4.31

4

Apr 25, 2015

Regardless of your politics, there is a lot of great advice in Dana Perino's book. Yes, she's conservative. Yes, she's loyal to President Bush and his family. But if you can't overlook a person's politics to learn more about them and listen to what they have to say, then you're not going to get very far in life. And Perino addresses this in part of her book as a call for civility when dealing with opposite viewpoints. Her career advice is excellent for 20-somethings and applies to anyone, no Regardless of your politics, there is a lot of great advice in Dana Perino's book. Yes, she's conservative. Yes, she's loyal to President Bush and his family. But if you can't overlook a person's politics to learn more about them and listen to what they have to say, then you're not going to get very far in life. And Perino addresses this in part of her book as a call for civility when dealing with opposite viewpoints. Her career advice is excellent for 20-somethings and applies to anyone, no matter your political affiliation. The format of the book is slightly strange to me, however. The beginning is autobiographical, then the second half is advice. ...more

5

Apr 24, 2015

Good read

A good read from someone who has always shown grace and dignity in her endeavors. Many positive thoughts and insights from inside the bush w White House . Will miss his presidency with every day that we are without a leader.

0

Mar 18, 2015

Loved it! Not only because it was well-written and showed us the real, adorable Dana, but even more for her stories about George W. Bush. She shared many personal glimpses of the President being a warm, friendly human being that were so touching. People should hear more about that, and she told the stories in a respectful and honorable way. Great read, I highly recommend it.

1

May 21, 2016

It is truly shocking that this woman manages to tie her own shoes every day.

Just as a sample of her bizarre sense of writing:

1) Israel is misspelled as Isreal once
2) She refers to a meeting of "all Middle East countries" (you wouldn't say "all Asia countries" would you?)
3) A sentence later, "all Middle East" countries is revealed to be "all Arab" countries. Well, which is it? Not every country in the ME is Arab and not every Arab country is in the ME.
4) Author brags about how she doesn't like to It is truly shocking that this woman manages to tie her own shoes every day.

Just as a sample of her bizarre sense of writing:

1) Israel is misspelled as Isreal once
2) She refers to a meeting of "all Middle East countries" (you wouldn't say "all Asia countries" would you?)
3) A sentence later, "all Middle East" countries is revealed to be "all Arab" countries. Well, which is it? Not every country in the ME is Arab and not every Arab country is in the ME.
4) Author brags about how she doesn't like to speak "sanitary" words (no clue)
5) Author has never heard of the subjunctive tense

I honestly have no idea why I read this book. Perhaps I was hoping that it'd provide some insights into the Bush administration. Instead, all we learn is that "the media is so liberal and so mean", that Bush was great (without ever saying why). Oh, and that African-American kids tormented the author when she was a child plus her family made some money endorsing cigarettes (but it's ok, because it's "patriotic").

Other than that? She has passive-aggressive issues (giving reporters the finger while hiding her hand in the podium), impostor syndrome (never believes she's done anything to deserve her job), you have to see a wildfire with your own eyes to understand it's bad, and that the greatest piece of advice anyone told her was to "be an adult" (read as: put on your big girl panties) instead of panicking and crying when facing adversity.

The only plus to this book is that it's written without artifice - it's clear that she truly is a vapid individual with almost no depth, insight, or periods of self-reflection. ...more

5

Mar 09, 2015

Today I went to Dana's event in DC and got to meet her and take a picture with her. I love Dana. She is so nice and kind. She is a real role model. Very talented woman.

Anyways back to the book...
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Dana and got to learn a lot about her and hear some of her stories. Also there was amazing advice in here. This book is amazing for any type of person. There is something in it for everyone. My favorite parts where when she was talking about how she met her husband. Today I went to Dana's event in DC and got to meet her and take a picture with her. I love Dana. She is so nice and kind. She is a real role model. Very talented woman.

Anyways back to the book...
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Dana and got to learn a lot about her and hear some of her stories. Also there was amazing advice in here. This book is amazing for any type of person. There is something in it for everyone. My favorite parts where when she was talking about how she met her husband. Then also all of the advice in the book. Great life lessons.
...more

2

May 17, 2015

I enjoyed the book for it's stories of her time in the Bush White House and her special relationship with 43, but I also found it a little boring. I really like her and her upbeat attitude and willingness to be respectful of differing opinions. I also thought she did a good job as Press Secy. However, there wasn't a lot of depth in her personal journey - not because she had a fairly trouble-free upbringing - but her telling of it was disjointed.

4

May 05, 2015

I picked this book up for a fun "by the pool" read and I gobbled it down over the weekend. . .and at the Glenwood Springs Hot Spring Pool, no less! I am now eager for more White House staffers to write their memoirs because the glimpses into all of the arduous work, tender moments, silly antics and tensions that go on behind the scenes at the White House were so much more informative to me in terms of the climate, ethics and strategies of a particular administration than the slickly edited I picked this book up for a fun "by the pool" read and I gobbled it down over the weekend. . .and at the Glenwood Springs Hot Spring Pool, no less! I am now eager for more White House staffers to write their memoirs because the glimpses into all of the arduous work, tender moments, silly antics and tensions that go on behind the scenes at the White House were so much more informative to me in terms of the climate, ethics and strategies of a particular administration than the slickly edited snapshots the media makes available to those of us out here in fly-over country. I teared up several times and had to use my beach towel as a hanky; and I am almost embarrassed to confess that my biggest waterworks display came when Dana described Henry's death. I am a sucker for animal biographies and the inclusion of Henry's and Jasper's tales was a little bonus for me!

I knew in advance that I would enjoy more insight into W's presidency. Years ago, in the mid-90s when I began homeschooling my oldest daughter at the age of 4, we lived in Austin and I took her to the state capitol to watch the legislature in session. As long as we were there, I took her by Governor Bush's office to see if we could meet him and when he was not in the office that day, my daughter, Harmony, started to cry. The receptionist who broke the bad news took pity on us and invited Harmony into Governor Bush's office and let her sit in his chair at his desk and use one of his pens to write on some of his "official office paper." She was thrilled, and I was thrilled that she'd stopped crying in the governor's office! I knew Governor Bush had to be a very kind man if his office staff felt free to be so hospitable to unannounced visitors. Years later, Harmony and my other two children campaigned for W and heard him speak at a campaign rally. How could she not support the man who shared his "seat of power" with her little preschooler self? Dana's book was full of sweet stories like ours and I enjoyed learning about the many kind things W did for so many people.

I plan on giving this book as a gift when this year's round of graduation announcements start rolling in because the good conduct and career advice sprinkled throughout the book, coupled with the overt mentoring sections, make it very appropriate for kids entering college. ...more

4

Jun 11, 2015

I heard Dana speak at the Reagan Presidential Library. She was interviewed and was masterful in speaking. So eloquent and had so much poise. I bet she was an amazing press secretary.

The book is very well written. It is inspirational and I enjoyed learning more about Dana as well as some wonderful stories she told about President George W. Bush. Quick, informative read. Want to read some of the books she mentioned.

I really liked what she said about the decline of civility and the need for us to I heard Dana speak at the Reagan Presidential Library. She was interviewed and was masterful in speaking. So eloquent and had so much poise. I bet she was an amazing press secretary.

The book is very well written. It is inspirational and I enjoyed learning more about Dana as well as some wonderful stories she told about President George W. Bush. Quick, informative read. Want to read some of the books she mentioned.

I really liked what she said about the decline of civility and the need for us to be kinder and more respectful. She really tries to be civil. This subject really resonated with me. I think about comment sections on the internet where people name call and say horrible things to strangers because of a difference of opinion. ...more

3

Feb 13, 2019

3.5 It is always great to see nice people succeeding. As press secretary to George W. Bush and now on The Five on Fox news she writes how her down to earth upbringing in Wyoming and Colorado gave her the tools necessary. She shares her life lessons and mentoring skills to help the reader in their own quest for success. She laments the lack of civility in politics and life in general. Whether you agree with her conservative views or not the reader can take away thoughtful ideas and wisdom.

3

May 28, 2015

I saw an interview of Dana Perino on TV about this book, and the information about her early ranch life, her road to becoming the White House press secretary, and her charity, Minute Mentoring, led me to read this book. No matter your political affiliation, this is a very interesting read. I especially enjoyed the parts about her husband, her career advice for young women, and some of the behind the scenes political events. Unfortunately, much of the book stays on the surface. I found the on-air I saw an interview of Dana Perino on TV about this book, and the information about her early ranch life, her road to becoming the White House press secretary, and her charity, Minute Mentoring, led me to read this book. No matter your political affiliation, this is a very interesting read. I especially enjoyed the parts about her husband, her career advice for young women, and some of the behind the scenes political events. Unfortunately, much of the book stays on the surface. I found the on-air interview of her early life much more detailed than the general overview presented in writing. ...more

5

May 15, 2015

I really enjoyed Dana's perspective on the Bush administration and her positive outlook on life in general. She writes very conversationally, yet professionally, and made me feel like we could be friends if we ever met. Her advice to young professionals on job searches and protocols are spot on, and would be well-heeded by our Millennials. You don't have to be a conservative or Republican to enjoy this lovely memoir!

5

Jul 08, 2015

I'm not sure how I came to read this book, but I think the library site recommended it. In any case, it's a fabulous book. It's written the way a person would tell their own story...not in a straight line, but linear with various thoughts and interesting tidbits popping in.
Dana Perino was press secretary for President George W Bush, affectionately referred to as 43 and was the first female conservative press secretary. She clearly loved the man she worked for and I love the personal (loving I'm not sure how I came to read this book, but I think the library site recommended it. In any case, it's a fabulous book. It's written the way a person would tell their own story...not in a straight line, but linear with various thoughts and interesting tidbits popping in.
Dana Perino was press secretary for President George W Bush, affectionately referred to as 43 and was the first female conservative press secretary. She clearly loved the man she worked for and I love the personal (loving and thoughtful) look at life in the oval office.
I thoroughly enjoyed her bright and optimistic view of things and this was not blind optimism, but her true chosen view on life. She learned much from those around her and ultimately, wrote this book to pass on the great knowledge and experience she gained and could easily be applied to any career choice.
I truly hope to find more books of this nature and caliber regarding those working with other administrations, though I'm guessing that may be a challenge. It's a book written about Dana, by Dana, but sheds a beautiful and personal light on a man who is trying to lead our wonderful country.
***And added bonus no swearing, no smut! ...more

2

May 26, 2015

Who doesn't like Dana? The book though was just too sweet with not enough meat. I will still be a big fan of The Five but I wish I had downloaded a different book

5

May 07, 2015

A great book about a super woman

A must read for young people starting out in any profession. Heartwarming, informative, and entertaining, it captures the author and her approach to work and life. After having been a fan of Dana since her press secretary days, I was so glad to learn what had shaped her into what I believe is a role model for today's young adult.

4

Jul 02, 2015

What an Insightful Memoir

Dana Perino has written a wonderful memoir. As she wrote on page 65:
"Really, you would never have picked me out of a crowd and said, "She'll be the White House press secretary one day." And that's what makes America so great--one day you're sitting on a barnyard fence thinking you'll never leave home and the next thing you're sitting on Marine One with the President of the United States after his last visit with the Navy SEALs. God Bless America indeed."

I highly What an Insightful Memoir

Dana Perino has written a wonderful memoir. As she wrote on page 65:
"Really, you would never have picked me out of a crowd and said, "She'll be the White House press secretary one day." And that's what makes America so great--one day you're sitting on a barnyard fence thinking you'll never leave home and the next thing you're sitting on Marine One with the President of the United States after his last visit with the Navy SEALs. God Bless America indeed."

I highly recommend this book. It is worthy of your time and energy. ...more

5

Feb 26, 2015

I really loved this book. I enjoyed hearing her life story, career advice, and experiences that included positive interactions with Pres. Bush, Pres. Obama, and Vice President Biden, different world leaders, and many others. I loved hearing about her family and personal life and her path to success which culminated in her being the White House Press Secretary and how she moved on after it was over. I loved hearing her approach to politics and how she deals with being a conservative at a time I really loved this book. I enjoyed hearing her life story, career advice, and experiences that included positive interactions with Pres. Bush, Pres. Obama, and Vice President Biden, different world leaders, and many others. I loved hearing about her family and personal life and her path to success which culminated in her being the White House Press Secretary and how she moved on after it was over. I loved hearing her approach to politics and how she deals with being a conservative at a time when it isn't the most popular ideology. I think she was gracious to republicans and democrats alike in the book. It contains excellent career advice for anyone; regardless of their political leanings, gender, or chosen career path. Most of all I loved her optimistic take on things and the light and happy feel to the book. I'll probably read it again and again. ...more

5

Jun 08, 2015

“From her years as the presidential press secretary to her debates with colleagues on Fox News’ THE FIVE, Dana Perino reveals the lessons she’s learned that have guided her through life, kept her level-headed, and led to her success, ever in the face of adversity.

Thoughtful, inspiring, and often surprising, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS….traces Dana Perino’s unlikely journey through politics and television. It’s a remarkable American story-made up of equal parts determination and clear-eyed optimism.”

We “From her years as the presidential press secretary to her debates with colleagues on Fox News’ THE FIVE, Dana Perino reveals the lessons she’s learned that have guided her through life, kept her level-headed, and led to her success, ever in the face of adversity.

Thoughtful, inspiring, and often surprising, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS….traces Dana Perino’s unlikely journey through politics and television. It’s a remarkable American story-made up of equal parts determination and clear-eyed optimism.”

We often watch television personalities and judge them superficially. How wrong can one be?! I was quick to judge, believe me! Whatever your political view, you will enjoy getting to know this intelligent, insightful, and inspiring woman, Dana Perino. From her simple upbringing by loving parents, their life in Wyoming, her summers on her grandparents' ranch, Dana learned wonderful lessons about family values and service. She and her sister, Angie, loved working on the ranch, gathering eggs from the hen house and waking up before the sun rose and going to bed at sunset.

Dana’s father was a ranch hand, but he was the first Perino to graduate from college, having a successful career as a human resources manager. Her mother went to college, also, and worked in various medical jobs, which included managing hospice care for dying patients. Her father’s career took the family to Denver, Colorado, but she still cherishes the memories of summers on her grandparents’ ranch in Wyoming.

From avid reader to news junkie, Dana was bright and an early achiever. She attended the University of Denver and was a great success on the gymnastics team as well as on the debating team. She believes a childhood visit to Washington was the beginning of her dream to work there.

A complex set of situations led her to her first job in Washington as a Congressional assistant to U.S. Representative Scott McInnis, (R-CO) Dana realized during that period that she was a Republican, with values of limited government, personal responsibility, and a strong national defense.

With a strong work ethic, staying true to her values, and maintaining and forming a broad network throughout her many jobs in Washington, she was finally offered the prestigious job of Press Secretary to President George Bush. She was the first Republican woman to ever hold that position. Dana reveals much about her insecurities, how she learned from her mistakes, and she talks about the importance of respecting others, as well as the lost art of civility to everyone, even when you disagree with them. She tells so many fascinating stories that you’ll find this book hard to put down. Her revealing story of “love at first sight” with a stranger on an airplane hasn’t ended. Her marriage to Peter, their life from England to California, then to Washington shows that taking chances often makes for the best outcomes.

You’ll find And the Good News Is…..an inspiring read, and you’ll learn Dana’s tips to success in both your personal and professional life.
...more

5

Apr 04, 2018

What a wonderful Audio book. She is probably the nicest and most human person in politics.

3

May 16, 2018

Worth a look if you love Dana, but this book has too many “memoir cliches” for my taste. I would have gladly skipped over parts — I don’t care to hear where her grandparents were born, or what her dog is like. Only chapters 5, 6, and 7 contain advice. The rest of it is her life story.

I understand that as a Press Secretary she’s supposed to defend the President, but she’s almost blindingly loyal to Bush. There seriously isn’t even one slightly negative word about him in the book. She puts him on Worth a look if you love Dana, but this book has too many “memoir cliches” for my taste. I would have gladly skipped over parts — I don’t care to hear where her grandparents were born, or what her dog is like. Only chapters 5, 6, and 7 contain advice. The rest of it is her life story.

I understand that as a Press Secretary she’s supposed to defend the President, but she’s almost blindingly loyal to Bush. There seriously isn’t even one slightly negative word about him in the book. She puts him on a pedestal, and I’d prefer to hear a more realistic account.

...more

4

Jan 09, 2018

Great looking back at the W years from her perspective. Also some fabulous advice and pointers for staying grounded, that if read by millennials would probably help them in their careers! Good read, especially at the resolution time of year!

5

Jan 13, 2018

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise as I got this book by chance. The author is clearly smart, articulate, impressive, very admirable and wise beyond her years. There is some great advice at the end and some good stories and lessons learned for professional women. Very good read.

5

Apr 22, 2015

Dana, congratulations. There's a reason this book is #1...it's interesting, it's full of life lessons, and you are one classy lady!

I'm a little older than the author but in many ways her childhood reminds me of my own. I didn't grow up on a ranch, but I did grow up in a small town near the Wyoming border. On our way home from college (Creighton University to Craig, CO) my twin sister and I got stranded in Rawlins, WY during a blizzard where Dana's grandparents lived.

I relate to Dana's upbringing Dana, congratulations. There's a reason this book is #1...it's interesting, it's full of life lessons, and you are one classy lady!

I'm a little older than the author but in many ways her childhood reminds me of my own. I didn't grow up on a ranch, but I did grow up in a small town near the Wyoming border. On our way home from college (Creighton University to Craig, CO) my twin sister and I got stranded in Rawlins, WY during a blizzard where Dana's grandparents lived.

I relate to Dana's upbringing where she felt both freedom and protection from being surrounded by people of good character. I agree with her sense of personal responsibility, hard work ethic, and taking ownership for the way you talk to others even if you disagree.

These are my favorite types of books to read: Ones where you can follow a little breadtrail to see how one life experience leads to another to another to another. As a counselor, adjunct professor, author and voracious reader, I enjoy hearing about people experiences and trusting God is working out a plan, even when times are hard.

This book would make a perfect graduation gift!
...more

5

Jul 09, 2015

I really enjoyed this book. Being a young women she is someone I have greatly started to look up to. She is incredibly educated and runs her life from this stand point which I think is so important. She talks about everything from her early life, to press secretary of the bush administration, to anchoring the five. Her stories are really great and she does give some really unsightly advice. She did a fabulous job writing without shoving a political agenda down your throat and really shows sides I really enjoyed this book. Being a young women she is someone I have greatly started to look up to. She is incredibly educated and runs her life from this stand point which I think is so important. She talks about everything from her early life, to press secretary of the bush administration, to anchoring the five. Her stories are really great and she does give some really unsightly advice. She did a fabulous job writing without shoving a political agenda down your throat and really shows sides that you never see of her careers. ...more

5

Jul 22, 2015

Dana Perino chronicles her life as the White House Press Secretary under the Bush administration. With class and style she provides valuable insights for women in government and business, while providing heartwarming and sometimes tearful glimpses of the personal lives of Washington's civil servants. I laughed, cried and cheered her on as she made difficult decisions that changed the course of her personal life and career. This work has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with being Dana Perino chronicles her life as the White House Press Secretary under the Bush administration. With class and style she provides valuable insights for women in government and business, while providing heartwarming and sometimes tearful glimpses of the personal lives of Washington's civil servants. I laughed, cried and cheered her on as she made difficult decisions that changed the course of her personal life and career. This work has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with being authentic and true to yourself. ...more

2

May 04, 2015

2.5. It's very sporadic and sometimes the details she chooses to share are minutiae that -sorry! - I just don't care about. This is especially true with her early life. Though this sounds harsh, I just don't think she's famous enough to be sharing that level of detail about her younger years. I picked up this book to learn more about the Bush administration and felt the subject was rather glossed over.