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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I don’t know a better word to describe this book than charming. I loved the way JB West described each of the talents and strengths of the First Ladies and the magic of the White House.
Rating: 5.0
Genre: Nonfiction; American History; Memoir
Trigger Warnings (just off the top of my head): wars, mentions of racism, eating disorders, assassinations/murder, death
Final Thoughts: This was a super important look into what the White House was like and First Ladies impact on our nation. It was very educational for me as well, because I feel as though the only President I had knowledge about was FDR and so getting to see an intimate view of the Chief Usher's role and opinions was great.
Genre: Nonfiction; American History; Memoir
Trigger Warnings (just off the top of my head): wars, mentions of racism, eating disorders, assassinations/murder, death
Final Thoughts: This was a super important look into what the White House was like and First Ladies impact on our nation. It was very educational for me as well, because I feel as though the only President I had knowledge about was FDR and so getting to see an intimate view of the Chief Usher's role and opinions was great.
informative
medium-paced
informative
lighthearted
reflective
I was interested in the personalities and especially the (too brief) mentions of politics and world events, but most of the book was about White House renovations, decorating, parties, and food tastes, and that’s not my interests.
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
I think this book was a very insightful read. All the first ladies were active in their work alongside and apart from the President. J.B West's role in the White House sounds incredibly stressful--overseeing every little detail while trying to please everyone without violating any protocols. He also does a good job showing their human side, rather than just the public figure side.
slow-paced
What a unique perspective this offers on White House life! I loved getting to know JB West's First Ladies and their idiosyncrasies, personalities, and family lives that weren't always visible to the public...
I was impressed that the entire memoir remained very tasteful, honoring, and positive without a single bit of mudslinging, politicizing, or tell-all gossip type storytelling. I found it incredibly classy that he had hardly a harsh word to say about any of the Presidents or First Ladies, despite I'm sure getting a front row seat to their weaknesses and failings.
I especially enjoyed the sections on Bess Truman and Jackie Kennedy - his personal liking of them shining through in his storytelling and fond recollections of his time under their leadership. (And I may or may not have teared up as he relayed the moments and days following JFK's assassination so soon after the death of their infant son Patrick... Heartbreaking.)
Lost a star only because it was a little slow getting started and the end lost its way a little in the last few chapters, going into much more detail about the Johnson staff and their troubles and disagreements rather than about Lady Bird or LBJ themselves.
Highly enjoyable and informative! A great read for anyone interested in 20th century American history.
I was impressed that the entire memoir remained very tasteful, honoring, and positive without a single bit of mudslinging, politicizing, or tell-all gossip type storytelling. I found it incredibly classy that he had hardly a harsh word to say about any of the Presidents or First Ladies, despite I'm sure getting a front row seat to their weaknesses and failings.
I especially enjoyed the sections on Bess Truman and Jackie Kennedy - his personal liking of them shining through in his storytelling and fond recollections of his time under their leadership. (And I may or may not have teared up as he relayed the moments and days following JFK's assassination so soon after the death of their infant son Patrick... Heartbreaking.)
Lost a star only because it was a little slow getting started and the end lost its way a little in the last few chapters, going into much more detail about the Johnson staff and their troubles and disagreements rather than about Lady Bird or LBJ themselves.
Highly enjoyable and informative! A great read for anyone interested in 20th century American history.