GW’s Official Reading List
Bush’s Official Reading List, and a Racy Omission
If you ask the White House what President Bush is reading these days, the press office will call back with the official list:
“His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis
“Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow
The Bible
What the official list omits is Tom Wolfe’s racy new beer- and sex-soaked novel, “I Am Charlotte Simmons.” The president, a fan of Mr. Wolfe, has not only read the book but also is enthusiastically recommending it to friends.
It is unclear exactly what Mr. Bush liked so much about the book, which is told from the point of view of Charlotte Simmons, a young woman from the God-fearing backwoods of North Carolina who is the first in her family to go to college. Charlotte, who is at first shocked by the booze and debauchery she encounters at Mr. Wolfe’s Dupont University, modeled on Duke among others, eventually succumbs in a chapter-long deflowering scene at the hands of a drunken fraternity rat. Then she sinks into depression.
Does Mr. Bush like the book because it is a journey back to his keg nights at Deke, or because it offers a glimpse into the world of his daughters’ generation? Or does he like the writing? Or is it all of the above?
Some folks want to make such a big deal about this sort of thing, which is ridiculous. GW has read all of Mr. Wolfe’s books which means he likes the style of writing and finds the stories interesting. I’m going to pick up this book and see what Mr. Wolfe’s writings are all about. I’m always looking for new authors to read – - and one loved by GW can’t be bad.
February 7, 2005 - 09:00 AM on February 7th, 2005
Or maybe GWB is a loyal reader of the author and those he is speaking to have also read Wolf’s books? Gee
February 7, 2005 - 09:33 AM on February 7th, 2005
I bought this book a few weeks ago and haven’t gotten around to starting it. Now I definitely will!
February 7, 2005 - 10:24 AM on February 7th, 2005
How many people will go directly to the deflowering chapter now?
February 7, 2005 - 10:26 AM on February 7th, 2005
3,
This has been by far a massive critical failure for Wolfe, perhaps the worst of his career. I haven’t read it, perhaps the critics are wrong.
ouch
February 7, 2005 - 10:29 AM on February 7th, 2005
3- Walter, I would expect nothing less from you:wink::lol: How true!
February 7, 2005 - 10:29 AM on February 7th, 2005
Frankly, I prefer the Nero Wolfe novels written by Rex Stout.
February 7, 2005 - 01:23 PM on February 7th, 2005
3, Not me; I’m pure and innocent
February 7, 2005 - 01:30 PM on February 7th, 2005
3 – I’ll be racing home to pick up the book where it was collecting dust on the coffee table.
February 7, 2005 - 01:35 PM on February 7th, 2005
7. Yeah, we know, Lee, sweet, innocent, and never been kissed. Yeah! Sure! You Betcha! (Said in a Sweedish Accent)
February 7, 2005 - 01:41 PM on February 7th, 2005
K! You can read me a bedtime story then!
PCD – Ssshh, K’s listening
February 8, 2005 - 07:39 AM on February 8th, 2005
I just finished reading the book, and as a big fan of Wolfe, I would recommend this book to any adult. The book touches on the underbelly of the “University”, the social class systems, the student athlete programs, the need to fit in and be accepted, and the struggle to maintain individuality. It is written from the viewpoint of an innocent girl seeing it and experiencing it all. Though racy and disturbing at times, it is also touching and insightful, humorous and fun. if you can handle the way college students talk today, F this and F that, you can handle the book. When I heard it was on the top of GW’s reading list, I was not shocked, but proud that we have a President who can still kick back and read for pleasure.
February 8, 2005 - 09:13 AM on February 8th, 2005
11 – thanks! i am excited to read it. it’s so big, it’s overwhelming – i keep thinking i won’t find the time.
February 8, 2005 - 09:17 AM on February 8th, 2005
Wolfe is a conservative in many ways and this book relects that. He has fallen out of favor with the chic people as a result. I love it that Bush is such a sophistocated guy – I bet the press are dismayed!
February 8, 2005 - 10:10 AM on February 8th, 2005
The media just gave Wolfe free advertisement… I bet his sales double.
February 8, 2005 - 10:30 AM on February 8th, 2005
It’s at 15 on Amazon now…we’ll see if it goes up.
February 8, 2005 - 11:03 AM on February 8th, 2005
15- I may need to pick it up!:grin:
February 8, 2005 - 11:11 AM on February 8th, 2005
16 – If I ever finish it I could send it to you!
February 8, 2005 - 11:12 AM on February 8th, 2005
Good morning, all. Sorry I’ve been gone so long. I missed you guys.
February 8, 2005 - 11:14 AM on February 8th, 2005
We missed you too!:grin:
February 8, 2005 - 11:15 AM on February 8th, 2005
Sorry I’m late, Navysis. Long night as you already know.
February 8, 2005 - 11:17 AM on February 8th, 2005
Yeah, it’s ok. Just reading the stuff I missed in here.:grin:
February 8, 2005 - 11:18 AM on February 8th, 2005
I’m now trying to get the electric and gas switched over to my name from hers because it’s only a matter of time befor the heartless wench has them shut off on me.
February 8, 2005 - 11:22 AM on February 8th, 2005
Now, now! She is the mother of your children! I’m sure it will work out!:grin:
February 8, 2005 - 11:22 AM on February 8th, 2005
22 – Sorry to hear Snatch. Are you going to try to join us this summer?
Thanks for reminding me – I need to get the electric switched into my name as well!
February 8, 2005 - 11:22 AM on February 8th, 2005
21 – It’s not as hard to catch up like it was in the days of shiloh.
February 8, 2005 - 11:29 AM on February 8th, 2005
K, did you get the email I sent you?
February 8, 2005 - 11:32 AM on February 8th, 2005
yep
February 8, 2005 - 11:33 AM on February 8th, 2005
alrighty then
February 8, 2005 - 11:37 AM on February 8th, 2005
24–
I’m damn sure gonna try, K.
February 8, 2005 - 11:42 AM on February 8th, 2005
Hey snatch, you have to read the posts where shiloh was ousted! He was harrassing K and Peejz to no end!:grin:
February 8, 2005 - 11:44 AM on February 8th, 2005
23–
Yeah, she told me she hated me last night. I’m not sure how good things are going to work out….but at least I have the electric taken care of.
Time to go for the gas….oh yeah, remind me to call up my landlord and have her name taken off the lease, ok?
February 8, 2005 - 11:46 AM on February 8th, 2005
30–
What’s the post, Navysis? That sounds like an it might be an interesting read.
February 8, 2005 - 11:46 AM on February 8th, 2005
31- I’m sorry to hear that! hey is that # your home or cell?
February 8, 2005 - 11:48 AM on February 8th, 2005
It’s a temporary cell I have right now, but don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated as things change.:wink:
February 8, 2005 - 11:53 AM on February 8th, 2005
31 – You’ll probably have to go to the landlord together and both sign a release. At least, that’s what we had to do a few months back.
February 8, 2005 - 11:53 AM on February 8th, 2005
34- Ok, sounds good!:grin: