Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H. W. Bush

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 127 ratings

Price: 19.1

Last update: 10-24-2024


About this item

Former Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush and New York Times bestselling author of The Man I Knew, Jean Becker shares touching and pivotal life lessons from a leader that left a mark on people's hearts and souls.

As America heads into what promises to be a tumultuous 2024 presidential election year, Character Matters will be a good reminder of the importance of character when defining true leadership. Colleagues, friends, and family will share their often very personal stories of what they learned from watching and listening to President Bush, including former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Secretary of State James A. Baker;stand-up comedian Dana Carvey; "Queen of Country" star Reba McEntire; American columnist for The New York Times Maureen Dowd; American novelist Brad Meltzer; presidential biographer Jon Meacham; former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Major; former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney; Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; the Oak Ridge Boys and best-selling author Christopher Buckley; and of course his grandchildren. Character Matters will illustrate how George Bush never stopped showing us the way to lead by example.

Audiobook is read by Jean Becker, George Dvorsky, Allan Robertson, Cynthia Barrett, James Edward Thomas, Widdi Turner, Jamie Renell, and Barbara Benjamin-Creel with selections read by Secretary of State James Baker, Vice President Dan Quayle, and Presidential Historian Jon Meacham.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

Karen
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
I am so loving Character Matters and I am also sad reading it because we need him so much. He was a kind, gentle and generous man and he made a difference over and over and over again. The stories are compelling and hearing from people from all walks of life and their stories of how President Bush touched their lives is so beautiful. I have cried a few times and I have smiled or laughed as well. Forgive me…I have been skipping around and around and around…finding different stories that moved me. I’ve been known for starting a book and then as I get close to halfway done, I skip to the back of the book and read it backwards. This time I have been all over the place…picking a choosing and going back and forth and loving every page that I have read.

The book is amazing…and I hope people buy the book and read it so they can learn more about the man who truly cared and did his best to make life better for all of us. He knew he would lose his second term in office but he did it because it was best for America. He faced that woman of the dead soldier even though it was difficult, he cried for those he had to send to war and he held his tongue when he wanted to speak because it wasn’t the right time or the words he wanted to speak were not the right ones. He was loved by so many of us in Kennebunk/Kennebunkport and it showed he arrived after being elected and the Village Green was packed and then when he didn’t win re-election and the Village Green was packed again. More people attended the Memorial Day Parades when he spoke and he always had time to speak with people after the event.
Dr. Matt
5.0 out of 5 stars A Spectacular Leadership Story!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
Jean Becker has produced another great book on a great leader, person, and American President - George H. W. Bush the 41st President of the United States. The approximately 150 stories from those that knew and worked with President Bush will make you feel like you too know this great man. If you didn’t meet him, like I didn’t but was at several events over the years where he was present, you will wish you had the chance to met him.

Most important about the book is how it can be a real example of leadership character (and really human character). If you are in or wish to be in a leadership role - read this book! If you are in government leadership and politics - local, state, or federal - as an American citizen and taxpayer, you MUST read this book. If you aren’t practicing the example of George H. W. Bush’s character, you and this great country will benefit greatly if you will put the learnings from this book into action!

Not only is this a great book on a great historical figure, it is entertaining! I particularly love President Bush’s sense of humor (a good characteristic for a leader to have) and the stories that convey that!

Get the book soon and enjoy a “can’t put it down” book!
Wizard of WID
5.0 out of 5 stars Unselfish President
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024
This book details the life of George H W Bush, before, during & after his term as President. He regarded his life to be one of service to his country, as well as never putting himself above others. It is a great read.
Bruce Zanca
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent graduation gift
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
I am honored to have written an essay that was included in Jean Becker's new book, "Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H.W. Bush." Jean and I used to work together on President George H.W. Bush's White House staff. About a year ago, Jean asked many of us to share our stories about the lessons we learned from Mr. Bush.
Today's world is increasingly characterized by animosity, negativity, hatred, and outrageousness, particularly in politics. Regrettably, the significance of character has been disregarded. This book serves as a guide to leadership. Every member of Congress (on both sides of the aisle) should read it and take Mr. Bush’s lessons to heart. “41” led by example. His words and actions exemplify the principles of doing the right thing.
This book is an ideal gift for those who appreciate a principled leadership approach. It would be an excellent graduation gift. I read the book in its entirety in one sitting, I could not put it down.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Now we know, the rest of the story!
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
From those who knew him best. Character Matters is an intimate and authentic look, behind the scenes, at the US presidency and the man who was our 41st President. A must read for all who cherish democracy and value leadership. We can only hope... the past will be prologue.
Freida Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
Received this book in the mail about 4 one afternoon and it was so good I finished it the next day even though it’s a thick book.
fl. jack
4.0 out of 5 stars inspiring but wordy
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
You will discover a man of character who was loving and humble even as leader of the free world. Political considerations never interfered with his devotion to doing what was needed.
Millie Aulbur
5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put this book down.
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
We live in such a mean world right now. This book is a reminder that it is possible for our leaders and politicians to get along with each other. I cried when I finished the book because I long for the days when character did matter. Take a break from "mean" and read this excellently written book.

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