DUBYA, DUBYA, TOO: GETTING A READ ON THE BUSH CANDIDACY

‘Tis the political season, and books on the candidates abound, including one by George W. Bush and one that skewers his candidacy.

Paul Begala – a former counselor to President Clinton – has written a devilishly funny and, of course, highly critical book entitled, “Is Our Children Learning: The Case Against George W. Bush” (Simon & Schuster, $12, paperback).

Mary Matalin earns Begala’s chief dedication in the foreword – Matalin’s husband, James Carville, was asked to write the tome but declined, citing imminent divorce as his reason.

In “A Charge to Keep” (William Morrow & Co., hardcover, $23), Dubya recounts the influences that led him to run for the presidency. The book is far more anecdotal than politically substantive – we learn more about the Bush family history, for example, than any future plans the Republican candidate may have for the country.

Bill Minutaglio, a reporter at the Dallas Morning News, interviewed more than 300 people – including Dubya himself – for “First Son: George W. Bush and the Bush Family Dynasty” (Time Books, hardcover, $25).

And one of several recent biographies, “First Son” takes an unbiased, critical look at the Dubya’s public record and political history.