Witness to Dignity is a well written book by Russell Levenson, Jr. I am a huge fan of reading books about other's lives. I loved reading about the faith of former President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara. I was born in the early 80's so I remember his presidency very well. Getting a glimpse into their lives and seeing how sweet their relationship was heartwarming. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

This is a really sweet look at George H.W. and Barbara Bush. I well remember (as much as a child of the '80s-'90s can :D) H.W.'s presidency; writing him a letter and getting a signed picture back (still have it somewhere!); and wishing I was old enough to vote!

So, a lot of nostalgia with this read--as well as admiration. I learned a lot about their faith and how they strove to live it out each day in very, very tough jobs. It helped put many things in perspective, and challenged me to live out my faith as well--in every aspect of life. If it can't (or doesn't) impact all areas of life, is it true, deep, abiding faith?

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The author started this book by describing his internal debate about writing this book when there are so many books and stories out about George and Barbara Bush...what more could be added? But the idea stuck with him as needing to be written...and I am so glad he did. I have read quite a few books about George H W Bush- 41, the Man I knew, and now this...and this one is a different perspective and adds new insight to his character and that of Barbara Bush through the lens of faith...and I think that perspective is so needed. In the news, it was recently revealed that church attendance is at an all time low and I have to admit its been a good decade since my husband and I had a church home, even though we are believers, because it's hard to reconcile everything and the blatant hypocrisy happening. So, reading this perspective and how George and Barbara Bush lived out their faith, with such an authenticity and commitment to God's command to love God AND love their neighbor, it was beautiful to read and renewed my hope that maybe....the church can get back to THIS. And the ending of the book describing their last moments, honestly, I shed so many tears. It was poignant and thought provoking. Honestly, this is a must read for all who wish to be encouraged by stories of faith in action and further insight into the characters of George and Barbara Bush. Well done!
Thank you #NetGalley and Center Street Publishing for the ARC.

I loved reading this one. As it dives into the lives of George and Barbara Bush by someone who knew them. Their Reverend Russell Jones. It was nice to see them through someone else’s eye. Who isn’t related to them.

I absolutely loved this book. The Bush family remains one of my favorites but specifically George H. W. Bush and Barbara. It's nice to have this inside look in their lives.

I have always held President George H. W. Bush with a lot of respect and was hence keen to read this book.

Reverend Russell Jones Levenson as the rector of a Houston Church, knew the 41st US President and Barbara Bush were well. This is a book about how they lived their lives with faith always being the cornerstone. They were regular church goers and lived the values of generosity, humility, service & caring through their lives. President Bush often spoke of how he wished for a kind & caring nation. I also remember that when he was not re-elected, he left office with a lot of grace. His presidency was very eventful with the Gulf War and the unification of Germany. The book also recounts how the President was particular about a just war – and he did bring together a robust coalition and it was a swift war which achieved its objectives. Reverend Levenson recounts many episodes with them including the time he was with them in their final moments – first with Barbara and then the 41st President. These sections bring alive the emotions of the time.

I wish there had been more experiences in the book with the Bush family, nevertheless, I suppose the most important ones are recounted and I loved reading them. The philosophical musings in the later sections had a nice touch, but felt very literal. Overall, this is an important book providing insights into the strong values of a wonderful couple.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Witness to Dignity, isn't about politics, it is about the faith and love that George and Barbara had. Their faith was their foundation, their way of life, and Russell Levenson, Jr, shares with us, that part of their journey. He tells it through their stories, their moments, and their love, for each other, their family and friends, and the people around the world, who connected with them, through faith. This isn't about religion, it is about faith, and the way they lived their life every day up to the day they died.
The author, wrote, that after the president's death, many said, this is an end of an era. Instead, I suggested that the era does not have to end and perhaps the president's death is an invitation to fill the hole his death had left behind. After reading the book, I looked around and can see that many, accepted the invitation, and carry with them, the faith and belief that George and Barbara Bush lived, and shared.
I received an ARC from Center Street through NetGalley.

Witness To Dignity
Review Score: 4 1/2 Stars

Five Key Feels

-Levenson sharing private stories of times with the Bush family was so moving.

-The love HW and Barbara had was truly inspiring to read about.

-This book was a thought provoking look at faith and how it can guide you through your life.

-No spoilers, but Levenson’s part in the funerals of HW and Barbara was very moving.

-There were so many pieces to this book I wrote down, but “CAVU” aka “Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited” really stuck we me.

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Witness To Dignity was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Center Street. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: 11/15/22

I was amazing by this book. It was funny, thought provoking, and sometimes sad. I loved learning about the Bush family, and how their faith played such an integral part of their lives.

Levenson shares such fascinating detail in this book. It is not a political one, but rather an ode to the people he spent so much valuable time with.

As a native Houstonian, I also loved reading about so many integral places in our city.

As an aside, I also loved the interaction with the Countess of Carnarvon, who lives at Highclere Castle (where Downton Abbey was filmed). That was such a spark for me, seeing those two pieces intertwine, and I thoroughly enjoyed that story.

This was such a great book, and I highly recommend it.

Witness to Dignity was written by the Bush’s pastor, Russell Levenson, Jr., and authorized by all the Bush children. As their pastor for over a decade, from 2008 until their deaths in 2018, Levenson shares his personal experiences with the former President and First Lady as he witnessed their faith in action, in public as well as in private. During these years, the Bushes were retired from public office, but they used that time to dig deeper into their faith; to humbly serve others; and to shower love, grace, and generosity on everyone around them. The examples they set provide valuable lessons for us today in living a godly life, sharing the hope we have, and always doing what is right, whether popular or not. Levenson also challenges the reader to not just reminisce about the good old days, but to fill the hole the Bushes left behind and continue their ministry of prayer and making this country a “kinder and gentler” place.
Since Levenson is an Episcopal priest, albeit a conservative and evangelical one, there were some points of Biblical Christianity where I disagreed with him. But I found the author to be very humble, respectful, and only interested in promoting the way the President and First Lady lived and shared their faith, never lifting up himself. And he leaves no doubt that the Bushes relied on Jesus alone as their savior and were not afraid during their final days and hours because they had the certainty of heaven. Through life and death they wanted nothing more than to glorify God, love others well, and share the Hope they lived on a daily basis.
This book is a fascinating look into the lives of the 41st President and First Lady during their final years. Levenson shares stories from time spent with them at their homes in Houston and Kennebunkport; at church and the Presidential library; with family, friends, and strangers. They were always gracious, hospitable, kind, and full of humor. A large part of the book covers planning and officiating their funerals, toward which the Bushes gave quite a lot of input. They wanted their homegoings to be worship services from beginning to end, pointing to the One who takes the believer through the door from this world into eternity. I highly recommend this book as an excellent testimony of two lives well lived in service to others and their God.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Hachette Center Street publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really liked all the insight in this book into Mr. & Mrs. Bush's lives and how their faith brought them through, many difficult times.
I myself am Jewish, so I don't follow as closely with everything they do and everything that was talked about in this book.
But I do think it is a great read, about two great leaders.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

This is not a book about politics but rather a long relationship between two people who loved each other until they parted at death. I feel I learned a lot about how my relationship could improve by reading this book.
It was really a lovely story, and I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Center Press for a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

It was a good book. I loved the faith aspect of it. I love reading. About certain people and this was one of them. The way they retold their last days was sad but happy. It was touching. This book was approved for me to read and review by netgalley and the publisher.

Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush by Russell Levenson, Jr. is a great memoir and remembrance of a wonderful couple.

I have always been a fan of the Former First Lady Barbara Bush, and I have also always been impressed, awed, and smitten with the timeless, sweet, and wonderful relationship and romance between the former President George HW Bush and former First Lady. Their dedication, love, partnering, and examples of what true love and respect can be is just so lovely.

To read more about their relationship, their time together and with loved ones, and how that all stemmed from and incorporated their strong foundation of beliefs amd faith, was just so endearing, inspiring, and touching. To read these insights and personal stories, it really means a lot.

I really enjoyed this.


5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Center Street for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/15/22.