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Ten Minutes from Normal

Name: Ten Minutes from Normal
Author: Karen Hughes
ISBN: 9781101200889

by Karen Hughes

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Overview

An inside look at the life of President Bush's most respected aide and confidante, as she balances her role as one of the most influential women ever to set foot in the White House, against her role as a wife and mother.

"The rule of thumb in any White House is that nobody is indispensable except the president," said THE NEW YORK TIMES, "But Karen Hughes has come as close to that description as any recent presidential aide." TEN MINUTES FROM NORMAL is her often humorous, disarmingly down-to-earth and politically fascinating journey of her time in President Bush's inner circle. As Counselor to the President for his first eighteen months in the White House and as his communications director since he first ran for Governor of Texas in 1994, Hughes has been a crucial influence. When he first moved to Washington, President Bush told members of the White House staff that he wanted Karen in the room whenever any major decisions were made.

About the Author, Karen Hughes

Karen Hughes served as counselor to the president, was one of three people who ran his presidential campaign and worked as his communications director during his six years as governor of Texas. She is an elder and longtime Sunday-school teacher in the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Hughes lives with her husband and son in Austin, Texas, where she continues to advise President Bush from her home.

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Editorials

Library Journal

Many women face the dilemma of balancing a thriving career, a busy family, and a personal life of their own. Hughes found herself helping to run the campaign of George W. Bush when he was considered to be a long shot against incumbent Texas governor Ann Richards. After serving as Governor Bush's communications director, she participated in his run for President, eventually joining his administration. So Hughes uprooted her husband and son, Robert, and moved them from their beloved Austin to Washington, DC. However, after two years, she gave up her position and took her family back to Texas. Listeners will learn about the author's experience as a reporter and her first steps into politics and more about the President's inner circle and the decision-making that takes place in the Oval Office. Also included is an up-close and personal look at the presidential campaign through the eyes of Robert, who narrates the book with her. Hughes is thoughtful and quite religious, quoting Bible verses and noting how conversations with her minister and sermons she heard helped influence her. A fascinating glimpse of the life of a senior White House staff member, though some will be put off by Hughes wearing her Christian beliefs on her sleeve. Recommended for public libraries.-Danna Bell-Russel, Library of Congress Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.