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aejohnson85's review against another edition
4.0
As many other reviewers have stated, I found the first half of this book engaging - Alice's childhood and her courtship with Charlie were wonderful, but I unfortunately found the book bogged down once Alice and Charlie were married. Because the book covers all 61 years of Alice's life, many events are skimmed over (happen "off page")...I would have liked to read more about how Charlie became governor and the presidential campaign and how that affected their relationship!
Interestingly enough, I had no idea the book was based on Laura Bush's life when I picked it up from the library. However, the beginning note to readers and the White House section made it very clear that Charlie was loosely based on George W. Bush. I looked up Laura's life just to see how closely American Wife mirrored her life and I was shocked to see how many events were borrowed for this novel!
Overall, an interesting character study!
Interestingly enough, I had no idea the book was based on Laura Bush's life when I picked it up from the library. However, the beginning note to readers and the White House section made it very clear that Charlie was loosely based on George W. Bush. I looked up Laura's life just to see how closely American Wife mirrored her life and I was shocked to see how many events were borrowed for this novel!
Overall, an interesting character study!
lblattttt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
maiajanssen's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
katnipreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lavi23's review against another edition
I am not American, I don‘t care about Laura Bush, and I normally don‘t feel troubled by sex scenes, but I don‘t know, reading a fictionalized version of someone who is still alive that includes wild sex scenes- I find that off-putting. If you want to write a dramatic story make it up about fictional characters.
yukonalaska's review against another edition
Love love loved that the story covered the meandering journey for protagonist as opposed to covering “exciting” parts of husband’s political career.
olivia15's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
georgiahi's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I had no idea I was so interested in a fictionalized Laura Bush, but I was captivated my this one.