CEP Book Recommendation

[shanbrite2]

I'm only a little way in, but The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower is awesome. It's all about the world of the White House workers, like the butlers, florists, chefs, maids, etc, and their recollections and observations about different First Families.

So far, it's been interesting to note that it seems like most Dems have a harder time adjusting to the place than most Repubs, possibly because many of the Repubs come from money and so are used to running a large staff (Jackie O was an exception, since she obviously had $). The Obamas do not seem beloved by the staff, largely it seems because they seem pretty intent on keeping their lives as "normal" as possible, so they see the staff as professionals, not as friends. That was a big surprise to me!

Anyone who likes Downton Abbey or presidential history would probably like this book. Very interesting and well written!

[shanbrite2]

So now I'm about halfway done and dying for someone to talk to about this book. I finally got to the pictures, and apparently all of the male staff (butlers, ushers, house men) were black? I feel like this adds another layer of complexity to the relationship between the staff and the (mostly white) first families.

Also, you could not pay me enough to ever be president or First Lady. Hell no. No one is coming off looking very good in this, even the ones the staff liked. I guess you really do have to be pretty insane to run for office.

[pixy0stix]

ooooooooooo! I love things like this. I'll put it on my reading list.

[FloFTW]

I want to read this! Thanks!

[2curlydogs]

I "recently" read "Upstairs at the White House" by J.B. West, who was chief usher of the White House. The book spanned his tenure from 1941-1969, so FDR thru the start of Nixon. It was pretty interesting.

[shanbrite2]

This is the Mental Floss article that inspired me to read it. Fun facts, but the book is way juicier!
mentalfloss.com/article/65690/11-interesting-facts-about-being-service-staff-white-house