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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Informative, fun read about First Ladies from Eleanor Roosevelt to Pat Nixon. Sometimes didn’t have good transitions between topics or people, but you could still follow
A good read !
I learned a lot about life in the white house. Very interesting. Ant the pictures were a nice addition. I was surprised to see how dreary the rooms were.
I LOVE this book!!! Amazing insight into what life is like for our Presidents and their families. Very eye opening and well written.
Great inside look
Lovely story about behind-the-scenes workings by a White House staff member. Very sweet and entertaining
American version of Upstairs/Downstairs! I loved it because it opened windows into the lives of our Presidents and their ladies and families. From the viewpoint of a very important person in the White House that you have NEVER HEARD OF!!! The Ushers run the behind the scenes, every day needs of the President and their families. The insight …
Interesting, easy read!
Fast read. Interesting to know things you would never find out if you hadn’t lived it.
I enjoyed the book and was fascinated by his interpretation of First Ladies.
An interesting look at first families lives from the White House usher. Really full of entertaining detail.
It was entertaining!
Very interesting.
I enjoyed it very much and it was fun to see behind the scenes. Sadly all the pictures were at the end, instead of throughout the book where they could be enjoyed in context.
Wonderful read! It gave such insight to the human side of our presidents.
Easy read. Very interesting in White House goings on.
Loved the book, especially first hand views of the First Ladies.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed the historical context.
I love this intimate look at the White House and it’s inhabitants from an insider’s daily perspective sans pedestal. West is transparent in his assessments of the Presidents’ demeanor, inter-family relationships and daily priorities (ex. a long afternoon swim then nap for President Kennedy vs a well mixed Old Fashioned every evening for the …
Very interesting and based on truth when doesn’t always know how the other half lives especially in the White House. It was really good to learn about the lives of the first ladies in the struggles and triumphs they went through they really do give up their lives with her husband and country.