The book I couldn’t put down this vacation was The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower. This page turner details life behind the scenes of the White House through the stories of butlers, ushers, maids, chefs, and florists. While first families come and go, the hard working staff of the White House dedicate their entire lives to the institution of the White House. Their stories are fascinating, sometimes funny, and often, emotional.
Brower’s book covers life for the first families in the White House from the Kennedys to the Obamas. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the White House? After all, it’s not like the first family can make a Starbucks run or stop by the grocery store. Brower gives you insight into what day to day life is really like for the first family. Domestic staff in the White House give insight into what life is really like living in the White House. The staff makes sure they have everything they need from their favorite toothpaste to preparing for grand state dinners. You really get a sense for what life is like for the most famous families in American history.
Brower shares amazing stories of what happened behind the scenes in the White House during some of the most important days in our country’s history. Never before shared details of Mrs. Kennedy’s private moments of grief in the days after her husband’s assassination, the Nixon resignation, and life for the Clintons during the Lewinsky scandal are all riveting. The staff shares these stories with great care, dignity, and loyalty to the institution of the White House.
If Downtown Abbey and The West Wing had a baby, this book would be it. With Inauguration Day just around the corner and a new family ready to take over the mansion, it’s a timely read. It will give you insight into how the staff moves one family out of the White House and another family in during the inauguration ceremony without either family ever seeing a box!
Find The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower here.