Shelby's Social Diary
Former Presidents Bush 41 and Bush 43 to join forces in Houston
The Bushes — 41 and 43 — made a memorable appearance together at the WorldSeries. Now, they're doing on in Houston, for reading.
George W. Bush at a Houston book signing in November 2010Photo by Carolina Astrain
Laura and George W. BushOfficial White House Photo
"Decision Points"
Former President George W. Bush hasn't participated in Houston's Celebration of Reading since the first year of his presidency. But this April, he's back, filling in for Laura Bush, who had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict. Not a bad replacement for a former First Lady.
Bush will be reading from his bestselling book Decision Points, much as he did at the Dallas Celebration of Reading in November, the day before his presidential memoir was released. Those who weren't lucky enough to earn one of the limited slots at his Barnes & Noble book signing here in November now have a second chance to see him in person if not get autographs.
During his governorship George and Laura Bush were frequent participants in the Houston fundraiser that has raised many millions for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy. W's presence at the April 28 author evening at the Hobby Center should be a further boost to the event which is regularly a sellout due to the stellar lineup of writers presented.
Joining the former president will be Sara Gruen, author of best-seller Water for Elephants (the movie starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon premieres in April); Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton, who collaborated on the best-seller Picking Cotton; our town's Lester Smith, who will read from his inspirational book You Gotta Dance Like No One's Watching; and Scott Turow, sharing insights on his best-seller Innocent.
Barbara Bush hosts the annual literacy fundraiser and is joined each year by George H.W. Bush and a host of family members. This year, there will once again be two George Bush's on stage and perhaps a third if George P. Bush, the eldest son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, can arrange his schedule.
For tickets and information, contact Carrie Eickenroht at 713-467-2812 or ceickenroht@empowerevents.com.
