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The President's Daughter #1
The President's Daughter
Sixteen-year-old Meghan Powers likes her life just the way it is. She likes living in Massachusetts. She likes her school. And she has plenty of friends. But all that is about to change. Because Meg's mother, one of the most prestigious senators in the country, is running for President. And she's going to win.
297 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1984
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1972 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Emerson White
36 books242 followersThis talented writer attended Tufts University (and published her first book, Friends for Life, while a senior there) and currently lives in New York City. Ms. White grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Many of her novels feature characters who reside in or around Boston and are fans of the Boston Red Sox (as is Ms. White). In addition to novels, Ms. White has published several biographies. She also writes under the pseudonym Zack Emerson (taking the name Zack from the name of her shepherd dog) and under the pseudonym Nicholas Edwards (Santa Paws series).
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July 31, 2015
Meg Powers’ life is turned inside-out when her high-profile Senator mother decides she’s going to run for United States President—and it only gets harder when she wins. This first book in a series does an excellent job depicting the insecurities and trials of adolescence as they’re magnified by having to endure them under constant public scrutiny. Meg is charming and funny, and her relationship with her mother is complicated in a very natural way; White shifts constantly between showing us a normal (if wealthy and privileged) American family and the First Family of the United States. The characterization is superb, and I really warmed to Meg and her brothers.
I admit I wasn’t sure at first if I’d like this book. I really, really don’t like it when people with very young children run for high political office—mothers or fathers. And Meg’s brother Neal is very young. The scenes where we saw the effect his mother’s political career had on him broke my heart. While it’s true that families have to make decisions that sometimes mean hardship for some or all of their members, the nastiness that is high-level politics can be brutal on children, no matter how well-meaning their parents or what measures they take to minimize it, and to me politics isn’t nearly important enough to do that to your children. Despite the frequent comments about how honest and smart and qualified Meg’s mother is to be President, we never in this first book really see her do anything that proves the sacrifices her family has made, is making, are worth it. So this was hard for me to get past. What did work for me was how well-drawn the family interactions were, how Meg and her brothers related to each other and to their parents. Their transition to living in the White House felt very believable, their reactions to the constraints of their new lives funny and touching. The family dynamic kept me interested enough to accept the story on its own terms.
Though politics informs the entire story, and President Powers is a Democrat, White never uses this to lionize one party over another or flog any particular issue; the closest we get to a political issues speech is Meg telling people at her new school how public education should be handled. It keeps the book from being off-putting to half its potential audience, and I admire that. I’m a little less enamored of how all the other politicians Meg’s mother runs against are either thorough villains or caricatures. That she’s also presented as “too honest” and honorable and so forth I find slightly unbelievable. It’s a nice idea, and while I believe there are politicians who strive for that ideal, I think the dishonest ones eat them for lunch. I kept waiting for Meg to find out her mother wasn’t as honest as she’d claimed, because that would have felt more realistic. But the story isn’t really about the politics so much as it’s about Meg and her life and how she connects to her mother, so while I find it unrealistic, I also think having Meg’s conflicts with her mother be about her mother’s honesty would have been trite. Far better to have the President being caught up in her own issues about having lost her mother when she was very young, and have Meg’s natural insecurities and need for parental reassurance be complicated by her resemblance to her mother and the ways people expect her to behave because of it.
I’m really very captivated by the story and I’m going to have to go round up the rest of the series now. Naturally my library doesn’t have it, so it’s off to make the rounds of my favorite online booksellers.
I admit I wasn’t sure at first if I’d like this book. I really, really don’t like it when people with very young children run for high political office—mothers or fathers. And Meg’s brother Neal is very young. The scenes where we saw the effect his mother’s political career had on him broke my heart. While it’s true that families have to make decisions that sometimes mean hardship for some or all of their members, the nastiness that is high-level politics can be brutal on children, no matter how well-meaning their parents or what measures they take to minimize it, and to me politics isn’t nearly important enough to do that to your children. Despite the frequent comments about how honest and smart and qualified Meg’s mother is to be President, we never in this first book really see her do anything that proves the sacrifices her family has made, is making, are worth it. So this was hard for me to get past. What did work for me was how well-drawn the family interactions were, how Meg and her brothers related to each other and to their parents. Their transition to living in the White House felt very believable, their reactions to the constraints of their new lives funny and touching. The family dynamic kept me interested enough to accept the story on its own terms.
Though politics informs the entire story, and President Powers is a Democrat, White never uses this to lionize one party over another or flog any particular issue; the closest we get to a political issues speech is Meg telling people at her new school how public education should be handled. It keeps the book from being off-putting to half its potential audience, and I admire that. I’m a little less enamored of how all the other politicians Meg’s mother runs against are either thorough villains or caricatures. That she’s also presented as “too honest” and honorable and so forth I find slightly unbelievable. It’s a nice idea, and while I believe there are politicians who strive for that ideal, I think the dishonest ones eat them for lunch. I kept waiting for Meg to find out her mother wasn’t as honest as she’d claimed, because that would have felt more realistic. But the story isn’t really about the politics so much as it’s about Meg and her life and how she connects to her mother, so while I find it unrealistic, I also think having Meg’s conflicts with her mother be about her mother’s honesty would have been trite. Far better to have the President being caught up in her own issues about having lost her mother when she was very young, and have Meg’s natural insecurities and need for parental reassurance be complicated by her resemblance to her mother and the ways people expect her to behave because of it.
I’m really very captivated by the story and I’m going to have to go round up the rest of the series now. Naturally my library doesn’t have it, so it’s off to make the rounds of my favorite online booksellers.
Want to read
September 30, 2012This cover is cracking me up. Is she paralyzed?
...Not that paralysis is a joke.
...Not that paralysis is a joke.
June 8, 2023
Review April 2019: Gosh, I love Meg. She is sarcastic, funny, intelligent (she does well at school but not too well so people don't catch on). What I love most about this series is all of Meg's internal dialogue and her relationship with her mother -it reads so real to me. I will say though, that reading it this time around the book felt more dated to me then the last time. I know I have the updated, revised edition from 2008 but now, 11 years later some of the remarks/trends/pop culture references felt old to me. I can see why this series does not circ well at my library with the teens (I had to weed it recently :sobs:) but I still absolutely adore it. Meg is a fantastic character and one of my absolute favorite literary heroines.
Review September 2012:Ever since I read this series last year, I've been meaning to do a re-read and I was in the mood last night so this happened. Damn. Just as good as I remembered. In fact even better then I remembered at times (I HAD NO IDEA THAT MEG HAD A CRUSH ON PRESTON WHEN HE FIRST STARTED, I MUST NOT HAVE SAW THAT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.) Onto book #2 now. Because once you start this series, you can't stop with just one.
Review September 2012:Ever since I read this series last year, I've been meaning to do a re-read and I was in the mood last night so this happened. Damn. Just as good as I remembered. In fact even better then I remembered at times (I HAD NO IDEA THAT MEG HAD A CRUSH ON PRESTON WHEN HE FIRST STARTED, I MUST NOT HAVE SAW THAT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.) Onto book #2 now. Because once you start this series, you can't stop with just one.
August 10, 2019
I loved the entire 'The President's Daughter' series when I was a young teenager and they still hold a place in my heart.
When I read the first book, George Bush Sr. was president. I was so wrapped up in reading "The President's Daughter" that when on the news I heard "And the president will speak now..." I ran out of my room so I could watch President Katherine Vaughn Powers' press conference. When George Bush was there, instead, I was crestfallen and so depressed!
When I read these as a teenager, I felt like Ellen Emerson White was the first YA author that didn't speak down to me, using complex social issues and relationships as well as a rich vocabulary (I was always reaching for the dictionary...'What the heck does unabashedly churlish mean?').
The books resonated so much with me that I picked up Long May She Reign as an adult and read it in one sitting.
Definitely worth the read.
When I read the first book, George Bush Sr. was president. I was so wrapped up in reading "The President's Daughter" that when on the news I heard "And the president will speak now..." I ran out of my room so I could watch President Katherine Vaughn Powers' press conference. When George Bush was there, instead, I was crestfallen and so depressed!
When I read these as a teenager, I felt like Ellen Emerson White was the first YA author that didn't speak down to me, using complex social issues and relationships as well as a rich vocabulary (I was always reaching for the dictionary...'What the heck does unabashedly churlish mean?').
The books resonated so much with me that I picked up Long May She Reign as an adult and read it in one sitting.
Definitely worth the read.
September 3, 2023
Reread August 2023
Still wonderful. Still love it. Doing a reread just reminds me how much this whole series has my heart.
***
Original Review
This is potentially my favorite series of all time, culminating in Long May She Reign which might be my favorite book of all time. I think it's absolutely wonderful and terribly underrated. It doesn't sound like my kind of book necessarily because I do tend to prefer more down to earth realistic situations, but White makes this a down to earth. All the characters feel like real people. No one is particularly evil, just sometimes teenagers can be jerks. None of it ever hits too hard on melodrama. She manages to take this almost absurd sounding situation and make it real and relatable.
Another thing that I don't always appreciate is humor. I'm terrible at humor in books. It goes over my head and just feels flat or awkward. But this book is hilarious. Meg's dry sense of humor (and to be honest her whole family's) is fantastic. This is probably one of the only books to actively make me laugh out loud.
And beyond her humor, Meg is a fantastic main character. She's interesting and intelligent and bratty and wonderful. She might be my favorite character of all time. Beyond the story, Meg is what makes this book. If there was a book about her going to the grocery store, I'd read it. And it would probably be hilarious. She's such an insightful person and reading this as a teen, she definitely made me think a lot. Meg holds nuanced political views, having grown up in politics, and it's a major focus of the book. The political atmosphere isn't just the backdrop, it's a part of the story and Meg herself. Even as an adult, while I don't struggle to keep up with her, it's a book that keeps you on your toes. It's always denser than I expect it to be. Not in a bad way, but it's not a book you can just sit back and enjoy. Meg is smart. Her family and friends are smart. And you have to put in some effort to keep up with them. Which I adore.
The family relationships are also something I thoroughly appreciate in these books. It feels like a real family. Meg and her brothers have the funniest relationship, constantly bickering and name calling, but in a lighthearted way. They poke fun, but always get called out when they cross the line. Meg has issues with both of her parents, particularly her mother as the president, but it's a loving family at the end of the day. They deal with their issues and I love it.
The last time I read this I gave it 4 stars, and I think I did that because of how short this book. It's not even necessarily the length, but it does feel like it happens too quickly. There's a lot that isn't explored, from the campaign to the press to Meg's outside life. It felt a bit lacking in that regard. Part of that is definitely because I can't help comparing it to Long May She Reign, which at 700+ pages, has a lot more time to explore the rest of the world. This first book feels like it's scraping the surface of what it could be. But that doesn't take away from how much I love it for what it is.
Some small things I appreciate that deserve a mention: That the female president is unapologetically feminine. She hates blazers, preferring dresses. She's a little vain about her appearance. She likes fashion. And she's a good president because literally none of that matters to her job. That Meg's family isn't touchy feely or very open with their emotions, but it's clear they love each other. That this book manages to be so politically focused without ever coming across as preachy or condescending.
It's just wonderful. Beyond wonderful, if I'm being honest. I honestly can't recommend this book enough, and I could probably gush forever about everything this book does well. My favorite author, my favorite series, please go read it because it deserves so much more attention than it gets.
Still wonderful. Still love it. Doing a reread just reminds me how much this whole series has my heart.
***
Original Review
This is potentially my favorite series of all time, culminating in Long May She Reign which might be my favorite book of all time. I think it's absolutely wonderful and terribly underrated. It doesn't sound like my kind of book necessarily because I do tend to prefer more down to earth realistic situations, but White makes this a down to earth. All the characters feel like real people. No one is particularly evil, just sometimes teenagers can be jerks. None of it ever hits too hard on melodrama. She manages to take this almost absurd sounding situation and make it real and relatable.
Another thing that I don't always appreciate is humor. I'm terrible at humor in books. It goes over my head and just feels flat or awkward. But this book is hilarious. Meg's dry sense of humor (and to be honest her whole family's) is fantastic. This is probably one of the only books to actively make me laugh out loud.
And beyond her humor, Meg is a fantastic main character. She's interesting and intelligent and bratty and wonderful. She might be my favorite character of all time. Beyond the story, Meg is what makes this book. If there was a book about her going to the grocery store, I'd read it. And it would probably be hilarious. She's such an insightful person and reading this as a teen, she definitely made me think a lot. Meg holds nuanced political views, having grown up in politics, and it's a major focus of the book. The political atmosphere isn't just the backdrop, it's a part of the story and Meg herself. Even as an adult, while I don't struggle to keep up with her, it's a book that keeps you on your toes. It's always denser than I expect it to be. Not in a bad way, but it's not a book you can just sit back and enjoy. Meg is smart. Her family and friends are smart. And you have to put in some effort to keep up with them. Which I adore.
The family relationships are also something I thoroughly appreciate in these books. It feels like a real family. Meg and her brothers have the funniest relationship, constantly bickering and name calling, but in a lighthearted way. They poke fun, but always get called out when they cross the line. Meg has issues with both of her parents, particularly her mother as the president, but it's a loving family at the end of the day. They deal with their issues and I love it.
The last time I read this I gave it 4 stars, and I think I did that because of how short this book. It's not even necessarily the length, but it does feel like it happens too quickly. There's a lot that isn't explored, from the campaign to the press to Meg's outside life. It felt a bit lacking in that regard. Part of that is definitely because I can't help comparing it to Long May She Reign, which at 700+ pages, has a lot more time to explore the rest of the world. This first book feels like it's scraping the surface of what it could be. But that doesn't take away from how much I love it for what it is.
Some small things I appreciate that deserve a mention: That the female president is unapologetically feminine. She hates blazers, preferring dresses. She's a little vain about her appearance. She likes fashion. And she's a good president because literally none of that matters to her job. That Meg's family isn't touchy feely or very open with their emotions, but it's clear they love each other. That this book manages to be so politically focused without ever coming across as preachy or condescending.
It's just wonderful. Beyond wonderful, if I'm being honest. I honestly can't recommend this book enough, and I could probably gush forever about everything this book does well. My favorite author, my favorite series, please go read it because it deserves so much more attention than it gets.
November 26, 2020
Okay, as I've said before, I LOVED these books! Probably my favorites this year. They're about . . . um, well, the president's daughter . . . the only daughter of the first female president. Meg is 15 when the books start and 18 in Long May She Reign (and there better be more!), and has two younger brothers.
The first two started off a bit slowly. The author started them when she was in college and they're a bit rough, but still very readable. And I (maybe unfairly) struggled with the knowledge that White updated the first 3 books to make them modern. See, the first three came out in the 80's and the fourth one just in the last couple of years, and White added references to the internet and cell phones and even Bush and Clinton to the first three books. So since I knew things like that weren't in the original version, they stood out to me. (But I don't think they would've if I didn't know these were updated editions.)
Anyway, what I think is done amazingly well in these books is the characters. Meg and her family and friends feel so very real. Take Meg's mom. Because of her career, she hasn't always been there for Meg, and that's something both Meg and her mom struggle with. And I love that Meg and her brothers fight and goof around, but you also see how deeply they care about each other. (And now I have to mention Meg's dad, who is also awesome.)
Also, I'm very in love with Preston, who works on Meg's mom's campaign and becomes a great friend of the family.
I feel like this review is really short on substance, but I just don't want to spoil anything! A lot of serious things happen in these books.
The first two started off a bit slowly. The author started them when she was in college and they're a bit rough, but still very readable. And I (maybe unfairly) struggled with the knowledge that White updated the first 3 books to make them modern. See, the first three came out in the 80's and the fourth one just in the last couple of years, and White added references to the internet and cell phones and even Bush and Clinton to the first three books. So since I knew things like that weren't in the original version, they stood out to me. (But I don't think they would've if I didn't know these were updated editions.)
Anyway, what I think is done amazingly well in these books is the characters. Meg and her family and friends feel so very real. Take Meg's mom. Because of her career, she hasn't always been there for Meg, and that's something both Meg and her mom struggle with. And I love that Meg and her brothers fight and goof around, but you also see how deeply they care about each other. (And now I have to mention Meg's dad, who is also awesome.)
Also, I'm very in love with Preston, who works on Meg's mom's campaign and becomes a great friend of the family.
I feel like this review is really short on substance, but I just don't want to spoil anything! A lot of serious things happen in these books.
June 8, 2010
This was interesting to read, given that I wrote on the same subject for National Novel Writing Month several years ago. Whereas I imagined having a parent run for president would be a fun adventure, Ellen Emerson White clearly thought it would be hell on earth. Which is probably a little closer to the truth, but it wasn't very much fun to read about. I spent most of the book wanting to shake Meg by her bratty, impudent shoulders, which is probably a sign that I am old.
November 12, 2012
[ Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog.]
Mom and daughter relationships are complicated enough. Why not mix in some politics, too?
Meg Powers is not your typical main character. She’s snarky, sarcastic, and has pretty snide thoughts about her family. In fact, she’s kind of moody and bratty. I’ll let you in on a little secret… I feel like she was super close to how I was as a teenager. (Just ask my mom.) Except Meg thought before she spoke on more occasions than I did.
When her mom first discusses running for president in the early part of the book, Meg’s not exactly her biggest cheerleader, and even during the campaign she refuses to accept what’s happening and still doesn’t think her mom is going to win. I kind of love that about her. As senator, Meg’s mom is pretty MIA in the life of her dad and her brothers, and as President, well, Meg can only imagine how available her mom will be then.
My library copy of The President’s Daughter was an updated version of the 1984 book. Cell phones, blogs, and the internet make appearances but not as much as they might during a present day campaign. I almost wish I could have gotten my hands on the original version. None of those details are detrimental to the plot or distracting in the least, but the update just feels unnecessary.
The book spans a good amount of time from the campaign through the first few months of Mrs. Powers’ time in office. It has the tendency to gloss over a few key moments, but White still manages to make the scenes so authentic – I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of research she did on the book because I believed every word she said. My mind constantly conjured up images of Chelsea Clinton and even Meghan McCain – the challenge of being in the spotlight, the Secret Service going on dates with you, and having tp be extra careful about who to trust.
I loved the little moments shared between the family (even the tense ones). They have such a playful and laid-back dynamic. Meg is actually quite maternal when she has to be and I really liked her relationship with her younger brothers. It was protective yet detached, like they were still walking this fine line between being overly affectionate or totally frustrated with one another.
As a kid I was always sort of enamored with the Presidents of the United States. I collected trading cards, read all the books, and was practically overcome with love for Washington, D.C. when I first visited in fifth grade. It was exhilarating to read about Meg’s experiences and observations during this journey, and I was surprised how many emotional moments were nestled inside of the book. It’s sort of magical watching your parent become the leader of America.
It’s especially surreal, almost thirty years after this novel has been published, that we still haven’t had a woman in office. This understanding of what Mrs. Powers’ success really means for America is very subtle, coming up in whispers, thanks to the writing of White. She allows the true meaning of these historical and personal moments to feel its way through without any pushing. The experience of The President’s Daughter is only enhanced by the author’s trust in her readers, and her ability to take a unique premise and bring it down to earth.
Mom and daughter relationships are complicated enough. Why not mix in some politics, too?
Meg Powers is not your typical main character. She’s snarky, sarcastic, and has pretty snide thoughts about her family. In fact, she’s kind of moody and bratty. I’ll let you in on a little secret… I feel like she was super close to how I was as a teenager. (Just ask my mom.) Except Meg thought before she spoke on more occasions than I did.
When her mom first discusses running for president in the early part of the book, Meg’s not exactly her biggest cheerleader, and even during the campaign she refuses to accept what’s happening and still doesn’t think her mom is going to win. I kind of love that about her. As senator, Meg’s mom is pretty MIA in the life of her dad and her brothers, and as President, well, Meg can only imagine how available her mom will be then.
My library copy of The President’s Daughter was an updated version of the 1984 book. Cell phones, blogs, and the internet make appearances but not as much as they might during a present day campaign. I almost wish I could have gotten my hands on the original version. None of those details are detrimental to the plot or distracting in the least, but the update just feels unnecessary.
The book spans a good amount of time from the campaign through the first few months of Mrs. Powers’ time in office. It has the tendency to gloss over a few key moments, but White still manages to make the scenes so authentic – I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of research she did on the book because I believed every word she said. My mind constantly conjured up images of Chelsea Clinton and even Meghan McCain – the challenge of being in the spotlight, the Secret Service going on dates with you, and having tp be extra careful about who to trust.
I loved the little moments shared between the family (even the tense ones). They have such a playful and laid-back dynamic. Meg is actually quite maternal when she has to be and I really liked her relationship with her younger brothers. It was protective yet detached, like they were still walking this fine line between being overly affectionate or totally frustrated with one another.
As a kid I was always sort of enamored with the Presidents of the United States. I collected trading cards, read all the books, and was practically overcome with love for Washington, D.C. when I first visited in fifth grade. It was exhilarating to read about Meg’s experiences and observations during this journey, and I was surprised how many emotional moments were nestled inside of the book. It’s sort of magical watching your parent become the leader of America.
It’s especially surreal, almost thirty years after this novel has been published, that we still haven’t had a woman in office. This understanding of what Mrs. Powers’ success really means for America is very subtle, coming up in whispers, thanks to the writing of White. She allows the true meaning of these historical and personal moments to feel its way through without any pushing. The experience of The President’s Daughter is only enhanced by the author’s trust in her readers, and her ability to take a unique premise and bring it down to earth.
December 31, 2012
Rating: 3.5 / 5
The thing that I simultaneously loved and hated most about this book was that it was an updated version of a book originally written in 1984. So basically I think the author went through and tried to make it sound like it was taking place in 2008 rather than the ‘80s. And usually it was fine—I could tell what had been updated, but it wasn’t too glaringly obvious. But every once in a while, some parts just screamed 1980s. Like one part was describing one of Meg’s outfit, and seriously, no teenager in 2008 would be caught dead in a pleated wool skirt, white oxford shirt, knee socks, and Top Siders.
This book sounded like '80s teen fiction as well. Even before I realized it was an updated copy of a much older book, I kept thinking, “Hmmm . . . this book sounds like it should be from the '80s.” It’s just got that Judy Bloom feel, you know? Like you can tell it’s written by an adult for teens, rather than it just being a story about a teen. It vaguely feels like you’re being talked down to. Does that make sense?
Anyway, despite my criticisms above, I did end up liking the story. It doesn’t have much in the way of plot, honestly. It’s more just the story of how Meg reacts to her mother’s candidacy for president. It’s a fairly quiet book, and there’s no big drama or anything. Which may sound like a negative, but it worked for me in this book. It was really interesting actually, all the political stuff and how it affects Meg and her family.
Meg herself is hilarious. She’s a bit surly and sarcastic and can have an attitude, but I liked her a lot. I think she deals with all the crazy stuff going on around her fairly maturely and with a sense of humor. She’s just sneakily funny, you know? Like, I would forget how funny Meg could be until she made some dry, sarcastic comment that had me grinning.
Overall, definitely a book of the '80s, despite the attempt to update it. But still, I enjoyed it. I hear that the next books in the series get more dramatic than this one, so I’ll probably read them at some point. I just think they’ll be library books rather than ones that I rush out to buy.
The thing that I simultaneously loved and hated most about this book was that it was an updated version of a book originally written in 1984. So basically I think the author went through and tried to make it sound like it was taking place in 2008 rather than the ‘80s. And usually it was fine—I could tell what had been updated, but it wasn’t too glaringly obvious. But every once in a while, some parts just screamed 1980s. Like one part was describing one of Meg’s outfit, and seriously, no teenager in 2008 would be caught dead in a pleated wool skirt, white oxford shirt, knee socks, and Top Siders.
This book sounded like '80s teen fiction as well. Even before I realized it was an updated copy of a much older book, I kept thinking, “Hmmm . . . this book sounds like it should be from the '80s.” It’s just got that Judy Bloom feel, you know? Like you can tell it’s written by an adult for teens, rather than it just being a story about a teen. It vaguely feels like you’re being talked down to. Does that make sense?
Anyway, despite my criticisms above, I did end up liking the story. It doesn’t have much in the way of plot, honestly. It’s more just the story of how Meg reacts to her mother’s candidacy for president. It’s a fairly quiet book, and there’s no big drama or anything. Which may sound like a negative, but it worked for me in this book. It was really interesting actually, all the political stuff and how it affects Meg and her family.
Meg herself is hilarious. She’s a bit surly and sarcastic and can have an attitude, but I liked her a lot. I think she deals with all the crazy stuff going on around her fairly maturely and with a sense of humor. She’s just sneakily funny, you know? Like, I would forget how funny Meg could be until she made some dry, sarcastic comment that had me grinning.
Overall, definitely a book of the '80s, despite the attempt to update it. But still, I enjoyed it. I hear that the next books in the series get more dramatic than this one, so I’ll probably read them at some point. I just think they’ll be library books rather than ones that I rush out to buy.
December 6, 2008
So, you think being a teenager is tough. Just imagine if you were almost sixteen, and your mom was a presidential candidate! Meg's mom is a popular senator who decides to run for president. Press and cameras everywhere, and her mom's handlers are ready to jump on her for any little thing. Don't they have a sense of humor?
Worse, though, are the demands on her mother's time. As if she wasn't already away from home a lot in her job as senator! The pressure on the family grows as the primary season goes on, but it's nothing compared to when she gets the nomination...
I loved this inside, teenager view of a political family and a political campaign, especially after the election we just had. It was especially relevant that Meg's mother was portrayed as the first serious woman candidate for president, and she was seen as somewhat of a novelty.
Meg was a nice mix of smart and snarky, loving her mom but resenting her ambition for her being away so much, too. I found her to be a believable teenager, with her concerns for what would happen to HER if her mom got elected. Would she have to change schools? How will she make friends?
Highly recommended to teen girls and adult readers of good teen books.
Worse, though, are the demands on her mother's time. As if she wasn't already away from home a lot in her job as senator! The pressure on the family grows as the primary season goes on, but it's nothing compared to when she gets the nomination...
I loved this inside, teenager view of a political family and a political campaign, especially after the election we just had. It was especially relevant that Meg's mother was portrayed as the first serious woman candidate for president, and she was seen as somewhat of a novelty.
Meg was a nice mix of smart and snarky, loving her mom but resenting her ambition for her being away so much, too. I found her to be a believable teenager, with her concerns for what would happen to HER if her mom got elected. Would she have to change schools? How will she make friends?
Highly recommended to teen girls and adult readers of good teen books.
set-aside
April 8, 2015*hopes fervently Beth doesn't hate me*
I have to turn this in to the library tomorrow, and I'm only on page 87. Maybe I can try this again this summer, but....I'm. Just. So. Bored. Not by the politics, because I LOVE the politics. If the book had more politics, I might be having a better time. It's Meg I find completely uninteresting. She is sometimes snarky-funny, but I've already had enough of her apathetic ambivalence to everything. She has no personality beyond being a candidate's daughter. There are these really long internal monologues she has too, which are basically just family backstory info-dumps. I'm looking for any excuse I can find to not read it so I'm taking a break.
I have to turn this in to the library tomorrow, and I'm only on page 87. Maybe I can try this again this summer, but....I'm. Just. So. Bored. Not by the politics, because I LOVE the politics. If the book had more politics, I might be having a better time. It's Meg I find completely uninteresting. She is sometimes snarky-funny, but I've already had enough of her apathetic ambivalence to everything. She has no personality beyond being a candidate's daughter. There are these really long internal monologues she has too, which are basically just family backstory info-dumps. I'm looking for any excuse I can find to not read it so I'm taking a break.
August 9, 2023
This book is mostly just about a girl and her relationship with her mother. I love it.
Read
February 15, 2015Ha - what might have *looked like* laziness when I didn't add/write this up was apparently prescience. Because now my thoughts are SECRET.
September 14, 2019
Holy Guacamole - this series.
I have no idea how I came across this series and started reading it. But I have just discovered a new favourite author.
The series covers the protagonist’s life from age 15 to age 18. I haven’t been a young adult for decades, but I love and reread certain favourite young adult books because they are simply fantastic books. The corollary is that I will not be put off a book because it is YA or NA or whatever they call it.
This book starts out a bit stiff, and gets better and better and better, as does each subsequent book.
Book 3 differs in content and intensity in a certain direction - if you are interested in reading this series I would check the blurb/reviews for that book before proceeding.
The final book is a fantastic capstone. But jeez - check out book 3 before proceeding.
Other warning: do not start this series in the evening if you have to get up the next day, or you know, do anything except read.
I have no idea how I came across this series and started reading it. But I have just discovered a new favourite author.
The series covers the protagonist’s life from age 15 to age 18. I haven’t been a young adult for decades, but I love and reread certain favourite young adult books because they are simply fantastic books. The corollary is that I will not be put off a book because it is YA or NA or whatever they call it.
This book starts out a bit stiff, and gets better and better and better, as does each subsequent book.
Book 3 differs in content and intensity in a certain direction - if you are interested in reading this series I would check the blurb/reviews for that book before proceeding.
The final book is a fantastic capstone. But jeez - check out book 3 before proceeding.
Other warning: do not start this series in the evening if you have to get up the next day, or you know, do anything except read.
January 2, 2009
I have actually been looking forward to this one for some time. I actually read the fourth book in the series just recently. It was a new release, but the earlier three books were actually released in the early-to-mid-1990's, when I was in high school. The publisher has decided to reissue the first three with updates so the setting will be more modern. I am sure it had something to do with the strong support Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin were having during the course of the election.
The main character is a 15-year-old girl growing up in one of the suburbs of Boston. Meghan Powers is pretty much living the life of an avereage teen with one exception. Her mother is a very popular Democratic Senator. That has led to a creative family situation as her family has two homes (one in Massachusetts and one not far from DC). It has also meant that her mother has not been around as much as she would have liked.
Things are about to get even more interesting for Meg and her two younger brothers because their mother Katherine has decided to run for President of the United States. The book artfully takes the family, and the readers with them, through the election process from the start of the primary season through the debates and on through Inauguration Day. It is not easy on the family because everyone must sacrifice. Through there caring and dedication, though, they are making it through.
Meg is a smart and witty kid with a great sense of humor. She shines on her own while also being a great supporter for her mom even as she sometimes hopes that her mother will lose so they can go back to the simple life they once had. Like the rest of her family, Meg must learn to deal with Secret Service agents, a crazy schedule, and all the changes that come about as she is going to a new school and moving into the Residence at the White House.
What I really liked about this book (and the fourth book in the series, which is called Long May She Reign) is that Meg is not just dealing with the challenges of being in the first family, but also with the everyday things that all kids face like insecurity and starting to date. She has trouble adapting to her new school and even loses one of her long-time friends who can't deal with her mother's new status as the leader of the free world.
This series is definitely one of those that fall into the young adult genre, but the richness of characters and the plotlines makes it complex enough for even the most intense readers while also staying accessible to the originally intended audience.
The main character is a 15-year-old girl growing up in one of the suburbs of Boston. Meghan Powers is pretty much living the life of an avereage teen with one exception. Her mother is a very popular Democratic Senator. That has led to a creative family situation as her family has two homes (one in Massachusetts and one not far from DC). It has also meant that her mother has not been around as much as she would have liked.
Things are about to get even more interesting for Meg and her two younger brothers because their mother Katherine has decided to run for President of the United States. The book artfully takes the family, and the readers with them, through the election process from the start of the primary season through the debates and on through Inauguration Day. It is not easy on the family because everyone must sacrifice. Through there caring and dedication, though, they are making it through.
Meg is a smart and witty kid with a great sense of humor. She shines on her own while also being a great supporter for her mom even as she sometimes hopes that her mother will lose so they can go back to the simple life they once had. Like the rest of her family, Meg must learn to deal with Secret Service agents, a crazy schedule, and all the changes that come about as she is going to a new school and moving into the Residence at the White House.
What I really liked about this book (and the fourth book in the series, which is called Long May She Reign) is that Meg is not just dealing with the challenges of being in the first family, but also with the everyday things that all kids face like insecurity and starting to date. She has trouble adapting to her new school and even loses one of her long-time friends who can't deal with her mother's new status as the leader of the free world.
This series is definitely one of those that fall into the young adult genre, but the richness of characters and the plotlines makes it complex enough for even the most intense readers while also staying accessible to the originally intended audience.
December 23, 2016
Fun-to-read book, to imagine one's self the daughter of--not just any President--but a stylish, ground-breaking, well-loved woman President.
So interesting to note how times have changed since 1983. For example, the clip of the President yelling at her daughter that made every news cast that night? Today it would be on Youtube forever. Unable to take a photo of the cute guy? No longer a problem. And today he'd probably send you unsolicited photos of parts of him you'd rather not have a photo of. Wanting to talk to a friend but its Friday night so she'd be out so can't call?--Everyone is always available at any time. At least theoretically.
Most interesting part of reading this book, though, to me personally, was that the family involved three children, with an older sister and two younger brothers. Even in Meg's comparatively ideal world, with super loving parents, I felt a chill and a discomfort from this scenario. This was my sibling situation. Problems with it:
1. There are two of them to one of you so their boy-things, boy-interests, boys-getting-in-trouble will always take priority.
2. They have a built-in buddy, you are the lone man out.
3. Because they are younger they will be cuter for much of your childhood. Also, they will be a refreshing respite from your breaking new ground as you grow older and more demanding, knocking down barriers that will also be down for them when they come after you.
4. In the 1960's-1980's there was still a clear preference for males in many families and a tendency to favor the males.
5. Because they are younger you are often stuck "watching them."
6. Because they are younger no benefit, no living off their reflected glory should they captain the football team or get elected student body president.
7. Because its just two, and not more, no real specialness to being the "only" girl.
So interesting to note how times have changed since 1983. For example, the clip of the President yelling at her daughter that made every news cast that night? Today it would be on Youtube forever. Unable to take a photo of the cute guy? No longer a problem. And today he'd probably send you unsolicited photos of parts of him you'd rather not have a photo of. Wanting to talk to a friend but its Friday night so she'd be out so can't call?--Everyone is always available at any time. At least theoretically.
Most interesting part of reading this book, though, to me personally, was that the family involved three children, with an older sister and two younger brothers. Even in Meg's comparatively ideal world, with super loving parents, I felt a chill and a discomfort from this scenario. This was my sibling situation. Problems with it:
1. There are two of them to one of you so their boy-things, boy-interests, boys-getting-in-trouble will always take priority.
2. They have a built-in buddy, you are the lone man out.
3. Because they are younger they will be cuter for much of your childhood. Also, they will be a refreshing respite from your breaking new ground as you grow older and more demanding, knocking down barriers that will also be down for them when they come after you.
4. In the 1960's-1980's there was still a clear preference for males in many families and a tendency to favor the males.
5. Because they are younger you are often stuck "watching them."
6. Because they are younger no benefit, no living off their reflected glory should they captain the football team or get elected student body president.
7. Because its just two, and not more, no real specialness to being the "only" girl.
September 22, 2008
I've read this series completely out of order. I started with Long Live the Queen, #3, because it was the only one at the library, then read Long May She Reign, #4, when it was newly published last year. Now the library finally ordered copies of the republished start to the series, and I finally got my hands on it. So obviously, it's entirely possible to read them out of order and still enjoy them.
First of all, aren't the new covers smashing? I just might have to buy my own copies. Hurray for republishing out-of-print titles! The series doesn't sound at all like my kind of thing - politics, sports, kidnapping, PTSD, etc. But they’re so gripping - once I start one, I can barely put it down. Not necessarily because of the plot, but because the characters feel so real - especially the family dynamics. Meg is perfectly snarky - a kindred spirit with completely different interests.
In this book, we see Meg's life as a senator's daughter, then as a candidate's daughter, and finally as the president's daughter. There are plenty of tensions in her family, with her mom gone much of the time and the pressures of campaigning. While a lot of the action of the story derives from her mother's political career, the heart of the story is Meg's relationship with her mother - and the rest of the family, to a lesser degree. Meg is trying to fit who she is with her circumstances - the classic coming-of-age story exacerbated by politics and life in the spotlight.
Highly recommended - this one is fairly tame in content, and I can't speak to the 2nd book yet, but the 3rd and 4th have some violence and sex, respectively.
Also, I’m thinking about voting for Meg’s mom come November.
First of all, aren't the new covers smashing? I just might have to buy my own copies. Hurray for republishing out-of-print titles! The series doesn't sound at all like my kind of thing - politics, sports, kidnapping, PTSD, etc. But they’re so gripping - once I start one, I can barely put it down. Not necessarily because of the plot, but because the characters feel so real - especially the family dynamics. Meg is perfectly snarky - a kindred spirit with completely different interests.
In this book, we see Meg's life as a senator's daughter, then as a candidate's daughter, and finally as the president's daughter. There are plenty of tensions in her family, with her mom gone much of the time and the pressures of campaigning. While a lot of the action of the story derives from her mother's political career, the heart of the story is Meg's relationship with her mother - and the rest of the family, to a lesser degree. Meg is trying to fit who she is with her circumstances - the classic coming-of-age story exacerbated by politics and life in the spotlight.
Highly recommended - this one is fairly tame in content, and I can't speak to the 2nd book yet, but the 3rd and 4th have some violence and sex, respectively.
Also, I’m thinking about voting for Meg’s mom come November.
August 12, 2011
Meg Powers never has her senator mother around so when she announces that she's running for president, you can imagine the disappointment in Meg who just wishes to have a normal family. Now all she can do is smile and pretend like it's not bugging her to maintain the 'image' of a happy family, when deep down inside Meg is desperately hoping her mother does not win the election.
I was so excited to read this book because I've heard so many good things about 'long may she reign' and then I see that this book had a 4 star review so I definitely had high hopes. To my disappointment it wasn't what I expected. The main conflicts in this book are internal, hardly any external ones so it wasn't that interesting. Since it deals with internal problems it would probably have been a bit more entertaining if it was told in first person point of view instead of third person. I tried to get into it, I really did, but it lacked climax as well as a good ol' external conflict. Although, I am going to give the second book a try, maybe the author just intended to make the first book as sort of an introduction to the series and with each book, it will just get better and better (hopefully) I hate to say it but wouldn't recommend to anyone. Rating:15 and over because of sexual content.
If you liked this, you'll love: "White house autumn" By: Ellen Emerson White, "All american girl" By: Meg Cabot
I was so excited to read this book because I've heard so many good things about 'long may she reign' and then I see that this book had a 4 star review so I definitely had high hopes. To my disappointment it wasn't what I expected. The main conflicts in this book are internal, hardly any external ones so it wasn't that interesting. Since it deals with internal problems it would probably have been a bit more entertaining if it was told in first person point of view instead of third person. I tried to get into it, I really did, but it lacked climax as well as a good ol' external conflict. Although, I am going to give the second book a try, maybe the author just intended to make the first book as sort of an introduction to the series and with each book, it will just get better and better (hopefully) I hate to say it but wouldn't recommend to anyone. Rating:15 and over because of sexual content.
If you liked this, you'll love: "White house autumn" By: Ellen Emerson White, "All american girl" By: Meg Cabot
July 8, 2012
The first of Ellen Emerson White's series about Meg Powers, the oldest child of the first female President of the United States. This series is great not only because it doesn't pull any punches when it comes to feminism, but because White has captured a very realistic picture of an imperfect family struggling to cope with the changes of being constantly in the public eye. Things don't always work out, and people aren't always okay in the end, which sets these books apart from a lot of other young adult fiction. White also deals in an extremely believable way with mental illness. Even though the Powers family is *very* New England Anglo-Saxon in a way that can frequently be off-putting, the voices of all the characters are realistic and when Meg or one of her family annoyed me, it was consistent with the story. Strongly, strongly recommended, especially for people who want their kids to grow up thinking of women as equally competent, powerful, and flawed as men.
March 25, 2017
This reminded me of books by Meg Cabot and Judy Blume. The writing and innoncence felt very Judy Blume to me while the topic reminded me of Cabot's All-American Girl. It definitely has a classic, comfort YA read vibe to it.
I enjoyed the politics angle, especially while the mother was campaigning. I wish some of that could have been explored more. I was almost more intrigued by the mother's story than Meg's.
I never really connected with Meg. I think that was because it didn't feel like Meg was very active or had any kind of goals. She just went along with things or reacted to stuff.
There was also a lot of summary in the novel because it covers probably two years of events. I think that also caused me to feel distanced from Meg and everything that was going on. Everything seemed really rushed or condensed that nothing really got enough time on the page to develop and feel satisfyingly fleshed out, especially the various crushes/romances.
I enjoyed the politics angle, especially while the mother was campaigning. I wish some of that could have been explored more. I was almost more intrigued by the mother's story than Meg's.
I never really connected with Meg. I think that was because it didn't feel like Meg was very active or had any kind of goals. She just went along with things or reacted to stuff.
There was also a lot of summary in the novel because it covers probably two years of events. I think that also caused me to feel distanced from Meg and everything that was going on. Everything seemed really rushed or condensed that nothing really got enough time on the page to develop and feel satisfyingly fleshed out, especially the various crushes/romances.
October 7, 2014
I'm really reading this so I can read the whole series (the main character ends up going to Williams, eventually - and I want to see if they got it right). About a 16-year-old girl whose mother runs for President - the title is kind of a spoiler, as you already know she's going to win. :) It lays out all the changes in Meg's life and what it's like to be in that situation. Meg is hugely sarcastic (in a way that I find charming and fun) and the whole family is believable and clever. (I'm a sucker for witty banter in nearly any context.) Fun reading for this season. (Sept 2008)
Re-reading for nostalgia's sake. Still awesome. I love these people and this series. (Oct 2014)
Re-reading for nostalgia's sake. Still awesome. I love these people and this series. (Oct 2014)
June 19, 2016
I first read this book twenty years ago and thought it fitting to reread the series now, in light of the recent primaries, and in preparation for finally reading Long May She Reign.
Maybe it's only because I've read it before, but I felt a bit frustrated by the first half of the book. Readers already know that Meg's mom is going to be the first woman president, so the campaign isn't suspenseful or surprising.
That said, I like Meg. I always enjoy Ellen Emerson White's sarcastic, intelligent protagonists.
Typos spotted: 4. I reread my Avon Flare edition. (I wonder who much the new editions changed?)
Maybe it's only because I've read it before, but I felt a bit frustrated by the first half of the book. Readers already know that Meg's mom is going to be the first woman president, so the campaign isn't suspenseful or surprising.
That said, I like Meg. I always enjoy Ellen Emerson White's sarcastic, intelligent protagonists.
Typos spotted: 4. I reread my Avon Flare edition. (I wonder who much the new editions changed?)
August 5, 2016
I'm giving this four stars for sentimental reasons, and also because the contemporary edits actually seemed to work. I remember reading this in 1985...and it was a 1980s' book, all the way. It's sort of vaguely early 2000s, now. I guess it seemed more superficial than what I remember? Also, there was far less Boston, mostly because she had to edit out places like Filene's Basement. It felt like a weird time-travel experience. I think I would have enjoyed the original better. I'm not convinced that books have to change to stay relevant. Though, I guess a book about a woman becoming president in the 1980s was ahead of its time. #Hillary2016
June 13, 2016
I first read this when I was 12 or 13, and I've reread it many, many times since. Even though it's a young adult novel, it's a fantastic story with great characters. I don't think it's still in print, and that's a shame. There's a passage about the first woman running for president as a major party candidate that still gives me goosebumps every time.
April 29, 2011
A 2008 update of the mid 80s original. Ordinarily I would not approve, but the changes in both electronic media and American politics dated the original. The update is very well done and the story itself stands up VERY well. I can thing of very few things that I read in HS and in my 40s that I appreciate more now.
September 10, 2010
Originally posted here.
Meghan Powers doesn’t know what it’s like to have a normal mother. At least one she sees on a regular basis or whose current location is predictable. As a senator, Katharine Vaughn Powers spends much of her time in D.C., travels a lot making speeches and attending events, and is completely exhausted when she is home. At least Meg has her dad, works at a local law firm and is currently on good terms with her mother. There’s also Trudy, their housekeeper and her two younger brothers Steven and Neal, who appear to be well-adjusted for children of a working mother. She is lucky to live in Massachusetts rather than Washington, and she has lots of friends. Maybe her mother isn’t around and maybe she resents that, but she still thinks her mother is just about perfect. Well, until Senator Powers goes ahead and decides to run for president, and her chances to win happen to be good. And while she may be able to live with her mother at The White House, Meg will be forced to leave almost her entire life behind.
Where to start, where to start. This is one of those books that despite my good intentions I’d thought I’d never get around to. This was mostly because of its premise and age. Frankly there were always newer, more exciting sounding books that were urgently calling my name. But, still. It doesn’t make sense if you consider how much I liked Ellen Emerson White’s The Road Home, with its writing, characters, and storyline of the finest kind or how instantly smitten I was with the art history-inspired reissued covers. I’m not one to pick up a book by its cover alone, but admittedly in this case they were the main driving force for me actually reading them someday. I simply could not get these covers out of my mind. If possible they grew on me more and more until this fantastic deal made the question of not buying the entire series then and there no contest. I justified an already justifiable purchase with the logic that if they fell flat for me at least it wouldn’t be a failed investment and I’d own the clever, art reference book covers if only for eye candy’s sake. Pretty shallow, I know. Admittedly my actions were completely silly and I’m not sure why I waited so long. With strong recommendations really, what was I waiting for?
From the first page it was a comfort to fall back with ease into the clear and intelligent prose of Ellen Emerson White. Meg’s extreme sarcasm and young maturity made her immediately real and likable. I connected to her angst-y teenage dilemmas. As someone who is described as “quiet and bookish” by the press Meg would never choose to put her life even more in the spotlight as a female presidential nominee’s only daughter. But Meg is smarter than meets the eye and can be savvy and strategic when she needs to be. She is also in a very closeted way interested in politics herself and keeps updated on all political news. While the imminent presidential victory is inherent in the book and series titles, the suspense was still there as the whirlwind campaign meant a whirlwind of changes for Meg, and that’s frankly the real strength and heart of Ms. White’s novels. There may be few plot twists or major reveals but that doesn’t matter. It’s the endearing, get-under-your-skin characters and their deftly-handled development that draw you in and make you fans for life.
That said what overall made The President’s Daughter for me were not the always fully-baked characters or Meg’s realistic family dynamic but the incredibly complicated relationship between Meg and her mother treated in a deservedly and equally nuanced way. I lived for their witty exchanges, heated arguments,and the emotive glimpses of two women who love each other in spite of their flaws and faults. An early exchange between Meg and her mother:
Meg is such a smart aleck, and that’s one of the many reasons I love her. Both the issues between Meg and her mother and the difficulties facing the first female president are compelling and timeless, especially for a book first published in 1984. Overall The President’s Daughter is a one-of-a-kind read that will please fans of strong characterization and adult and teenage readers of contemporary YA alike.
Meghan Powers doesn’t know what it’s like to have a normal mother. At least one she sees on a regular basis or whose current location is predictable. As a senator, Katharine Vaughn Powers spends much of her time in D.C., travels a lot making speeches and attending events, and is completely exhausted when she is home. At least Meg has her dad, works at a local law firm and is currently on good terms with her mother. There’s also Trudy, their housekeeper and her two younger brothers Steven and Neal, who appear to be well-adjusted for children of a working mother. She is lucky to live in Massachusetts rather than Washington, and she has lots of friends. Maybe her mother isn’t around and maybe she resents that, but she still thinks her mother is just about perfect. Well, until Senator Powers goes ahead and decides to run for president, and her chances to win happen to be good. And while she may be able to live with her mother at The White House, Meg will be forced to leave almost her entire life behind.
Where to start, where to start. This is one of those books that despite my good intentions I’d thought I’d never get around to. This was mostly because of its premise and age. Frankly there were always newer, more exciting sounding books that were urgently calling my name. But, still. It doesn’t make sense if you consider how much I liked Ellen Emerson White’s The Road Home, with its writing, characters, and storyline of the finest kind or how instantly smitten I was with the art history-inspired reissued covers. I’m not one to pick up a book by its cover alone, but admittedly in this case they were the main driving force for me actually reading them someday. I simply could not get these covers out of my mind. If possible they grew on me more and more until this fantastic deal made the question of not buying the entire series then and there no contest. I justified an already justifiable purchase with the logic that if they fell flat for me at least it wouldn’t be a failed investment and I’d own the clever, art reference book covers if only for eye candy’s sake. Pretty shallow, I know. Admittedly my actions were completely silly and I’m not sure why I waited so long. With strong recommendations really, what was I waiting for?
From the first page it was a comfort to fall back with ease into the clear and intelligent prose of Ellen Emerson White. Meg’s extreme sarcasm and young maturity made her immediately real and likable. I connected to her angst-y teenage dilemmas. As someone who is described as “quiet and bookish” by the press Meg would never choose to put her life even more in the spotlight as a female presidential nominee’s only daughter. But Meg is smarter than meets the eye and can be savvy and strategic when she needs to be. She is also in a very closeted way interested in politics herself and keeps updated on all political news. While the imminent presidential victory is inherent in the book and series titles, the suspense was still there as the whirlwind campaign meant a whirlwind of changes for Meg, and that’s frankly the real strength and heart of Ms. White’s novels. There may be few plot twists or major reveals but that doesn’t matter. It’s the endearing, get-under-your-skin characters and their deftly-handled development that draw you in and make you fans for life.
That said what overall made The President’s Daughter for me were not the always fully-baked characters or Meg’s realistic family dynamic but the incredibly complicated relationship between Meg and her mother treated in a deservedly and equally nuanced way. I lived for their witty exchanges, heated arguments,and the emotive glimpses of two women who love each other in spite of their flaws and faults. An early exchange between Meg and her mother:
Meg stiffened. “Am I in trouble?”
Her mother shook her head. “No, of course not.”
That still didn’t sound good. “I wasn’t limping before,” Meg said. “I just tripped.” Which was actually true.
“I know. I just want to talk to you,” her mother said.
Meg relaxed. “It it’s about sex, I already know,” she said, sitting back in her chair.
“Since we went over it about six years ago, I should hope it’s sunk in by now. At any rate,” her mother went on, “your father and I have been discussing this at length, and-“
“What,” Meg said, “sex?”
Her mother looked impatient. “Meg, come on, I’m being serious.”
Recognizing the irritation in her mother’s voice, Meg was quiet.
Her mother took a deep breath. “I guess I wanted to talk to you before your brothers, because—well, it’s about the next election.”
Whoa. Meg sat up straighter. “You mean you’re not running?
“I’m not running for Senate,” her mother conceded.
How completely excellent. “You mean, you’ll like, live at home all the time?” Meg could almost feel her eyes lighting up, or whatever it was that eyes did.
“Meg, I want to run for President,” her mother said.
Meg choked, losing half her mouthful of soda on the table. She shoved her napkin onto the liquid, still coughing. “Are you kidding?”
Her mother shook her head.
“Oh my God,” Meg said.
Meg is such a smart aleck, and that’s one of the many reasons I love her. Both the issues between Meg and her mother and the difficulties facing the first female president are compelling and timeless, especially for a book first published in 1984. Overall The President’s Daughter is a one-of-a-kind read that will please fans of strong characterization and adult and teenage readers of contemporary YA alike.
May 17, 2018
This was a little slow to get going for me, but I enjoyed the characters and thought that White did a good job making Meg a believable disgruntled teen.
September 30, 2019
Great book. It was a lot of fun to follow her through the Mothers presidential race.
September 12, 2009
Ellen Emerson White is a relatively new discovery for me. I begin with her incomparable 'The Road Home' and have quickly done whatever I could to get my hands on her other books, knowing if they were half as good as 'The Road Home,' they would be well worth my time. And I was right. I always like it when that happens.
Meg Powers is a regular teenager - she plays tennis, fights with her parents, tries to navigate a hormone-driven high school, and gives her young brothers all the trouble she can. Meg does have a couple of things that set her apart from your average teen however - for one, she's smart with a biting wit and two, her mother, a career politician, has just decided to run for president. Not PTA president, mind you, but Leader of the Free World President president. Going with this not competely unexpected decision, Meg and her family must face the realities of campaigning on such a large scale. They must first endure the endless agony of the primaries nationwide, then the pageantry of the Democratic Convention, and if all goes well, eventually leading up to the Presidential election, that is, if her mom's lucky to even get that far.
Even though Meg is extremely smart, sometimes so much so that I forget she's only a teenager, she still experiences the all-too natural desire to not attract attention to herself (an instinct ingrained in all teens of course) which becomes basically impossible with all the media coverage, teachers asking for her mother's stance on education, and never knowing if guys are asking her out for herself or becuase her mother is famous. Through it all, she and especially her brothers keep a constant run of banter and sarcastic remarks running throughout - often tempering the many emotional scenes with levity leaving you with a sense that humor is the only thing keeping the Powers family sane.
The Powers family has an awesome dynamic. They are all incredibly smart and each loves nothing better than to crack a joke or pop off some smart aleck response. Meg and her mother are so much alike - but in exceedingly different ways. Meg feels that since her mother might become the first female president and she is the eldest child, there is even more pressure to be as elegant and intelligent as her mom - talk about your pressure.
I absolutely adore the covers in this series - each is a perfect representation of the emotions Meg experiences. This particular design is an homage to Andrew Wyeth's celebrated painting Christina's World. This choice was spot-on for capturing Meg's feeling of desperation and isolation. She has no choice but to follow her mother in perusing the presidency - no matter the cost to their family or herself. Not without hope however, Wyeth (and likewise Meg) face their difficulties face-first, without any hesitation and ready to get to work.
Meg Powers is a regular teenager - she plays tennis, fights with her parents, tries to navigate a hormone-driven high school, and gives her young brothers all the trouble she can. Meg does have a couple of things that set her apart from your average teen however - for one, she's smart with a biting wit and two, her mother, a career politician, has just decided to run for president. Not PTA president, mind you, but Leader of the Free World President president. Going with this not competely unexpected decision, Meg and her family must face the realities of campaigning on such a large scale. They must first endure the endless agony of the primaries nationwide, then the pageantry of the Democratic Convention, and if all goes well, eventually leading up to the Presidential election, that is, if her mom's lucky to even get that far.
Even though Meg is extremely smart, sometimes so much so that I forget she's only a teenager, she still experiences the all-too natural desire to not attract attention to herself (an instinct ingrained in all teens of course) which becomes basically impossible with all the media coverage, teachers asking for her mother's stance on education, and never knowing if guys are asking her out for herself or becuase her mother is famous. Through it all, she and especially her brothers keep a constant run of banter and sarcastic remarks running throughout - often tempering the many emotional scenes with levity leaving you with a sense that humor is the only thing keeping the Powers family sane.
The Powers family has an awesome dynamic. They are all incredibly smart and each loves nothing better than to crack a joke or pop off some smart aleck response. Meg and her mother are so much alike - but in exceedingly different ways. Meg feels that since her mother might become the first female president and she is the eldest child, there is even more pressure to be as elegant and intelligent as her mom - talk about your pressure.
I absolutely adore the covers in this series - each is a perfect representation of the emotions Meg experiences. This particular design is an homage to Andrew Wyeth's celebrated painting Christina's World. This choice was spot-on for capturing Meg's feeling of desperation and isolation. She has no choice but to follow her mother in perusing the presidency - no matter the cost to their family or herself. Not without hope however, Wyeth (and likewise Meg) face their difficulties face-first, without any hesitation and ready to get to work.
September 20, 2010
Originally posted here.
I know the premise isn't that new - there have been several stories about daughters of US presidents before, although probably more in movies than in novels. This one is different because the presidential parent is a woman. I found Meg very believable as a character. She's smart, snarky, has a great sense of humor and tries to act like her mom running for president is no biggie. As if things aren't hard enough for her, she looks exactly like her mom. Although it's obvious based on the title that her mom will win the position, the first half of the book deals with the campaign trail and how a well-respected senator fought to become the first female president of the United States. I admit that a lot of the political talk went way over my head. You all know that I live in the Philippines and we have a different political system from the US. Even though the political events and processes were explained in detail, I was still a bit lost. Also, we've had two women presidents over here so it's that not big of a deal compared to the US.
The book focuses on Meg and her family and how they adjust their lives according to her mother's profession. I liked Meg's family - her mom, dad and her brothers Steven and Neal. It's understandable that the dynamics of the family changes according to Mrs. Powers' political career. I found the characters endearing, each of them vulnerable in their own way. Since I'm a fan of humor, I kept noticing how it's natural for the entire family (except for Neal because he's only six) to constantly joke around. Even though I liked the characters, I had a pretty lukewarm reaction to the book as a whole. Aside from having problems understanding the US political situation being depicted, I also kept waiting for something big to happen and nothing turned up. I don't know why but I was expecting a climactic event. I'm still planning to read the other books in the series because I already have them. I have a feeling that they'll be more exciting than this one based on the book summaries.
I know the premise isn't that new - there have been several stories about daughters of US presidents before, although probably more in movies than in novels. This one is different because the presidential parent is a woman. I found Meg very believable as a character. She's smart, snarky, has a great sense of humor and tries to act like her mom running for president is no biggie. As if things aren't hard enough for her, she looks exactly like her mom. Although it's obvious based on the title that her mom will win the position, the first half of the book deals with the campaign trail and how a well-respected senator fought to become the first female president of the United States. I admit that a lot of the political talk went way over my head. You all know that I live in the Philippines and we have a different political system from the US. Even though the political events and processes were explained in detail, I was still a bit lost. Also, we've had two women presidents over here so it's that not big of a deal compared to the US.
The book focuses on Meg and her family and how they adjust their lives according to her mother's profession. I liked Meg's family - her mom, dad and her brothers Steven and Neal. It's understandable that the dynamics of the family changes according to Mrs. Powers' political career. I found the characters endearing, each of them vulnerable in their own way. Since I'm a fan of humor, I kept noticing how it's natural for the entire family (except for Neal because he's only six) to constantly joke around. Even though I liked the characters, I had a pretty lukewarm reaction to the book as a whole. Aside from having problems understanding the US political situation being depicted, I also kept waiting for something big to happen and nothing turned up. I don't know why but I was expecting a climactic event. I'm still planning to read the other books in the series because I already have them. I have a feeling that they'll be more exciting than this one based on the book summaries.
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