Journal Entry 1 by tranq1 from Tampa, Florida USA on Thursday, August 12, 2010

Inside the Bush White House. 

Journal Entry 2 by tranq1 at Tampa, Florida USA on Thursday, August 12, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (8/12/2010 UTC) at Tampa, Florida USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Putting in Marysgirl's Non-fiction Bookbox. 

Journal Entry 3 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Friday, February 18, 2011

Oops - I could have sworn I journaled this book as caught. I'm so sorry! I did choose this book from Mary'sgirl's Non-Fiction Bookbox, it is just the type of book I like. 

Journal Entry 4 by JudySlump612 at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Friday, February 18, 2011

I liked this better than I expected, and in different ways than I expected - how very refreshing! To begin with McClellan grew up with the understanding that government is everyone's game, and that it's only as good as the people are willing to make it be. His mother was a successful officeholder who encouraged her children's interest - there's a cute picture of little Scottie, age 4, reaching up to put his ballot in a cardboard box his mother made. By sixth grade he was winning elections as student council president. He was lucky enough to find his strength early, and smart enough to stay with it.

What I hoped for, and did find, was a rich treasure of behind-the-scenes detail about the work of the Press Secretary. Any other political junkie will enjoy this as much as I did. There's a lot of material about his interactions with Karl Rove, and here's where I suspect he had a lawyer perched on his shoulder as he wrote. Because he praises Rove carefully for his political effectiveness, which nobody could deny, and then restricts himself to factual statements of what Rove said and when, who he met with and when, and so forth. On his feelings when it became clear that Rove had been lying to him for years, he says nothing. Similarly, he gave his total personal loyalty to Bush, early on in Texas, and it never wavered. Near the end of the book, he states his conviction that Bush had always been honest with him, and then regretfully, that the same was not true of Cheney. Very restrained, and at least mostly true.

I also approved strongly of McClellan's belief in the political system, and his instinct always to seek out the honorable course. This country would be in better shape if there were more people like him. He concludes with a chapter on what he sees as ways to reduce the negative and divisive outlook all too common, and with the high quality of his mind and experience, he's got good ideas. And how many people even try for something that difficult yet valuable?

But that's just one person's opinion. What do YOU think about this book? I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did, then take the time to post your thoughts here - it's free, and you can be anonymous if you like. When you're done with it, please leave it in some public place so it can continue its journey. Everyone should have the fun of finding a free book! 

Journal Entry 5 by JudySlump612 at Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia USA on Saturday, April 16, 2011

Released 1 yr ago (4/16/2011 UTC) at Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Placed on the 'Local Interest' Book Buffet