From the Corner of the Oval

A Memoir

By: Beck Dorey-Stein

Narrated by: Beck Dorey-Stein

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • What if you lived out the drama of your twenties on Air Force One?
 
“[This] breezy page turner is essentially Bridget Jones goes to the White House.”—The New York Times
 
RECOMMENDED READING theSkimm • Today • Entertainment Weekly • Refinery29 • Bustle • PopSugar • Vanity Fair •  The New York Times Editors’ Choice • Paste

In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein is working five part-time jobs and just scraping by when a posting on Craigslist lands her, improbably, in the Oval Office as one of Barack Obama’s stenographers. The ultimate D.C. outsider, she joins the elite team who accompany the president wherever he goes, recorder and mic in hand. On whirlwind trips across time zones, Beck forges friendships with a dynamic group of fellow travelers—young men and women who, like her, leave their real lives behind to hop aboard Air Force One in service of the president.
 
As she learns to navigate White House protocols and more than once runs afoul of the hierarchy, Beck becomes romantically entangled with a consummate D.C. insider, and suddenly the political becomes all too personal.

Against a backdrop of glamour, drama, and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman learning what truly matters, and, in the process, discovering her voice.

Praise for From the Corner of the Oval

“Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck Dorey-Stein’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humor. I tore through the entire book on a four-hour flight and loved reading all about the brilliant yet hard-partying people who once surrounded the leader of the free world. Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers.”—Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

“Dorey-Stein . . . writes with wit and self-deprecating humor.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Addictively readable . . . Dorey-Stein’s spunk and her sparkling, crackling prose had me cheering for her through each adventure. . . . She never loses her starry-eyed optimism, her pinch-me wonderment, her Working Girl pluck.”—Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

Backstage look at the Presidency, plus!

This is a very enjoyable look at many “unseen” role supporting the President. And, a frank, Funny coming of age story. Kept my interest throughout!

WOW! Didn’t want it to end

She has such a great way of making the listener feel like you know what it’s like to work at the White House. Really behind the scenes I never knew existed. Including her personal life was also very real. I loved it. Definitely should listen

Great book

Gives you a lot of insight about Washington politics and how great Obama was in real life.

Enjoyable audiobook!

I loved listening to this book! It was funny, honest and interesting to hear the life of someone in the White House. Would definitely recommend!

West Wing - it's about the work, loves, and life

This might be the best book I've "read" on Audible. Writing was beautiful and totally enjoyable to listen to. My favorite character was Pathahad (read the book to learn more!). I recently rewatched the West Wing TV series and was left with an intense curiosity on how the White House staff functions - when do they sleep, where do they live, how do they dress so well on meager incomes. This book doesn't reveal all but gives me a feel for the non-political backdrop to working in the White House.