Baker, Peter C.

Despite the intense subject matter, Baker avoids melodrama in this relatively brief novel, and some expected confrontations never occur, which will frustrate some readers and relieve others.

Indispensable reading for anyone interested in late 20th-century U.S. politics.

A worthwhile purchase. ["Throughout this lengthy book, readers may wish for more narrative and less reporting…. Even so, this is our fullest portrait yet of the Bush presidency, so relevant collections should include it," read the review of the Doubleday hc, LJ 10/15/13.]

Baker is strongest on the administration's second term, when his own White House tour of duty began. Throughout this lengthy book, readers may wish for more narrative and less reporting. There are so many quotations from so many sources, with many abrupt changes of scene and context. Even so, this is our fullest portrait yet of the Bush presidency, so relevant collections should include it.