"The travelogue of an observant man with much mettle and an open heart His writings cover affairs of state and affairs of spaniels on equal footing. He is modest and gracious. But these short takes on a long life reveal an underlying, consistent sense of duty to office, family and morality."--]ENNIFER HARPER, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Though reticent in public, George Bush has openly shared his private thoughts in correspondence throughout his life. Fortunately, since the former president does not plan to write his autobiography, this collection of letters, diary entries, and memos, with his accompanying commentary, will fill that void. As he writes in his preface, "So what we have here are letters from the past and present. Letters that are light and hopefully amusing. Letters written when my heart was heavy or full of joy. Serious letters. Nutty letters. Caring and rejoicing letters It's all about heartbeat."

Organized chronologically, the volume begins with eighteen-year-old George's letters to his parents during World War II, when, at the time he was commissioned, he was the youngest pilot in the Navy. Readers will gain insights into Bush's career highlights--the oil business, his two terms in Congress, his ambassadorship to the U.N., his service as an envoy to China, his tenure with the Central Intelligence Agency, and of course, the vice presidency, the presidency, and the postpresidency. They will also observe a devoted husband, father, and American. Ranging from a love letter to Barbara and a letter to his mother about missing his daughter, Robin, after her death from leukemia to a letter to his children two weeks before Nixon's resignation to one written to them just before the beginning of Desert Storm, the writings are remarkable for their candor, humor, and poignancy.

GLOSSARY OF NAMES

PREFACE

Love and War

"Texas, Our Texas"

Potomac Fever

International Waters

The Eye of the Storm

China

Protecting Secrets

"Fire in the Belly"

A Heartbeat Away

The Rough-and-Tumble

The Long Home Stretch

"Mr. President"

On the Front Line

Peaks and Valleys

The Worst of Times

Looking Forward

TIMELINE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INDEX