Upstairs at the White House

My Life with the First Ladies

By: J. B. West

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

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.

©1973 J. B. West (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Great historical book

This story was quite interesting if you like to read what it’s like behind the scenes of the White House. I read this awhile back but I think the author worked under 5 presidents. He tells a classy story. No mudslinging, although you can get a hint at the Presidents and families that were a bit more challenging than others. I thought it was a great book

Entertaining and Informative!

Recommended for everyone! Such a descriptive look into what goes on in the White House

Very interesting insights into presidents

This was a very respectful account of being behind the scenes in the White House from FDR to Nixon.

Learned a lot

I’m grateful to my book group for suggesting this title as our August book. I learned quite a bit about the White House, the all that goes into it, the history, and the people who have resided there.
I found this a very fascinating book.

First ladies

I truly enjoyed this book learning so many things about the ladies in the White House that had never been written about . It was interesting to look back at the historical events that I too was alive during this time.