The Residence

It’s easy to lose sight of the ones behind the machine, the ones cleaning the gears, checking the gizmos, and ultimately keeping the whole thing alive. I wasn’t surprised in the least to learn that those men and women are incredible people.

Just try to fathom what you might see if you worked in the White House for 40 years. That’s several presidents, multiple wars, impeachments, assassinations, and children growing up under one very well-secured roof. Could you juggle all of that?

I know I couldn’t. Which makes it awe-inspiring to imagine the men and women who work behind-the-scenes, never expecting or desiring attention or accolades. Not to mention the fact that they may be a lifeline to president for whom they didn’t vote.

So interesting. Unfortunately, the hype behind the idea for this book surpasses the delivery. By laying out the chapter topically, it’s hard to follow one character or one president throughout the whole book. And there are too many gossipy tidbits that I could’ve done without.

The cover of the book touts that it’s “Downton Abbey for the White House staff.” I suppose that’s true, though there’s a reason I’ve never watched Downton Abbey (sorry, mom).

All in all a really interesting perspective on life inside the world’s most powerful building. The people who work there will forever deserve more than they receive.

Favorite Quote

“Yet the very thing that the staff most pride themselves on—their ability to fade into the background—can also be dehumanizing.”