My Favorite Books from the White House Library
By McKenzie Starr
This fall, I had the privilege and honor of working at the White House. The experience had many perks, the best perhaps being exclusive access to the extensive Executive Office of the President library! I will never forget the giddiness I felt when I asked the librarian how many books I could check out, and she responded, "As many as you can carry." Throughout my time at the White House, this library has served as a sanctuary from the daily work grind. As I return to school next semester, I cannot help but reminisce on the library's graceful gold and pearl colored structure. Since the Department of State originally occupied the Eisenhower Executive Office Building from 1875 to 1947, it was used as the State Department library. Now, the academic complex functions as a library for the White House Complex. Below, I provide reviews of my favorite selections from the White House library book shelves.
I Love You Ronnie- The Letters of Ronald Reagan To Nancy Reagan
By Nancy Reagan
I've always been a softy for the underappreciated art of handwritten notes, like the uniqueness of the different papers used and the smell of perfume used to seal them. 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan, "Ronnie" as Nancy Reagan refers to him throughout the book, was known for his charm and witty humor, shown throughout his letters to the former first lady. Nancy was adamant about this book being published because she wanted the American people to remember Ronnie's heart, not just his former position of power. From their initial courtship period through their long and fruitful marriage, the couple's relationship is a wonderful piece of first family history. This was a major feel-good read. I imagine reading this book on my balcony, sipping tea on a Sunday morning. As someone who has had to nurture a long-distance relationship, as the Reagans did from Ronnie's time traveling for film, television-related work, and on the campaign trail, to the governor of California and then president of the United States, their love story is both reassuring and inspiring. I particularly enjoyed these collections of letters, from Valentine's cards to anniversary notes, because they parallel the relationship values I want in my life. Complete with the stories of the Reagans' glamorous early dating life in Hollywood to their eventual journey to the White House, this book is for the hopeless romantic in us all!
Jackie— Her Transformation from First Lady to Jackie O
By Paul Brandus
Beyond her iconic identity as "First Lady of Fashion," this book explores the Jacqueline Kennedy little known to the public: a brilliant and strong woman who is very much responsible for the enduring legacy of her late husband. Jackie was one of the most photographed and scrutinized figures of her generation, but few understood the emotional being and personality behind the camera. The book's beginning walks the reader through the unimaginable emotional trauma felt by the first lady after President John F. Kennedy's assassination. Despite her global fame, one might be surprised to realize how much of Jackie's life remained a mystery.
The book connects the chapters of Jackie's life, from her public role as the first lady of the United States, to a widowed woman moving out of her famous white house, to her subsequent marriage to Aristotle Onassis. Jackie undergoes dramatic shifts in lifestyle and growth. The book excellently captures Jackie's raw moments and makes her relatable to the reader. There are very vivid and intimate details of her life, such as her experience raising children as a single mother and her life in the New York elite scene. Jackie famously stated, "I want to live my life, not capture it," a quote that stood out to me in the book. In this digital age, where the urge to post on Snapchat for social gratitude looms large, this message is a reminder to create real memories with your heart and mind. With her zest for life and knowledge, Jackie O is an aspiring figure for young women like myself looking to leave our mark on the world. She is the epitome of elegance and grace, teaching us that beauty and sophistication exist in simplicity.
The First Ladies Cookbook- Favorite Recipes of All The Presidents Of The United States
By Margaret Brown Klapthor
A light-hearted read and a coffee table staple, this book is filled with intricate recipes directly from the first families. It serves as an insider's scoop to notable events and social functions held within the White House during each presidential term. It also features some of the family's favorite dishes to serve at these events, accompanied by step-by-step instructions on making them. As we know, presentation is key, and luckily the book also includes tutorials on garnishing the dishes. The contrast between the families’ personalities and the different popular foods during each time period takes the reader on a journey through a political time machine. Beyond just recipes, the book compares the different first ladies' décor and interior design styles for the White House, as it's the duty of the first ladies to bring fresh new ideas. Thanks to this book, I’m now on the hunt for a personal china set for all my future entertaining endeavors. The First Ladies Cookbook provides pictures of all the first families' state china sets, both timeless and elegant in style. It's intriguing to see how well documented the White House meals were, from the Washington's at Mount Vernon to the Reagan administration’s. One thing's for sure: the White House knows how to throw a party!
The Art Of The Donald Trump— Lessons From America's Philosopher and Chief
By Christopher Bedford
"This Book Is Dedicated To You All - Even The Haters and Losers."
Cognitive behavior has always interested me. Who wouldn't want to catch an inside glimpse into the minds of the most powerful and intelligent leaders of our time? It's no secret that President Trump has broken boundaries, from his early New York real estate days to his acquisition of a global empire, to eventually becoming the leader of the free world. Donald Trump's legacy is an American tale of overcoming odds to achieve inevitable conquest. As Trump tweeted in 2014, "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." The book offers life lessons that were key to Trump's success. For instance, no one can represent you and fight for you harder than, well, yourself. You are the best person to represent yourself, interests, and negotiations, whether through traditional or unique ways. It's been said that Trump respects those who demonstrate their own worth instead of asking for hand-outs. This "work hard for what you earn", anti-entitlement mentality eventually appealed to millions of forgotten Americans who felt like the corrupt Washington career establishment no longer represented them.
Reiterating your brand's importance is something to be constantly aware of, especially in the internet age of technology. Donald Trump was a household name long before he ran for the presidency, which reminds us of the power of the media and self-branding. “His (Trump) name was so synonymous with luxury that in 1989, two sets of decadent limousines were realized under his brand by Cadillac, the brand of American GM created to focus on American luxury." This is something to reflect on. Do you want your brand to be synonymous with luxury or great-value? I'd highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an in-depth breakdown of Trump's philosophies for success, from his emphasis on loyalty, to dressing in understated elegance combined with branded flair! I especially loved the section about "Dealing with Critics and Other Haters and Losers," which described how Trump used his tough-skinned, self-assuredness, and humor to rise above hate. Ultimately teaching us, the higher the climb, the harder the game. At the top of a mountain, the air is thinner— it's harder to breathe. It takes a real champion, a real fighter, to get there.
