The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency

Authored by George H. W. Bush’s longtime chief of staff, “The Man I Knew” is a special look at a former president in his final years. After leaving office in 1993, George H. W. Bush worked with charities, maintained influence with world leaders, and saw one of his sons become president to serve in the same office he once held, a rarity in American history. Considering the substance of George H. W. Bush’s post-presidency, Jean Becker’s assorted observations and recollections of Bush during this time are often amusing, comforting, and awe-inspiring. Bush’s character is a consistently potent factor of the book and readers are exposed to sides of him that may have not always been on display during his presidency, such as his love of humor. Bush's ability to connect with others is another key theme of the book as his encounters with celebrities like George Clooney and Taylor Swift, friendships with former political rivals such as Bill Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro, and sincere interest in the success and struggles of others all attest to the presence of a a vibrant and decent personality. Accordingly, “The Man I Knew” is a revealing and heartfelt remembrance of George H. W. Bush by someone who knew him well. Like other books that are written by admirers of a subject though, intimacy sometimes comes at the price of the unvarnished truth. For instance, Becker never mentions the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and while Becker says she doesn’t want to discuss “tabloid gossip” towards the beginning of the book, Bush’s thoughts on his successor being impeached would have been relevant to his post-presidency, especially when considering the historic nature of the matter. Indeed, Bush’s reaction to learning that the man who defeated him in the 1992 election was defiling the office he once occupied would have been an intriguing topic for conversation. Furthermore, the fact that Bush and Clinton later became friends and that their friendship is the sole focus of a chapter makes the exclusion of the Lewinsky affair all the more puzzling as its inclusion could have spoken to Bush’s capacity for forgiveness or ability to overlook such transgressions, thus further highlighting how extraordinary their friendship was. Although there may be some biases or inconsistencies at times though, they do not outweigh the various positives of this book and Becker’s personal insights usually work for the better. Overall, “The Man I Knew” is an intimate portrayal of a former president and his life beyond the White House. Rather than using the prestige of the presidency to enrich himself or using his political capital to go on revenge tours, George H. W. Bush consistently sought to give back to other people, his country, and the world. Considering his life in closing, it can be said that George H. W. Bush was a unique individual and it is fitting that he was the last memb...

Reading Jean Becker's Book, The Man I Knew brought me such hope that maybe all will be well in America again. She reminded us, through stories about George H. W. Bush (and other Bushes) that kindness matters, that bipartisan actions can still happen and that all can still be well in America. I stayed up until 3 am reading the book, cover to cover and now I am going back to re-read sections! The worst thing is that I am done with the book! Hope Jean is working on another book because I know there are hundreds of more stories she can tell.

Jean Becker has written a wonderful memoir about her twenty-five years as President George H.W. Bush’s (Bush 41’s) post-presidential chief of staff. Upfront, it’s important to note what this book is not. It’s not a book about American politics or even President Bush’s (or any of the Bush’s) political beliefs. It doesn’t delve all that deeply into the Bush 41 presidency, only just enough to give the reader background and context concerning the particular anecdote Becker is relating. Nor is it a gossip-laden tell-all or an expose revealing any deep, dark secret. It is, simply, a recounting of the times Ms. Becker spent with the President and Mrs. Bush told in chapters each devoted to an important aspect of President Bush’s character or a central theme of his life (e.g., family, friendship, caring for and serving others, personal modesty, sense of humor, etc.) What emerges is the portrait of a man just about everyone might wish they had known and even had as a friend--a man of deeply held convictions who wanted to do right, and who did do right, by his family, his friends (and even his adversaries), his community, and his country. And the book is very well-written. Portions of it are laugh-out-loud funny. Other passages may evoke tears. And other parts may leave readers believing that there’s more they could be doing to make life better for others. Ms. Becker is that good a writer. Kudos to her for a five-star work of memoir and biography.

I grew up in the era that George H.W. Bush was elected and served as President. I didn't come from a family that was involved in politics, nor did we discuss politics at home. I developed a fascination in government and how Washington works based on seeing how President George H.W. Bush led. This book gives an incredible glimpse into his post-Presidency, as well as a discussion of the values and experiences that shaped who he was. I can only hope there are some young people out there that read this and see that putting themselves into the arena of public service is a good thing, politics aside.

Coming from Asia, I wasn't a fan of the Bush name as it meant war to me. But as my favorite politician Pete Buttigieg says it's difficult to hate up close. Jean made me closer to 41. I really have come as full circle like Clinton on this perhaps. Good read!