Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush

This book is not heavy reading but neither is it trivial.  The Bush twins are intelligent, thoughtful and well-adjusted; they have a balanced sense of who they are and where they stand on the spectrum of public figures.  They write about their relationship with one another and their experiences as members of an influential political family in a style that is personal and heartfelt without being gossipy or sentimental.

Of particular interest are their accounts of being in the public eye from a relatively young age when their grandfather, George H.W. Bush, became president.  Having a Secret Service detail when only eight years old is not exactly normal.  Both wrote entertaining, but, again, thoughtful descriptions of life as a twenty-something with agents always close by.  Other highlights were Barbara’s account of her dinner conversation with Vladimir Putin, Jenna’s account of meeting her husband, Barbara’s experience on 9/11, their insights into the calm disposition of Laura Bush, how they handled all the media coverage during their father’s presidency and the relationship they have with both their parents and four grandparents.  

We’ve been in Texas for six years.  I’m still convinced that I’m going to run into George or Laura Bush one day when I’m at the playground with my granddaughters.  I just know it.  Fortunately, now that I've read this book, I'll be able to jump right in and start a friendly conversation with them😊.