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The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency Hardcover – June 1, 2021

by Jean Becker (Author)

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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A heartfelt portrait of President George H.W. Bush—and his post-presidential life—by a confidante who knew him well.

As chief of staff, Jean Becker had a ringside seat to the never-boring story of George Herbert Walker Bush's life post-presidency, including being at his side when he died and subsequently facing the challenge-and great honor-of being in charge of his state funeral. Full of heart and wisdom, THE MAN I KNEW is a vibrant behind-the-scenes look into the ups and downs of heading up the office of a former president by one of the people who knew him best.

This book tells the story of how, after his devastating loss to Bill Clinton in 1992, President George H.W. Bush rebuilt his life, found a way to make a difference, and how, by the time he died in November 2018, was revered by his country and the world.

Bush's post-presidency journey was filled with determination, courage, love, hope, humor, fun, and big ideas. He became best friends with the man who defeated him; developed the odd habit of jumping out of airplanes; and learned how to adjust to life in a wheelchair, after having lived most of his life as a high-energy athlete. He joyously saw two sons become governors of their states, one of whom would go one to become President of the United States.

What happens when you go almost overnight from being the most important and powerful person in the world to a private citizen? THE MAN I KNEW tells just such a story, of one man's humble journey from president to man of the people.

Print length

368 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Twelve
Publication date

June 1, 2021
Dimensions

6.4 x 1.5 x 9.3 inches
ISBN-10

153873530X
ISBN-13

978-1538735305
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Jean Becker’s beautiful book, THE MAN I KNEW, is a touching and fascinating look at a man both of us loved and admired—George H.W. Bush. As his chief of staff for almost two decades, Becker lovingly reveals stories about her boss that capture all aspects of his life as the ‘Former Leader of the Free World,’ as he sometimes called himself after leaving the White House. Her book is a must read for anyone interested in one of the very best presidents in our history.”―James A. Baker III

"Other than Barbara Bush, Jean Becker probably knew George H.W. Bush better than anyone, so her enchanting, moving and altogether wonderful memoir of her years as his chief of staff is aptly titled. THE MAN I KNEW is an important—no, necessary—addition to the shelf of books about the most beautifully-souled man who ever led this country."―Christopher Buckley

"What really stunned me about President Bush 41 is that eventually his impression of me doing him was better than my original impression of him. No one said ‘na ga da it’ (not going to do it) quite like 41! I am honored that our friendship is part of this funny, insightful book of a man I came to greatly admire.”―Dana Carvey

“With her ever-sharp eyes, ears and pen, Jean Becker has given us the last great book on George H. W. Bush—the story of a former president who knew how to live and how to die and how to keep his friends and loved ones close—and laughing—all the way.” ―Michael Duffy

“Jean Becker’s intimate portrait of President George H. W. Bush captures the essence of this extraordinary public servant who devoted his life to leading by example and inspiring the best in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. His service continued in his post presidency life, and Jean’s deliciously funny, magnanimous remembrance is a timely reminder of a man who taught us how to become a kinder, gentler nation."―Valerie Jarrett

“What I love best about THE MAN I KNEWis the reader will be reintroduced to the funny, dear, generous—did I say funny?—father I adored. I am grateful to Jean Becker for sharing her stories from the 25 years she was my dad’s chief of staff. Even I heard a few things I didn’t know!” ―Doro Bush Koch

"Jean Becker was Poppy Bush’s very own beloved, personal Point of Light. And she remains the Keeper of the Flame for all those honored to be among 41’s Foxhole Buddies, who to a (wo)man credit the remarkable leader for their favorite memories, best attributes, and dedication to public service. In her highly skilled hands, Becker captures the unique history, humanity and humility of the man beloved by multi-generational legions across the political spectrum. THE MAN I KNEW offers readers an authentic, in-the-room, flesh and blood portraiture of a larger-than-life American hero in action, always steady at the helm in unsteady times, with critical lessons for our own turbulent times."―Mary Matalin

"With grace, wit, insight, and a loving but not uncritical eye, Jean Becker has given us a great gift: a moving, honest, and illuminating portrait of the final decades of one of the finest men in American history. This terrific book shows us that George H.W. Bush was always more complicated and more interesting than his public image, and Becker's first-hand report of his long and consequential post-presidency reminds us anew of how lucky America and the world were that the 41st President chose a life in the arena. THE MAN I KNEW is an invaluable addition to the canon of American presidential literature."

―Jon Meacham

“…whatever he accomplished in office, the elder Bush succeeded marvelously in the 26 years after he left.”―Kirkus

About the Author

Jean Becker was President George H.W. Bush's chief of staff for nearly twenty-five years, from March 1994 until his death on November 30, 2018.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Twelve (June 1, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 153873530X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538735305
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.32 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.5 x 9.3 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #438,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #995 in US Presidents
- #2,203 in Political Leader Biographies
- #13,142 in Memoirs (Books)

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lil boat

A Must Read!

Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023

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I lived through President George HW Busch’s Vice-presidency and Presidency. I admired him, but Wow! I wish I had known him like I do from reading this book. I feel like I’ve gained, and re-lost a best friend! What an amazing man. And Jean Becker weaves a delightful portrayal of him. She has the ability to describe him, so you feel like part of the family. And jealous that you missed it all. This is a book I will remember for a long time.

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Dava G.

Jean Becker's Book About 41 is a Treasure

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

Having known and loved President George H. W. Bush (41) Barbara Bush and the amazing Jean Becker, Jean's new book, "The Man I Knew," is a treasure. In each chapter, Jean tells behind-the-scenes stories of a man whose life was motivated by service and love. You will laugh and cry, and learn so much about a man that Jean spent 25 years working side-by-side as his chief of staff. President Bush, during his post-presidency, found moments of despair-going from the leader of the free world-to doing his own laundry, making his own cup of coffee and wondering what the next chapter of his life would be. It turned out to be quite a ride, and Jean takes us with her for some of the most interesting and unexpected moments over the past 25 years. Most of all, Jean's masterful story telling gives us a window into a man, not often seen by the general public. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican or Independent, you cannot help but admire President Bush for his passion, compassion, humor and love. Most of all this wonderful book gives us all a blueprint for how to live the best life possible, motivated by helping others and having a little fun along the way.

24 people found this helpful

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Linda M. Smith

Loved This Book

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023

Verified Purchase

This book was very well written. I enjoyed the stories so much as they showed President Bush's courage, humor, loyalty, and love for his family, friends, and country! I didn't want it to end.

One person found this helpful

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Cecilia Sims

A compelling story of a beautiful life well-lived

Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021

Verified Purchase

Jean Becker is a gifted writer and amazing storyteller. Over the course of 25+ years as President George H.W. Bush’s chief of staff, Jean grew to be one of the President’s dearest friends and his close confidant. The Man I Knew is simply the best book I’ve read in years. At times laugh-out-loud funny, at other times tearfully tender, but above all, always completely honest and real. Jean weaves hundreds of anecdotes gathered over her lengthy career with the Bush family into a coherent story of a senior American statesman who was loved and respected around the world. As Jean aptly explains, President Bush “41” left a blueprint for how we should all live our lives—with a deep love and respect for our fellow humans and with service to our communities and our world. Don’t be content to just read the rave reviews coming in. Read the book!

Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2023

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Take the time to read this wonderful book.

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Jason Denby

Incredible Glimpse Into the Life of a Former Leader

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

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.

11 people found this helpful

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JAB

A Life in Closing

Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2021

Verified Purchase

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 member of the greatest generation to serve in the nation’s highest office.

2 people found this helpful

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Bill

A Very Rare Man

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2021

Verified Purchase

GB41 was not just a POTUS, an ambassador to China, the head of the CIA, he was a wonderful human being that was very well loved by the world. Jean Becker tells many interesting stories about GB 41. Very personal stories that help the reader realize what a wonderful human being GB41 really was. She was with him for so many events, even though she was tired and would have rather gone home to rest. He always had some crazy idea that proved to be a fun and successful venture. Wonderful read about a beloved man.

One person found this helpful

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