Upstairs at the Whitehouse

by J. B. West with Mary Lynn Kotz

The book speaks of J. b. West being the chief usher of the whitehouse, with all of her job descriptions, such as budget estimates for the administration of the Executive mansion, serving as the receptionist answering correspondence, tc.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Author, Mr. West was a gentleman. In telling about the First Ladies in the white house, I feel like I got to know them a little more than what one would glean from newspapers, or magazines. Mr. West did not have an unkind word, so this is not a gossip book.
Although this book was written back in the 1970's, and written about first ladies from the 1940's to his retirement in the early 70's the book meant something to me as I remember Jackie Kennedy in the white house and being fascinated with the Kennedy family, as many people were. Younger readers may not be interested in the book, as the women portrayed in this book covered first ladies from the Roosevelt years thru the Nixons beginning Presidency in the early 70's.
I did get a better understanding of how the white house is run, and just how many people it takes to get a job completed. And, how busy a first lady really is. It was an eye opener, and I was glad to have downloaded this old book on my kindle and gave it a good read. It gave a good bit of history. And fascinating facts on how each first lady would change colors, furniture, draperies, rearranging rooms to suit their tastes. And glimpses into each president and their likes and dislikes regarding, socializing, the endless meetings, dinners, parties, and relaxation. Who knew at one time there was actually a large swimming pool in the white house until President Nixon had it taken out. It was the only complaint the author made regarding restructuring the white house. He felt some of the history had been erased. There are several photos in the book as well.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT being a history buff; I figured this book would not hold my attention. HOWEVER, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved ever chapter.
Mr West was so lucky to have the job he did for 30 years. Even though I found myself wondering when he EVER got to be home with his own family.
It is very well written and the boring parts were few and far between. I plan to look for more book from him.

[Alli White · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the subject matter could have been so interesting, the text was not well enough written for me to love it. It jumped around, felt choppy, and just overall fell flat. I think he was a better Chief Usher than story teller. I powered through to finish but didn’t LOVE.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best history book I've ever read. Fascinating insights. Lots of human stories intermingled with some history.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seemed to focus a lot on how the First Ladies re decorated the White House. The author clearly favored Jackie Kennedy. It seemed like a very sanitized version of events. Not a favorite.

[Marguerite Brownie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading about the “inside the White House” and the going ons. Also well written showing how the various first families lived their lives in the White House. A fun read

[Lynae Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot. So much history shared from such a unique perspective. I looked up so many names as I read because my interest was piqued in many directions. What a fascinating, difficult and demanding job Mr West (and others) hold in the White House. A great book!