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mezzosherri's review
4.0
Since I've never read Mindy Kaling's book, I can't comment on those comparisons. On its own regards, though, I found Mastromonaco's memoir to be funny, inspiring, and moving.
I guess I understand how the more delicate-natured readers might find the stories about IBS and periods a bit much. I, however, was never the delicate type, and I very much enjoyed Mastromonaco's willingness to subvert and demystify any fantasies readers might be holding about the glamorous nature of White House service. And it was so nice to remember a time when our president aspired towards and was able to exemplify common human decency.
Full review: https://anotherchange.net/2019/01/14/who-thought-this-was-a-good-idea-by-alyssa-mastromonaco/
I guess I understand how the more delicate-natured readers might find the stories about IBS and periods a bit much. I, however, was never the delicate type, and I very much enjoyed Mastromonaco's willingness to subvert and demystify any fantasies readers might be holding about the glamorous nature of White House service. And it was so nice to remember a time when our president aspired towards and was able to exemplify common human decency.
Full review: https://anotherchange.net/2019/01/14/who-thought-this-was-a-good-idea-by-alyssa-mastromonaco/
chelseajoye's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book. The timeline being scattered threw me at times. One minute we'd be talking about an instance during the 2012 election campaign, the next we we'd be learning about Obama being invited to the 2006 Harkin Steak Fry.
It great to hear a woman's perspective about working in the White House- learning hat things like a lack of feminine hygiene products in the office is a universal issue. The essays were relatable and inspiring. Would recommend to a friend.
It great to hear a woman's perspective about working in the White House- learning hat things like a lack of feminine hygiene products in the office is a universal issue. The essays were relatable and inspiring. Would recommend to a friend.
hecman111's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining and I learned a few neat things about the workings of a presidential campaign and the West Wing, but way too much info about the cat! This one’s a pretty quick read, but I wouldn’t feel badly if you passed. Still, it’s always interesting to read about the challenges and real life obstacles women in government face. I’d work for Mastromonaco anytime.
ajreader's review against another edition
4.0
Read my full thoughts on this book and hundreds more over at Read.Write.Repeat.
A funny political memoir that also offers thoughtful discussion, helpful advice, and an insider perspective on life behind the scenes in Washington.
A funny political memoir that also offers thoughtful discussion, helpful advice, and an insider perspective on life behind the scenes in Washington.
jrobles76's review
4.0
A really good read that reminds you how great a person Barack Obama was/is. This is a great memoir that gives you an idea of what working for a Senator and later President is like. As someone who also works in a position I never even knew existed when I graduated college, I related (obvs. on a much smaller level). Liked how humble she was. Most people who write books like these really play up their wins. She tells of her wins, but it never seems like bragging. Fun fact we're the same age and have siblings of the same age. Just thought that was cool.
lalaexni19's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book, but I could not get past the way it was written. It was spastic and stressful, at the same time being disjointed, and hard to follow. I never understood what she was trying to accomplish in the book and just found it a long set of stories with various name drops.
davidsteinsaltz's review
5.0
This is the most refreshing political/personal memoir I have read, perhaps ever. The honesty and ordinariness is breathtaking, and she makes it sound so perfectly normal. I had to keep reminding myself that the organisational tasks that she reduced to just having a well-ordered set of binders were among the most complex and unforgiving in the world.
The audiobook, which Mastromonaco reads herself, benefits enormously from her forceful and unabashed speaking style.
The audiobook, which Mastromonaco reads herself, benefits enormously from her forceful and unabashed speaking style.
wildbibliophile's review
3.0
Insightful, funny, and interesting; this is a great book to dip your toes into a non-fiction pick if you gravitate towards fiction and are looking to branch out. Alyssa's insights and experiences are so valuable.
drae's review
2.0
I wanted to like it, but her narrative came off as annoying and uninteresting. The intentional lack of chronology in the book was also awkward - sometimes within just a few pages she would double back and forth across events without context. What I took away from the book were some neat anecdotes about President Obama, and Senators Sanders and Kerry. But I think she really missed the mark on her goal of it being an informative or instructional guide to political careers for younger women.
rfrockwood's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The fact that it was by topic and not in chronological order though left me confused a few times.