Perfect Lady

Author: (American) Ann
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: From the very beginning, her insistence on individuality impressed George greatly. He quickly began to rely on her calmness and extraordinary emotional clarity. The longer they were married, the more George felt he couldn’t live without this "authenticity" and "calmness." Laura, however, always disagreed with this notion. "He acts as if I’m steadying him, but in fact, it’s him who is steadying me." It turned out that Laura Bush was the most beloved member of the Bush family to enter the White House. Even those who maliciously attacked and slandered the President wouldn’t hesitate to admit that whether she was advocating for education and libraries or comforting the entire nation during a crisis, she was absolutely sincere, dedicating herself to her family and country. Ann Gohart of The Washington Post has been the exclusive interview journalist for the First Lady since 2001, giving her more opportunities to interview her than any other reporter. It was this unparalleled close access that allowed Gohart to understand the woman behind the carefully maintained public image. Laura Bush was far more than just a simple mother and devoted wife. In Gohart’s book, Laura is a thoughtful, charming woman who carved out her own life alongside her husband’s boundless ambitions. The Perfect Lady tells the complete life story of the First Lady, from her upbringing to George W. Bush’s whirlwind pursuit of her for three months to her transformation into a mother, wife, and public figure. Although she was raised as an only child in an extremely traditional West Texas town that enforced racial segregation, she was less conservative than her husband. Despite the privileges that came with her position, she possessed an incredibly appealing practicality. Two tragedies shaped her: a car accident when she was seventeen and 9/11. After the latter event, she had to suddenly shift her responsibilities and take a far more serious view of herself. Ann Gohart examines the influence the First Lady wielded and her motivations and intentions, revealing the extent to which her husband relied on her and evaluating her achievements. This book is engaging and insightful, providing the first comprehensive portrayal of a woman who has won the admiration and praise of this nation, and describing the compromises and challenges that come with undertaking the world’s most scrutinized volunteer profession.