Outgoing First Lady Laura Bush is said to have received an advance of $1.6 million for her memoir, which is scheduled for release in 2010, though sources say it could be more. Though it seems like a large number, the sum is far below the rumored $8 million that Hillary Clinton received from Simon & Schuster for her eventual bestseller, Living History. The check is in line, however, with the $2 million Nancy Reagan and Laura's mother-in-law Barbara Bush were said to have received for their memoirs.
Yesterday 32 percent of CitizenSugar readers said they were interested in Laura's story, while 44 percent said they were more interested in Hillary's. Could it be no one expects Laura has a dirty story to tell, or is she simply perceived as less of a public figure and political powerhouse than Hillary?
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This isn't very surprising. Hillary's personal life had a lot more scandal while she was first lady. People are more interested in dirty laundry after all and that is a shame.
1I agree... and I don't remember Laura being in the news nearly as often as Hillary was. It all seemed to resemble Canadian politicians marriages (no one knows anything about anyone). I honestly couldn't tell you the name of Stephen Harper's wife, and I kind of like it that way.
2Plus Hillary had her whole health care thing. Her name was in the news far more often.
I do think that Laura's POV of the past eight years will be interesting, though. I think I rather read her book than her husband's.
3If Laura Bush's book is complete and honest, it could have its fair share of 'dirt' - remember her husband has lately acknowledged those long rumored substance issues.
4I agree Steph, if she is honest it could be really interesting. There are all kinds of rumors about her and illegal substances as well during her college days, so its not just Bush.
But, yeah, dirt sells. If all she talks about is decorating the White House for Christmas every year that book would be pretty boring.
5I can't wait to read the book.
6"If Laura Bush's book is complete and honest, it could have its fair share of 'dirt' - remember her husband has lately acknowledged those long rumored substance issues."
steph i agree
7I think there is plenty of dirt but I don't think she will share any of it. She tries way to hard to play the roll of the perfect wife and mother. I don't find her interesting at all.
8Meh. I don't think it will be an interesting read. She won't dish anything scandalous.
{But, yeah, dirt sells. If all she talks about is decorating the White House for Christmas every year that book would be pretty boring.} lol!
9I actually have little to no interest in reading Laura Bush's memoirs. And if it's anything like "The White House: Behind Closed Doors special that she hosted on the History Channel this Holiday season, it's bound to be a snoozefest.
10Eh, if anything, I'd be kind of interested in what her reactions were when her daughters kept making news for bad behavior. But I agree with bluesuze in that I don't expect her to talk much scandal.
11Yes, it's the scandal issue but also look at the polls. The vast majority of Americans say they won't miss Bush & Co. and I don't think they want to read about them, either. At least not yet.
12I would love to read her book. Ijust read that Curtis Sittenfeld book "American Wife" and although it's not biographical it certainly intrigued me about Laura Bush.
I definitely think the drama and scandal surrounding Hillary and Bill is one big reason for the bigger payout. People love drama. It's why Angelina and Brad sell magazine covers.
13I just don't think she seems as compelling. Nothing to do with politics; it's just that the story of some guy's nice wife seems a lot less interesting to read about than the story of some guy's frequently scorned and fascinatingly ambitious wife who rises to power and prominence on the international stage.
14Awwww tia you didn't like that special? I thought it was kinda cool!
15Even if she included the dirt, I wouldn't be interested - that's not what compels me to buy books.
16Not surprised.
17Well, duh. Nothing against her, I'm sure she is a lovely person, but as a first lady she was sort of boring compared to Hillary. Bush's presidency was more eventful in terms of important real life events; Clinton's in terms of of tabloid type stuff. Guess what sells more.
18I'm wondering how many people are going to scoff at 1.6 million? I'd be happy with that.
19True Dave. $1.6 million is nothing to shake a stick at. I'd be happy.
20the different being Laura is a Lady and Hillary is not. People want to read dirt, I myself would rather read about hope.
21How do you justify saying Hillary Clinton is not a 'lady'? Because she stayed with a husband who was unfaithful? Barbara Bush falls off the pedestal then too, as do any number of good, faithful women who feel that if they said 'til death' then 'til death' it is.
Wanna explain if that's NOT the reason you said that?
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