Scan barcode
A review by bertthelamb
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein
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.