
Former President George W. Bush has taken up oil painting since he and the Mrs. moved from the White House back to Texas. But recently, he's also let it be known that he has also been collecting memories of his father as in his newly-released book, "41: A Portrait of My Father."
The younger Bush, America's 43rd President, will be signing copies of his book about his father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush in suburban Naperville Monday afternoon.
The Audible.com version of "41" is read by "43," presenting George W. Bush's memories of his father in a uniquely personal and emotional manner. Bush says he was challenged to write about his father by author David McCulloch's daughter, who said the younger John Quincy Adams didn't record his memories of his presidential father John Adams.
"41" recalls George H.W. Bush's childhood and the years before his eldest George W. was born, and describes the elder Bush's years in the U.S. Navy, working for the oil industry before entering public service and his run for Congress. The book reviews "41's" time as the United States liaison to China, his stint overseeing the Central Intelligence Agency and his years as vice-president under the late President Ronald Reagan. "43" also writes about George H.W. Bush's one-term presidency and the effect his "Read my lips" had on his father's failed re-election attempt in 1992.
The younger Bush's touching admiration for his father is evident throughout the book, and he provides insider insights on several occasions. The younger Bush also publicly admires his parent's relationship to each other and their "unconditional love" for their children.