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astoms's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 starts. Loved it! Fun read. Fun inside look into the bubble that Obama travels in. She's a hot mess but brutally honest. Makes me miss Obama even more.
ashleyholstrom's review against another edition
3.0
Boy-crazy White House stories! More boy-crazy than White House.
lhollis's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook. Full disclosure, a lot of boy drama and at times you want to scream at Beck to ditch the guy. But the amazing writing with the behind the scene stories of President Obama’s 2 terms in office makes up for it all. I really enjoyed this book, and Beck, and most importantly reminded me how much I miss President Obama.
reluctantheroine's review against another edition
2.0
This was too much about her love life and not enough about what it was like to be a stenographer for the White House. Also, for someone who complained about other women's internalized misogyny, she seems to have a lot of internalized misogyny herself. Also, I felt it was unnecessary for her to include everytime someone told her she was a good writer.
ebaileyham's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book - Beck is extremely relatable as she comically shared her story of figuring out her 20s while living in a dream job, in Washington, DC. She completely captured the essence of this city and what it’s like to live in this world! Cool stories of POTUS and a look inside his administration.
oliviaak4's review against another edition
4.0
I really loved this!! The plot was great, Becky is a lovable and realistic character. The main issue for me was the pace with some parts dragging out massively and yet the parts where you wanted more detail and to enjoy the moment more where totally rushed. And don’t get me started on the ending - I feel like that was the point but I would’ve preferred more rounding up!
Overall really loved it though and did enjoy it!
Overall really loved it though and did enjoy it!
nssutton's review against another edition
3.0
Had some complicated feelings reading it. On one hand, she writes really well and knew to capture the moment as it was happening . On the other, the amount of time dedicated to her failed relationships doesn’t come across as I think the author perceived it would. You shouldn’t really judge a memoir on the author’s actions, but she’s in the room where it happens and never seems to make the most of it (until, or course, this book). So much invested in her affair and so little in her own life. Maybe it’s tough to read, maybe the parallels to what I perceive the story of my 20s to be cause some discomfort. I used to do things for the story too, for the drama. But also I kind of just wanted to shake her awake. What do I know - she had the book deal, I stayed awake long past bedtime to read it.
bertthelamb's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe I would’ve enjoyed this more consistently if I hadn’t gone into it hoping for something like Upstairs at the White House (which I highly recommend). The glimpses into the Obama administration, what it was like to work for him, recordings of major moments in history, and the 2016 election/2017 inauguration all get a 5 star rating and make this worth the read.
But every time the author went back to her personal relationships I was disappointed and disinterested. She ends up making this point in this book, but it was somewhat frustrating reading about her spending her energy and brain space during this incredible work opportunity caught up with someone toxic. This book also includes one of my pet peeves - when writers write about how they couldn’t possibly believe they’re actually a writer, but everyone tells them their writing is so great. Imposter syndrome is a thing, I get it, but the first person “Who, me? A writer?” in a book has just always come across as fake, and this is an unfortunate theme of the book.
So 3 stars because of those two prevalent issues, but I still recommend reading it for a reminder of better days. I felt wistful for most of the book and grateful for more insight into the most thoughtful presidency of my lifetime.
But every time the author went back to her personal relationships I was disappointed and disinterested. She ends up making this point in this book, but it was somewhat frustrating reading about her spending her energy and brain space during this incredible work opportunity caught up with someone toxic. This book also includes one of my pet peeves - when writers write about how they couldn’t possibly believe they’re actually a writer, but everyone tells them their writing is so great. Imposter syndrome is a thing, I get it, but the first person “Who, me? A writer?” in a book has just always come across as fake, and this is an unfortunate theme of the book.
So 3 stars because of those two prevalent issues, but I still recommend reading it for a reminder of better days. I felt wistful for most of the book and grateful for more insight into the most thoughtful presidency of my lifetime.
samanthakayla's review against another edition
5.0
This needs to be a Netflix show or something. Enough said that I read it in two days.