A must read for anyone who wants to learn more about those who served as US president
936461
The best insight anyone has had into how the role of past president's support the current office holder. Explains how presidential pension and office support came to be. Well researched and interestingly presented.
4016340
"The Man in the Middle" is a fascinating and immensely interesting read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the Bush White House, especially with regard to the faith and character of our 43rd president.  But the book is even more than that. Through sharing his life's experiences on the way to the White House, and the life lessons Tim learned once there - including a humbling  "fall from grace" - one can not only see God's grace at work, but also His mercy as extended through the most powerful man in the world - the President of the United States.  Throughout the book, Tim's humility, his love for country, and his loyalty comes through time and time again.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a true portrait of two devoted men who know their accountability rests with God, and not the New York Times editorial page, as Tim's (and the former president's) heart for God and country shine through every page.
701450
Thank you for sharing your story with us!  I learned so much about what really happened that night.  It is always better to go to someone that was there, because they really KNOW, what happened.  This story has been politicized a lot, and I think from reading it, that there was a failure in Leadership here, whether it was Secretary of State Clinton, President Obama or the leaders in Benghazi, I am still not sure, but I do know after 22 yrs in the AF, the best leaders take responsibility for what happened under their watch.  Thank you so much for your service (the authors), and for the courage to write this book.  This story was definitely not boring either.
2505092
If you want to understand our new president, read this book.
3849242
Very enjoyable read and amazed with how Margaret shares so much info on both the good & not so good aspects while so meticulously profiling her mother Bess, and in the process also sharing so much detail about her father Harry. Perhaps being a lifetime Democrat helps to appreciate this work, but I commend Margaret highly for her book and recommend it to anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes of an American President in the 20th century.
3803928
Washington was a great President, right? Lincoln's presidency was without blemish, correct? Bill Clinton was the only President to have an affair or two? Well what if these things happened before? How does each President stack up against the other? This book might just have the answers you're  looking for.
Historians like Eric Foner, Joyce Appleby, Alan Taylor, Jean  Baker, Karen Orren and others put together 41 essays on the man who has  held the highest political office in the land and they give the insight  into the up and downs of the administration.
You'll read about the  triumphs, the failures, the wins, the losses and the scandals, all put into  the proper perspective of the time in which they took place. Excellent  companion to any history book, with information that you may not find  anywhere else.
If you are looking to increase your knowledge of the  President and are looking for a straight forward, unbiased reading than  this book should be on your list. The authors and editors have give you a  first rate book and at a price that is sure to make everyone happy.
626413
I am still reading this book but have enjoyed it fully.  I have always been interested in reading about the families life in the White House and how they go about living as normal a life as possible.  This book answers a lot of the questions that I had.
4957627
I wish I felt better after reading this book but I don't -- not with the president
we have in office right now--I could not put this book down, the author tells us where
we stand and what has happened and what will happen if we don't begin to see the
whole picture which like I say our President and his cabinet truly don't give a care about.
Many eye opening are brought to light--A true must read
273847
An excellent review of the two most popular presidents of our time. It is truly informative as well as enjoyable to read, the parallels between are far more than you might have expected. But what really makes this book is it's ability to show us two iconic men as real people, and the influences that made them who they were, and what they became.
919241
Wow ! I can't say enough good things about this book ! It was logically presented with many instances of stories on how seemingly insignificant events had a bearing on historical events. I was fascinated by the story of Nicaragua and how a postage stamp helped shape the fate/failure of the Inter ocean canal. The purview of the book covered periods of time from the US involvement in  Hawaii; up to the present including the conflict in Afghanistan. It was a fascinating compilation of stories that almost read like fiction. I quickly realized how little I knew about foreign affairs and am anxious to explore similar books. This was a great book that is worthy of an immediate read. I hope that some of our politicians who are responsible for foreign affairs and policies have taken the time to read this book. It should be mandatory reading for everyone in the state department.
3793633
A wonderful easy read about the life of our 41st President through the words of his son. I really enjoyed getting to know more about our heroic 41st President and his love for our country and his family. Truly a great man!
664896
I loved this book! I especially liked the personal experiences and insight into the lives of the Presidents and the staff that loved them. The pictures were great. However, I would have liked everyone in the pictures named and acknowledged. I would highly recommend this book.
2592421
I was never very interested in American history. I was familiar with the names George Washington, Ben Franklin,Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton,John Paul Jones, ect. but I never really understood how they all tied together. This book is exactly what I needed to make sense of each patriots role and great sacrifice in our fight for independence from England. This book breathes life into these names I mentioned earlier. It is extremely well written, informative, and captivating. Should be required reading in school.
4094869
I enjoyed the book.  It was informative, funny, sad, touching and entertaining all wrapped up in one.  Reading the book was like being a fly on the wall in the most important house in America...I just loved it.  I got a good understanding of the staff and their commitment to the people who dwell in the White House.  I would definitely recommend it be read in American History classes.  I found out a few things that I did not know and I like history.  A must read!!!
1112359
I truly enjoyed reading Hillary Clinton's book giving such an incredible look into the workings of the State Department of the USA, our relationships with other governments and people across the globe and her personal comments about job and family. Like Robert Gates' book, this is pretty much a no holds barred treatment of her years as Secretary of State. It's a great read, funny in places and touching in others and tough throughout. I learned a great deal more about our government reading this book. It is excellent and I highly recommend it!
2337070
When one reads a book about recent presidents or politics, one can expect there to be a certain bias.  This is natural from any author.  After reading over 500 pages on the presidential lives of every president from Truman to Obama, I could not think of a phrase or sentence that reflected any partisanship of the authors.  This is high praise.

This is a fine detailed history of the ex-Presidents' influence on their successors.  Even if you think you've kept up with the news over the last 60 or so years, you are sure to learn a lot - for good or for ill - in this wonderfully readable tome.

The authors give plenty of background.  The research was incredible.  Every fact is backed with a quote or reference.  All of it fits and enhances their history and major themes.  The themes?  Ex-presidents want two things: to preserve the office and its dignity and to contribute once out of office.  These themes recurred and the authors included instances on both counts of when these were assets to America and when they probably were not (see primarily Nixon).

Although the book looks daunting, it is so well written that the reader's interest is held throughout.  Parts read like a novel.  Highly recommended especially for political and presidential wonks.
1484287
I have had a hard time putting this book down. It does a great job of talking about not only the Presidents, but also the VP's, First Wives and the families. It tells a lot about the good and the bad parts of the Secret Service. My only complaint would be that I wish there were more details about each one. Nonetheless, this is a great book told from the people who were right there wtih the President.