In time for election fever is this favorable look at how George W. Bush's faith has influenced his life and politics. Aikman, a former senior correspondent for Time magazine and the author of several books, including Great Souls, opens with Bush's startling 1999 declaration that the philosopher he most identified with was "Christ-because he changed my heart." A seasoned journalist, Aikman proceeds to methodically unpack Bush's spiritual journey, documenting important touchstones along the way, much as Stephen Mansfield did in his book, The Faith of George W. Bush, but without Mansfield's colorful detail. Aikman offers some Bush family history, examines his wayward years and details Bush's transformation from churchgoer to a Christian who internalized his faith. The tone is solidly pro-Bush, with quick jabs at the likes of Maureen Dowd and generous flattery for the Texan. Some information offered for context borders on filler, including almost three pages of Methodist church history (related to the Bushes' affiliation with that denomination in 1989-1995) and the text of a sermon Bush preached in 1999. And, although he spends time summarizing Bush's positions on everything from Israel to 9/11, Aikman fails to address Bush's controversial environmental policies, something Mansfield also neglected. Still, in an election year when voters want to see if Bush's spiritual rhetoric is more than just surface chatter, there's plenty of evidence here that the man is sincere in his faith.
Download and start listening now!
“In time for election fever is this favorable look at how George W. Bush’s faith has influenced his life and politics…In an election year when voters want to see if Bush's spiritual rhetoric is more than just surface chatter, there’s plenty of evidence here that the man is sincere in his faith.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Although Aikman, who is British, is an unexpected choice for narrating the story of an American president, this is a thorough Bush family biography.”
— AudioFile“In this spiritual biography of the President, Aikman, a former senior correspondent for Time, stresses the important role Bush’s strong faith has played in his life and the impact it has had on voters’ perceptions.”
— Library JournalBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
David Aikman is a former senior correspondent for Time magazine, for whom he has written numerous cover stories, including three “Man of the Year” profiles. He is the author of Great Souls, When the Almond Tree Blossoms, and Jesus in Beijing.