Surprises fill Bush family’s Celebration of Reading author-announcement party
Neil and Maria Bush had some surprises up their sleeves when they revealed the lineup for the 24th annual Celebration of Reading, Barbara Bush’s popular event benefiting literacy.
In addition to comedian Jim Gaffigan, historian Candice Millard, futurist Christina “CK” Kerley and adventure writer Clive Cussler, they added a fifth, even more unexpected name: Ohio Gov. John Kasich will speak at the event, April 19 at the Hobby Center.
Sue and Lester Smith recently hosted the annual author reveal, holiday soiree and fundraising event for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation at their home.
Because of health complications, former first lady Barbara Bush was unable to attend. In her stead, Maria Bush, who co-chairs BBHLF with husband Neil Bush, handed Sue Smith the key to a mysterious box beside the podium. Inside lay a three-strand pearl necklace from Barbara’s collection.
Next, Neil Bush presented Lester Smith with two pairs of socks, a tongue-in-cheek gift from former President George H.W. Bush, who’s famous for his campy stockings.
“Apparently, the price of oil is so low that Lester can’t afford socks,” Neil joked.
Not to be outdone by the list of literary lions, the Smiths announced that they are penning their first book together, “Hope Is the Best Medicine,” which will chronicle Lester’s recovery following his 2016 double-lung transplant. The tell-all is slated to hit bookshelves in late 2020 or early 2021.