Upstairs at the White House

My Life with the First Ladies

By: J. B. West

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

So good! A total must read

Such a fun and interesting read. I can see that out of respect lots of gossip was omitted.
I loved it!

Delightful Review of History

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Quick trip through President from unique perspective.

Who was your favorite character and why?

So difficult to choose just one, Eleanor Roosevelt strength stood out, as did Jackie Kennedys.

Have you listened to any of Eric Martin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I remember. This was excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Better appreciation of our First ladies .

Any additional comments?

Great for all ages.

Fascinating

I was not prepared to like this book, but I really did. The narration is excellent the story line follows history and the personal anecdotes were superb.

Hour after hour listening

This book was so interesting about life at the White House with details I’ve never heard. The reading made me understand the personalities of the First Ladies that I found fascinating. A glimpse of American History behind the scenes.

Audible book review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and got a strong feeling of the personality of the first family, each so unique. I was shocked at all that was required of the staff especially the head doorman. Delightful listen. Great wrier and narrator.

Very good

Worthwhile listen. Interesting views of the different Presidential families and lifestyles. Thank You to J B West for sharing his experience.

Fabulous!

Really was sorry when Mr. West retired! Nicely told. No gossip! Just great stories told with dignity. I never heard so much about Mamie Eisenhower. What a lady! Such different views of the first families! Great humor!

Great Read!

Loved finding out about the first ladies! There was so much I did not know. It was dreamy just imagining living in the white house. I wish it went on and on and on.

Just loved it!

I found myself stopping to google photos and historical facts about the First Ladies. It opened up my curiosities.

Fascinating!

I was a little worried that this might be a kiss and tell type book, however I was pleasantly surprised that he spent time on the personalities of the Presidents and First Ladies, with no hidden bad stories.

I loved listening to the details necessary to run the White House with every detail from the house keepers, kitchen chefs, aides, etc. And the changes made to the white house by each first lady.

This book is written with the tact that and respect the story deserves.