In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families. J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and … parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
J. B. West, whom Jackie Kennedy called “one of the most extraordinary men I have ever met,” provides an absorbing, one-of-a-kind history of life among the first ladies. Alive with anecdotes ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt’s fascinating political strategies to Jackie Kennedy’s tragic loss and the personal struggles of Pat Nixon, Upstairs at the White House is a rich account of a slice of American history that usually remains behind closed doors.
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If you are looking for quirks of presidential families. I wasn’t, but after the first 2 stories it was sort of a slog.
This book tells the story of a long-time White House usher who served five presidents. I had no idea about the loyalty and dedication the ushers provide, and for long hours and little pay. Fascinating anecdotes!
Historically and anecdotally interesting
I learned so much about the president and their families.
First ladies as you have never known them. Eleanor Roosevelt to Pat Nixon.
Wonderful look behind the scenes at the White House with a glimpse of the personalities of the presidents and first ladies.
Interesting to hear about the way the first ladies lived and how they each defined their role.
Great historical information.
From s different point of view. I absolutely loved this book.
Got to know what the White House like to live that kind of life. The dinners and parties and see the real way people live.
I really enjoyed Upstairs at the White House
Very well written, I learned so much that I didn’t even know I wanted to know, Lol! I didn’t know there was a position of chief usher or what that position might entail. And to see the personalities and little quirks of the First Ladies and their relationships with their husbands and staff, and what was …
it was interesting to see behind the scenes in the white house and the different personalities of the first ladies.
Great look at history in the White House
We all recognize photos of the Presidents and their wives. This book is rich with details we would never know. It is interesting to blend what we knew from newspapers and what we are reading in this book. Just a really interesting book.
Loved the book have already recommended it to several people. Very tastefully insightfully done to show the real personality of the Ladies of the White House.
Loved this book!! Would enjoy an update of the White House women after Pat Nixon.
Excellent historical novel
Gave some interesting insight to first families and their behavior.
Interesting back room view of the White House over multiple administrations
Entertains and informative..loved learning about the little quirks of our presidential families