A quicker read than I would have assumed, this book does a lot of its story telling through vignettes and captions. Many more gaps in Bush's life are filled by captions that I would have anticipated. That being said, it is still a fairly enjoyable read with a lot of personal detail that is hard to find in other places. Definitely worth checking out.

This book is well researched and written. It gives an overview of the life of President George Herbert Walker Bush. It is meant as a companion book to the author's more detailed biography of Bush. It contains over 400 pictures of the President throughout his life and I got as much from the photo captions as I did from the overview in each chapter. A good addition to anyone interested in Presidential biographies.

“The Call to Serve” by Jon Mechanical honors the 41st president of the United States, George Bush. The inspiration of this photo collection is taken from Mecham’s biography of Bush. Regardless of one’s politics, the ethos of The Greatest Generation was strong in Bush and that merits honor. And Mecham honors the man well. Thank you to #netgalley and #randomhouse for the opportunity to preview this book.

A Call to Serve was published in honor of George H. W. Bush's 100 anniversary of his birth. I have not read Mr. Meacham's biography Destiny of Power, so found this book informative and have a new appreciation for the former President. Even if you have read Destiny of Power, I think you would still enjoy this book for over the 450 pictures. Now want to read Destiny of Power.

A beautiful and fitting tribute to a wonderful man. Well written, easy to follow, and an incredible story and insight. I enjoyed every moment of it!

In observance of President George H.W. Bush’s 100th birthday historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author Jon Meacham has written “The Call to Serve.” The book combines material from Meacham’s 2015 extensive biography of President Bush, “Destiny and Power” with family photos, campaign memorabilia, and mementos from the Bush family and Pres. Bush’s Presidential Library and Museum in Texas. As the book’s title implies, the focus is on Bush’s long and storied career in the military, in business, and in politics and his desire to serve his country, his family, and the Republican Party throughout his life, starting as a young pilot in World War II and finishing as a quiet counselor to men who succeeded him as President.
I found “The Call to Serve” entertaining and nostalgic. President George Herbert Walker Bush was the product of a different time, our last president of the World War II generation. He was by no means perfect, but he sought to do good for his country and its people, even as he worked through political firestorms and global changes and power struggles.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advance copy for review.

This is the book that America needs and George H.W. Bush deserves. For Americans, to read this book is to read about a true stateman, a humble leader, and a man of conviction. This is not to say that Bush's life and presidency where without faults, nor is it a declaration that those faults should not be interacted with. Rather, he provides an example for several traits that seem to be sorely lacking in American society, especially by people of influence today. For Bush, it explores his personality and his character better than other books about him. To be fair, history is just starting to grapple with his legacy as president and as public servant, but Meacham's work sets a high bar.
Critics may see this book as hagiography, but they cannot deny the true essence of personality that comes across in these pages. The book takes the best traits of biography and combines it with great photography and historical analysis.
The greatest takeaway from this book is that Bush, through Meacham's writing, can be used as a roadmap for future servants to the cause of Americans and American democracy.
A personal note: if you haven't read Destiny and Power, it may be worthwhile to read this first, and then follow up with that book. This book distills the essential story from that larger work.

The Call to Serve illustrates the breadth of service and dedication that George H.W. Bush had for the United States of America. The narrative and captions written by Jon Meacham provide color to a man who many did not appreciate until years after his government service came to an end. Readers of all party affiliations should consider this book a must-read when it comes out this summer.