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Party Like a President: True Tales of Inebriation, Lechery, and Mischief From the Oval Office
There’s the office: President of the United States. And then there’s the man in the office—prone to temptation and looking to unwind after a long day running the country. Celebrating the decidedly less distinguished side of the nation’s leaders, humor writer Brian Abrams offers a compelling, hilarious, and true American history on the rocks—a Washington-to-Obama, vice-by-vice chronicle of how the presidents like to party.
From explicit love letters to slurred speeches to nude swims at Bing Crosby’s house, reputations are ruined and secrets bared. George Washington brokered the end of the American Revolution over glasses of Madeira. Ulysses S. Grant rarely drew a sober breath when he was leading the North to victory. And it wasn’t all liquor. Some presidents preferred their drugs—Nixon was a pill-popper. And others chased women instead—both the professorial Woodrow Wilson (who signed his love letters “Tiger”) and the good ol’ boy Bill Clinton, though neither could hold a candle to Kennedy, who also received the infamous Dr. Feelgood’s “vitamin” injections of pure amphetamine.
Illustrated throughout with infographics (James Garfield’s attempts at circumnavigating the temperance movement), comic strips (George Bush Sr.’s infamous televised vomiting incident), caricatures, and fake archival documents, the book has the smart, funny feel of Mad magazine meets The Colbert Report. Plus, it includes recipes for 44 cocktails inspired by each chapter’s partier-in-chief.
From explicit love letters to slurred speeches to nude swims at Bing Crosby’s house, reputations are ruined and secrets bared. George Washington brokered the end of the American Revolution over glasses of Madeira. Ulysses S. Grant rarely drew a sober breath when he was leading the North to victory. And it wasn’t all liquor. Some presidents preferred their drugs—Nixon was a pill-popper. And others chased women instead—both the professorial Woodrow Wilson (who signed his love letters “Tiger”) and the good ol’ boy Bill Clinton, though neither could hold a candle to Kennedy, who also received the infamous Dr. Feelgood’s “vitamin” injections of pure amphetamine.
Illustrated throughout with infographics (James Garfield’s attempts at circumnavigating the temperance movement), comic strips (George Bush Sr.’s infamous televised vomiting incident), caricatures, and fake archival documents, the book has the smart, funny feel of Mad magazine meets The Colbert Report. Plus, it includes recipes for 44 cocktails inspired by each chapter’s partier-in-chief.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 22, 2022
This is a fun reading with lots of quirky little tales. Of course, it is not serious historical research – – it is just fun.
December 19, 2015
This book was a good idea but some presidents had zero debauchery and some could fill volumes on their own. At the beginning of the book I wished it were longer cause I felt like a lot of research must have been done for what boiled down to a two page essay but at the end I was kind of bored. To be completely honest for the Goodreads reading challenge, I think I fell asleep last night and didn't read the last three or four pages. I was high on marijuana. Disqualify me if you want.
December 21, 2015
This is a fun book. My fiance got it for me because I'm into presidents, I guess. I read it cover to cover, though I'm not sure it was meant to be consumed in that fashion - maybe more like an encyclopedia, or a recipe book. It's an odd fusion of both.
I don't think it's a very good book, though. It's largely accurate, but not entirely. It's hard to tell where Brian Abrams is being serious and where he's being silly. When you're talking about the comic debaucheries of our American presidents, it's pretty important to know what's a comedic flourish on the author's part and what's cold, hard fact. I like to toss interesting presidential trivia up on my Facebook every now and then, you know? Trick people into thinking I'm clever and intelligent. Party Like a President provides quite a bit of this trivia, but I need to double check everything before I add it. It's a good source, but not a great one. I suppose that's to be expected, given the subject matter.
There were embellishments, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Brian Abrams had some sneaky partisan influence in some of his writings. But, eh, this is a fluff book. If you learn anything about any presidents from a book like this, even if you have to double check it, it's a win in my books. I've read worse books on presidents, and I've certainly read less interesting ones. Hell, I've read more serious books with greater factual inaccuracies, too, for that matter.
I don't think it's a very good book, though. It's largely accurate, but not entirely. It's hard to tell where Brian Abrams is being serious and where he's being silly. When you're talking about the comic debaucheries of our American presidents, it's pretty important to know what's a comedic flourish on the author's part and what's cold, hard fact. I like to toss interesting presidential trivia up on my Facebook every now and then, you know? Trick people into thinking I'm clever and intelligent. Party Like a President provides quite a bit of this trivia, but I need to double check everything before I add it. It's a good source, but not a great one. I suppose that's to be expected, given the subject matter.
There were embellishments, and if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Brian Abrams had some sneaky partisan influence in some of his writings. But, eh, this is a fluff book. If you learn anything about any presidents from a book like this, even if you have to double check it, it's a win in my books. I've read worse books on presidents, and I've certainly read less interesting ones. Hell, I've read more serious books with greater factual inaccuracies, too, for that matter.
February 24, 2015
i received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion
June 30, 2024
An entertaining, if somewhat irreverent take on US presidential history. It’s a bit heavy on sarcasm and a bit light on substance for my taste. Basically the author is either pointing out every president’s foibles or calling them out as “uncool” if he couldn’t ind any.
November 8, 2023
Learned some very interesting things and now I know all the presidents.
Some of the presidents just aren’t that interesting and the author really toes the line with how he writes about women.
Some of the presidents just aren’t that interesting and the author really toes the line with how he writes about women.
May 25, 2018
Party Like a President — Brian Abrams, John Mathias (44 chapters) May 23-24, 2018
This read like a casual conversation, low-key and laidback. It seems appropriate considering the subject. It was enjoyable, chronicling the shenanigans of each president and their vices, with a comic sendup mixed in with the text (sometimes including cutsie nicknames of the president.) Only one president wasn't given significant time (except where he was mentioned with the president before him.) And several presidents didn't have any vices. Following each president there was a drink recipe, even if they didn't drink.
At the beginning fo the book was an icon guide that gave you clues what each president favored for their vice(s). (Also at the end is a downloadable PDF chart with the presidents and their vices for those of us who bought the ebook. The physical book apparently has an actually pullout chart of this.)
Although this book is mainly about the presidents and their vices, it also gives little known information about them.
Also, many presidents were hypocritical. I’m not sure why that surprised me.
It was a fun read and I did get enjoyment out of it. But I didn’t like it a lot (or much) either.
Would appeal to persons who are interested in what drinks the commander in chiefs prefer, as that was the most common vice among them.
Two stars.
This read like a casual conversation, low-key and laidback. It seems appropriate considering the subject. It was enjoyable, chronicling the shenanigans of each president and their vices, with a comic sendup mixed in with the text (sometimes including cutsie nicknames of the president.) Only one president wasn't given significant time (except where he was mentioned with the president before him.) And several presidents didn't have any vices. Following each president there was a drink recipe, even if they didn't drink.
At the beginning fo the book was an icon guide that gave you clues what each president favored for their vice(s). (Also at the end is a downloadable PDF chart with the presidents and their vices for those of us who bought the ebook. The physical book apparently has an actually pullout chart of this.)
Although this book is mainly about the presidents and their vices, it also gives little known information about them.
Also, many presidents were hypocritical. I’m not sure why that surprised me.
It was a fun read and I did get enjoyment out of it. But I didn’t like it a lot (or much) either.
Would appeal to persons who are interested in what drinks the commander in chiefs prefer, as that was the most common vice among them.
Two stars.
August 3, 2016
My big problem with this book is the bias (and often skewed) portrayal of various Presidents. If a Republican did it- HORRIBLE, if Democrat- youthful indiscretion or not harmful to self or others (compare GW Bush's drug use to Obama's).
Saw some historical errors, but that is how the left are rewriting history at the moment.
I was able to finish it, but the obvious agenda and slant assure that I will never touch another of Brian Abram's books, articles, interviews, basically anything he has any input in.
Saw some historical errors, but that is how the left are rewriting history at the moment.
I was able to finish it, but the obvious agenda and slant assure that I will never touch another of Brian Abram's books, articles, interviews, basically anything he has any input in.
May 15, 2015
Just ok.
April 10, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: STARTS WITH WEAK HUMOR… ENDS WITH LIGHTLY VEILED IDOLATRY
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The idea of a short… on average… 4-8 page per President… analysis of their beer… amyl nitrite… … champagne… cigar… cocaine… coitus… gluttony… weed… martini… prescription medication… punch (with alcohol)… scotch… whiskey… wine.. intake… started off as a unique humorous idea. The fact that it starts off rather interesting by being tied to specific United States events… especially the ever changing use and architecture of the White House… along with some “cutting” personal jibes by the author. As the reader gets deeper into the book… you realize that what originally came across as humor… is really an ever-growing sarcasm… meant much more to be cutting degrading comments… rather than good humor to be shared with friends.
The reader soon realizes that rather than feel-good humor that they expected when they purchased this book… they have instead got a truly mean-spirited book… designed for one main purpose… and that is when you get to the last President in the book Obama… the stage has been set… to put one President on a pedestal far above… all the previous Presidents who have been covered in sarcastic degradation. Not only does Obama’s pages start with a totally out of place… apology-like statement of unfair treatment as follows here: “This was of course, thirty years before falling subject to an outpouring of unfounded and arguably racist conspiracy theories, ranging from the location of his actual birthplace to his undercover work for terrorist organizations.” This is literally the second sentence in the author’s canonization of Saint Obama. He even has the audacity to brag about his dope smoking skills. Bragging about “chest-bursting bong rips”.
Prior to the last chapter on the seemingly only Presidential deity… this book was about to be rated average… but after this personal agenda puff-piece ending... I have to drop it down a level.
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The idea of a short… on average… 4-8 page per President… analysis of their beer… amyl nitrite… … champagne… cigar… cocaine… coitus… gluttony… weed… martini… prescription medication… punch (with alcohol)… scotch… whiskey… wine.. intake… started off as a unique humorous idea. The fact that it starts off rather interesting by being tied to specific United States events… especially the ever changing use and architecture of the White House… along with some “cutting” personal jibes by the author. As the reader gets deeper into the book… you realize that what originally came across as humor… is really an ever-growing sarcasm… meant much more to be cutting degrading comments… rather than good humor to be shared with friends.
The reader soon realizes that rather than feel-good humor that they expected when they purchased this book… they have instead got a truly mean-spirited book… designed for one main purpose… and that is when you get to the last President in the book Obama… the stage has been set… to put one President on a pedestal far above… all the previous Presidents who have been covered in sarcastic degradation. Not only does Obama’s pages start with a totally out of place… apology-like statement of unfair treatment as follows here: “This was of course, thirty years before falling subject to an outpouring of unfounded and arguably racist conspiracy theories, ranging from the location of his actual birthplace to his undercover work for terrorist organizations.” This is literally the second sentence in the author’s canonization of Saint Obama. He even has the audacity to brag about his dope smoking skills. Bragging about “chest-bursting bong rips”.
Prior to the last chapter on the seemingly only Presidential deity… this book was about to be rated average… but after this personal agenda puff-piece ending... I have to drop it down a level.
August 21, 2024
If you have ever found yourself wondering which presidents were fun at parties, or how they signed their love letters, this is the book for you. It was a fun read and I have learned some great trivia (anyone wanna guess who was sworn in as VP drunk?) and the conclusion was more serious than I expected (emphasizing how what is acceptable varies overtime and that being the presidency is incredibly stressful).
December 15, 2019
This book is not about Vice Presidents, but rather Presidents Vices. From Washington, through Obama, the drinking, carousing, and other unseemly actions are accounted. If you think any of the Presidents were perfect, this book will set the record straight.
November 26, 2024
I'm a little ashamed to say I found this book amusing. It's clearly not academic history, and I question some of the tales, but it is kind of fun. Unfortunately, after reading it, there is a lot to be shocked about regarding the behavior of past presidents. I might have been better off not knowing.
August 4, 2020
This was fine. Some chapters were great, others were meh. I kind of wish he did not talk about every individual president because some stories were just not as interesting as others.
January 8, 2023
This is ridiculous and so much fun!
February 18, 2025
Nicely irreverent--even smartassed. :)
March 20, 2017
Hilariously Informative & A Must Read For Every American
After reading this awesomely entertaining book, I've come to the conclusion that Democrats would be the most fun to party with. I love the way this book is written. The humor and the interesting historical facts helped to keep my attention throughout. I thought how unique and interesting it was that the author chose to add a cocktail recipe after each President; something that would have correlated with that particular patriot that preceded it. This is one of those that I have chosen to add to my list of favorites. A great and fun way to learn more about our U.S. Presidents - all the way up to Obama. I'm actually glad this book was written before Trump came along, because if it hadn't, I'd have ended this book on a sour note!
After reading this awesomely entertaining book, I've come to the conclusion that Democrats would be the most fun to party with. I love the way this book is written. The humor and the interesting historical facts helped to keep my attention throughout. I thought how unique and interesting it was that the author chose to add a cocktail recipe after each President; something that would have correlated with that particular patriot that preceded it. This is one of those that I have chosen to add to my list of favorites. A great and fun way to learn more about our U.S. Presidents - all the way up to Obama. I'm actually glad this book was written before Trump came along, because if it hadn't, I'd have ended this book on a sour note!
February 2, 2017
Not surprisingly, only a handful of presidents weren't fond of alcohol, drugs, and adultery. That's what the powerful do. That's also what the average person does, too, and being president definitely does not guarantee a saintly life. As the author concludes, the duties of a president are so stressful it's a wonder anybody survives, let alone remains sober.
Now, I wonder why these anecdotes haven't made it into US history books? Students might show more interest in studying history if they had stories like these to help them relate to politicians as fellow human beings, just as fickle anf flawed as everyone else.
(Some of the cocktail recipes in the book are useful but others are downright disgusting...on purpose...with ingredients such as Miller High Life, marijuana, and tabasco sauce. Mix at your own peril.)
Now, I wonder why these anecdotes haven't made it into US history books? Students might show more interest in studying history if they had stories like these to help them relate to politicians as fellow human beings, just as fickle anf flawed as everyone else.
(Some of the cocktail recipes in the book are useful but others are downright disgusting...on purpose...with ingredients such as Miller High Life, marijuana, and tabasco sauce. Mix at your own peril.)
Read
August 1, 2016Educational yet disturbing...in a good way!
If you are ready to handle the *raw* tales of how our presidents coped with the perils of the job, this is the book for you. If you wish to still believe in the sober magic of the Presidency, stay the hell away!
I learned a HELL of a lot about the drinking/drugging/sexual habits of our beloved Presidents that I never knew, despite my Presidential geekiness. Yes, we all know about Kennedy's imbibing adventures. But, did you ever consider Harding's? "Party like a president" is an entertaining Eye-opener of a book. The recipes at the end of each chapter are just lagniappe. Highly recommended!!
If you are ready to handle the *raw* tales of how our presidents coped with the perils of the job, this is the book for you. If you wish to still believe in the sober magic of the Presidency, stay the hell away!
I learned a HELL of a lot about the drinking/drugging/sexual habits of our beloved Presidents that I never knew, despite my Presidential geekiness. Yes, we all know about Kennedy's imbibing adventures. But, did you ever consider Harding's? "Party like a president" is an entertaining Eye-opener of a book. The recipes at the end of each chapter are just lagniappe. Highly recommended!!
February 25, 2017
If I could, this would be a 1 and a half. There was quite a bit or political bias passed off as sort of the only way to view certain presidents and opinions presented as fact about presidents from the 1940s to the present. Also the fact that a lot of presidents didn't have a bunch of bad behavior led to a pattern of endless litanies of detailed descriptions of drinking habits. it got very repetitive and boring to hear how many drinks this or that guy would have. And it is kind of ignored that in the 1700s and a large part of the 1800s, drinking water wasn't clean and safe and many people lived on beer and wine. This book was an easy read but kind of a waste of my time.
November 13, 2015
Party Like a President is a hilarious and eye-opening book that informed me on the shenanigans and scandals on Capitol Hill. This book shows the reader all of the lesser known things presidents have done in the past from drugs to alcohol to gluttony. This book leans towards to left side of politics, constantly bashing republican presidents which added to the humor and interest. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn some intimate fun facts about the presidents.
July 26, 2016
A humorous, gossipy book about the lifestyles of our Presidents. Sometimes funny, sometimes eye-opening ... not an angel among 'em!! All had their quirks and behind the scenes lives ... ahh, but in today's society, they appear just like regular guys, not heroes!! Tsk-tsk ! Fun read with lots of White House cocktail recipes.
March 19, 2015
It was a good read. Nice to read stories of the president's behaving just like the rest of Americans. I liked that the author included,close to historically accurate, cocktail recipes at the end of each presidents chapter.
November 3, 2015
Snarky fun humor ("...at the County Courthouse, well known code name for the local leather bar"!!) mixed with some interesting new presidential tales as well as the ones we have all heard. A great quick read that still entertains.
July 6, 2015
This book certainly had some interesting trivia, but it rather sensationalized many of the Presidents' lives and activities.
January 26, 2016
Moronic. Poorly researched, poorly written and far too apt to forgo real details in favor of sub-Leno level jokes. Given one star purely because Goodreads doesnt let you rate something zero stars.
March 8, 2015
This is a fun light book with hilarious trivia about our presidents.
March 3, 2015
Fun. A different perspective on the Presidents
March 10, 2015
A light hearted look at our Presidents...a quick fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews