Do You like book Hidden Power: Presidential Marriages That Shaped Our History (2002)?
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. It ended up being a pretty quick read for me. (I finished it in less than a week.) It was so fascinating to read about the relationships between so many presidents and their wives in the last century, and how their relationships were strengthened or weakened by their husband's desire to reach the oval office. It also surprised me because I ended up being a bit disappointed by first ladies such as Jackie Kennedy, who I had always thought was just fantastic and felt sympathetic towards because of President Kennedy's extramarital affairs, because of the snob that the author portrays her being. And more surprisingly I have a newfound respect for Hillary Clinton and for the reasons why she stayed with Bill. Very, very interesting book, and a worthwhile read.
—Marie
This was a real page-turner for me. I've always been a sucker for behind-the-scenes pieces. To compare Wilson's not being seen by the public for nearly 1-1/2 years (and the role his wife took on as a result) to the non-stop exposure of today's First Couples shows how times have changed. Each First Lady is unique, as is her husband, and it was fascinating reading to learn what they were up against in each era and how they dealt with it (or didn't). The book was published in 2001 so ends just as the George W. Bushes moved into the White House.
—Sue
Obviously, I love gossip rags (SERIOUSLY WAIT TIL YOU SEE WHAT IM PICKING UP AT THE LIBRARY TOMORROW!), and my knowledge of modern presidents is vague at best, so I'm glad to know about these dirty little secrets. But, there's kind of this like really "girl power" underlying theme that I'm not convinced all these women really had or shared or believed in (aside from one line here or there where Maron would mention pretty much every first lady was pro-choice), so aside from that kind of awkward struggle of giving more power or authority or SOMETHING to these women than then either had or intended, it's pretty interesting overall. Anyway, the Trumans! Who knew!
—Lauren orso
