Monday Mini-Reviews: Washington, D.C.

I'll read pretty much anything about the White House and the people who live and work there.  These four books have been my most recent reads presenting a variety of perspectives and interesting anecdotes.  I enjoyed all of them and the various tidbits of history I learned from them.

1.  West Winging It: An Unpresidential Memoir by Pat Cunnane - Cunnane's job in the West Wing put him in contact with President Obama, a dream job.  He recounts funny stories and anecdotes of his time in the White House, providing an inside look at this much loved administration.  


2.  The Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey Stein - This memoir is perhaps one of the most well-written that I've read about the Obama White House years. Beck Dorey Stein's memoir is part White House/job related, and partly about her own personal life - and the problems in her love life.  There's a good balance between both parts, but if you are strictly wanting a White House memoir, this is more than that.

3. Upstairs at the Roosevelts: Growing Up With Franklin and Eleanor by Curtis Roosevelt- Curtis Roosevelt is the grandson of Franklin and Eleanor, their daughter's son.  I listened to this on audio which I enjoyed, and I appreciated the insider perspective this book provided.  In one portion Curtis addresses the relationship between Eleanor and her mother-in-law which has often been written about, providing some detail and ideas about why their relationship was so troubled.  

4. First In Line: Presidents, Vice Presidents and the Pursuit of Power by Kate Andersen Brower - this book was interesting, providing a look at various presidents and vice-presidents throughout history.  There's a great deal of research and anecdotes - some familiar and some new to me - that made this book such a pleasure to read.



I'm so glad there doesn't seem to be a shortage of these White House books.  This fall I'm excited to read Michelle Obama's memoir and a Betty Ford biography as well.