Peek behind the scenes at the White House and learn surprising details about our presidents and first families in these books from the Lititz Public Library.
Movie Nights with the Reagans by Mark Weinberg
Former special advisor and press secretary to President Reagan shares a look inside the presidency through the movies they watched together every weekend at Camp David over the course of eight years.
Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell
Returning at the end of WWII, navy lieutenant Nixon, an idealistic dreamer seeking to build a better world, but his finer attributes gave way to ruthlessness, and within six years of his first victory, he was vice president of the US.
The President’s Kitchen Cabinet: The Story of the African American’s Who Have Fed Our First Families, From the Washingtons to the Obamas by Adrian Miller
A treasury of information introduces African Americans who have worked in the presidential food service as chefs, personal cooks, butlers, stewards and servers.
The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency by Chris Whipple
Since 1789, presidents have depended on the advice of key confidants, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that the White House chief of staff became the second most powerful job in government, enjoying unparalleled access to the most powerful man in the world.
Lincoln’s White House: The People’s House in Wartime by James B. Conroy
Capturing the look, feel and smell of the executive mansion from Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861 to his assassination in 1865, the author brings to life the day-to-day routines of the White House, describing how the president lived, led government and conducted war.
What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched and Obama Tweeted: 200 Years of Popular Culture in the White House by Tevi Troy
Cultural influences such as books, movies, TV shows, viral videos and social media sensations of the day have influenced our presidents.
Three Days in January: Dwight Eisenhower’s Final Mission by Bret Baier
The author explores Eisenhower’s presidency through the lens of his last three days in office, revealing him a model of strong yet principled leadership.
President McKinley: Architect of the American Century by Robert W. Merry
During two terms before his assassination, McKinley took America to global preeminence and although he does not register in historian’s rankings, paved the way for the bold and flamboyant leadership of Teddy Roosevelt.
The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months that Changed the World by A.J. Baime
Truman faced extraordinary challenges during his first four months in office, including the founding of the United Nations, the liberation of concentration camps, the first atomic explosion, the Nazi surrender and the rise of the Cold War
First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama by Joshua Kendall
Each president’s parenting style reveals much about his beliefs, psychological make-up and character in action.
All the Presidents’ Gardens: Madison’s Cabbages to Kennedy’s Roses by Marta McDowell
Historical and contemporary photographs illustrate the legacy of the eighteen acres surrounding the White House, the setting for ceremonial dinners, Lincoln’s goats, Ike’s putting green, presidential landings and Jackie’s iconic roses.
Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson by William Hazelgrove
After President Woodrow Wilson suffered a paralyzing stroke in the fall of 1919, his wife began to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of the Executive Office.
Worst. President. Ever.: James Buchanan, the POTUS Rating Game and the Legacy of the Least of the Lesser Presidents by Robert Strauss
With insight and humor, the author presents evidence that few leaders could have done worse than Buchanan who meddled in the Dred Scott Supreme Court decision, exacerbated the financial Panic of 1857 and helped incite the John Brown uprisings that virtually led to the secession of a half-dozen states.
The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower
Revealing look at daily life in the White House through the voices of maids, butlers, cooks, florists, doormen, engineers and others who tend to the need of the president and the first family.
June 1, 2018