Sisters First is the second book I read recently by Jenna Bush Hager, although this one is co-authored with her twin sister Barbara Bush. It centers on their wonderful sisterly relationship as they grew up in the spotlight as granddaughters and daughters of two US presidents.
Like Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Hager, Sisters First is thoughtful and sweet. Both Hager and Bush are witty writers, but they are also honest and vulnerable. They hold fond memories of their upbringing, their parents, their grandparents on both sides, and the many experiences they were afforded due to their family’s positions.
They also, however, do not shy away from the hardships they faced in the spotlight. The sisters discuss going through formative years (like college) with their faces in the tabloids, with secret servicemen tailing them, watching their father make difficult decisions and face criticism after the tragic events of 9/11, and more. I’m a very private person, and it is hard for me to even fathom living that kind of life. I could never have handled it, but the Bush sisters, with the support of their ever-loving and patient parents, managed to navigate it.
They recall tough situations and cruel comments directed at them and their family with grace and understanding. While they do not roll over and let gossip and rumors walk over them, they give the benefit of the doubt to the media, tabloids, press, and many people who acted as though they knew the two girls and the Bush family. It was inspiring to read. Not speaking badly about others is such a rare trait, it seems, and the Bush twins only have nice things to say about their family, their secret servicemen, the White House staff, and even members of the media they met.
They don’t focus too heavily on White House life, but they do discuss aspects of it which I found interesting. One particularly memorable moment is when one of them was seated next to the Russian president Vladimir Putin at dinner – What do you even talk about?
A number of letters and email correspondences from both the presidents are included in the book, as well as photographs. Reading letters from Gampy (President Bush Sr.) and from their dad was very moving. One letter in particular struck me; it’s written by President George Bush to his young adult daughters after declaring the “War on Terror” in the Middle East. It really humanized the man, showing him as a father first, guiding and reassuring his daughters even as he led the nation.
I wish they spent more time on life at the White House. That is always a fascinating subject to me, but they discussed other life stages and situations more heavily. Additionally, I felt as though there was no rhyme or reason in the order of their stories. We bounced around with childhood stories and college years and back to present day. I would have preferred more of a logical layout.
All in all, it was a light, enjoyable read that made me laugh and tear up (sister stories get to me, folks!). Their love and devotion to one another and their family remains inspiring and heartwarming. I wish we saw more of that dedication and selfless, supportive love in families, especially families in the spotlight.
Jessica
Copyright Jenna Bush Hager, Barbara Bush, and Grand Central Publishing.
What a delightful book! I’m always a sucker for a presidential eye-witness story. I’ll have to check this one out!