What do You think about The President's House: 1800 To The Present The Secrets And History Of The World's Most Famous Home (2005)?
I usually enjoy anecdotal stories. I was hoping for a bit of “insider” info. This one had “some” interesting tidbits. As with all celebrities, political and otherwise…their personal views will come thru. Margaret was no different. I found her opinions too strong, distracting and aggravating. What a pompous attitude! Guess she felt entitled. Almost stopped reading… thankfully the bits were brief, but unfortunately numerous. You knew who she liked and didn’t like.I also felt the subjects jumped around…for me I would have preferred a chronological order.
—Donna
Thank you Margaret Truman, for a most interesting book. I couldn't stop listening to it.The book is separated into sections and not necessarily chronologically related to the residents of The White House. You'll hear/read about architects who built and remodeled the buildings and rooms, births, deaths, marriages, children and the devoted staff were also featured. Ms Truman has a charming conversational style that is perfect for this type of book (but I have enjoyed her mystery books too). The narrator was skilled in interpreting Ms Truman's writing style.Filled with anecdotes from myriad sources,the intimidating amount of information was parceled out in easily digested vignettes. Delightful choice for a long drive or while working on a tedious project (I was editing photos), you'll find yourself responding to the material. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
—Denise Dougherty
If you like random American trivia, than this book is a must! Very interesting presentation of White House history. This book includes tidbits of everythig from the actual building and its few times it was almost demolished to the White House weddings and which presidential family members actually got married there. Interesting to note - Thomas Jefferson was adamantly against women doing anything than entertaining in the White House. (Maybe we would be better off as a country if we took some of that advice. Also, the development of the secret service is included in this book. The author can write from a unique perspective because she actually lived in the White House. She tells a story of having some friends over for a dinner party. A couple decided to go exploring. In another room was a great big chandelier. The girl asked the guy to lift her up to it so she could see it. When she was close enough, she held on to the metal and he left her hanging there for a while until someone else noticed she was missing. This is just one of the many anecdotes in this book.
—Megan
