The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House

The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House (Kate Andersen Brower, 2015)  
 

How I stumbled upon it: On the table at Barnes and Noble.

What it's about: Kate Andersen Brower has captured the unique perspectives of the longest-tenured White House employees who know the first families better than almost anyone.  From more complex anecdotes and funny memories about the first families to the minutiae of daily life as a resident of the White House, this book is charming, insightful, and a rare look into what lays behind those big white doors.

What I thought: If y’all know me, you know how much I love hearing the dirty deets of what goes on inside the White House.  However, this book surprised me because it wasn’t just gossipy--it was well-written. Hearing from people who have dedicated their entire lives in service of the highest office in the nation is really inspiring.  From Jackie Kennedy post-assassination to the events of 9/11 and how it personally impacted the staff, it was both touching + interesting to hear from the unexpected individuals who have been on the front lines of history.  I would definitely recommend!

You can get it here.