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curioso98's review
4.0
A fun read from start to finish. It was refreshing to see that professionals who work in the best of offices and situations often go through the same things as people in other place.
penandpencil's review
3.0
This is the second book I’ve read lately about life in the Obama administration and I struggle with these types of books, they actually makes me respect these people less. I suppose it’s an attempt as self-deprecation, but they all come across as workaholic disasters with high pain thresholds who make bad choices most of the time. I really doubt that is the case in Mastromonaco’s case. She must have some exceptional skills to get the job she had.
Not sure who the intended audience is, but the writing style is very informal, like something a reality star might write.
I did like when she focused on her strengths: work ethic, self-awareness, dedication and focus. Also always very interested in the inner workings of the Obama administration, so bumps it up to a 3 Star for me.
Not sure who the intended audience is, but the writing style is very informal, like something a reality star might write.
I did like when she focused on her strengths: work ethic, self-awareness, dedication and focus. Also always very interested in the inner workings of the Obama administration, so bumps it up to a 3 Star for me.
iamcaitlinjacobs's review
4.0
This was way funnier than I expected it to be (I guess I didn't think it'd be funny at all, but it definitely was). Note to self: bring tampons if ever visiting the White House.
kewaligora's review
4.0
This would be a great book for a recent graduate with an interest in politics. Very well written with great advice--a quick and enjoyable read!
the_peg's review against another edition
4.0
I generally love these kinds of books, this one was no exception. I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" insights as to what it's like working for a president, in the White House and on the campaign trail. I assumed life is as hectic as you can imagine, and Alyssa presents some strong evidence to support that assumption. I enjoyed her self-deprecating humor and consistent checks on her own privilege with heaping doses of "could not have done it without the X, Y, and Z other people". I also particularly enjoyed that she wrote it specifically for women, not that men wouldn't get a good deal of enjoyment from the book as well, who are interested in a career in politics.
I got a little lost in some of the stories, as it wasn't written in chronological order. This usually doesn't impact my enjoyment of the read, but it was a little hard to keep straight where she was in her career / Obama's presidency.
I got a little lost in some of the stories, as it wasn't written in chronological order. This usually doesn't impact my enjoyment of the read, but it was a little hard to keep straight where she was in her career / Obama's presidency.
traciemasek's review
4.0
I know this is meant to inspired young women to go into government, but as a not-super-young woman who has no interest in politics/government other than an embarrassingly still-lingering crush on Josh Lyman, I really loved this. I took away a lot of good advice on preparation, hard-work, and self-awareness and I feel like this is something I can see myself returning to in the future when I need some inspiration.
kathrynhd's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Real close to a 4. It got kind of boring at times and the ending felt a little clunky. But overall an interesting and funny look at being a young female in a high-ranking position.
cameronwaller's review against another edition
3.0
This book was fine. Not great or particularly good, but fine.
I enjoyed the through-line about period advocacy and her work regarding the destigmatization of feminine hygiene, as well as her struggles with being a young professional with IBS. Some of the anecdotes involving Barack - particularly one touching moment towards the end when he calls the author from Air Force One after hearing about the death of her beloved cat - helped restore my pre-2016 affinity for US presidential politics.
But this book’s structure was all over the place, and the writing itself lacked brevity and heft. The author’s choice to litter swear words throughout did not succeed in making her seem more relatable (as was, I believe, her intention), but instead came across as an empty, lazy effort to express passion, akin to the overuse of an exclamation mark (less is more!!)
In lieu of recommending this memoir, for anyone wanting a strong and fun occupational autobiography about the Obama White House I would suggest picking up Beck Dorey-Stein’s ‘From the Corner of the Oval.’
I enjoyed the through-line about period advocacy and her work regarding the destigmatization of feminine hygiene, as well as her struggles with being a young professional with IBS. Some of the anecdotes involving Barack - particularly one touching moment towards the end when he calls the author from Air Force One after hearing about the death of her beloved cat - helped restore my pre-2016 affinity for US presidential politics.
But this book’s structure was all over the place, and the writing itself lacked brevity and heft. The author’s choice to litter swear words throughout did not succeed in making her seem more relatable (as was, I believe, her intention), but instead came across as an empty, lazy effort to express passion, akin to the overuse of an exclamation mark (less is more!!)
In lieu of recommending this memoir, for anyone wanting a strong and fun occupational autobiography about the Obama White House I would suggest picking up Beck Dorey-Stein’s ‘From the Corner of the Oval.’
rebeccasmith620's review
4.0
I loved it! If you combine Mindy Lahiri and CJ Cregg - it pretty close to Alyssa talking about her experience in the White House.