The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House

Written by:
Kate Andersen Brower
Narrated by:
Karen White

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
21
Narrator
10
Release Date
April 2015
Duration
10 hours 17 minutes
Summary
A remarkable history with elements of both In the President’s Secret Service and The Butler, The Residence offers an intimate account of the service staff of the White House, from the Kennedys to the Obamas.

America’s First Families are unknowable in many ways. No one has insight into their true character like the people who serve their meals and make their beds every day. Full of stories and details by turns dramatic, humorous, and heartwarming, The Residence reveals daily life in the White House as it is really lived through the voices of the maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers, and others who tend to the needs of the President and First Family.

These dedicated professionals maintain the six-floor mansion’s 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, three elevators, and eight staircases, and prepare everything from hors d’oeuvres for intimate gatherings to meals served at elaborate state dinners. Over the course of the day, they gather in the lower level’s basement kitchen to share stories, trade secrets, forge lifelong friendships, and sometimes even fall in love.

Combining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff members—many speaking for the first time—with archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story. She reveals the intimacy between the First Family and the people who serve them, as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedy’s private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husband’s assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixon’s resignation and President Clinton’s impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House.
Reviews
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Lydia N.

An excellent compilation of staff stories while working at the White House and the dedication to their jobs. Good narration.

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Amanda M.

Very interesting listen. Brings light to a whole new side of the White House

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Shannon Pettus

The book contains interesting information, but is often repetitive & not well organized.

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Sarah Suplee

interesting without divulging salacious secrets. Fascinating look at reactions to lliving/working at the First House.

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