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Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

The clever title suggests a more sensationalistic perspective than Mitchell, a veteran journalist, actually provides, but it does capture a central theme--that for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush, politics is more personal than partisan. A pragmatic conservative, the younger Bush is not strongly motivated by party affiliation, ideology or policy, but he is driven to avenge past slights aimed at--and the reelection defeat of--his father, George H.W. Bush. Mitchell highlights the power of this element in George W.'s life by writing what is essentially a dual biography structured around father-son parallels and emphasizing the formative years of each man's life. To say George W. followed in his father's footsteps is an understatement; through educational, military, business and then political experiences, there are amazing parallels. Tragedy seems to be lurking at the edge of the narrative, however, for George W. never quite measures up to his father's performance until the critical epiphany occurs as he contemplates running for governor of Texas: "George W. probably realized that he might not be as good as his father at baseball, academics, or the oil business, but he was a better politician--the thing George Bush cared about most." Whether he ends up as a more successful politician is yet to be determined, and we are given little basis for judgment by the remarkably scant treatment (one chapter out of 15) of George W.'s tenure as governor. Nevertheless, anyone seeking insight into George W. before his final chapter is written will find much to ponder in Mitchell's presentation. (Feb.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Just what the revenge of the Bush dynasty might be is not made clear by Mitchell, formerly executive editor of George magazine, in this lucid, less than favorable account of Texas governor George W. Bush, a leading Republican candidate for the presidency in 2000. Although Bush has made such enemies as journalist George Will, former presidential contender Ross Perot, and President Bill Clinton, he seems too nice a guy to seek revenge Kennedy-style. He clearly idolizes his father, former President George Bush; indeed, much of the book discusses the President's life and career because they are closely intertwined with his son's. Unlike his father, the younger Bush did not excel at academics or sports at Andover Academy or Yale; nor did he demonstrate much heroism in the military. But he is remembered for being a nice guy who "as he careened through his career failed to notice the people smoothing his way." Bush, according to Mitchell, has enjoyed success as governor and may ultimately do better in politics than his father. Recommended for public libraries as a current account, based largely on interviews and periodical articles, of the man who would be president.--Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\