The Residence

I was elated to see that TLC was hosting a blog tour for The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower.  I am intrigued by the day to day goings-on in the White House and will quickly devour any book on a president or First Lady.

Years ago I read JB West's Upstairs at the White House and loved it. This title has been one I started with my oldest daughter a few weeks ago, still wanting for us to read together.  (Sadly, with track practices, meets, soccer games, and other teen scheduling our reading has been sporadic at best).

Upstairs at the White House is exactly the story I wanted.  Brower has interviewed a variety of White House staff members and former First Families to create well rounded picture of how 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue functions and includes a variety of stories about the various Presidents and their families.

Part of me feels that not every intimate detail needs to be revealed. Some things should be left private.  And yet, this small group of people is providing a birds eye view of some very interesting chapters in history.

The Residence provides a positive portrayal of the workers and the residents of the White House.  There are snippets about a variety of people that may not seem complimentary, such as Nancy Reagan's demanding-ness, yet the press' accounts of her were far less positive.

This book is getting a lot of buzz, and Early Word reports that the rights to this book have been sold with the intent to create a Downton Abbey-like television show.

The Residence should be on everyone's TBR list.  This is a great read and one I will be recommending to friends over the summer months.

Thanks to TLC for a copy of The Residence. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.