Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
31st out of 126 books
—
4 voters
Lady Bird: A Biography of Mrs. Johnson
After three years of cooperation with the author, Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson ended her participation in this biography after an essay Russel published about LBJ's infidelities. Lady Bird covers the full spectrum of Mrs. Johnson's life, career, and ultimately her multi-layers, seldom-documented relationship with LBJ.
Paperback, 350 pages
Published
May 25th 2004
by Taylor Trade Publishing
(first published August 16th 1999)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
133)
I really liked this biography of a woman who, among many other roles, was the First Lady of the US. Following an icon like Jackie Kennedy must have been difficult but Lady Bird was elegant and had far more substance and class than many of us knew at the time. LBJ was a challenging (understatement) man to be married to as history has shown. Her loyalty, and devotion to him and to her family and country are recounted in a prose that I found engaging and enjoyable.
I did not know much about Lady Bird Johnson and was fascinated by the details of her early life and behind the scenes information. I was repelled by the descriptions of LBJ's personal behavior, and although none of it was a surprise, it was still disgusting. I find it interesting that at the time, LadyBird was considered a "real lady" for overlooking his sins. That wouldn't fly today. Nonetheless, I found myself admiring the woman for her sheer grit, determination and shrewdness.
I didn't know much about Lady Bird, and this was a good book to learn the basics about her early life and life with LBJ. What I didn't like: Jan Jarboe did too much psychoanalyzing, and she was constantly making the same point over and over. I also didn't like that the story ended abruptly with LBJ's death. I wanted to know about Lady Bird's life after LBJ. She seemed to come into her own after his death, yet only a few sentences were devoted to that.
Lady Bird did more for the Texas wildflowers than anyone else, and since I love wildflowers she is my hero if for nothing other than that. The biography was easy to read and after reading the autobiography of Katherine Graham I just had to go out and read about Jacqueline Onasis and Lady Bird Johnson. I'm glad I did, I enjoyed both stories.
Another talented woman of another generation who devoted her life to her husband. Although he seemed to love her, he abused her horribly. She deserved much of the credit for his success. It is touching story that made me alternately mad and sad. My Ttears on the last pages for the LBJ's tragic life and the way it affected her.
After reading a little about the Johnsons from the Kennedy's point of view, I wanted to know more about Lady Bird. I found her strong and spirited, loving and kind. She was a woman ahead of her time as far as first ladies go. My favorite of her contributions will always be the wildflowers along the highway.
Very detailed life story of a First Lady. She had strength, class & an inspirational love for nature. She was more than a devout wife to LBJ - a saint who bore his political escapades and extramarrital affairs. I'm disappointed that the writer, Jan Jarboe Russell, pressed Lady Bird on why she stayed with cheating LBJ all those years. It was because she wanted to. She loved him "warts and all." I also got a not-so-admiring look at the Kennedys. Nevertheless, Lady Bird was Texas' class act. Th...more
Became interested in Lady Bird while reading Robert Caro's latest installment on Johnson. (still reading that.) This book proved to be an interesting companion piece.
She put up with a lot from LBJ. A gracious lady.
I found her life with LBJ to be fascinating.
Dec 18, 2012
Colin
added it
Very Good!
I have always thought of Lady Bird as the quintessential Southern woman. This book was an eye opener for me, as to her background and accomplishments pre LBJ. In Texas she is known for her support of the beautification of Texas Highways. A gracious lady who endured the ugliness of politics and LBJ.
What an amazing woman! My father always had a strong interest in LBJ even though, alas, the Vietnam War brought him down. But how this strong, patient woman loved her Lyndon, supported him, and put up with him impressed me immensely.
I thought Bill Clinton was a BAD BOY - he looks like a choir boy compared to LBJ - Lady Bird was a saint to put up with him and to "chanel" his energy and determination to the greater good???? - another very disfunctional situation!
Enjoyed thoroughly! Well written bio about a true Texas woman who changed our nations highways & byways, leaving the nation more beautiful because she cared.
My Notes: I was on page 92. A great book. I plan on finishing, but I have other books beckoning my attention.
May 16, 2013
Diane Vermette
marked it as to-read
May 07, 2013
Kristin
added it
Apr 01, 2013
Kerry
marked it as to-read
Mar 24, 2013
Radyslava
marked it as to-read
Mar 21, 2013
Melissa Tarun
marked it as to-read
Jan 14, 2013
Rachel
marked it as to-read
Jan 09, 2013
Mtl (Meg the Librarian)
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
