Book Review – Decision Points by George W. Bush

You can tell my life has been busy. It took me 3+ months to finish a book I got for Christmas! However, that should not reflect on the quality of the book. Decision Points by former US president George W. Bush is considered his memoirs. The book recounts President Bush’s early political career, but focuses on the major decisions (i.e. decision points) throughout his eight years in the White House.


Regardless of how you feel politically about George W. Bush (and he was certainly an unpopular president at the end of his second term), Decision Points gives a fascinating look into how decisions are made by a US president. It seems every presidency is somewhat of an adventure. No 4-year span can pass in American history without significant incidents that must be addressed by the President. Decision Points was especially insightful because of the magnitude of events that occurred during the two-term presidency of George W. Bush. Decision Points gives the most inside view of the disputed election with Al Gore, 9-11-2001, Katrina, the fiscal crisis, and several other key happenings during President Bush’s presidency. It also recounts President Bush’s pre-presidential life. I found it refreshing that President Bush was able to discuss his now-famous early life issues (drinking, partying, etc.). Throughout the book Bush was also able to point out mistakes made during his time in office. One common criticism that the left through at President Bush while in office was that he never admitted mistakes. In this book he admits them, as well as explains why he would never admit mistakes while in office!

Even though I may not have agreed with every decision that President Bush made, while reading I found myself respecting the thought process he went through to come to his decisions. The book clears up some of his decisions by providing inside information that was not available to the public at the time.

President Bush will be a president that will have to be judged by history. I believe time will vindicate many of the actions President Bush took as president. Note that as I write this Syria is in the middle of a public uprising in the name of liberty. Libya is involved in a fight for freedom from a despot. Egypt similarly erupted before that. Don’t think it’s a coincidence that these events occurred next door to a free Iraq. The story is yet to be written, but history may shine upon the liberation of Iraq as a turning point in the quest for freedom and stability in the Middle East. Time will tell, but I have to believe that the conviction of George W. Bush had a hand in the current events in the Middle East.

I’ve read President Obama’s books. I will read his 3rd book which he will certainly write at the conclusion of his presidency. People with an open mind will likely find the memoirs of both men worthwhile. My only hope is that President Obama’s memoirs are released in 2013 rather than 2017.