Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors

Written by George W. Bush, Laura Bush and General Peter Pace

Narrated by George W. Bush

*This audiobook download includes a bonus full-color PDF of all of the portraits and murals featured in the book.

A vibrant collection of oil paintings and stories by President George W. Bush honoring the sacrifice and courage of America’s military veterans.  With forewords written and read by former First Lady Laura Bush and General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 
 
Growing out of President Bush’s own outreach and the ongoing work of the George W. Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together sixty-six full-color portraits and a four-panel mural painted by President Bush of members of the United States military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11—and whom he has come to know personally.  
 
Our men and women in uniform have faced down enemies, liberated millions, and in doing so showed the true compassion of our nation. Often, they return home with injuries—both visible and invisible—that intensify the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. In addition to these burdens, research shows a civilian-military divide. Seventy-one percent of Americans say they have little understanding of the issues facing veterans, and veterans agree: eighty-four percent say that the public has "little awareness" of the issues facing them and their families.
 
Each painting in this meticulously produced hardcover volume is accompanied by the inspiring story of the veteran depicted, written by the President. Readers can see the faces of those who answered the nation’s call and learn from their bravery on the battlefield, their journeys to recovery, and the continued leadership and contributions they are making as civilians. It is President Bush’s desire that these stories of courage and resilience will honor our men and women in uniform, highlight their family and caregivers who bear the burden of their sacrifice, and help Americans understand how we can support our veterans and empower them to succeed. 
 
 
President Bush will donate his net author proceeds from PORTRAITS OF COURAGE to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative works to ensure that post-9/11 veterans and their families make successful transitions to civilian life with a focus on gaining meaningful employment and overcoming the invisible wounds of war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524757519

[vtlucania · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book because it shows that there is a possibility to carve a new niche for your life regardless of age. Don't get me wrong, I know being a former president helps make the transition easier but I am being positive and believing it can happen for us all. GW is donating the proceeds from the sale of these books to Veterans so can't be mad about that. In addition to seeing portraits of soldiers, you are able to learn about them as people. Regardless of how you feel about GW, this is an excellent foray into art and literature.

[knightlight777 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had mixed emotions in reading this book. First I was honored to get to know these brave Americans who sacrificed so much for all of us and our country. There is not enough we can do to repay them for their service. The portraits by President Bush were good and expressed so much and a lot of that was the pain and suffering these veterans went through at so many levels.

The healing was evident also in the participation of the programs like the involving the biking and golfing through the Bush foundation. The President is to be commended for his active roll in reaching out to these deserving individuals in the help they need.

On the other hand I could not help but feel that so much of the suffering that was illustrated here could have been prevented had we looked closer at the consequence of launching this never ending war that has seemed to resolve so little. But that is open for debate by historians of the future. For now we have to provide what we can to assist in the rebuilding of these lives and that is for all of us to attend to.

[mikebiever · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The mental and moral qualities of an individual. If this defines character, then the examples presented by former President George W. Bush #43 are a collection of character exemplified. American soldiers who have given so much in mental anguish and physical injuries, painted and their story presented let us know that some sacrifice much for the better of others. Yet, these men and women, rise above victimization and the hardship placed upon them. It should remind us all, that life is precious and lives can be turned-around. Let us not forget the men and women whom this book represents. And, let us not forget the character of the President who gave it to us.

[jpsnow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's always interesting to see what presidents do after their term in office. George W. has been less in the public eye than some of his peers, but he's clearly been working on something impressive and noble. Portraits in Courage showcases dozens of American service men and women through portraits painted by Bush himself, along with a brief bio for each subject. The stories often demonstrate the commitment and sacrifice exemplified by these American heroes, many of whom have prevailed through lost limbs, stress disorders and other harms. I'm no art critic, but I found the portraits modern and emotional. This book is a worthy sequel to Bush's presidency. Regardless of your politics, it would be hard to read this without being moved and inspired by the stories within.