Tag Archives: the residence

Book Review: The Residence: Inside the private world of the White House

The Residence cover

If you get a chance over the Summer, have a read of Kate Andersen Brower’s book detailing the history and lives of the people who look after the first families at the White House. Find out about their relationships with the various occupants of the biggest goldfish bowl on the planet.  From the Roosevelts to the Obamas, find out about the details of domestic life and the varying relationships between staff and residents.

It is a little biased towards the Republicans and if you know a lot about US politics, there are no new sensational revelations, but it is a fascinating read nonetheless. My emotions went from sympathy for the Clintons and Obamas to annoyance with Lyndon Johnson’s obsession with his shower.  You feel the shock and fear around the Kennedy assassination and 9/11. How does it feel when you realise that your workplace could be the next target – especially when you leave some of your colleagues behind.

Posted in Op-eds | Also tagged and | 1 Comment
Advert

Recent Comments

  • Neil Sandison
    unfortunately our current leader has been more worried about Badgers on bank notes and stale stunts than refreshing our party for the challenge of 2019 GE , Unl...
  • Tristan Ward
    @Jenny Barnes "Do the LDs have an actual political project apart from “more seats in the HOC”? " Yes: "to build and safeguard a fair, free and open s...
  • Tristan Ward
    @John Bicknell The next GE will not revolve around [get the Tories out] , and the LDs need to find a new message. At present it seems to be ‘stop Reform �...
  • David Allen
    The case for higher taxes is blatantly clear, unless you are a politician seeking votes. Everything in Britain - the NHS, the courts, the prisons, defence, and...
  • FS People
    @ Mick Taylor “The whole thrust of our complex and bewildering tax code IS to protect the rich. ” But it is not. We actually tax high earners more as a pr...