Eclipsing Sons

One famous son decided to follow in his father's footsteps, eventually choosing to take even greater strides. Another chose to run in the opposite direction from his father, but rather than avoid the same mistakes he dragged the both down.

So are the themes of Jacob Weisberg's profile, "The Bush Tragedy," and Gurdon Brewster's memoir, "No Turning Back: My Summer With Daddy King." Weisberg explores 43s attempts to both avenge and shame 41s presidential legacy. By now it is fairly well trod material. Brewster, on the other hand, has made it his mission to give a father the historical due he was denied by his nova-like son by telling a story also known, but only to a much more intimate circle.

** For next week's class, compare and contrast what use learnings from dad should be put to. **