WASHINGTON -- First lady Laura Bush has sealed a deal with Scribner to publish a memoir that will encompass her recollections of personal and historical moments, including her eight years in the White House.
The publishing house, in announcing the agreement Monday, said the memoir is expected to be released in 2010. Sally McDonough, first lady Laura Bush's press secretary, declined to say how much Bush is being paid for the book.
"As a rare witness to the private moments of one of our country's most consequential presidencies, and as a first lady who has maintained a notable level of discretion, her memoir will provide a candid and personal perspective, and an enduring record, of the years that have already determined the court of the 21st century," said Susan Maldow, executive vice president and publisher of Scribner.
Maldow negotiated the book deal with Washington attorney Robert Barnett, whose many clients include former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Edward Kennedy. Nan Graham, vice president and editor in chief of Scribner, will edit the memoir.
A memoir from Laura Bush could be the political equivalent of "Garbo Speaks." The public has long been fascinated by the first lady, if only because she has said so little about herself, and her life is already a best seller in fictional form, in Curtis Sittenfeld's novel "American Wife."
Publishers seem to have a much higher regard for the first lady, a former schoolteacher known as a passionate reader, than for President George W. Bush, and the book deal -- even during a dire economy -- would likely be worth at least as much as Hillary Clinton's $8 million for the memoir "Living History."
Books by recent first ladies, including Laura Bush's mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, have had more dependable commercial appeal than those by former presidents
Laura Bush said she looked forward to working with the publisher "as I tell the stories of the extraordinary events and people I've met in my life, particularly during my years in the White House."
President George W. Bush said last year that he, too, wants to write a book. Publishers, noting his poor approval ratings, have urged him to wait.
Publishers are betting that the market for a memoir by Laura Bush is much greater than for her children's book, "Read All About It!" -- published last spring by HarperCollins with an announced first printing of 500,000.
Scribner is a division of Simon -- Schuster Inc., part of CBS Corp.
Features
Scribner to publish first lady Laura Bush's memoir
- Features
-
-
Spinning strongly
Partners Travis Searle and Justin Sowers launched Guestroom Records from Sowers’ residence in 2002. They had small garage sale type events for the first 18 months. The casual business soon moved into a regular store front at 119 N. ...
-
Marriages
The following marriage licenses recently were filed in Cleveland County District Court Natasha Nicole Goodell, 22, and Aaron Kyle Gayle, 22 Paige Sheryl James, 47, and John Gallo, 42 Jessica Marie Schauer, 22, and John Cameron Waterman, ...
-
Divorces
The following divorces recently were granted in Cleveland County District Court: Drake Kresha vs. Shane Bishop Betty Lee vs. Dayle Kent Watson Stacey Renee vs. James Alexander Zane Spencer vs. Crisha Lynn McCool Jeffrey Dean vs. Alicia ...
-
It’s never easy to say good-bye to an old, dear friend
To say my life hasn’t been a roller coaster lately would be a flat out lie....
-
CCHFH opens enrollment process
Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity has opened its application process for potential homeowners....
-
Nature Center to host weekend activities
Lake Thunderbird State Park Nature Center recently announced the following activities: Saturday Summer Season Kick-Off · 9:30 a.m. – What Did That? Become a nature detective by looking for clues that insects and other small animals ...
-
Opry set to perform
Due to the Les Chandler Building in Lexington undergoing re-modeling, tonight’s Lexington Opry will move to the Noble School Administration building, 1 block East of Noble Drugs at Fourth and Cherry Street. Attendees are asked to use the ...
-
Foundation awards students with scholarships
Scholarships awarded through the Nancy L. Nixon Foundation will assist three local high school seniors as they begin their college studies. Scholarship awards of $1,000 have been given to Kayla Hess, Anika K. Saynyarack and Emily J. ...
-
Some flowers show where the wild birds like to sing
There are some plants that will make the birds sing....
-
Taking the “H” out of “whine”
People respond to the conduct or misconduct of others in different ways — running the gamut from irritation to total indifference. Sadly, in the case of an indifferent response, we have to wonder if some unpleasant behavior has become so ...
- More Features Headlines
-
Spinning strongly
