he won the governorship of Texas and his brother Jeb lost in Florida to have his begetter say publicly, "We're proud of George, just our heart is in Florida." Ouch! The other annotation here, is that it's non always a good thing to have the author read her ain book. That voice of Kitty'south! Yikes! Maybe Disney should consider her for the voice of one of their new female villans. I need to recall to be checked for scars on my eardrums when I get home. ...more

Sep 04, 2014 Marc rated it information technology was ok

Particularly critical book on the Bush-league family unit. Specially oriented towards the night commercial affairs and negative traits. Global picture of this 'dynasty': over-ambitious, aristocratic, arrogant, brutal towards subordinates, without style. Particularly critical book on the Bush-league family. Specially oriented towards the dark commercial affairs and negative traits. Global picture of this 'dynasty': over-ambitious, aristocratic, big-headed, brutal towards subordinates, without style. ...more than

Jul 03, 2008 Melissa rated information technology really liked it

An interesting look at the First Family of America. Later on Seven years of Bush-league in the White Business firm, I thought it'd be interesting to find out what makes his family tick. Later reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that they are all totally crazy, merely that's my stance and I digress. The author shows how the Bush Family unit got it's start in politics and coin through the Grandad, Prescott Bush. It should have stopped with him. Instead, we had one president who was constantly vying for h An interesting look at the Start Family of America. Afterward Seven years of Bush in the White House, I thought it'd be interesting to observe out what makes his family tick. Afterwards reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that they are all totally crazy, but that'due south my opinion and I digress. The author shows how the Bush Family got it's start in politics and money through the Grandfather, Prescott Bush-league. It should accept stopped with him. Instead, we had ane president who was constantly vying for his begetter's dear past being likable, athletic, and a goof and another who grew up with deep emotional scars and turned into the man nosotros all love to detest. Bush-league "41" failed his way to the top and sold out his ideals to do information technology. This saga continued with the son, Bush "43", who found God, gave upwards cocaine and booze, and then climbed to the highest office to play God. Chilling story of how someone in this country tin fail all the way to the summit without Americans even realizing what they are getting themselves into. ...more

Jul xiv, 2009 Robert rated it liked it

Now that idiot-boy dry drunkard Dubya, aka the Worst President in the History of the Universe, is safely out of office and the resulting widespread damage is still being assessed, I said to myself, "Sure, I'll read this hatchet job on him and his whole rotten family - that family I beloved to detest." Said family includes of course Dubya'south bumbling, appallingly politically opportunistic daddy, George Bush Senior; sour-tempered, volatile Bush matriarch, Barbara; creepy brother Jeb; and brother Neil, aka Now that idiot-boy dry drunk Dubya, aka the Worst President in the History of the Universe, is safely out of office and the resulting widespread damage is yet being assessed, I said to myself, "Sure, I'll read this hatchet job on him and his whole rotten family - that family I love to detest." Said family includes of course Dubya's bumbling, appallingly politically opportunistic daddy, George Bush Senior; sour-tempered, volatile Bush matriarch, Barbara; creepy brother Jeb; and brother Neil, aka the sniveling inside trader crook, among many others (grampa Prescott, to be fair, sounds like he was a fairly honorable political leader, who often voted his conscience - an example none of his relatives seemed to follow). I really enjoyed reading this - author Kitty Kelley's unapologetic, often humorously worded revulsion for much of the Bush association's antics made it doubly fun for me. People who inexplicably like Dubya (and at that place are lamentably many of them) will naturally hate this. ...more

Mar 29, 2009 Katherine rated it did not like it

Her unabridged purpose seemed to humiliate and ridicule rather than reveal and ask...she's a modest-minded, cheezy, hack. Her entire purpose seemed to humiliate and ridicule rather than reveal and inquire...she'southward a small-scale-minded, cheezy, hack. ...more

Over 600-plus pages, Kitty Kelley explains how the deck was stacked for the Bush dynasty. Each generation builds on the wealth, privilege, and ability of last, achieves more political power, and governs with less intelligence and integrity than their predecessors. The first part of the book volition probably be a picayune dry to people that grew upwardly long after the age of Senator Prescott Bush, but once you go to HW and West, there's a lot of interesting detail about their lives, their personality defects, Over 600-plus pages, Kitty Kelley explains how the deck was stacked for the Bush dynasty. Each generation builds on the wealth, privilege, and power of last, achieves more political power, and governs with less intelligence and integrity than their predecessors. The first role of the book volition probably exist a footling dry out to people that grew up long later on the age of Senator Prescott Bush, but one time you go to HW and W, there's a lot of interesting detail virtually their lives, their personality defects, and shortcomings as leaders and politicians. ...more

Mar 06, 2015 Tim rated it actually liked it

This was a fun political read that generated a lot of controversy when it was released, mostly because Bush supporters jumped all over it, but I don't recall the book being seriously discredited as a result. And Kelley is a skilful researcher. This is light political history, that is for certain - information technology reads more like a 650 page magazine commodity than a serious study. Simply heck (and I promise I dont audio like George Bush one here), there is goose egg wrong with that from fourth dimension to time. All things in moderation This was a fun political read that generated a lot of controversy when information technology was released, mostly considering Bush-league supporters jumped all over it, merely I don't recall the book beingness seriously discredited as a consequence. And Kelley is a good researcher. This is lite political history, that is for sure - information technology reads more like a 650 page mag commodity than a serious written report. Only heck (and I hope I dont sound like George Bush 1 here), there is nothing wrong with that from time to time. All things in moderation, equally the wise man said - altho moderation is not a word that comes to heed when reading about this family.

This covers the history of the Bush family dynasty starting with the early on days of Senator Prescott Bush-league. He comes across as a scrap of a stiff, but a fundamentally decent and highly regarded man who was considerably more liberal on social issues than his son and grandson turned out to be. His son George was always eager to please, but who was also possessed by a driving appetite. Some time is devoted to the tensions between the Bushes and the Reagans - the existent problem was between Nancy and Barbara, who never liked each other much. His marriage to Barbara Pierce Bush is very interesting, for it was she who possessed the family unit's toughest ready of brass assurance, and was no doubt the 1 behind the political rise of her two sons, Jeb and George W. Ane gets an anecdotal expect at the public life of the clan, altho apparently no one came forwards with a existent inside view.

The Bushes are capable of some dirty dealing, or and then the book claims. President George W. is accused of numerous transgressions, such every bit drinking heavily for years, and adulterous on his married woman (which his father supposedly did every bit well). His Yale classmates remember him as being i of the concluding people they would have thought would one mean solar day be president. In looking at George W. Bush and marvelling how a man of average abilities and a couple of character flaws can make it to the White Firm, information technology is easy to overlook that W always had the ability to make a lot of friends and to get himself elected to things. Little is said most his wife - apparently a quiet woman who smokes a lot and likes to read. The Bush family themselves were surprised at W's desire (and power) to go a leading man on the political stage - plainly they generally felt that Jeb was the 1 to watch, and that George was a bit of a troubled son.

It will be interesting to run across if more than members of this forceful, ambitious family unit volition seek the national phase. Kelley deserves credit for this entertaining portrait of the clan that toppled the Kennedys from their position equally America's leading political family.

...more than

This book was a lot better than I idea it would be. I figured it would be another Bush trashing volume. But it's really not. It starts dorsum with Samuel Bush who is 43's great grandfather and shows you how the Bushes came about on both sides of the family. It talks about Sen. Prescott Bush's failures and his successes in detail. I enjoyed how Barbara and George met, cruel in animalism and so continued to be married. She talks about 41'south thing with Jennifer Fitzgerald, but does it with suspicion on This volume was a lot better than I thought it would be. I figured it would be another Bush trashing book. Only it'southward really not. It starts back with Samuel Bush who is 43's great grandfather and shows you how the Bushes came about on both sides of the family unit. Information technology talks about Sen. Prescott Bush's failures and his successes in detail. I enjoyed how Barbara and George met, fell in lust and and so connected to be married. She talks about 41's matter with Jennifer Fitzgerald, but does information technology with suspicion on her part saying that there were a lot of concidences just nix proven. She then brings you up on the present mean solar day family of 43'due south and their problems. I really thought Kelley presented both sides of things. There is a camber against the Bushes but it'southward minor. Skillful volume that shows the progress of the family. Skilful citations. ...more

Oct 29, 2008 Will Byrnes rated it really liked it

Perhaps in the championship they should accept highlighted part of the sub-title, The Real Story of the Bush DyNASTY. These are mostly awful human beings. Prescott had at least some redeeming value, as a supporter of a few civil rights bills. But 41 is a horror, interested in angle over to anyone who can get him the power he wants. Neither 41 nor his kids, nor his grandkids were worth much as students. Their claim to fame was sports. They are all hyper-competitive. A serious racism runs through the fam Perhaps in the title they should accept highlighted part of the sub-championship, The Existent Story of the Bush DyNASTY. These are mostly awful human beings. Prescott had at least some redeeming value, every bit a supporter of a few civil rights bills. Only 41 is a horror, interested in bending over to anyone who can get him the power he wants. Neither 41 nor his kids, nor his grandkids were worth much as students. Their merits to fame was sports. They are all hyper-competitive. A serious racism runs through the family genes likewise, with the obvious exception of Jeb's married woman Columba. Yet, Jeb is a pretty bigoted guy as well. There is a stream of substance abuse, presumption of privilege, and a willingness to steal from anyone to use anyone and to mask information technology all under the guise of pity. ...more than

Nov 01, 2007 JoAnn Due west. rated it really liked information technology

Kitty Kelly has a gossip columnist way of writing, and her biographies are often somewhat sensational. But she has never been sued for being inaccurate. In this book, she writes the story of iii generations of the Bush family -- our current president'due south grandparents, parents, and GW Bush and his siblings. I found information technology a very interesting account of a family that has made a huge impact on American history and on the lives of every American today. Kitty Kelly has a gossip columnist style of writing, and her biographies are often somewhat sensational. But she has never been sued for being inaccurate. In this book, she writes the story of three generations of the Bush family -- our current president's grandparents, parents, and GW Bush-league and his siblings. I establish it a very interesting business relationship of a family that has made a huge impact on American history and on the lives of every American today. ...more

This volume solidified my view of the Bush Family -- rich thugs with connections in the upper strata which pretty much guaranteed they would get what they wanted, go where they wanted, engage who they wanted with no remorse nor sense of responsibleness for annihilation. Since no 1 has sued Kitty Kelley I guess information technology is safety to say she was right on the money... soooo enough said...

Apr 26, 2008 Linda Stock rated information technology it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone

Recommended to Linda by: found it at a book sale

I learned so much virtually the Bush family from this book! I feel I now understand a lot more nigh the Bush presidents than I did. Sometimes it helps to sympathize. :-)

Not a very complimentary portrait of the Bush family.Don't know how much was fact and how much fiction and yes,it was trashy,but it was interesting. Not a very complimentary portrait of the Bush family.Don't know how much was fact and how much fiction and aye,information technology was trashy,but information technology was interesting. ...more

Dec 30, 2018 Lexus rated it did not like information technology

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click hither. I institute this volume at a book sale, and I decided to purchase information technology for 2 reasons: Ane, I take a very high interest in history. And ii, I was genuinely interested on learning more about the Bush family, especially virtually the presidency of #43, since I was only 4 when he became president, and I genuinely can't brand opinions about the presidency of an administration I can't call up. I decided to get this volume to understand all the political hub-bub of his presidency I did hear about, only was too young to I found this book at a volume sale, and I decided to buy information technology for two reasons: One, I take a very loftier involvement in history. And two, I was genuinely interested on learning more than nearly the Bush family, specially about the presidency of #43, since I was only 4 when he became president, and I genuinely tin't brand opinions about the presidency of an assistants I tin't retrieve. I decided to get this book to sympathise all the political hub-bub of his presidency I did hear about, but was too young to understand.

Simply I couldn't make information technology past the writer's note, equally I was deeply disappointed by the tone the author set. Granted, I never heard of Kitty Kelley or her other works, and I did read some reviews. Despite the controversy surrounding her works, I decided to give this book a shot, so I could class my own opinion. Yet, from the gossipy tone of the introduction and from other reviewers, I decided I couldn't practise it.

Not merely has the tone stopped me from reading this volume, but I also accept doubts if whatever of the things in this book were even fact checked. On page 201, the writer writes that Barbara Bush dyed her hair white to delight her mother-in-law. As far as I understand, Mrs. Bush never dyed her hair after she started going grey at an early age. And then this makes me wonder if there is whatsoever truth to this volume at all.

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Nov 19, 2020 Laraine rated it actually liked it

4 stars. This was a honking big read, weighing in at only nether 1200 pages (the large impress edition), simply was an interesting and enlightening read. Starting with the Grandad, Prescott Bush-league, who became an influential and respected senator, Kelley tells us the story of the Bush family, a political dynasty. Catastrophe with the War in Iraq, the book covers decades of American politics and world politics, showing us what drove the Bush family into politics and kept them striving for the highest role 4 stars. This was a honking large read, weighing in at just under 1200 pages (the large impress edition), only was an interesting and enlightening read. Starting with the Grandfather, Prescott Bush, who became an influential and respected senator, Kelley tells usa the story of the Bush family, a political dynasty. Catastrophe with the War in Iraq, the volume covers decades of American politics and world politics, showing the states what drove the Bush family into politics and kept them striving for the highest role in the state, the Presidency. Each man takes a different road to his goal and their interactions with the other politicians along the way made for a most interesting read. Of form, being an unauthorized biography, Kelley made sure to show us these men and their families, warts and all. The dirty tricks, hypocrisy, the behind closed doors dealing, the feelings of entitlement, their treatment of others, all of it was included in the book. I thought the book was well researched and well written and a very interesting read. ...more

Kitty Kelley never fails me. I think she always errs on the side of making sure "nasty" anecdotes and insinuations are included in the book, but the backbone of her inquiry and storytelling is actually well done and enjoyable. I am now much more familiar with the history of the Bush family prior to the male parent and son presidents, and I think I tin can sympathize some parts of their lives a little improve with more background data. The information about George HW's early on political career and his Kitty Kelley never fails me. I think she always errs on the side of making sure "nasty" anecdotes and insinuations are included in the book, but the backbone of her research and storytelling is really well done and enjoyable. I am now much more than familiar with the history of the Bush-league family prior to the begetter and son presidents, and I think I can understand some parts of their lives a little better with more background information. The data about George HW'south early political career and his father's career and influence was especially well done. The volume jumps effectually a flake, and like I said information technology errs on the side of being hateful, simply overall I'm glad to accept read it. ...more

Nov 25, 2019 Judi rated it information technology was ok

I was 12 when I first read a Kitty Kelly book. It was on my mom's bookshelf and being as I simply couldn't not exist reading, I grabbed it upward and devoured information technology. Whether I really liked it or non, I tin can't remember. I don't remember it or any of her earlier works being so one-sided.
She was a bit softer on Prescott, for the near part, only when she got to George Sr, it just got ugly real fast. To be honest, I tin can't remember anyone talking about him in whatever existent positive manner and it makes me a little suspic I was 12 when I first read a Kitty Kelly book. It was on my mom's bookshelf and beingness as I but couldn't not be reading, I grabbed it up and devoured it. Whether I really liked it or not, I tin't retrieve. I don't think it or any of her earlier works beingness and then one-sided.
She was a bit softer on Prescott, for the well-nigh office, but when she got to George Sr, information technology just got ugly existent fast. To be honest, I can't remember anyone talking about him in any real positive way and it makes me a little suspicious. Of grade, it doesnt go much ameliorate with G.W. It bothered me to the point that I'm not finishing it. It'south ridiculous. And no, Im non a Bush fan or a Republican. ...more than

Jun 22, 2021 James Carter rated information technology information technology was astonishing

My final Kitty Kelley book is The Family: The Real Story of the Bush-league Dynasty, and it'southward among her best works.

Having read about the Kennedys and the Reagans, the Bushes are no unlike: a money-worshipping family that'southward made upwards of criminals who are drunk on power. Every page drips with nefarious acts, and no one, not even Barbara Bush-league, is immune. In one case again, the author had her book published a bit early on considering at that place was more to come up, namely the recession of 2007 and the Enron fallout.

All in all

My final Kitty Kelley book is The Family: The Real Story of the Bush-league Dynasty, and it's among her best works.

Having read well-nigh the Kennedys and the Reagans, the Bushes are no different: a money-worshipping family that'due south made upward of criminals who are drunk on power. Every page drips with nefarious acts, and no 1, non even Barbara Bush, is immune. In one case once more, the author had her book published a bit early on because there was more to come, namely the recession of 2007 and the Enron fallout.

All in all, I wish that Kitty Kelley wrote more than books, a true fact-gatherer author who isn't afraid of exposing powerful people for who they are while they are yet alive.

...more

May 02, 2020 Philip rated it liked it

Good in as far as her research went, bad in sounding like a supermarket tabloid. Kitty has taken her hits from Barbara Walters - give me a break, Time - Adolf Hitler equally Human of the Year? Sadly, one goes into politics today is open up to a magnifying glass and no holds bar. The presidency are men with A plus personalities both good and bad and no-one is perfect. The thing that that stood out nigh was the historical significance and how George H. W. & George W. Bush-league similarities to the starting time male parent-then Practiced in as far as her research went, bad in sounding similar a supermarket tabloid. Kitty has taken her hits from Barbara Walters - give me a break, Time - Adolf Hitler as Human of the Year? Sadly, ane goes into politics today is open to a magnifying glass and no holds bar. The presidency are men with A plus personalities both good and bad and no-one is perfect. The thing that that stood out well-nigh was the historical significance and how George H. Westward. & George West. Bush similarities to the start male parent-son presidency, John & John Q. Adams.

The American electorate is at fault here by constantly electing a president solely based on political amalgamation. What I would love to run into, is an opinion poll from the other preceding President's. Many hide behind Educational activity, Family unit Values and Economics to gain attention simply few deliver. The White Firm has no identify for "hush-hush societies" and wealth for the privileged. America moves on..........hopefully.

...more than

Aug 13, 2017 Lisa rated it information technology was astonishing

**#71 of 120 books pledged to read/review during 2017**

Jun 29, 2008 due south rated it it was ok

Recommended to s past: Books editor

This review has been subconscious because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was pressed into reading this book as part of my column. It was, every bit the review suggests, what I expected.

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The Family unit: The real story of the Bush Dynasty
Kitty Kelley
Doubleday
Hardcover $39.95
** 1/2

A Kitty Kelley biography is like a hurricane. It sweeps across the media mural, violent a path that upsets the lives and emotions of those it touches as media outlets devote endless hours to coverage and reaction. Then it'due south gone, leaving people to pick upwardly the pieces and rebuild, little (if at a

I was pressed into reading this volume as part of my cavalcade. Information technology was, every bit the review suggests, what I expected.

---

The Family: The real story of the Bush Dynasty
Kitty Kelley
Doubleday
Hardcover $39.95
** one/2

A Kitty Kelley biography is like a hurricane. It sweeps beyond the media mural, vehement a path that upsets the lives and emotions of those information technology touches as media outlets devote endless hours to coverage and reaction. Then it'southward gone, leaving people to pick upwardly the pieces and rebuild, petty (if at all) wiser for the experience, to be ultimately all but forgotten ... until the next Hurricane Kitty comes along.

Kelley, who has previously written about the British royal family, extra Elizabeth Taylor and Kennedy clan icon
Jackie Onassis, presents as her latest unauthorized tale The Family: The real story of the Bush-league Dynasty, a 705-page tome that tackles the history of America's elite Bush family and its rise to wealth and prominence.

As one expects of a Kelley book, The Family is liberally laced with scandal. Publisher Doubleday helpfully provides reviewers with a 22-page cheat sheet that summarizes the juiciest $.25. This being an election year, the beginning six pages showcase U.S. President George W. Bush.

Among the charges levelled at Bush are a claim that he snorted cocaine "many times" at the US presidential retreat Camp David while his father was president -- recanted by sister-in-law Sharon Bush after her divorce from brother Neil -- and anonymously attributed speculation that the president used to beat his wife Laura in drunken rages.

The crib notes illustrate the key issues with The Family unit: 1. It'south impossible to hash out the subject matter without repeating what largely amounts to gossip. 2. There'south little here that's new. The Family repeats charges that have been levelled at the Bushes for years, ignoring more interesting, substantive and troubling questions with great potential bear on on America in favour of sniping over reports of personal failings and grapheme flaws.

For case, at that place should be little surprise that George W. Bush-league received the benefits and privilege that come with beingness function of a wealthy, powerful family. Favourable treatment at schools and opportunities are e'er easily had past elites.

In the same vein, Kelley's abject failure to probe the long-continuing family ties between the Bush and bin Laden families -- fifty-fifty to dispel agonizing questions about ix/xi, the evacuation of the bin Ladens from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia immediately thereafter and the theorize about conspiracy it evokes -- The Family is little more than than a rehash of old claims.

Instead of seizing an opportunity to produce a solid investigative work to wipe away the tarnish of critics labelling her a gossip-monger, Kelley offers a well-written story whose packaging disguises the fact that it would be improve recognized for what it is if it was presented alongside the supermarket tabloids with which it shares a common lineage.

Like a hurricane, The Family is a dark whirlwind whose affect is undeniable, but is empty at its cadre.

Saleem Khan

...more than

Permit me start with a disclaimer: I am non a Bush fan. I don't concord with a lot of his views and I take to stifle an urge to express joy when he appears on Telly.

I find the family unit quite intriguing: a father and son presidencies. Not unprecedented merely this time it happens during my lifetime. Naturally, I am curious about the book.

Initially, I didn't have loftier regard for Kitty Kelley who seems to offend everyone and was known, at least to me, for her Unauthorized Biography of Nancy Reagan (I didn't read the

Permit me beginning with a disclaimer: I am not a Bush fan. I don't agree with a lot of his views and I accept to stifle an urge to laugh when he appears on Goggle box.

I find the family quite intriguing: a father and son presidencies. Not unprecedented but this fourth dimension information technology happens during my lifetime. Naturally, I am curious about the book.

Initially, I didn't have high regard for Kitty Kelley who seems to offend anybody and was known, at least to me, for her Unauthorized Biography of Nancy Reagan (I didn't read the volume).

However, a tertiary into the pages, I am surprised. This book is actually quite skilful: fluent and engaging. The topics vary but are not shallow. It seems to be a well-researched book rather than a collection of tabloid rubbish.

I at present know why she is hated: she digs deep to find the trash and when she finds information technology, she states it as facts without the gloss. Of course, she is as well smart to pick and cull just interesting $.25 of salacious yet proven gossips to flavor her book.
Her writing is fair: she has a lot of skilful things to say nearly George West's grandfather, Prescott Bush-league and she says it equally honestly as she does nigh George H.W and George Due west'south shortcomings.

Verdict? An easy read: it contains plenty American politics for groundwork simply is very focused on the issue at hand: the story of the Bush family.

Interesting quote:
"... It is a delivery. Do you lot know what that means? ....It is the difference betwixt ham and eggs. The chicken is involved. The pig is committed"
- Prescott Bush

...more

January 24, 2013 Lulu rated it really liked it

Okay. This is not my usual kind of thing...Kitty Kelley, the Bush-league family...however, I read the book by Curtis Sittenfeld, An American Wife....loosely based on Laura Bush. I think that this peaked my interest.

Kitty Kelley is reading the audiobook version of this that I am listening to. It'due south very interesting to hear most a family that is so radically dissimilar from my own experience.

Who knew that Barbara Bush had such a difficult relationship with her incredibly critical female parent? Okay, mayhap all

Okay. This is not my usual kind of thing...Kitty Kelley, the Bush family...however, I read the book by Curtis Sittenfeld, An American Wife....loosely based on Laura Bush. I think that this peaked my interest.

Kitty Kelley is reading the audiobook version of this that I am listening to. Information technology'due south very interesting to hear most a family that is and so radically different from my own experience.

Who knew that Barbara Bush had such a difficult human relationship with her incredibly critical mother? Okay, maybe all of you readers did...But I didn't. And that George had an equally difficult human relationship with his father? Listening to a book most people who are privileged, who go to Yale, bring together skull and bones, go into the oil business....this is the sort of thing I ofttimes wait for in fiction.

I take great pleasure in reading books such every bit The Talented Mr. Ripley, Snobs, An Inconvenient Woman, 1 Unsafe Lady, etc. (and even some of the chic lit like The Devil Wears Prada)...books that tell united states about the "upper classes". It'south very enjoyable to hear about a Real family like this...I recently listened to Grace and Ability that tells us about the Kennedys (Jack and Jackie) and it was very interesting as well.

I'm not that far along with this, on disk 2, merely I am enjoying the story.

...more than

I believe this book is adequately accurate but appears to try to continue from doing the Bush family any favors. It really goes later on the generations of the family unit with each family becoming more corrupt and having a greater feeling of privilege. Information technology paints the Bush's every bit living a lie. They show one side on camera and a unlike side behind closed doors. They do favors and pay-offs to go along negative news out of the press. And, the means for sure justifies the end. Documents hidden diplomacy while shunning a I believe this book is fairly accurate but appears to try to go on from doing the Bush-league family any favors. It really goes after the generations of the family with each family condign more than decadent and having a greater feeling of privilege. It paints the Bush's every bit living a prevarication. They show one side on camera and a dissimilar side behind closed doors. They exercise favors and pay-offs to keep negative news out of the press. And, the ways for sure justifies the cease. Documents hidden affairs while shunning a brother that was divorced iii times, considering that looks bad for the family. I am certain these things happen to many powerful business and political as well as common folks, but am really surprised how well they were able to go on it out of the news. Not certain that would be possible at present? The book is just likewise long and too detailed for me. I think it could accept been shortened without loosing much of its message. I program to also read "Family of Secrets" The Bush Dynasty, the Powerful Forces That Put It in the White House, and What Their Influence Means for America. This volume goes into the powers behind the throne. The earth powers that actually command the western globe leaders. ...more

Aug 20, 2009 Lois rated information technology really liked it

Definitely not an authorized biography of the Bush dynasty, but I establish information technology a far amend volume than I expected. I was impressed with the breadth and depth of the people she had talked to. Information technology would have been hard for her to have made up the many revelations virtually the Bushes and how they made their money. Equally she states, there are people who make money and people who earn money, with the Bushes definitely existence the former. No wonder they was so trivial fiscal responsibility nether their reign.

Involvement

Definitely not an authorized biography of the Bush dynasty, just I found it a far better book than I expected. I was impressed with the latitude and depth of the people she had talked to. It would have been difficult for her to take fabricated up the many revelations virtually the Bushes and how they fabricated their coin. Every bit she states, there are people who make money and people who earn money, with the Bushes definitely being the former. No wonder they was so footling financial responsibleness under their reign.

Interesting that Bill Clinton'southward actress-marital affairs received and so much attention, while G.H.'s decades long affair was never mentioned in the printing.

...more than

Ok, I've never read anything by Kitty Kelley before and I was intrigued to see if it is all that it is cracked up to exist. Yes, ultimately I liked it; simply in truth, I wanted More than Dirt! I idea information technology would exist actually scandalous (and of grade from the Bush family perspective information technology was) only I wanted More! There were some very interesting tid-$.25 that I never knew (especially about Bush 41's love life) but it wasn't all that heady in the end. My other criticism was that she spent A LOT of time on Pres Ok, I've never read anything by Kitty Kelley before and I was intrigued to see if information technology is all that it is cracked upwards to exist. Yes, ultimately I liked it; but in truth, I wanted More DIRT! I idea it would be actually scandalous (and of course from the Bush family perspective it was) merely I wanted More! There were some very interesting tid-bits that I never knew (especially near Bush 41'due south love life) just information technology wasn't all that exciting in the finish. My other criticism was that she spent A LOT of fourth dimension on Prescott Bush, less time on Bush 41 and even less on West. Oh well. It was still worth the read, and I look forward to reading some of her other books (on the Royal family, Frank Sinatra, Oprah, etc) ...more than

Feb 12, 2011 Rick rated it liked it

Pretty practiced book. A little heavy on the personal opinion and speculations, but appears to exist well-researched for the virtually part. Certainly not a tiresome book. A bit "gossipy" at times, but was interesting to read about some of the back room stuff that you lot'd never have seen reported in the news. It paints a very dissimilar picture of Barbara Bush especially, from what her public prototype has been. It's obvious that Kitty Kelly is a liberal and that that slanted her writing at times, only overall, it was Pretty skillful volume. A niggling heavy on the personal stance and speculations, but appears to be well-researched for the most function. Certainly non a boring volume. A bit "gossipy" at times, simply was interesting to read about some of the dorsum room stuff that you'd never have seen reported in the news. Information technology paints a very unlike moving-picture show of Barbara Bush especially, from what her public prototype has been. Information technology'due south obvious that Kitty Kelly is a liberal and that that slanted her writing at times, only overall, it was an entertaining read. ...more

Kitty Kelley is an American investigative journalist and writer of several best-selling unauthorized biographies of celebrities and politicians. Described every bit a "toxicant pen" biographer, her profiles oft contain unflattering personal anecdotes and details, and their accuracy is frequently questioned. Though many of her books take topped the best sellers list, Kelley'southward brownie and sources have Kitty Kelley is an American investigative announcer and author of several acknowledged unauthorized biographies of celebrities and politicians. Described as a "poisonous substance pen" biographer, her profiles oft contain unflattering personal anecdotes and details, and their accuracy is ofttimes questioned. Though many of her books have topped the best sellers list, Kelley's credibility and sources have been chosen into question multiple times.

Time magazine reported that virtually journalists believe Kelley "too ofttimes fails to bring perspective or analysis to the fruits of her reporting and at times lards her work with dollops of questionable inferences and innuendos." In addition, Kelley has been described by Joe Klein as a "professional sensationalist" and her books have been described as "Kitty litter."

Her past subjects have included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan, the British Royal Family, and the Bush family. Although Kelley has been criticized and her books hotly debated, she has never been successfully sued for libel and has never been forced to retract a written argument.

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