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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
A fascinating glimpse into the historical significance of the Situation Room, which I really only knew from the West Wing. The book dips into a lot of presidential terms, but orients itself around the folks working in the room, not the president. The fact that the room was, for much of its history, physically unremarkable is very interesting, with many in the book saying they were surprised by how much of an everyday conference room it looked (at least before its more recent renovations).
As you'd expect, there are a lot of great stories to be had given the setting, many larger than life. The chapter that takes place during George Bush Sr's white house gives a very positive impression of him, and as a president from before my time he's not one I have a significant knowledge of. British Prime Minister John Major ending up waiting on the phone for 45 minutes during the Clinton presidency is a fun anecdote.
The audiobook was also well produced - the author does a good narration, and the clips and excerpts of official interviews that play in place of some quotes show up well.
The contrast of how the Situation Room is run between presidencies is surprising, I hadn't expected it to be so dramatically different. Overall I enjoyed the little peeks into modern history.
As you'd expect, there are a lot of great stories to be had given the setting, many larger than life. The chapter that takes place during George Bush Sr's white house gives a very positive impression of him, and as a president from before my time he's not one I have a significant knowledge of. British Prime Minister John Major ending up waiting on the phone for 45 minutes during the Clinton presidency is a fun anecdote.
The audiobook was also well produced - the author does a good narration, and the clips and excerpts of official interviews that play in place of some quotes show up well.
The contrast of how the Situation Room is run between presidencies is surprising, I hadn't expected it to be so dramatically different. Overall I enjoyed the little peeks into modern history.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
This might be my best book of 2024! A compelling and fascinating read of presidents Kennedy through Biden, the major crises they faced, and how they leveraged the government institutions and processes that are so very important to our nation’s national security processes. An ode to those who serve in silence, this is a must read for those in the government service and for those who want to know a bit more about it.
I personally preferred the audio version—which is telling since I’m not usually an audio book fan—because many of the names in the book voiced their own parts, making it feel more like a conversation than a straight audio book by one narrator.
I personally preferred the audio version—which is telling since I’m not usually an audio book fan—because many of the names in the book voiced their own parts, making it feel more like a conversation than a straight audio book by one narrator.
Initially picked up for book club, but the book selection has changed. I have no personal interest in this read to continue it on my own.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I listened to the audiobook,which was primarily narrated by George Stephanopoulos. Found it very engaging and a fast listen. Especially valued the raw transcripts of first hand accounts such dialogue with staff and Presidents during the various crises.
informative
reflective
medium-paced