Book Review: Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush

I finally finished my first book of the new year! I have been interested in reading Laura Bush’s Spoken from the Heart, and began it shortly after the new year.

This book was amazing. I had heard mixed reviews, but was engaged from start to finish. This book is a memoir of Laura’s life both before and during her time in the White House. The beginning of the book starts when she is very little, and her biggest dream in life was to have a brother or sister. She would wish on the stars in the sky that she could have a sibling. Her mother had many miscarriages, but Laura would always remain an only child.

The book moves through her life growing up in Midland, TX, then through her college days at Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, where she earned her bachelor’s in education, and through graduate school at University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her master’s in Library Science. Laura first took a job teaching 2nd grade, but then after getting her master’s, worked in a school library.

Laura married George when she was 33 years old, and had her own struggles getting pregnant, but then was fortunate to have twin girls Jenna and Barbara. The story then goes on through George running and winning the position as governor of TX, her times visiting the White House when George senior was Vice President and then President, to finally her husband’s time running for and winning the presidency.

I think what fascinated me most was hearing through her eyes the story of September 11, 2001. It was amazing to hear about all of the threats and things that were never announced to the general public. It was also interesting to hear about her travels to amazing places, meeting amazing leaders of the world, and hearing about all of the great things that she did while in office. Laura focused a lot of her time on education and reading, and it was interesting because during her second term, she wanted to focus on the youth, especially boys because she felt that girls have gotten so much attention in the last decade, and that the boys were starting to lack in education.

There were lots more interesting things about this book, and I highly recommend that no matter your political position, it’s a great book to read. Laura really doesn’t get into politics, but focuses more on the events that have happened during her life.

Up next I am reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I am only on the 3rd chapter, but so far I am loving it!