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.

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.

Fascinating story

Little slow in places - but great story overall, and wonderfully read by the narrator

Compelling testimony of life in the White House

Very interesting book about running the White House as told by the former head usher who served under the Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, lbj, and Nixon administrations with special focus on the First Ladies.

Excellent for all history/presidential nerds

This book is delightful, giving insight into the inner workings of America's great house. Detailing life from FDR to the Nixon's, full of trivia and stories, an entertaining listen!

J.B.West must be the nicest man alive.

J.B.West didn't have a harsh word about any of the first ladies during his tenure in the White House. What an interesting peek into the lives of the first ladies who occupied the white House. Enjoyable to hear snippets of the president's lives as well. A great read. #feelgoodbook #insightful #interesting #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

enjoyed!

very cool insight to life inside the White House. takes you on a journey. Loved it

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

The man was professional and respectful of all the First Ladies in the White House.

I found Mr. West’s descriptions of all the First Ladies very respectful and interesting at the same time. He was definitely the perfect person for the job as Usher. He performed this with ease and was never flustered and always organized. One did get a picture of the First Ladies personalities and how they accepted their role with dignity and always had the man in their lives first and foremost most important. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next First Ladies lives and how they approached and handled their days in the White House.

A new view of the white house

This was a fun book to listen to. It was good to see the human side of the first family. It would be difficult to have others watching you day in and day out.