SELF-HELP

Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice (That Go a Long Way)

by Barbara Bush

Twelve: Grand Central. Mar. 2020. 256p. ISBN 9781538734940. $22. SELF-HELP

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Jean Becker, the ghostwriter of this book, worked for former first lady Barbara Bush (1925–2018) in a variety of roles from 1993 to 2018. She put together this tribute containing excerpts from Bush’s diaries, notes from her family members, and a collection of anecdotes from aides, historians, and family friends. The entries are grouped into categories, such as friends, family, and the importance of reading, and contain everything from minding one’s manners (e.g., looking someone in the eyes when meeting them) to having a positive attitude (e.g., always be grateful).

VERDICT A pithy book that packs a wallop of information and lots of laughs, this is a perfect gift for fans of the former first lady.

Reviewed by Deborah Bigelow , Mar 01, 2020

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