Library Journal Review

HBO and director Roth (The Wonder of It All) present a sympathetic video memoir of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States. Family pictures and films help tell the story, which is set against the backdrop of the Bush estate at Kennebunkport, ME. Viewers encounter the president during his childhood, then his service in World War II, his meeting wife Barbara and starting a family (including the loss of a child), and his involvement in the oil business. The film then covers his roles as ambassador to China, CIA director, vice president to Ronald Reagan, and Commander in Chief. Bush makes several interesting remarks on the restraint taken following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square confrontation. He also recounts the decision to enter into the First Iraq War. The program closes with the recounting of Bush's life after leaving the presidency and the pride exhibited on George W. Bush's election to the office. VERDICT Little new information about Bush the president or the man appears, nor is there critical analysis of his public life. Instead, the viewer sees a warm and fuzzy picture of the man, which may appeal to those supportive of Bush's politics.--Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.