Book Description

Millions of fans love Lucy so much, they can't get anough of her classic television antics.This official book, compiled by the president of the WE LOVE LUCY fan club, contains a dozen postcards of Lucy Ricardo's most memorable hijinks from the beloved '50s sitcom-complete with original air dates, star trivia, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A MUST HAVE...
this book is a must have for every LUCY-DESI fan all over the world. it contains beautiful pictures and a lot of information about each episode. it is part of my collection and I see myself coming back to it everytime to look something up.is one of the most complete books I have ever encountered.

RICKY RICARDO CAN CONGA MY DRUM ANYTIME.
" I LOVE LUCY " WAS 1 OF THE BEST TV SHOWS IN THE 1950'S AND IS THE BEST SHOW EVER." I LOVE LUCY" CLASSIC MOMENTS BOOK IS A MUST FOR ANY "I LOVE LUCY" FAN. IT SHOWS YOU THE CLASSIC MOMENTS IN WHAT THE BEST TV SHOW THAT WAS EVER MADE.LUCILLE BALL AND DESI ARNAZ MADE WHAT THE SHOW WAS,ALSO VIVIAN VANCE AND WILLIAM FRAWLEY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS FRED AND ETHEL MERTZ AT 323 E.68TH ST. I FINSHED THIS BOOK AND I TRULY ENJOYED IT.

I Love, I Love Lucy!
This is a great book for behind the scenes pictures of the cast and the stage they worked on. I have owned this book for about a year, and come back to look at it all the time. Lucille Ball is my favorite actress, and I just love her to pieces! This book contains photos of their set and everyday life. It also conatains some stories of their lives, so if you are a Lucy fan like me, don't miss this book!

My favorite part....
Tom Watson has surely created a fantastic book that will help the memory of one of the most successful tv sitcoms ever carry on. Seeing and reading all the unknown tidbits on some of my favorite epsidoes of I Love Lucy is just grand! Every I Love Lucy fan should own this book. What a great way to make sure the memory of I Love Lucy and a wonderful actress, Lucille Ball, stay with us as years go by! Take a ride through many all too funny faces of Lucy!

I Remember That Scene...
Proof that "I Love Lucy" will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved her best, her fans. President of 'Lucyfan Enterprises' and the 'We Love Lucy Fan Club', Tom Watson creates a beautiful book of classic moment photographs, "did you know..." tidbits and those little behind the scenes production disasters that you didn't know about until now. Trivia facts, memorable quotes, inspirations for the episodes and characters we loved best make this book one to own and treasure for years to come. A must have! ... Read more

Book Description

The Bushes are the family nobody really knows, says Kevin Phillips. This popular lack of acquaintance—nurtured by gauzy imagery of Maine summer cottages, gray-haired national grandmothers, July Fourth sparklers, and cowboy boots—has let national politics create a dynasticized presidency that would have horrified America’s founding fathers. They, after all, had led a revolution against a succession of royal Georges.

In this devastating book, onetime Republican strategist Phillips reveals how four generations of Bushes have ascended the ladder of national power since World War One, becoming entrenched within the American establishment—Yale, Wall Street, the Senate, the CIA, the vice presidency, and the presidency—through a recurrent flair for old-boy networking, national security involvement, and political deception. By uncovering relationships and connecting facts with new clarity, Phillips comes to a stunning conclusion: The Bush family has systematically used its financial and social empire—its "aristocracy"—to gain the White House, thereby subverting the very core of American democracy. In their ambition, the Bushes ultimately reinvented themselves with brilliant timing, twisting and turning from silver spoon Yankees to born-again evangelical Texans. As America—and the world—holds its breath for the 2004 presidential election, American Dynasty explains how it happened and what it all means. ... Read more

Reviews (145)

Skeletons in the Bush family closet? Imagine that!
American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune, and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush by Kevin Phillips is a bit of a mess. The problem largely results from the fact that Phillips apparently never truly decided what the book was supposed to be: a examination of the Bush 'dynasty', a general historical review of dynastic political families in general or a political hatchet job. It tries to be all three and in fact fails at being any of these things, though there are interesting aspects to all three themes. It's a classic case of missed opportunity all the way around.

The great strength of the book is the historical review of the bases of Bush family wealth and power and how that has translated into a political dynasty of sorts. Are there skeletons in this closet? Of course there are. (As there are in the Kennedy closet, the Roosevelt closet, and so on.) Have the Bushies leveraged their wealth to their economic and political advantage. Again, of course they have'as have others. If there is an issue there'and Phillips makes a strong case that there indeed is an issues here'it's that the Bush dynasty has arisen not for even the incidental goal of providing public service in general but almost entirely as a huge cronyism machine.

Phillips tries to compare the Bush dynasty of other American dynasties without much success. The expected convergences are there and well documented. The aspects of historical accident and contrasting experience are ignored or glossed over. That's bad enough. To worsen the mix, Phillips tries to also do the comparison thing with European dynasties. This is really stretching the purview and the whole historical aspects of the exercise pretty much fall apart.

So what give this book 4 stars? Because, insofar as the actual cataloging of the Bush history and experience go, the book is thorough, thoughtful and highly detailed. It's also a very depressing.

So is this a merely hatchet job? A political gotcha?

Probably not. Phillips is a heavy weight observer of American political history and events. Moreover, he's a very conservative fellow, though no longer a Republican by affiliation. (Apparently the more radical aspects of Republican pandering to the religious right finally got to him and he switched to being an independent.)

In the end each reader has to decide if the Bushies are dedicated public servants or merely well healed hogs feeding at the public trough. On the whole, no matter how you look at it though, this book does not paint a very flattering picture and I'd like to think that is would give pause too all but the most ardent Republican partisans as to the nature of the Bush presidencies.

Thought provoking and nuanced
American Dynasty is a thought-provoking and well-researched book. Unlike the polemical works by Al Franken or Michael Moore (or their conservatives counterparts such as Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh etc.), Phillips presents a nuanced and deeply disturbing look at American politics today. Phillips points out that no one, on either the Right or the Left, is completely clean and that our political system has become extremely corrupt and tilted toward special interests. But Phillips (a Republican) reserves his greatest criticism for the Bush family which he says has engaged in a disturbing and deeply consistent pattern of deceit and deception.

Reviewers who charge that Phillips is unfair and that he engages in character assassination against Bush cannot have read this book very closely. Phillips points out similarities in behavior between Bush, Clinton, Johnson, Nixon, Kennedy and Reagan. His point, however, is that the Bush family has engaged in more egregious and more consistent patterns of deceit than these other presidents (he provides specific and very detailed evidence for this). He also acknowledges that dynasties are becoming more common in American politics overall but he argues, and convincingly so, that the Bush family has been more aggressive (and more successful) in building and maintaining a family dynasty than the Kennedys, the Clintons and other political American families.

In general, the book is well-written, although a bit dry. It's not a book which you will read in one sitting. However, the chapter divisions make this an easy book to pick up and put down.

The best chapters were, I think, the chapters on Texas economics and the growth of the Religious Right. The Texas economics chapters is frightening-here is a state and culture which boasts some of America's richest citizens but where there is a reluctance to share or spread the wealth. The results are disastrous-Phillips doggedly demonstrates the impact poor health care, poor schooling and a lack of social services have had on the state of Texas. Reading this one can only hope that Texas does not set a pattern for the rest of the US. The Religious Right chapter was equally chilling.

Overall, the discussion of George H.W. Bush was the most illuminating. Bush created and maintained deeply misleading stories about who he is and what he has accomplished with his life. The myth of the Bush family presents a sharp contrast to the reality.

My one complaint: I wish that there had been a greater discussion of the ties between the Bush family and the Saudis. I appreciate the discussions of the Bush connections to Enron etc. and there was some discussion of the connection between the Saudis and the Bush family but this needs to be discussed in greater detail.

As an historian, I also had some minor quibbles with his discussions of monarchies and their restorations (specifically his discussion of the Stuart Restoration).

Not Bad
book is okay, makes some hasty judgements and then lags a little toward the end, but still pretty good.

Not a campaign "weapon," but good history
The Good: Phillips delves into the history of the Bush clan and details the rise, over several generations, of a family consciously dedicated to the pursuit of wealth and power. His account of the Bushes' often heavily veiled involvement in international investments (especially in the oil industry), the U.S. intelligence establishment, Republican politics, and, more recently, in "evangelical Republicanism," are enlightening as to how wealth and power are developed and maintained in modern America.

The Bad: For those of us who would use this book as a club to help knock George W. Bush out of the White House in November 2004, it is a rather unwieldy weapon. Phillips's evident dislike of the two Presidents Bush is muted and hardly undercuts the evidence he brings forth regarding their financial, political, and intelligence activities over the years. But the story is a very complex one, involving many threads that Phillips tries to weave into a coherent storyline. He doesn't always succeed. If you are looking for a book to present to a pro-Bush friend or relative, as I was, as a very obvious "smoking gun" with which to argue against Dubya's re-election, this just ain't it, despite all the valid, sound information Phillips presents.

The real value of this book, which is why I can rate it so highly and recommend it to anyone, is in demonstrating the way that America's corporate/government establishment really works. There is a strong case to be made that the machinations of this establishment over the past one hundred years, however sinister they may seem to some people, have produced a strong and prosperous United States. But one may also question, as Phillips does, whether the secret dealings of a relative handful of powerful men and families are always in the best interest of either Americans as individuals or of America as democratic society. One has only to consider the current war in Iraq: Our president states that we invaded Iraq, essentially, to defend America's security and freedom by overthrowing an evil dictator; but one is led to believe that, in the mind of George W. Bush and his corporate supporters, "security" means the preservation of their own wealth and power, which means preserving the present U.S. economic structure; and that preservation is directly tied to an uninterrupted flow of oil from the wells of the Mideast to the gasoline tanks and power plants of the United States. They see their own interests as the interests of all Americans.

Could they be right? Think of the disruption in the U.S. economy - in the global economy for that matter - if Mideastern oil supplies were suddenly and substantially diminished. Our society and lifestyle have been built upon cheap gasoline and electricity, provided by fossil fuels. The Bushes and their cronies understand this reality with a depth that most Americans can hardly comprehend. And, as Phillips argues, the average American increasingly seems willing to trust his or her rights (and obligations) of citizenship to an imperialistic U.S. government controlled by political and corporate elites. Many of these elites probably mean well in serving all Americans, but is their dominance in our government and in our economy a sign of a decaying democracy?

What Phillips sees at stake is not just the influence of the Bush family and the re-election of George W., but America's democratic legacy itself. He points out that Democrats, too, have their elites and dynasties (Democrat Averill Harriman -- railroad heir, diplomat and New York governor -- was a close business associate of the Bushes; and if you count Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Kennedy dynasty now encompasses both major political parties). Rumors that Hillary Clinton is determined to seek the White House reinforce Phillips's contention that some Americans, at least, find something comforting in such familial continuity holding the reins of power.

This is not a book that is going to dissuade a fervent Bush supporter from voting for his re-election; a "swing" voter who is willing to take the time to read the book might find it influential. But "American Dynasty" is most definitely a book that will enlighten those with the eyes to see just how the establishment works. The Bushes, for better or worse, are definitely a part of that establishment.

Quibble: Lots of source endnotes (and not just from "Vanity Fair!") but no bibliography.

A good book that could have been a great one
Kevin Phillips is a Republican, and he wants you to see him as a Republican's Republican. And because he loves his party he wrote American Dynasty to warn everyone about George W. Bush. Clearly hailing from the northeastern Rockefeller branch of the GOP, Phillips has no love for the cultural conservatives who are ascendent in turn of the century Republicanism. While this work does refer to GWB's connections and then embracement of the religious conservative wing, Phillips' anger is clearly directed at the Bush family's economic policies. Classic Republicans were the party of small government and free markets, yet Phillips paints the Bushes as purveyors of bloated crony capitalism. And if that phrase makes you think of Teapot Dome, Phillips will describe that 1920s scandal, and contrast it, in great detail, with the far more egregious sins of the second Bush Administration.

With copious historical references, sources, and background, Phillips shows the recurring themes in four generations of the Bush family. Secrecy begins with the rites at Skull & Bones at Yale University; loyalty, rewarding the faithful and ruthlessly punishing those who speak publicly; enrichment through connections in the public sphere. Image matters more than accomplishments, and George W. probably was the wastrel son because he was tormented by how little he accomplished compared to his father George H.W. (who in turn was less learned and thorough than grandfather Prescott).

Phillips also points to the Bush family's dependence on the Walkers, showing why so many Bush sons keep the name alive. It's their money: the Walkers had the cash, the Bushes took advantage of it. Another interesting theme covered is the Bush families incessant avoidance of the term "dynasty" in referring to themselves, and how they push back at journalists who bring it up. And while Phillips goes relatively easy on GWB for his despoilation of the environment (his rage is more toward the corruption than the destruction), he spends an entire chapter plus many more references showing how GWB became a fundamentalist Christian, how he managed his relationship with the Religious Right, and what it means to the rest of the world. Short answer: if this was his base (both in Texas and in the US as a whole, then no one would outdo him in his support).

An odd note mars what is otherwise a scholarly yet passionately angry work: Phillips has just as much rage toward 42nd President Bill Clinton as he does toward the Bushes 41 and 43 (especially 43). Yet he asks the reader to take his condemnation on his say-so, calling him immoral, undignified, or the like. Phillips demonstrates that his disgust with the Bushes is merited, but doesn't show any proof of Clinton's weaknesses, probably because he is contrasting his opinions on Clinton's public sexual outing with the rock-solid proof of GWB's moral depravity (false statements to support profitable wars, plundering the treasury for the super-wealthy, no-bid contracts, and religious opinion elevated over scientific research). Yet curiously, despite the unease that these snappings at Clinton induce, they actually end up supporting Phillips' case against Bush by showing Phillips has no agenda with the Democrats. by Maddi Hausmann Sojourner 30 June 2004 ... Read more

Amazon.com

According to former White House speechwriter David Frum, George W. Bush is "a good man who is not a weak man. He is impatient, quick to anger; sometimes glib, even dogmatic, often uncurious, and as a result ill-informed." All the same--well, look at the book's title. Frum chronicles a tenure spent serving a president whom he comes to admire more after the events of September 11, 2001. It is after working with Bush in times of war that Frum says of Bush "outweighing the faults are his virtues: decency, honesty, rectitude, courage, and tenacity." The Right Man creates an arc in that Frum is originally dubious of Bush's leadership capacity and ends up sold on Bush as commander-in-chief. But in truth, Frum never has far to go. He's impressed with Bush from the start and when war comes, he's more impressed. And while the book is as much about the author as the president, sections, such as an argument with Barbra Streisand and a Washington Post gossip storm may strike the reader as somewhat petty. Fortunately, there are entertaining helpings of candor: the stringent White House dress code, infighting among cabinet members, and unbelievably cool Air Force One trips. Also of particular interest are events surrounding the controversial phrase "axis of evil": Frum helps coin it, his wife boasts of that fact in an e-mail to friends, the e-mail is widely forwarded, and, soon after, Frum resigns. While both he and the White House deny he was fired, Frum is so insistent on the fact that he quit on his own that it really makes you wonder. The Right Man is a multifaceted glimpse at the life of a White House insider and a president in a time of crisis; it should appeal to readers curious to learn about the inner workings of the American presidency. --John Moe ... Read more

Reviews (77)

An insight into what motivates George Bush
This may well be the best book written about President George Bush until long after he leaves office -- provided his future biographers can match Frum's insight, intellect, innocence and industry.

With devastating candor, reinforced by hero worship, Frum details the intensity of the control freaks who run the Bush administration. He unveils a staff more dedicated to total loyalty to a leader than is ever seen on The Sopranos, showing an image of sterile tidiness that is shocked by Clinton staffers who anything as crude as pizza at midnight.

As an outsider, despite his wet puppy craving for affection, Frum offers a variety of devastating -- or magnificently uplifting -- insights into the character and goals of Bush. This is a book that will thrill every conservative and dismay anyone who thinks for himself.

Frum, like Bush, is not satisfied with being right unless he can prove others wrong. Thus, the 'you are with us or with the terrorists' fanaticism; control freaks never tolerate an independent thought. It is hardly surprising that so few outside the US share this fanaticism; maybe it's because "them furriners" know that anyone who is as war with others is not at peace with themself.

Let's face it: Bush has the world's toughest job. Anything he does affects the world. Nothing that 98 percent of the world's leaders do has more than a ripple impact on events; for example, a unilateral decision by Canada to launch a war on terror would heard merely as a superb example of Canadian humour instead of courageous resolve.

Frum is a superb writer, analyst and story teller, skilled at using what he says is a Bush technique. He says Bush wins loyalty by sharing little personal secrets with those in a personal conversation, "thrusting a gift upon us, the most precious gift a person can offer: a little piece of himself. By revealing himself to us, he bound us to him." This book is filled with such personal insights in an effort to generate loyalty for Bush. You won't find many "insider" books that are better than Frum.

So why does Bush so infuriate people? Well, if he's right, he invalidates generations of wishful dreams and empty thoughts that have guided American policy toward the Arabs for at least the past 50 years. If he's wrong, his bumbling bombast will give us generations of unrest, terror and war. Our future rests on the roll of Bush's iron dice.

Whether you like or fear Bush, there's plenty here to reinforce your views in a bright, candid and easy-to-read 284 pages. Conservatives will finish it and contentedly sigh, "Thank God." With a tremor in their voice, liberals will beg, "Please, God . . ."

Quite simply, Frum says, Bush intends to remake the Arab world. He sees Iraq, an ally of the Nazis in 1940, as merely the first and wobbliest domino. Bush is tired of oil patch tyrants. By the time US troops come home, he expects every Arab will know the meaning of "a government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people."

No, that isn't a Lincoln quote. It's from Theodore Parker on May 29, 1850, at the NE Anti-Slavery Convention in Boston. Like Parker, Bush intends to set in motion a great chain of events such as those which ended slavery by 1865 in the US. Frum hopes a similar vision will topple tyranny in today's Arab world.

So, what is Bush like? Frum concludes, "He is impatient and quick to anger; sometimes glib, even dogmatic; often uncurious and as a result ill informed; more convention in his thinking than a leader probably should be. But outweighing the faults are his virtues: decency, honesty, rectitude, courage, and tenacity."

Anyone, on either side of Bush's crusade to reorder, reform and remap the Arab world will find this book to be an Aladdin's treasure of fascinating information, opinions and dreams. The timing for it is perfect.

whats to tell about the worst president we ever had
The wrong man, cmon a book about the worst american Terrori...i mean president. this book is a joke.

Save your money and donate it to a good cause.
To take him out of the oval office.

and yes i did read it

awesome insight!
David Frum is an awesome writer! i love all the insight into the Bush White House. i thought it was neat to see how the Bush White House is ran differently than the Clinton White House, ie: no cussing, suits at all times and things like that. i love how Frum described the process of writing a speech with the other writers. i loved this book, and would strongly tell anyone they should pick this book up off the shelves, you might actually like it! (i sure did!!)

Valuable Primary Source Materials.
As a warning to readers, this really is David Frum's story and not necessarily George W. Bush's. Frum does provide some interesting anecdotes and vignettes of his time in The White House, however. For that reason, it is worth reading but there is little in it as far as an in depth psychological evaluation of the President goes.

Unrequited yearnings...David Frum's secret diary...boring.
A confused attempt by Mr. Frum to make a little money and maybe get his job back. It is hard to tell where he is going with this stuff. Mr. Frum has secret, intimate, unrequited yearnings for George Bush. Interesting? Not really. ... Read more

Book Description

The one and only New York Times bestselling autobiography by Lucille Ball...

"Filled with light and laughter." (New York Times Book Review)

"Lucy fans will find this book fascinating." (Detroit News)

"A winner." (New York Newsday)

"Intensely moving."(San Francisco Chronicle)

... Read more

Reviews (74)

Lucy lives forever!
I loved this book! Ever since I saw my first episode of I Love Lucy, I've been fascinated with Lucille Ball. I just had to know more about her. I found "Love, Lucy" in a store one day and I begged my mom to buy it for me. Well, she did, and I loved every minute of reading it. It's like she's talking one-on-one with you in a way. In "Love, Lucy", Lucy talks about her marriages, her children, her family, and her work. Although alot of details are left out (mainly because she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings), the descriptions of the events in her life are amazing. My mother couldn't pry me away from reading this book with a crowbar, and she still can't whenever I re-read it. I was also overcome with emotion at some points in reading this wonderful memoir. The way she talked about her love for Desi Arnaz was so touching. I've never heard anything like it before. I started to sob a little when Lucy described the day she filed for divorce from Desi, and I'm not a big crier. It was so sad that everything happened the way it did, and that they couldn't work things out. I'm glad that she found happiness in her second marriage, though. I was also stunned when I learned that Lucy had hidden this for over thirty years until her children found it in with some old files about four years ago. Imagine writing something like this that you know everyone in the world is dying to read and then putting it away! Well, in a way I respect Lucy's decision, because I wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of any loved ones that were still alive that I had talked about. And sometime soon I am going to get a copy of "A Book", by Desi Arnaz, because after all there are two sides to every story. Before I go, I want to thank Lucy's children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., for letting their mother's millions of fans take a peek inside of her private world. The book could have been easily just tucked back into the files and forgotten about. Taking it out and publishing it was great idea, and I know that no matter what, I'll always love Lucy.

Very moving.......Lucy lives on forever
WOW! I have never read such a good book. I own this book, and I read almost everyday. It is one of the most moving books I have ever read. Lucy's voice comes through loud and clear; you feel as though she were talking to you personally. It is a facinating account of a legend's restless childhood in Celeron, New York, her job modeling at Hattie Carnegie's, her move to Hollywood to make her dreams come true,her tempestuous but extremely passionate marraige to Desi Arnaz, her incredible I Love Lucy success, the crumble of her marraige and their Desilu empire, and her life after I Love Lucy and after Desi. This book is so intense, I actually cried. It was obvious that even after she and Desi divorced and she married Gary Morton, he was still her one true love and they still loved eachother very much. This is the one and only memoir Lucille Ball left for her adoring fans, so if you ever get the chance to read this book, take it! It's amazing how vividly Lucy recalls her whole life up to 1964. I am so glad this book was finally found in 1996. Here is Lucy's story, the REAL story, in her own words.

Why "Love Lucy"?
While reading Love, Lucy, I began to understand where Lucille Ball had come from and what she had done. This book gives us insight into the mind of a comedy legend. Beginning in Jamestown, New York, the young Lucille Ball enjoyed her life and making people laugh. She was moved around a lot as her mother was widowed at a very young age and needed some space from the world in order to find out who she was. Young Lucille lived with grandparents or aunts and uncles in her early years and always knew that she wanted to make people happy and she wanted to be noticed. The death of her father, and of her grandmother reinforced her drive to bring joys to others and end the sadness that had engulfed her life during that time. She moved to New York City as an older teenager and gained recognition while modeling for small dress shops in the city, and was in many runway shows. It was then that she was noticed by a photographer and named "Model of the Month." Soon after, she was recognized by a producer at RKO studios and offered a role as a showgirl. At RKO studios she met her first real mentor, Lela Rogers, the mother of the famous Ginger Rogers. Lela ran a small acting class / studio and immediately saw Lucille's potential. She knew there was something special inside of her and helped young Lucille to find it herself. It was then that she began receiving larger roles in more prominent films. After a "run-in" with a perverted producer,(who wanted to leave his wife and marry her) Lucille, now in her mid-twenties, was only cast in "B" films as the wife of the producer was extremely upset. She made sure that Lucille would never cross the path of her husband again as he was the producer of "A" films. This turned out to be a good thing because she was cast as either second leading lady or the lead. She made many public appearances. One happened to be in New York City at Broadway to see a theater production of a movie she would possibly be starring in. She met Desi Arnez and they were both smitten; they eloped a year or so later. With the birth of their first child, Lucie, the couple was more sure than ever that they wanted to be co-starring in a show together. The I Love Lucy show was born and turned out to be a huge success. During the end of the first season, Lucy gave birth to another child, a son, Desi Jr. After his birth the marriage began to fall apart and the couple divorced. Custody of the children consisted of Lucille having the kids for the school year, and Desi having them during the summer. Eventually Lucille remarried and established a somewhat normal lifestyle.

Lucille Ball's relationship with her work was very unique as she wouldn't do a scene if she didn't believe it. She needed to feel the reality behind it if she wanted the audience to believe it as well. She was very passionate about her work and willing to try anything, even in her early years. "No Sir, I haven't done anything on Broadway, but I'd sure like to try." she would say to any producer who would listen. She tried to please everyone but realized that she couldn't be who everyone wanted her to be. She stayed true to herself and did what was best for her and her family.

Lucille Ball is bubbly and vivacious in this autobiography. Her liveliness seems to be contagious to everyone she meets and she brings joy to all who came in contact with her, and those who still come in contact with her work. Although I have a high opinion of Lucille herself, I felt that the book was somewhat lacking. Most parts were full of realism and passion for her work; some parts just didn't flow with the rest of the novel. She seemed to not have much to say in certain chapters as she kind of rambled on a bit about the same things over and over again such as her pay and her relationship with RKO studios.


Overall, this book was a great read and was very informative, but some things could have been edited out as they were not worth the time of the reader.

A "Politically Correct" Autobiography
I read Lucille Ball's autobiography "Love, Lucy" and was impressed by the wealth of detail. It was so wonderful to get to finally see how Lucille Ball looked at life. And it was also inspiring to see the amount of work that Ball had to put in to attain super-stardom.

But, as with many autobiographies, you need to take this work with a grain of salt. Ball obviously wasn't interested in making herself (or anyone else, for that matter,) look bad. She deliberately sidesteps issues regarding husband Desi Arnaz's marital fidelty, and she also downplays her own jealous and controlling nature.

So if you want to read a very "politically correct" version of Lucy's life, I suggest you read this autobiography. But if you want to read the hard facts, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Hear Lucille Ball in her OWN Words!!!
This book is too hard to put down! It is written by one of the greatest movie stars there is: Luciile Ball herself. With the help of Betty Hannah Hopfmen, Lucille is able to tell us, in her eyes, about her life. I have to go along with the reviewer that said it is absolutly thrilling to go along with Lucy. And it is. It is nice to have such an accurate book on her life. She goes along and not only tells you her life, but also gives you her thoughts and what she got out of her life. She also goes along with Desi; telling you a little about his life before, during their marriage and then after they separaed. She covers her life from as far back as to her birth till 1964 when she finished writting the book (Lucie Arnaz wrote the Forword and gives you information from 1964 till Lucille Ball's death in 1989). This book is great and I encourage you greatly to get this book so that YOU can have the thrill of felling like you can get to know Lucy personally. Get yours, read it, and enjoy!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

BIRD spelled backwards is WINNER
This book explores the post playing days of arguably the best forward to ever play the game of basketball. Bird recaps his days of playing in the olympics, his time in the front office of the Celtics, and his coaching days of the Pacers. I have been a huge Bird fan since I was a kid, yet I never knew much about him, except for what I saw on the court. This book gave me a lot of insight into Bird's dynamic work ethic as both player and coach and showed how he was able to use his winning attitude to take the Pacers from 39 wins to 58 wins in one season as well as to the infamous clash with Jordan and the Bulls in the 98 Eastern Conference Finals. Bird also reveals his thoughts about the NBA today. If you want to know about the legend that is Larry Bird, you should read this book.

Must buy for Bird fans; a quick but very interesting read
This book is virtually required reading for any fan of the Celtics, Pacers, or Larry Bird. If you ever wondered what Bird's thoughts were regarding his late-career injuries, his role with the Dream Team, his days in the Celtic front office, or his becoming a first-time NBA head coach, you're in luck. Larry Legend lays it all out in straightforward, no-bull fashion. While the book could hardly be labeled a "tell-all expose," it does contain a number of surprising revelations: his previously unknown heart condition, the machinations in the Celtic organization which wound up with the hiring of Rick Pitino, what Bird thought of certain former teammates and opponents, and so on. The book is a relatively quick read, even at approx. 320 pages, but I found it highly entertaining. I confess to being a big Bird fan before I ever read this book, but even if you're not, I suspect you'll come away duly impressed by the man's humility, honesty, and intelligence. As for the book's co-writer, Jackie MacMullan, it's impossible to know how much of the wording, tone, and style is hers vs. Larry's, but my impression is that she was true to her subject. In addition, I suspect her considerable writing skills were instrumental in creating such a smooth, concise work. Who'd have guessed that Larry Bird, painfully shy and inarticulate as a young man, would ever produce a candid and interesting book like this? The Hick from French Lick surprises us all again!

Bird Watching - Larry Bird
Bird Watching (by Larry Bird)
Reviewer: Known as one the of the best basketball players to have ever stepped foot onto a NBA court, Larry Bird's book will teach you many things about himself as well as the game. Larry brings the reader into some of his most personal things that he has never shared with anyone. He gives you a first class view on all of his experiences of playing professional basketball in the NBA. He shows you the downsides, positives, but most of all the victories. You'll find out first hand all of the injuries Larry has encountered that until now he has kept as a secret.

Through this book Larry will share with you information of his hometown, French Lick, Indiana. You'll learn about his family, about his fathers' death and the way up to his mothers' death. Larry talks about more than just his parents he introduces you to his wife, Dinah and his two children, Conner and Mariah.

Larry will walk you through his entire career. All the way from his high school career, where one of his favorite coaches, Jim Jones coached him. Jim Jones was the coach who really taught Larry all of the fundamentals of the game. Larry didn't seem to have that many coaches that he didn't care for. Larry is also a very hard worker, he really appreciated it when coaches made him run hard. He believed that every basketball player should be conditioned to play the game. Then later on in his career when he ends up becoming a coach he incorporates all of the coaching skills that he has gathered from his previous coaches and uses them on his players. He brings you through some of his most exciting journeys and some of his most famous friends and players.

Just about everything in this book flows together. Larry explains everything that you know about him and a lot of things that you have no idea of. The only thing that I disliked about the book is that none of it was put in order from the beginning of his life to the end of his career, it seemed to jump around a lot. Another big thing was that each chapter was long in itself, but it seemed to talk about the same thing and just ramble on and on. For example one of Larry's biggest problems was his back and he talked about it for a whole chapter then he talked about it more in a few different chapters. Although there some very good and interesting chapters in the book that taught me many things about Larry Bird.

Overall I thought the book was very good, but somewhat long for me, but if you read often then it will be just fine. I would recommend this to anyone who has a great liking of either Larry Bird or basketball. You also need to have a pretty good understanding of basketball to be able to understand some of the topics Larry teaches you.

Bird Watching: On Playing and Coaching the Game I Love
Bird Watching, an autobiography by Larry Bird, is a story for any lover of sports. Bird Watching is a detailed account of the life of Larry Bird, from his NBA career with the Boston Celtics to his coaching position with the Indiana Pacers. After reading the first page of the book, the reader realizes there is more to this NBA legend than meets the eye.
Unlike most professional basketball players, Larry Bird never regretted the day he left the NBA and even says that the day he retired was "one of the happiest days of [his] life." Faced with chronic back problems and an irregular heart, Bird was happy to see the day when he no longer had to endure the pain of playing the sport he loved more than anything. Coming from the man himself, the story describes Bird's life in a detailed and personal manner. From beginning to end, the reader easily notices the uniqueness of this man's character and not only sees, but feels the impact this incredible man left on so many fellow players, fans, and loved ones.
I thought this was a great book, especially for a sports fan. I felt that for a sport's book, it was particularly well written. The author's style allows the reader to get a personal glimpse of the life of Larry Bird and causes the reader to feel as if they knew this NBA legend. Because of the story's subject, the author employs very few literary devices. However, the author uses many similes in describing Bird's injuries, allowing the reader to appreciate Bird's choice in leaving the NBA. The book lacks an overall dominant theme, but simply wishes to convey the story of one of the greatest and most unique basketball players of all time.

Good Solid Book
Larry Bird has always been Straight&to the Put.from His Playing days with His Classic Battles with Magic Johnson to His Coaching Career&His Overall View on the NBA&it's players.I enjoyed the Book.Larry Bird is a Very Tough Minded Cat. ... Read more

Book Description

"Of all the people I play against, the only one I truly fear is Larry Bird."--Magic Johnson, from the Foreword.

The heart and soul of a champion: his life, his career, his game. To understand basketball, you have to understand Larry Bird. Arguably the greatest all-around player the game has ever known, he led the Boston Celtics from the basement to three world championships, collecting three NBA Most Valuable Player awards along the way. Yet, despite these massive accomplishments, Bird has rarely talked to the press, and much about the man has remained a mystery. Now in Drive, the long-silent superstar sets the record straight, revealed a side of himself-and of basketball-you've never see before. Inside, you'll learn Bird's most private feelings about: The momentous decision to transfer from Bobby Knight's Indiana University to Indiana State. The heartbreak of his father's suicide and his own failed marriage. The single-minded discipline that tumed a small-town hero into a national superstar. The Boston Garden and the legendary Celtic charm. The Isiah Thomas controversy and the fierce Celtic-Laker rivalry. The great players of the NBA: including Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan, and much more. here is the book that puts a basketball legend-and his game-on the line. And scores! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

This is and inspirational book
The heart and soul of a champion: his life, his career, and his game. To understand basketball, you have to understand Larry Bird. Arguably the greatest all-around player the game has ever known, he led the Boston Celtics from the basement to three world championships, collecting three NBA Most Valuable Player awards along the way. Yet, despite these massive accomplishments, Bird has rarely talked to the press, and much about the man has remained a mystery. Now in Drive, the long-silent superstar sets the record straight, revealed a side of himself, and of basketball, you've never see before. Larry Bird grew up in the small town of French Lick, Indiana. His family was not very well off. Infact, they would occasionally stay at his grandmother's home. When Larry was twelve he found that he had a God-given ability to play basketball. He knew he was blessed and knew he had to do something about it. Everyday Larry would practice, practice, practice. Shooting foul shots, threes, it didn't matter, he just love the game. Even when he broke his ankle he would still shoot free throws every day. Larry's father committed suicide when Larry was still young. This broke his heart, but he knew his father did what he thought was best for the family. Bird was a celebrity on his High School basketball team in French Lick. The population of the town was only 2,100, but 4,000 people attended his last HS game. After high school he enrolled at Indiana, but never played, dropping out and then hitch-hiking home. He waited a year to be eligible to play at Indiana State. He brought respectability to the Indiana State program which ended in losing to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team in the NCAA Tournament Title Game in 1979. Larry left Indiana State with a career scoring average of better than 30 points a game, fifth all-time in NCAA history, and a 3-year school record of 81-13. Larry was named the 1978-79 Sporting News Player of the Year and won the Naismith and Wooden Awards. He was the number six pick in the 1978 draft by Boston, as a junior, but he joined the team a year later, because he chose to stay in school for his last year of eligibility. His stellar play in his first year led to his Rookie of the Year selection in 1980.

We all remember his ability to hit the remarkable shot and don't forget his commercials with Michael Jordan where he makes the unbelievable shots. NBA players probably still have nightmares of his smooth jumper that would fall with deadly accuracy from ten feet or twenty feet. There may never be another with such a consistent sweet stroke. However, the legendary Celtic charm could not jump. He was slow, uncoordinated, but if you gave him a locomotive to pull he could do it for you. I'm not saying he was buff or strong or anything, I just mean he was a workhorse. He would not give up. Bird's all-time stats are an impressive: 21,791 points (11th. all-time), 1,556 steals (8th all-time), 0.886 FT Percentage (fourth all-time), 8,974 rebounds, 5,965 assists and 897 games played. He has a career 24.3 scoring average to lead the Celtics all-time list. Larry Bird was a successful player due both to talent and hard work. He was usually the first Celtic to arrive on game day when he would practice hitting jump shots for hours from everywhere on the floor, including dozens of free throws. This effort and ethic of work that he showed is an example I would like to follow. After reading this book I thought to myself, am I going to play varsity this year, and I going to achieve this goal and be able to dunk on DEC. 20 this year. Birdman has gone from a small town gangly country boy to an impressive person and player. The time he put in, the commitment he showed to his team. He played his entire career with the Celtics. This shows me how a player should be, faithful to your duties, contracts, and other commitments. He didn't just give up on basketball after his marks forced him to drop out, he prevailed and continued basketball and then went to college.

As his marks were so poor this shows me another basic fundamental to make it far in basketball, grades. Although my goals say I will play at college level, I will never be able to achieve this without the proper grades to do so. Academics are a very important part of my future.

This book is and awesome book in which I give five stars to. It was well worth my time to read and I hope to read it over again. It has inspired me to do my best and anything is possible if you work hard enough for it

The greatest book ever made dogg!
Book Review

The book I chose to read was Drive a biography about Larry Bird and written by Larry Bird and Bob Ryan. This book was made in 1989, the book includes a forward from Magic Johnson and a description of each city Bird played in.

A summary of my book is about the life and the career of Larry Bird. Larry Bird was the best professional basketball player to ever live, he also had more work ethic than 99% of the people who ever lived. He would stay after a game for like 4 hours until he perfected whatever he did wrong that game. He would wake up at 6 in the morning to shoot 500 free throws. He grew up in a small town in Indiana, he was very poor and all he did was play sports. I guess coming from a poorer family people usually have better work ethic because they have to work for everything they get and earn it. Bird played Varsity basketball in 10-12 grades and then he went to Indiana to play for Bobby Knight who obviously didn't see talent in Larry. So Larry transferred to Indiana State and brought them to the national championship. He then got drafted by the Boston Celtics and played there until retirement and having one of the greatest rivals in sports history with the famous Ervin "Magic" Johnson, and the rest of the Lakers.

Larry Bird Drive
The book Drive by Larry Gird starts off by talking about his close friends and what is was like for him to grow up. It also discusses certain issues about how growing up was hard. Larry let me know that hard work pays off and nothing good came easy. The book also talked about many of his memorable moments throughout his basketball career and all of his triumph's that brought him fame. Towards the end he gave us some personal thoughts about what he thought of himself and his relationship with his family.

One of the things that I liked about the book is that he earned what he got due to hard work and dedication. I liked him because he put in the time to become the man that he is now and he wasn't stuck up or anything despite his great skills. I also liked the kind of life style that he said he lived. It described all of his fame and what he had to go through in order to have fun and still keep his normal life. One of the things that I didn't like about the book is that he wasn't that organized with the serious of events that he arranged the book, plus sometimes he went a little too much into detail in something simple like just shooting a basketball shoot.

Larry bird Drive
The book Drive by Larry Gird starts off by talking about his close friends and what is was like for him to grow up. It also discusses certain issues about how growing up was hard. Larry let me know that hard work pays off and nothing good came easy. The book also talked about many of his memorable moments throughout his basketball career and all of his triumph's that brought him fame. Towards the end he gave us some personal thoughts about what he thought of himself and his relationship with his family.

One of the things that I liked about the book is that he earned what he got due to hard work and dedication. I liked him because he put in the time to become the man that he is now and he wasn't stuck up or anything despite his great skills. I also liked the kind of life style that he said he lived. It described all of his fame and what he had to go through in order to have fun and still keep his normal life. One of the things that I didn't like about the book is that he wasn't that organized with the serious of events that he arranged the book, plus sometimes he went a little too much into detail in something simple like just shooting a basketball shoot.

Awesome novel, Basketball fans should read it...
Larry Bird- Drive: The Story Of My Life

Larry Joe Bird was born in West Baden, Indiana on December 7, 1956. Although Bird was born in West Baden he grew up in French Lick. He had three siblings: One sister, Linda and two brothers, Mark, and Mike. As Bird grew older he realized that he was falling in love with the game of basketball. He attended High School at SpringsValley (which was in French Lick). After High School he went to Indiana University for about 3 months and played basketball but then dropped out because he thought that the schoolwork was tough. He went home for about 2 months but tried college again but attended Indiana State University instead and thrived there at the game of basketball. The Boston Celtics drafted him in 1979. He went on to win 3 championships for the Celtics and played from 1979 to 1992. He was and still is one of the greatest all-around players the game has ever seen.

I liked this book a lot because of the way it was written. It was pretty easy to read and understand. I liked how Larry Bird wrote the book in that he explained how he became good at basketball. He would get up every morning before school at about 6 a.m. and shoot free throws on his basketball court. He even got to the point when he was at school of sneaking in the gym in between class and shooting some jumpers. It also had a lot of comical stories in the book. For example, there was one story that made me crack up. I quote: Once I was coming down on the (fast) break and pulled up for an eighteen foot jumper and my basketball coach yelled, "No, no wait for the other guys!" Just as I released the ball I said, "Too late, coach." The ball hit nothing but net. K.C. Jones just sat down.

I disliked this because of Larry Bird's life when he was growing up. When he a little boy his family did not have that much money. His father was lucky if he made $120 in one week. So he did not a lot of things he would have liked to have. When he was 19 years old he was starting at I.U. and he learned that his dad committed suicide. When he went to I.U. he only brought about 5 pairs of clothes because he did not have much money. His buddy, Jim Wisman who he was rooming with said, "You can borrow all of my clothes if you want." And Larry did end up wearing all of Jim's clothes. One last thing that I did not like was all the mistakes I found in the book. I found about 6 fragments. But, other than that it was a great novel. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive biography that transports readers into the world and mind - of the legendary Warren Buffett. The financial world's ongoing fascination with Warren Buffett is insatiable. Of Permanent Value hits bookshelves as the most comprehensive, informative biography yet on the investor who, through knowledge, savvy, and hard work, became the world's second-richest man. Avid investors will even find a chapter detailing Buffett's unprecendented investment record, quarter by quarter. Filled with fascinating strategies, compelling stories, and rare photos, Of Permanent Value delivers a hard-hitting but highly readable story of how Buffett built his empire - and what he plans to do next. It gives investors and Wall Street enthusiasts at every level: Behind-the-scenes stories of Buffett's remarkable rise; Personal details of Buffett's best investment moves; A candid examination of history's most successful investor. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

The encyclopedia od all things Buffett
This book is the reference manual for any serious student of Warren Buffett. Besides all the inside scoops and anecdotes, there is a lot (and I emphazise lot) of thought provoking information within. Don't let it's size fool ya! It's an easy read. No investor should be without a copy of this book.

We all know Warren Buffett is the greatest investor.
I have tremendous respect and admiration for history's greatest investor. Andrew Kilpatrick chose a different style, short chapters of other people telling stories of Warren, and not a dry traditional biograpghy.

Mr. Kilpatrick did his homework on this story, but I was annoyed at the length of this biography. Yes, there was some humor and interesting insights in to Warren's life, but I got the picture about half way through the book. That picture is simple, Warren Buffett is the best.

Kilpatrick needs an editor
If an editor took out all the repetitious, irrelevant waste from this book, it would only be 200 pages. There are much better books about Buffett and BRK, and the annual reports are fabulous, but this book is a waste of time. It is poorly written and badly organized. It is as if he had written 100 short newspaper articles, and strung them together into a book about himself and his own relationship with BRK. He is obviously a nice man, and I am sorry he has not written a better book.

Hero worship.
The other biography of Buffett is by Lowenstein and is far superior to this disorganized, fawning, but very detailed work. The flattery of Buffett gets so thick in this book it's sickening. Some of the other reviewers have done a good job of describing the other problems with the book so I won't go into detail. It does have its strengths -- exhaustive detail and excellent sources -- the guy did serious amounts of research. My suggestion: by all means read this if you are an "intelligent investor" (but use a library copy). If you want to buy a book on Buffett, get Lowenstein.

For "Berk-Heads" Only
This is a relatively well-written book, telling the story of Warren Buffett in great detail. Let me emphasize this last part by repeating it: it tells the story of Warren Buffett _in great detail_.

Author Andrew Kilpatrick has tackled his subject with the dedication of a stalker. Throughout _Of Permanent Value_ readers will be told, not just how WEB has accumalated a mind-boggling fortune, but also how well he tips (or doesn't), who his favorite philosopher is and what type of car he drives. You'll learn of the different groups of Buffett fans, the relatives of Buffett, the foundation that will spread around his wealth after he's no longer tap-dancing to work. And you'll read accounts of (random) people who saw Buffett in China, who taught or went out with him when he was younger, and so on and so on ad infinitum.

As such, the book is primarily for those who want to know more about who Warren Buffett the person is, than about how one can be more like him financially. To those, then, who want to know how to invest like Buffett I do not recommend you read this book--at least not until after you've read the other, better books on this subject. These are _The Warren Buffett Way_ (my favorite), _The Making of an American Capitalist_, and _How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett_.

If you, however, _do_ want to know much more about Buffett than the average person, this book can not be recommended highly enough. Everything has been written down in the pages of this book--the only thing that wasn't discussed was whether Buffett wears boxers or briefs. (I'm sure Kilpatrick's saving this one for the next, revised edition however.) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Celebrated children's-book illustrator Demi puts the Buddha's life story into words any child can enjoy. Even more, children will love the lush, meticulously painted scenes, rendered in traditional Asian fashion yet as light and whimsical asCalvin and Hobbes. (Ages 9 to 12.) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Moving, Great Book!
This book tells the story of Buddha so clearly and precisely that it taught me a lot that I previously didn't know or understand. I am hoping to share this book with my students during the Buddhist New Year in April. ... Read more

Book Description

How did George W. Bush-a man of little political experience, little policy know-how, and no clear positions on national issues-become President? How, in the midst of national economic freefall, did the Republicans win complete control of Congress in the 2002 midterm elections?Political insiders credit Karl Rove, a brilliant political consultant and tactician who Bush calls "Boy Genius." Where did Rove come from and how has he engineered his candidates' victories? Even more important, what does he want? In Boy Genius, two seasoned political reporters who know Rove from his many, fruitfully manipulative years as a political consultant in Texas and a nationally known White House correspondent fill readers in on the man and his methods. From running a dirty tricks school and bugging his own office, to masterminding the defeat of popular Governor Ann Richards in Texas, to seeing and harnessing the potential in George W. Bush ("Political hacks like me wait a lifetime for a guy like this to come along," Rove said of the future President), to the master plan for the 2002 elections, Dubose, Reid and Cannon detail Rove's ascendancy to the top of our national political life, illuminating along the way both the dirty underside of politics and Rove's vision for who should be governing our country and how.Boy Genius is a fascinating, entertaining look at the political life of the Man Who Would Be Kingmaker-and a disconcerting expose about exactly how American politics works. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Swinging from the Left
More than anything this book is a recent (past 20 years) history of Texas politics where Karl Rove practiced and honed his craft.

The authors perspective definitely comes from the left and enjoy Bush-bashing whenever the oportunity presents itself. I don't know where the reviewer below is coming from (other than California where they still can't understand why the rest of the country votes differently from them).

I was hoping for more insight into the 2000 Presidential campaign, but was disappointed. Anyone who watches the news regularly would get no additional information.

Rove is scary
After reading the book "Boy Genuis" I have came to the conclusion that it is a bad thing that John Kerry is leading in the polls. Rove will go dirty fast because he simply hates to lose. HE has transformed Texas into what he hopes America will become, an unabashed Republican stronghold. His pandering to the religous right by being the liason between the White House and those groups is so laughable considering Rove himself has said religion is unimportant to him. That may be true except on one day every four years, on that day, his role as the Republican party's greatest asset comes in handy. Rove knows that economic conservatives and moral conservatives despise what they "perceive" the Democratic Party stands for: big government, tax hikes, loose morals, diversity, and weak foreign policy. Karl Rove has exploited these perceptions with a "whatever it takes" mentality. He blew through the streets of Austin leaving only like minded conservatives in his wake. He has been in Washington for almost four years, four more and the divide and hate in this country will reach a fevered pitch. Lets hope Nixon and Lee Atwater won't be proud this election cycle. After reading this book, I'm sure they will though.

The Best and The Scummiest
Every human endeavor has its masters. There are leading physicists, writers, teachers, architects, carpenters and chefs.
The demi-monde also has its corp of top pick-pockets, pimps, snitches and flimflammers. It is to this latter list that we can write the name of Karl Rove. His talents add nothing useful to the world; to the contrary, he and his cabal of mayberry machiavellians' efforts are directed toward finding people's weaknesses and exploiting them, tearing down peoples lives and putting any skeletons on public display, so that "their" guy might win. "Boy Genius" depicts the political career of Karl Rove, how he honed his skill and applied them to the benefit of conservative Republicans and especially to George W. Bush.

The authors do give some background information on Rove and briefly describe how he came to embrace right-wing politics.
As a young man, he is described as a "nerd" and one can well imagine that he was the boy who gotten beaten up on the playground at school. But no thorough psychological profiles are hazarded in this work. We learn only that Rove is a rather emotionless person. The authors offer a couple of "Oprah moments" that hint that their subject might harbor some modicum
of humanity. Despite a couple of these excursions into sentimentality, Dubose et al. stick mostly to the political highlights that mark Rove's life. And that is just as well, because we intuit that if we extracted the electoral machinations from this biography, there would be almost nothing left.

But reading this book reveals as much about we Americans and our times as it does about Rove. We would hope to be titilated by some of Rove's underhanded schemes to win elections, but instead find ourselves rather bored with the enterprise. We are used to this sort of dirty dealing and know that both major parties engage in these activities. It's old hat. Karl Rove just happens to be the best and the scummiest at the game that goes on all the time. The victors in political affairs are not those who present the best ideas but rather those who know how to manipulate through the electronic media. We are given in this book an introduction to the Cardinal Richelieu of the Nouveau Regime, Karl Rove.

This is an excellent primer
This is an excellent primer to the illustrious career of "Bush's Brain" as he is called. Of the two books presently popular ("Bush's Brain" is the other) this is the more balanced and thorough; indeed, it often times seems that the authors of Bush's Brain had used this for their source, and there is very little information in that book that is not in here. Don't bother to read both, if you're just looking for an introduction to the subject. A careful portrait of the crafty man that learned his tricks (and even instructed others in the same) during the time of "Tricky Dick" Nixon himself. Must read if you are at all interested in learning how Bush Jr. got to the oval office and why all the "big money" lined up behind him as miraculously early as it did.

Best political book I've read this year
I found "Boy Genius" to be insightful, compelling and humorous. The book is written by three journalists, two of whom followed Karl Rove throughout his days in Texas and a third who writes for the National Journal. The outline of the book is a chronological history of the campaigns and administrations Rove has managed or contributed to. The book is full of interesting antecdotes that really give you an idea of what Rove is all about and his motivations for the directions in which he takes his advisees. Most importantly, after reading this book I would describe Karl Rove as a winner, which makes this an interesting read no matter what your politics.

Two things the potential reader should know are 1) the majority of the book is about Texas politics and Rove's work in that state, and 2) the authors demonstrate definite left leanings in their storytelling, although it mainly shows through in their humor and when they point out the irony that George W. Bush never fails to provide for them. These caveats are fairly minor, I think most political readers will enjoy this one. ... Read more

Book Description

When it comes to reporting on politics, nobody does it smarter or funnier than bestselling author Molly Ivins. In Shrub, Ivins focuses her Texas-size smarts on the biggest politician in her home state: George Walker Bush, or "Shrub," as Ivins has nicknamed Bush the Younger.
        
A candidate of vague speeches and an ambiguous platform,Bush leads the pack of GOP 2000 presidential hopefuls; "Dubya" could very well be our next president. What voters need now is an original, smart, andaccessible analysis of Bush--one that leaves the "youthful indiscretions" to the tabloids and gets to the heart of his policies and motivations. Ivins is the perfect woman for the job.
        
With her trademark wit and down-home wisdom, Molly Ivins shares three pieces of advice on judging a politician: "The first is to look at the record. The second is to look at the record. And third, look at the record." In this book, Ivins takes a good, hard look at the record of the man who could be the leader of the free world. Beginning with his post-college military career, Ivins tracks Dubya's winding, sometimes unlikely path from a failed congressional bid to a two-term governorship. Bush has made plenty of friends and supporters along the way, including Texas oil barons, evangelist Billy Graham, and co-investors in the Texas Rangers baseball team. "You would have to work at it to dislike the man," she writes. But for all of Bush's likeability, Ivins points to a disconcerting lack of political passion from this ascending presidential candidate. In her words, "If you think his daddy had trouble with 'the vision thing,' wait till you meet this one."
        
Witty, trenchant, and on target, Ivins gives a singularly perceptive and entertaining analysis of George W. Bush. To head to the voting booth without it would be downright un-American.

From Shrub: The Short but Happy Political Life of George W. Bush

"        The past is prologue in politics. If a politician is left, right, weak, strong, given to the waffle or the flip-flop, or, as sometimes happens, an able soul who performs well under pressure, all that will be in the record."

 ¸         Bush's welfare record: "Texas pols like to 'git tuff' on crime, welfare, commies, and other bad stuff. Bush proposed to git tuff on welfare recipients by ending the allowance for each additional child--which in Texas is $38 a month."

 ¸         Bush and the Christian right: "Bush has learned to dance with the Christian right. It has been interesting and amusing to watch the process. Interesting because it's sometimes hard to tell who's leading and who's following; amusing because when a scion of Old Yankee money gets together with a televangelist with too much Elvis, the result is swell entertainment."

 ¸         Bush's environmental record: Since Governor Bush's election, Texas air quality has been rated the worst in the nation, leading all fifty states in overall toxic releases, recognized carcinogens in the air, cancer risk, and ten other categories of pollutants.

 ¸         Bush's military career: "Bush was promoted as the Texas Air National Guard's anti-drug poster boy, one of life's little ironies given the difficulty he has had answering cocaine questions all these years later. 'George Walker Bush is one member of the younger generation who doesn't get his kicks from pot or hashish or speed,' reads a Guard press release of 1970. 'Oh, he gets high, all right, but not from narcotics.'"


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (128)

An Unbiased Look at an Empty Suit
Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose chronicle "Shrub"'s political life. What emerges is the unsavory picture of an empty suit for sale to the highest bidder. Shrub's reason for seeking the Presidency is apparently his burning desire to get revenge for his father's loss in 1992. Never mind that Daddy was the most ineffective President of the twentieth century; that the economy grew at less than half the rate it grew under any other administration since 1948. (In 1945-1948, the GNP actually shrunk, because of the changeover from an all-out wartime effort to peace.)

Molly Ivins tells it like it is, giving Shrub what credit is due for not dismantling the improvements in the Texas school system made by the governors who preceded him; but also pointing out that he has successfully fought against implementation of clean air and water in Texas. Under Shrub's "leadership" Houston has supplanted Los Angeles as the city with the most polluted air. The polluters support Shrub and he supports their "right" to pollute. Shrub said that the problem isn't pollution, it's impurities in the air and water.

This book, along with J. H. Hatfield's "Fortunate Son" and Russell Bowen's "The Immaculate Deception" should have been required reading before voting November 7.

Another Southern Dolt With A Shady Past
If you don't follow politics, this book will inform you about the person who now sits in the White House. If you voted for him because you believe what the two parties tell you, then you should definitely read this. If you think he's any better of a "person" than Clinton, then you NEED to read this.

Ivins, with sufficient proof, explains how "President" Bush: a) Avoided Vietnam because Daddy rigged it for him b) STILL went AWOL from the Texas Air Nat'l. Guard c) Drank and C-minused his way through Harvard (which Daddy got him into) d) Has never pulled off a successful business venture without the aid of Daddy and Daddy's friends e) Got elected Governor on the basis of Daddy's name, totally without qualifications

An important, if somewhat dense and bitter, read.

Quick and Insightful
One of the best anti-Bush books out there. Not because it is heavy and deep with insight and lengthy connections that lead to utter shock but because it's fast, sharp and somewhat balanced--sort of. Ivans has wit and twist of phrase that makes her writing especially enjoyable no matter what subject she's taking on. This is just one of a number of excursions into Bush-land that she guides us on. I'd like to see the collected works someday. There's something to be said for media that has a specific stance but allows you to feel your own feelings about the subject. Kind of an Erroll Morris approach--Fog of War (see it), Kurt Vonnegut --(read him), USA The Movie (definitely see it!), Trials of Henry Kissinger (see it). All available on Amazon or through other outlets. We should all read more and watch more media that teaches and preaches rather than revs us up with emptiness.

TEXAS-TWANGED MOLLY READS IT BEST
When it comes to political commentary nobody is quicker on the draw than syndicated columnist Molly Ivins. Now she focuses her Texas size wit on the most talked about politician in the Lone Star State - George W. Bush, whom she calls "Shrub" or simply "Dubya."

She calls the man who is our President a man you would have to work at to dislike, while she traces his sometimes circuitous political career and astutely assesses his qualifications.

No one is better suited to read "Shrub" than the sometimes gravely voiced Texas-twanged Molly.

Well Written Editorializing
The well-written editorializing in this book is frequently snide, sarcastic and pejorative -- literary tools to which one typically resorts when his/her position is wrong. Because facts, reason and truth work against the wrong position, tactics aimed at emotions -- such as a denigrating nick-name like "Shrub" -- are all that's left. And if the subject of this smear campaign happened to belong to the other political party, this author's view of him would be wonderful -- completely regardless whatever he might do or fail to do. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even without his masterful debut as coach of the 1997-1998 Indiana Pacers, Larry Bird's brilliant, gutsy career with the Boston Celtics--three NBA championship rings and a trio of Most Valuable Player trophies--cries out for celebration and reassessment. He was a dominant player, a thinking player who controlled the game as much with his leadership as his keen passing, tough "D," and the soft touch of his jumper. In Larry Legend, Shaw interweaves chapters of Bird's biography with chapters chronicling his Coach of the Year season to create a hybrid volume; rather than do both well, he does both adequately. Everything is here--Bird's French Lick, Indiana, childhood; why he left Bobby Knight and the Indiana University pressure cooker for lower profile Indiana State; the glory years with the Celtics; the rivalry with Magic Johnson; the back problems; and the ways he re-created the Pacers in his own court-burned image. The problem is presentation. As he jumps back and forth in time, Shaw impedes his own flow, a foul that Bird never committed. That's too bad, because Shaw is a capable reporter who loves his subject and does an otherwise admirable job of fleshing out the life of a man beneath the "Legend" of the title. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Superb sports book
Larry Legend covers the whole Bird story. Author Shaw has a knack for revealing the little things about Bird that intrigued me. I think this is a must book for any Larry fan.

A book to treasure
Fantastic portrait of Larry Bird, specially of his first season as a NBA coach. Shaw has the great ability to make imaginative metaphores and to create surprising game reports. I wonder if Larry Bird suspected that a writer was watching him closely during an entire season?

Good Book
I always enjoy reading Books on Larry Bird.He is truly one of the Greatest Basketball Players that I have ever seen play.His Mind for Play&detail is showcased rather well here.

legendary journey to the top
Kevin VanSickle W131 "Book Review" Larry Legend is an interesting book about a boy who fell in love with the game of basketball and developed his own self-discipline as he became an adult. Larry Bird's success and consistent team management are his legendary qualities, according to author Shaw. Mark Shaw writes about Larry's roughneck childhood, what led to his triumphs in his high school basketball days, and through his professional career as a player, then a coach. Larry seemed to have gained confidence and self-esteem at a young age and by keeping those positive aspects he became an intimidator and motivator for many. This book will intoxicate your interest if you want to hear about the Legend's journey to the top. In Larry Legend, Mr. Shaw explains how the Legend himself was a role model, not only for young players, but also, his teammates and coaches around the league.

I learned a lot more about Larry Bird than I realized.
It was pretty indepth, and is a nice overview of his life from the time he was a legend in Indiana to coming full circle by coaching there. It also mentions his daughter, who has a distant relationship with his father. If you're a Bird fan, even if you're not, but you enjoy reading about basketball, this is worth the price. It paints a very balanced portrait of Bird. I like the fact that it isn't slanted one way or the other. It portrays the good and the bad. I'm a Bird fan, but I like objective journalism, which this seems to be. No schlock hero worship journalism here, nor is there any railing against him. Even though I like Bird, I will not condone his actions if they are perceived as wrong or controversial. ... Read more