This biography of 2000 presidential candidate George W. Bush came out too early for any mention of rival John McCain and the primary fight, but it does provide the basic facts of Bush's life. The text is straightforward, but Bush does not come off particularly well. For instance, after Bush's oil business failed, Harken Oil & Gas "stepped in with a sweet deal," and Bush went to work for Harken, whose owner said it was worth the considerable salary to get "the son of the vice president of the United States." Cohen does portray Bush as extremely popular and personable, if not particularly experienced. This slim biography is bolstered by numerous color photographs, many portraying Bush with his immediate and extended family. If Bush wins, there will be more complete biographies, but libraries needing material before the election will find this an easily read stop-gap book.
