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mhoffrob's review against another edition
4.0
From the Corner of the Oval is Rebecca Dorey-Stein's memoir of her years as a stenographer in the White House during the Obama years. Stenographers don't take actual shorthand anymore in this case, they record and transcribe presidential events. Dorey-Stein practically stumbles into the job via a Craigslist job want ad. The ensuing years are outlined throughout the book, while she makes friends, falls in and out of love, witnesses history, and travels the world within the presidential "bubble". Dorey-Stein is forthright and extremely honest about her own missteps, shortcomings, and actions. This is more a story of her coming of age and growing into adulthood than it is a tell-all on the White House. She does provide insight into Washington events and personalities, but almost tangentially. The writing is engaging, the subject matter entertaining and enlightening, and the narrator endearing.
Only one question, WHO the HECK does she mean when she says "the Rattler"???
With thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley.com for the advanced reader copy.
Only one question, WHO the HECK does she mean when she says "the Rattler"???
With thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley.com for the advanced reader copy.
hannahbrench's review against another edition
1.0
Couldn’t finish it. I pray I’m never 26 and excited to be making out with someone 10 years older than me in the exact model of Jeep my parents used to own during my childhood. Interesting to hear about working for the White House, but I couldn’t get through the cringe-worthy “romance”.
tfelmey's review against another edition
44 from the inside
Fun read! It wasn't until the end that I learned that the author is local to me, from the suburbs of Philadelphia.
This follows the years of a White House stenographer. Sprinkled with real emotions and yearning for a return of the Obama Administration.
Fun read! It wasn't until the end that I learned that the author is local to me, from the suburbs of Philadelphia.
This follows the years of a White House stenographer. Sprinkled with real emotions and yearning for a return of the Obama Administration.
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
2.0
Such mixed feelings about this one! For the first 100 pages, I was really loving this book and thinking it might be a 5 Star read. I’ve read a handful of books by members of President Obama’s staff and enjoyed them all but this one felt the most personal - like I was truly hearing the stories from a close friend who happened to work in the White House. I cried a few times from missing President Obama so much but I also laughed a number of times. However, then it began to feel more about the author’s relationship struggles and it got repetitive. As it continued and we see the author giving her writing as gifts and anxiously waiting for (and sharing with us) the praise she receives - over and over - my enthusiasm wanes even further. For me, this was a book that started at 5 stars and slid downhill as I read it. By the end, Beck moved from feeling like an interesting friend to someone I really have no interest in spending time with. There are some great phrases and stories I’m glad to have learned - maybe my frustration is as much with the editor as the writer. Nearly impossible to give this one a rating but ultimately going with 2 stars - “did not like”.
risabella's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. This was incredible. An in-depth look to the team that makes the President, the President. I didn't realize the extent of Air Force One and how seriously his security is taken. But also there are so many pieces that make up all things presidential and WOW, I'd never thought of that.
Fascinating to see how world events bring us out of the details of Beck's life. And how encompassing the world of POTUS can be. How incredible, unreal and also horrible, frustrating, discouraging.
This account leaned heavily into her personal relationships and experiences, which wasn't my favourite part. But it spoke to how easy it is to fall into bad habits when they're in proximity.
Also, what a trip to experience the magnificence of Obama and then his successor.
Fascinating to see how world events bring us out of the details of Beck's life. And how encompassing the world of POTUS can be. How incredible, unreal and also horrible, frustrating, discouraging.
This account leaned heavily into her personal relationships and experiences, which wasn't my favourite part. But it spoke to how easy it is to fall into bad habits when they're in proximity.
Also, what a trip to experience the magnificence of Obama and then his successor.
katieloucl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
emily_odonnell's review against another edition
3.25
Very interesting look behind the scenes of the Obama administration with very thinly veiled references to the Pod Save America guys. Messy drama, I loved it