A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life on Pennsylvania Avenue with America’s first families, by the man who spent nearly three decades in their midst.
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, funerals, gardens, playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For 28 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, their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.
In Upstairs at the White House, West offers an absorbing and novel glimpse at America’s first families, from the Roosevelts to the Kennedys and the Nixons. Alive with anecdotes ranging from the quotidian (Lyndon B. Johnson’s showerheads) to the tragic (the aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination), West’s audiobook is an enlightening and rich account of the American history that took place just behind the Palladian doors of the North Portico.
An absolute must-read for White House fans! JB West’s book “Upstairs at the White House” is a gold mine of interesting facts and anecdotes that is sure to capture the interest of anyone who picks it up. The easy, conversational style that West uses in telling of his experiences while employed at the White House gives an even more intimate quality to the already familial nature of the subject matter. Always respectful of those under which he served, West none the less shows us the faults as well as merits of those families…
Good read, but some issues with readability I am currently reading it, and although I enjoy the glimpse behind the scenes, but often find its readability lacking. I lived in DC for years and would often walk or drive past the White House on my way to or from work. So hearing about the daily life behind those enormous white walls is really fascinating. However, sometimes the text resembles more a list of short statements about a person or an incident than an actual story. It then becomes a bit dry and doesn’t ‘flow’. I am sometimes also…
Dignified and Fascinating J.B. West, the former Chief Usher at The White House, gives us an insider’s view of America’s most famous mansion. But this is hardly a boring house tour. Mr. West – in a dignified but very readable account – focuses on the Presidents, First Ladies, and their children, all who made this house on Pennsylvania Avenue a home. With great empathy and appreciation, he recalls the experience of working for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry and Bess Truman, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, John and…