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The President's Daughter #4
Long May She Reign
Meg Powers is the daughter of the President of the United States. She's about to enter her first year of college. She's living through the worst year of her life.Last June Meg was kidnapped by terrorists brutalized, starved, and left for dead. She was shackled in a deserted mine shaft and had to smash the bones in her own hand to escape.Meg Powers survived the unthinkable, the stuff of nightmares. Her terrorist captor is still at large. But still she must live each day. Ahead of her is the grueling physical therapy to heal her broken body; the challenge of leaving the safety of the White House for her freshman year at college. But harder still than the physical and social challenges ahead are her shattered sense of herself and her family. Will she ever forgive her mother, the President, for her "can not, have not and will not negotiate with terrorists" stance even when it came to her own daughter?And more difficult still, can Meg forgive herself for having the strength, the intelligence and the wit to survive?In a brilliant novel, Ellen Emerson White tells her most ambitious and intense story about a most unlikely but deeply affecting heroine
718 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2007
26 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Emerson White
37 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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November 12, 2007
I have to preface this review by saying I've been an Ellen Emerson White addict for years. Ever since I found a used copy of Life Without Friends and took it home with me because I liked the girl on the cover so much. I've never read a "new" EEW book in my life. They've all been out of print or used when I've come across them. So sitting down with a brand spanking new copy of a brand spanking new book of hers...well, let's just say it was a religious experience and leave it at that. Long May She Reign is a sequel to the President's Daughter trilogy written in the 80s. The series follows Meg Powers, daughter of the first female president of the United States, and her experience moving to the White House and adjusting to life in the public eye. In the last book, Long Live the Queen, Meg is abducted by terrorists, forced to endure days of starvation, beatings, and emotional torture, only to be dumped in a mine shaft, shackled to the wall, and left to die. In an act of breathtaking determination, she breaks the bones in her hand in order to escape and is later reunited with her family.
Long May She Reign picks up where Long Live the Queen left off. Meg is in bad shape, to put it unbelievably mildly. She's a wreck, physically and emotionally, and her family isn't far behind. At best, they're able to skirt the issue of what happened to her. And none of them can answer the omnipresent question: what happens next? So Meg closes her eyes and makes the decision to go ahead and go to college hoping her absence will make it possible for her family to move on. At Williams, Meg finds it even harder than she imagined to function as a college freshman, surrounded by paranoid secret service agents and a slew of students who regard her with, at best, timid curiosity and, at worst, outright hostility. Fortunately Meg meets a couple of people who are determined to insinuate themselves into her life whether she wants them or not: her JA Susan (the main character in Friends for Life) and an Ultimate Frisbee-playing, love 'em and leave 'em California boy named Jack. Having been through her own personal hell when her best friend was murdered during their junior year of high school, Susan is familiar with the seemingly insurmountable challenge Meg faces in attempting to reclaim her life. Slowly, these two survivors strike up a tenuous friendship. Meanwhile, Meg negotiates an equally fragile relationship with Jack. Both relationships are unusually compelling. I love that Meg and Jack are equals--two extremely flawed, extremely interesting, extremely complicated people attracted to each other precisely because they are flawed and interesting and complicated. I love that he calls her on things. That it makes her mad when he scores higher than she does on a psych test. That they get angry at each other and talk it out and laugh together and move on. As I've mentioned before, I get tired of the Tireless Good Guy and his counterpart the Reformed Bad Boy. It was so refreshing to find that Jack was neither of these. And, as ever, White's sarcastic, thought-provoking dialogue kept me absolutely glued to the page. There's something so satisfying when a writer treats her reader as though she is smart. The whole time I was reading it I felt in the company of old friends, that I had been here before, and that I was comfortable here. Long May She Reign was hands down the book I was most excited about this year and it exceeded all my expectations. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Long May She Reign picks up where Long Live the Queen left off. Meg is in bad shape, to put it unbelievably mildly. She's a wreck, physically and emotionally, and her family isn't far behind. At best, they're able to skirt the issue of what happened to her. And none of them can answer the omnipresent question: what happens next? So Meg closes her eyes and makes the decision to go ahead and go to college hoping her absence will make it possible for her family to move on. At Williams, Meg finds it even harder than she imagined to function as a college freshman, surrounded by paranoid secret service agents and a slew of students who regard her with, at best, timid curiosity and, at worst, outright hostility. Fortunately Meg meets a couple of people who are determined to insinuate themselves into her life whether she wants them or not: her JA Susan (the main character in Friends for Life) and an Ultimate Frisbee-playing, love 'em and leave 'em California boy named Jack. Having been through her own personal hell when her best friend was murdered during their junior year of high school, Susan is familiar with the seemingly insurmountable challenge Meg faces in attempting to reclaim her life. Slowly, these two survivors strike up a tenuous friendship. Meanwhile, Meg negotiates an equally fragile relationship with Jack. Both relationships are unusually compelling. I love that Meg and Jack are equals--two extremely flawed, extremely interesting, extremely complicated people attracted to each other precisely because they are flawed and interesting and complicated. I love that he calls her on things. That it makes her mad when he scores higher than she does on a psych test. That they get angry at each other and talk it out and laugh together and move on. As I've mentioned before, I get tired of the Tireless Good Guy and his counterpart the Reformed Bad Boy. It was so refreshing to find that Jack was neither of these. And, as ever, White's sarcastic, thought-provoking dialogue kept me absolutely glued to the page. There's something so satisfying when a writer treats her reader as though she is smart. The whole time I was reading it I felt in the company of old friends, that I had been here before, and that I was comfortable here. Long May She Reign was hands down the book I was most excited about this year and it exceeded all my expectations. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
June 19, 2023
Review June 2023:
At one point I sat down for like three hours and did nothing but read this. This book, these characters, this world, is so engrossing and very much real life that I just get lost in it. Nothing is black and white, nothing is easy and everyone is given a moment to shine. I read novels because I love people and I re-read novels because I want to sit with my favorite characters again and watch them as they learn and grow. Meg is not whole, not perfect, not anything other than human and broken like the rest of us but I love her so much and I agree with her mother below. She's a fighter and made of incredibly strong stuff.
"You're even tougher than I am, Meg, and I'm so tough that I frighten myself," her mother said.
Review November 2016:
STILL AMAZING. Meg Powers will never not be my hero.
-------------------
Review September 2012:
5+ stars
Honestly, one of the best decisions I made last year was buying this series. This is my second time re-reading this book and I have to say, I am still blown away by the depths to all the characters -notably Meg, her parents, Preston, Beth, Susan, Steven and even the Secret Service, that is shows in this final installment.
This book is long (I think if you put the first three books all together they would equal this one) and there is a lot of talking and internal debate and struggling in this book so I can see why some people complain it's too long and real but honestly, that is my favorite part of this novel. There are times when I will pull out my copy just to read certain sections, it is that good. The writing and dialogue and relationships (I WILL NEVER NOT SHIP MEG AND PRESTON) between everyone is just A+++ and while I love this series as a whole, I will have to say this particular book is my favorite. You get to watch Meg grow into herself and her situation in life (I i.e. being both the President's daughter and that girl who was kidnapped and almost died last June) and it is just so well done. Just so well done. I can't recommend this series enough.
At one point I sat down for like three hours and did nothing but read this. This book, these characters, this world, is so engrossing and very much real life that I just get lost in it. Nothing is black and white, nothing is easy and everyone is given a moment to shine. I read novels because I love people and I re-read novels because I want to sit with my favorite characters again and watch them as they learn and grow. Meg is not whole, not perfect, not anything other than human and broken like the rest of us but I love her so much and I agree with her mother below. She's a fighter and made of incredibly strong stuff.
"You're even tougher than I am, Meg, and I'm so tough that I frighten myself," her mother said.
Review November 2016:
STILL AMAZING. Meg Powers will never not be my hero.
-------------------
Review September 2012:
5+ stars
Honestly, one of the best decisions I made last year was buying this series. This is my second time re-reading this book and I have to say, I am still blown away by the depths to all the characters -notably Meg, her parents, Preston, Beth, Susan, Steven and even the Secret Service, that is shows in this final installment.
This book is long (I think if you put the first three books all together they would equal this one) and there is a lot of talking and internal debate and struggling in this book so I can see why some people complain it's too long and real but honestly, that is my favorite part of this novel. There are times when I will pull out my copy just to read certain sections, it is that good. The writing and dialogue and relationships (I WILL NEVER NOT SHIP MEG AND PRESTON) between everyone is just A+++ and while I love this series as a whole, I will have to say this particular book is my favorite. You get to watch Meg grow into herself and her situation in life (I i.e. being both the President's daughter and that girl who was kidnapped and almost died last June) and it is just so well done. Just so well done. I can't recommend this series enough.
November 2, 2007
Oh, where to start? At, perhaps, staying up until 5am reading this thing? And still only getting to about page 500, and so then reading nearly immediately after waking? Previously, I'd only done that for Harry Potter. *g*
It really is everything I hoped it would be. It went so in depth to the aftermath of Long Live the Queen. At the start, I kind of felt that it was rehashing things that had been covered in that book, but it wasn't, really. Comparatively, not much had been resolved in that book. How could it? It was so new. And Meg and her family really aren't the type to get over things quickly at all.
It was a little odd at first to see the Powers' with internet, blogs, World Champion Red Sox, etc. (And not even ONE Hill Street Blues mention! She got in Joan Jett and the Doors, but not HSB, Tab, or I Love Rock and Roll. Sadness!) And it was so very cool to see Susan McAllister - I never was able to track down Friends for Life but Life Without Friends is nearly as beloved as this series, and I had to contain my glee when Susan was on the phone with Beverly and asked about Derek. YAY! I love that Beverly and Derek are still together. And I love the intersection of the books.
Honestly, reading this felt like visiting old friends. I found myself watching for Russell to call the President Katie, as a sign that things would be okay. I wanted to hug Meg. (And smack her, when she was being stupid and more jerk-like than usual.) I was thrilled to see Beth, and seeing more of their friendship. (Hopefully we'll get to see them in law school together one day. I can only imagine. *g*) And honestly, I loved Jack and their relationship. Meg is not an easy person, but neither is he, and I can totally see shades of her parents relationship in them. They are equals, and that's awesome to see. Not many people are in her league.
Just, you know, love. All around love. I want the first three books to be released very soon - I don't know how well this one stands alone, being so immersed in the world already, and the first three are out of print. The world needs to be better acquainted with Meg Powers.
It really is everything I hoped it would be. It went so in depth to the aftermath of Long Live the Queen. At the start, I kind of felt that it was rehashing things that had been covered in that book, but it wasn't, really. Comparatively, not much had been resolved in that book. How could it? It was so new. And Meg and her family really aren't the type to get over things quickly at all.
It was a little odd at first to see the Powers' with internet, blogs, World Champion Red Sox, etc. (And not even ONE Hill Street Blues mention! She got in Joan Jett and the Doors, but not HSB, Tab, or I Love Rock and Roll. Sadness!) And it was so very cool to see Susan McAllister - I never was able to track down Friends for Life but Life Without Friends is nearly as beloved as this series, and I had to contain my glee when Susan was on the phone with Beverly and asked about Derek. YAY! I love that Beverly and Derek are still together. And I love the intersection of the books.
Honestly, reading this felt like visiting old friends. I found myself watching for Russell to call the President Katie, as a sign that things would be okay. I wanted to hug Meg. (And smack her, when she was being stupid and more jerk-like than usual.) I was thrilled to see Beth, and seeing more of their friendship. (Hopefully we'll get to see them in law school together one day. I can only imagine. *g*) And honestly, I loved Jack and their relationship. Meg is not an easy person, but neither is he, and I can totally see shades of her parents relationship in them. They are equals, and that's awesome to see. Not many people are in her league.
Just, you know, love. All around love. I want the first three books to be released very soon - I don't know how well this one stands alone, being so immersed in the world already, and the first three are out of print. The world needs to be better acquainted with Meg Powers.
July 14, 2016
708 pages. SEVEN HUNDRED and eight pages.
The story takes place over six months. That means we get lots of detail. I understand EEW's being drawn to tell stories of strong, intelligent women working through trauma. And this portrayal of Meg working through PTSD and constant terrible pain is probably quite accurate.
But it's simply not interesting to read what Meg ate or didn't eat, drank or didn't drink, what medication she took or didn't take, over and over again. Her knee--Christ, it hurt. A lot. We get it. It hurt. A lot. (Seriously, how did she do so much making out when in that much pain? You so much as bump a knee or hand like hers...)
I like Meg. I wanted to like seeing Meg in college. But what there was of story wasn't actually that interesting for me. Her physical therapist determines she's going to ski again someday, I want to see her ski. (Without further ripping her knee apart, dammit). Maybe I just can't do 700 pages of psychological circles, most of which were addressed at the end of the third book. Her mother did not negotiate with terrorists. Meg understands this and knows that's how it had to be done. But we still need to go over it and over it.
In 700 pages, I want to see Meg graduate from college. I want to see the next election. I want to see her recover more. I want to see her grow up a bit and make a career move. The story just needed to move forward.
The story takes place over six months. That means we get lots of detail. I understand EEW's being drawn to tell stories of strong, intelligent women working through trauma. And this portrayal of Meg working through PTSD and constant terrible pain is probably quite accurate.
But it's simply not interesting to read what Meg ate or didn't eat, drank or didn't drink, what medication she took or didn't take, over and over again. Her knee--Christ, it hurt. A lot. We get it. It hurt. A lot. (Seriously, how did she do so much making out when in that much pain? You so much as bump a knee or hand like hers...)
I like Meg. I wanted to like seeing Meg in college. But what there was of story wasn't actually that interesting for me. Her physical therapist determines she's going to ski again someday, I want to see her ski. (Without further ripping her knee apart, dammit). Maybe I just can't do 700 pages of psychological circles, most of which were addressed at the end of the third book. Her mother did not negotiate with terrorists. Meg understands this and knows that's how it had to be done. But we still need to go over it and over it.
In 700 pages, I want to see Meg graduate from college. I want to see the next election. I want to see her recover more. I want to see her grow up a bit and make a career move. The story just needed to move forward.
December 31, 2014
I'm truly going to need a lot of time and space to say anything coherent - or semi-coherent, even - about this, so for now, I'm going to limit myself to two, not intentionally provocative, sentences. At the moment, I'm leaning towards feeling that this book shows pretty clearly all of White's *considerable* strengths, and also her weaknesses. Having read The Road Home first (it was my first of Emerson/Emerson White's books, i fact), I feel it has fewer flaws than Long May She Reign, and as well as that, might actually argue that there's something more than just the happenstance of reading order to that feeling. (I might not argue it well, or wisely, but it could be fun!)
February 10, 2008
Wow. I sat down and read this book in one day - all 700 pages of it. And, oh god, I cried. And I laughed. And it was REALLY GOOD.
I was originally very impressed that White choose to pick up after this horrendous, traumatic experience (Meg Powers, the daughter of the President, was kidnapped and beaten, and finally left for dead; she saved herself by smashing her own hand to escape from handcuffs and wandering through the woods for a week until she found a house), and deal with the aftermath rather than writing about the actual events. Well, it turns out that there were three or so books in the series before this one, and I just didn't know about them. (I hate it when that happens! I always used to mention that to people when they bought books in series I read, to make sure they weren't starting with book three or something.)
But I was still blown away. Meg was angry, she was in pain, and she was VERY ANGRY. She was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, recovering from her injuries (which were severe), and starting college - while dealing with the pressures of being the President's daughter. And I bought it! I was amazed. The summary, and even my description above, would lend themselves so easily to melodrama and unrealistic characters and situations, but White pulled it off. I connected with Meg, I loved Preston, I probably would have voted for her mother, and Steven reminded me of my own brother.
I'm now on a desperate hunt to find the previous books in the series, though I'm almost sad this isn't a stand alone - it was such an interesting and unique way to handle the situation, by focusing on the aftermath, giving little bits of insight into what happened to put Meg in the state she's in. And, naturally, my library doesn't have any.
(I also have to add - my library has this shelved as a "kids" (that is, middle reader) book, when, wow, is it ever a young adult book. The sex and overwhelming psychological trauma are the real reason, but isn't it usually a safe bet that books about college students aren't aimed at middle readers?)
I was originally very impressed that White choose to pick up after this horrendous, traumatic experience (Meg Powers, the daughter of the President, was kidnapped and beaten, and finally left for dead; she saved herself by smashing her own hand to escape from handcuffs and wandering through the woods for a week until she found a house), and deal with the aftermath rather than writing about the actual events. Well, it turns out that there were three or so books in the series before this one, and I just didn't know about them. (I hate it when that happens! I always used to mention that to people when they bought books in series I read, to make sure they weren't starting with book three or something.)
But I was still blown away. Meg was angry, she was in pain, and she was VERY ANGRY. She was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, recovering from her injuries (which were severe), and starting college - while dealing with the pressures of being the President's daughter. And I bought it! I was amazed. The summary, and even my description above, would lend themselves so easily to melodrama and unrealistic characters and situations, but White pulled it off. I connected with Meg, I loved Preston, I probably would have voted for her mother, and Steven reminded me of my own brother.
I'm now on a desperate hunt to find the previous books in the series, though I'm almost sad this isn't a stand alone - it was such an interesting and unique way to handle the situation, by focusing on the aftermath, giving little bits of insight into what happened to put Meg in the state she's in. And, naturally, my library doesn't have any.
(I also have to add - my library has this shelved as a "kids" (that is, middle reader) book, when, wow, is it ever a young adult book. The sex and overwhelming psychological trauma are the real reason, but isn't it usually a safe bet that books about college students aren't aimed at middle readers?)
November 8, 2007
I still can't really believe this book exists, as opposed to being a figment of my imagination.
I was so happy to read about some of the things I really wanted to know that were left out of Long Live the Queen (like, what was going on at home during the thirteen days she was gone).
The Beany Malone-style updating to the present day was both necessary and seamless, though I imagine it might be weirder for people who read through all four for the first time now. Thank goodness for TV Land, which makes it less weird for Meg to know about Mary Tyler Moore...
The college stuff is pretty spot-on, but what keeps this from being a five-star for me is that I find her boyfriend totally boring.
The Preston stuff: so. satisfying. I continue to secretly believe that Ellen Emerson White writes for an audience of one (me).
I was so happy to read about some of the things I really wanted to know that were left out of Long Live the Queen (like, what was going on at home during the thirteen days she was gone).
The Beany Malone-style updating to the present day was both necessary and seamless, though I imagine it might be weirder for people who read through all four for the first time now. Thank goodness for TV Land, which makes it less weird for Meg to know about Mary Tyler Moore...
The college stuff is pretty spot-on, but what keeps this from being a five-star for me is that I find her boyfriend totally boring.
The Preston stuff: so. satisfying. I continue to secretly believe that Ellen Emerson White writes for an audience of one (me).
October 13, 2014
The tragedy of this book is that you don't get the Meg of the first three in the series. Her sense of humor and joie de vivre are gone, and she is really really struggling. (Still a fabulous character, just not as *fun*.) This author is one of the few who can take me from laughing out loud to many tears streaming down my cheeks in a matter of pages (or paragraphs).
That said, White *nailed* the Williams experience rather well, I thought. Good job there. I don't know how a non-Eph would see it, but I loved all the college stuff. As usual, I want more - of these characters and their complicated relationships and their witty banter and everything. (Oct 2008)
I still like this a lot. I wish there was more wrap-up at the end, or another book in the works. Either one would work for me. (Oct 2014)
That said, White *nailed* the Williams experience rather well, I thought. Good job there. I don't know how a non-Eph would see it, but I loved all the college stuff. As usual, I want more - of these characters and their complicated relationships and their witty banter and everything. (Oct 2008)
I still like this a lot. I wish there was more wrap-up at the end, or another book in the works. Either one would work for me. (Oct 2014)
March 4, 2013
Ok, where to start with this book.
Obviously, I'm beyond thrilled that we get to see more of the aftermath of Meg's kidnapping. I will never not love her character, especially how she is created through the perception of EEW. I love the Powers family, I love Beth, and I loved Susan. I loved that she was so clearly struggling throughout the entire book, because the emotions were so realistic. This book was difficult to read at certain times, because it was just so gritty and true to life. Yeah, Meg is suffering from PTSD, having all sorts of normal, albeit terrifying, reactions, and she's still just an 18-year-old girl, going through things that 18-year-old girls struggle with even without the added baggage.
Unfortunately...there were also a lot of parts that were hard to get through just because they were so boring and disappointing. Let's start with Jack, who I can't for the life of me understand why he is her male counterpart. Listen, Meg is away from home for the first time, learning how to be an adult, and also reeling from her experience. I don't begrudge her the experience of falling for the Bad Boy, just because it feels so good to not think and give in to her desires. What I mind, is Jack being painted as this blossoming white knight who will Understand Her while also sparring with her. Meg needs to be with someone who is intelligent and driven and witty and sarcastic and not afraid to show some backbone. That, however, is not Jack. Jack is an immature asshole driven mostly by his sexual urges and remarkably immature and not good enough for Meg. Beth, BETH, was happy they got back together? That is NOT the Beth I know. The Beth I know would take his rape comment, take the fact that he jetted out of the room with nary a follow up call when everything went down with the Secret Service, and basically pressured her into having sex, tell Meg to wake up and walk away. Jack is The Mistake You Make. He's the one you want SO BADLY to be with because he is so handsome and enticing, but is actually a total jackass. He's not deep. He's not complicated. There is no way that he was able to do such a 180 from his man-whoring days to falling in love with Meg in a couple of months. Sorry, ain't gonna happen. Quite frankly, I found Jack creepy, disgusting, and vaguely menacing. She cowed before him several times, and clearly that's something people sometimes do when they're in the wrong relationship, but smart people, i.e. Meg, eventually realize this guy's agenda. Seriously, Meg ultimately has too much self-respect to stay with a guy like that. Also? The "banged/nailed/sex/whatever jokes weren't funny.
Second of all, enough with the Meg in danger. Ok? Enough. I am willing to suspend disbelief that in the same presidential term, the president was nearly assassinated and her daughter was kidnapped by terrorists. I am not willing to believe that a grandmother was almost able to decapitate the First Daughter in front of all her security agents in a hospital. I have such deep respect for the Secret Service, that it's insulting to think that they would be fooled by this broad. I was ready for it to be a false alarm, a paintball game gone awry, something ANYTHING that would not be Meg being attacked with a hunting knife. By Estelle Getty. A raincoat on a beautiful spring day? That would set off any agent's alarm before she even got within 50 feet of the building. These agents are literally some of the best-trained detectives and guards in the WORLD, and they forgot to be suspicious about a clearly out of place raincoat. Ok.
Finally, and I'm no doctor, so I'd be happy if someone who knows would correct me, but would Meg really be allowed to walk around as much as she was? I mean, I know she wanted to be independent and not feel so crippled, but she just seemed to be in a disgusting amount of pain all the time to be hobbling around campus everyday. I would think she'd still utilize a wheelchair somewhat of the time, whether she wanted to or not. Speaking of doctors, where were they when she was wasting away? I was amazingly frustrated that greater interventions were not put in place for her. This book could have been about her dealing with the aftermath and struggling to come to terms with it and working with a psychiatrist. Not have the climax be getting attacked by Raggedy Ann. Her mother is the President of the United States. Is she not aware that there are experts who spend their lives devoted to helping victims of terrorist attacks and are subsequently suffering from PTSD? Would Meg not have been put, nay, forced on antidepressants, anti-anxieties, or at the VERY LEAST something to stimulate her appetite? Ok, yes, there were fleeting references to army psychologist who tried to speak with her, and Meg clearly was not having any of it, but to not focus on it more just
seemed odd. How on earth was Meg supposed to recover from this without true professional help?
This rant makes it seem like I hate the book, when the opposite is true. I wanted to LOVE this book, and I didn't. I wanted them to catch the guy, I wanted Meg to face him, I wanted him brought to trial. Maybe in a 5th book. Maybe it's still a little too soon for that; she's still working on becoming a person again, instead of a victim. EEW's writing is great, and her comments genuinely make me laugh because they're so sarcastic and insightful. I'm just a little upset because I had such high expectations, and they weren't met.
Obviously, I'm beyond thrilled that we get to see more of the aftermath of Meg's kidnapping. I will never not love her character, especially how she is created through the perception of EEW. I love the Powers family, I love Beth, and I loved Susan. I loved that she was so clearly struggling throughout the entire book, because the emotions were so realistic. This book was difficult to read at certain times, because it was just so gritty and true to life. Yeah, Meg is suffering from PTSD, having all sorts of normal, albeit terrifying, reactions, and she's still just an 18-year-old girl, going through things that 18-year-old girls struggle with even without the added baggage.
Unfortunately...there were also a lot of parts that were hard to get through just because they were so boring and disappointing. Let's start with Jack, who I can't for the life of me understand why he is her male counterpart. Listen, Meg is away from home for the first time, learning how to be an adult, and also reeling from her experience. I don't begrudge her the experience of falling for the Bad Boy, just because it feels so good to not think and give in to her desires. What I mind, is Jack being painted as this blossoming white knight who will Understand Her while also sparring with her. Meg needs to be with someone who is intelligent and driven and witty and sarcastic and not afraid to show some backbone. That, however, is not Jack. Jack is an immature asshole driven mostly by his sexual urges and remarkably immature and not good enough for Meg. Beth, BETH, was happy they got back together? That is NOT the Beth I know. The Beth I know would take his rape comment, take the fact that he jetted out of the room with nary a follow up call when everything went down with the Secret Service, and basically pressured her into having sex, tell Meg to wake up and walk away. Jack is The Mistake You Make. He's the one you want SO BADLY to be with because he is so handsome and enticing, but is actually a total jackass. He's not deep. He's not complicated. There is no way that he was able to do such a 180 from his man-whoring days to falling in love with Meg in a couple of months. Sorry, ain't gonna happen. Quite frankly, I found Jack creepy, disgusting, and vaguely menacing. She cowed before him several times, and clearly that's something people sometimes do when they're in the wrong relationship, but smart people, i.e. Meg, eventually realize this guy's agenda. Seriously, Meg ultimately has too much self-respect to stay with a guy like that. Also? The "banged/nailed/sex/whatever jokes weren't funny.
Second of all, enough with the Meg in danger. Ok? Enough. I am willing to suspend disbelief that in the same presidential term, the president was nearly assassinated and her daughter was kidnapped by terrorists. I am not willing to believe that a grandmother was almost able to decapitate the First Daughter in front of all her security agents in a hospital. I have such deep respect for the Secret Service, that it's insulting to think that they would be fooled by this broad. I was ready for it to be a false alarm, a paintball game gone awry, something ANYTHING that would not be Meg being attacked with a hunting knife. By Estelle Getty. A raincoat on a beautiful spring day? That would set off any agent's alarm before she even got within 50 feet of the building. These agents are literally some of the best-trained detectives and guards in the WORLD, and they forgot to be suspicious about a clearly out of place raincoat. Ok.
Finally, and I'm no doctor, so I'd be happy if someone who knows would correct me, but would Meg really be allowed to walk around as much as she was? I mean, I know she wanted to be independent and not feel so crippled, but she just seemed to be in a disgusting amount of pain all the time to be hobbling around campus everyday. I would think she'd still utilize a wheelchair somewhat of the time, whether she wanted to or not. Speaking of doctors, where were they when she was wasting away? I was amazingly frustrated that greater interventions were not put in place for her. This book could have been about her dealing with the aftermath and struggling to come to terms with it and working with a psychiatrist. Not have the climax be getting attacked by Raggedy Ann. Her mother is the President of the United States. Is she not aware that there are experts who spend their lives devoted to helping victims of terrorist attacks and are subsequently suffering from PTSD? Would Meg not have been put, nay, forced on antidepressants, anti-anxieties, or at the VERY LEAST something to stimulate her appetite? Ok, yes, there were fleeting references to army psychologist who tried to speak with her, and Meg clearly was not having any of it, but to not focus on it more just
seemed odd. How on earth was Meg supposed to recover from this without true professional help?
This rant makes it seem like I hate the book, when the opposite is true. I wanted to LOVE this book, and I didn't. I wanted them to catch the guy, I wanted Meg to face him, I wanted him brought to trial. Maybe in a 5th book. Maybe it's still a little too soon for that; she's still working on becoming a person again, instead of a victim. EEW's writing is great, and her comments genuinely make me laugh because they're so sarcastic and insightful. I'm just a little upset because I had such high expectations, and they weren't met.
September 14, 2019
Wow. What a series.
And this book was fabulous. There is nothing in life better than a long fantastic character driven book.
I have just read all 4 books back to back, and this last one is over 700 pages. It is a marvellous capstone to a wonderful series.
Plus - new favourite author!
And this book was fabulous. There is nothing in life better than a long fantastic character driven book.
I have just read all 4 books back to back, and this last one is over 700 pages. It is a marvellous capstone to a wonderful series.
Plus - new favourite author!
January 5, 2011
Originally posted here.
I'm glad I found out about this series (through Angie and Michelle) when all four books are already out. I can't imagine having to wait for Long May She Reign for several years. At first, I had a hard time getting into Ellen Emerson White's writing since I have no clue about American politics and that's a huge aspect of her President's Daughter novels. Meg eventually won me over as I read the rest of the books in the series. Meg is such an intelligent character with a unique sense of humor and I have a feeling that I would be intimidated by her if I happen to meet her in person. One thing I can say about Ellen Emerson White is that she isn't afraid for her characters to get hurt. Her writing reminds of Megan Whalen Turner and Elizabeth E. Wein in that sense (if you haven't read their books, you should go pick them up!) I admit that their books aren't easy to read because of all the suffering their characters go through but you know that they're tough and they can eventually overcome any challenges thrown their way. I'm talking about the kind of writing that stays with you days after you finish the book and makes you want to read the rest of the author's work.
Long May She Reign starts from where the last book left off - Meg is trying to cope with the effects of the physical and emotional trauma that she experienced. She's not doing a good job because she mostly just sulks in her room. Although after what happened, she deserves to be as grouchy as she wants. However, she can't take how her attitude is affecting her family so she heads off to Williams, hoping that things will get better while she's at college. As if being the US President's daughter doesn't make it hard enough for Meg to fit in, she's constantly in pain because of her injuries. Things look up as Meg reluctantly starts to make friends with her Junior Advisor, Susan, and some of the other people in her dorm. She also starts dating Jack, a California playboy who's surprisingly vulnerable when it comes to Meg. I didn't like Jack at first because I had my heart set on Preston, the First Gentleman's press secretary and the family's close friend, but I ended up liking Jack and Meg's relationship. Both of them are far from perfect and they make mistakes when it comes to dealing with the other person but I like that Jack is Meg's equal. Plus, Preston had some wonderful scenes in this book so it's all good. There's something about Ellen Emerson White's writing that makes me want to read more of her stuff. Seriously, I'd like to see a President's Daughter book that will jump forward in time, maybe if/when Meg and Beth decide to go to law school together. For now, I have to patiently wait for my copies of Romance is a Wonderful Thing and Life Without Friends to get here. Oh and I need to find a copy of Friends for Life somewhere because I'm really curious about Susan.
Here's an article about EEW's writing over at The Savvy Gal. Check out this interview, where EEW says "It’s too early to say, but I suspect there will be more than one sequel and they will not be all from Meg’s point of view" about more books about the Powers family. Yay! I hope there's more of Preston in those sequels!
I'm glad I found out about this series (through Angie and Michelle) when all four books are already out. I can't imagine having to wait for Long May She Reign for several years. At first, I had a hard time getting into Ellen Emerson White's writing since I have no clue about American politics and that's a huge aspect of her President's Daughter novels. Meg eventually won me over as I read the rest of the books in the series. Meg is such an intelligent character with a unique sense of humor and I have a feeling that I would be intimidated by her if I happen to meet her in person. One thing I can say about Ellen Emerson White is that she isn't afraid for her characters to get hurt. Her writing reminds of Megan Whalen Turner and Elizabeth E. Wein in that sense (if you haven't read their books, you should go pick them up!) I admit that their books aren't easy to read because of all the suffering their characters go through but you know that they're tough and they can eventually overcome any challenges thrown their way. I'm talking about the kind of writing that stays with you days after you finish the book and makes you want to read the rest of the author's work.
Long May She Reign starts from where the last book left off - Meg is trying to cope with the effects of the physical and emotional trauma that she experienced. She's not doing a good job because she mostly just sulks in her room. Although after what happened, she deserves to be as grouchy as she wants. However, she can't take how her attitude is affecting her family so she heads off to Williams, hoping that things will get better while she's at college. As if being the US President's daughter doesn't make it hard enough for Meg to fit in, she's constantly in pain because of her injuries. Things look up as Meg reluctantly starts to make friends with her Junior Advisor, Susan, and some of the other people in her dorm. She also starts dating Jack, a California playboy who's surprisingly vulnerable when it comes to Meg. I didn't like Jack at first because I had my heart set on Preston, the First Gentleman's press secretary and the family's close friend, but I ended up liking Jack and Meg's relationship. Both of them are far from perfect and they make mistakes when it comes to dealing with the other person but I like that Jack is Meg's equal. Plus, Preston had some wonderful scenes in this book so it's all good. There's something about Ellen Emerson White's writing that makes me want to read more of her stuff. Seriously, I'd like to see a President's Daughter book that will jump forward in time, maybe if/when Meg and Beth decide to go to law school together. For now, I have to patiently wait for my copies of Romance is a Wonderful Thing and Life Without Friends to get here. Oh and I need to find a copy of Friends for Life somewhere because I'm really curious about Susan.
Here's an article about EEW's writing over at The Savvy Gal. Check out this interview, where EEW says "It’s too early to say, but I suspect there will be more than one sequel and they will not be all from Meg’s point of view" about more books about the Powers family. Yay! I hope there's more of Preston in those sequels!
March 30, 2008
I was so excited to learn a few months ago that a new book had been published about Meg, the daughter of the first female U.S. President. I loved the first two books of this series a great deal during my youth and also greatly enjoyed the third when I read it a few years ago. And while I still love Meg and was glad to hear more of her story of survival, I have to admit that this book just isn't as good as the others.
First of all, it's too long. I understand that recovering from an experience like Meg's is a very long and drawn-out ordeal and in reality would be a life-long process, but re-hashing the same things over and over in great and repetitive detail doesn't make for the most enjoyable reading experience. Some editing could definitely have helped.
Also, one of the things I really enjoyed and respected about the earlier books was that it was never totally clear which political party President Powers belonged to. Yeah, the more politically aware readers could easily figure it out, but it wasn't brought up directly. The stories were about Meg, the challenges she had to deal with, and her relationships with her family and friends, and therein was their strength. This time we are left with no illusions about Meg's, the President's or Ms. White's political views. Which wouldn't necessarily be bad. Meg is growing up and of course she's going to be confronted with people who disagree with her mother's policies and be forced to defend them or at least deal with them in a diplomatic manner. However, when the topic comes up in this book, it doesn't feel like an integral part of the storyline, but more like a political statement thrown in just to influence readers.
And the guy Meg chooses to date is such an irritating character that it's a huge disappointment. Yes, he's obviously smart and very witty, but all his wit is centered around sex and there doesn't seem to be anything to their relationship other than sexual attraction. Which, yes, can be very powerful and enjoyable, but Meg has always been such a strong, smart character that I really feel this relationship is unrealistic.
But, I do still love all the characters, even when they're acting like jerks, which Ms. White is smart enough to allow them to do, as always. And I did enjoy it overall, I was just a bit disappointed by its weaknesses.
First of all, it's too long. I understand that recovering from an experience like Meg's is a very long and drawn-out ordeal and in reality would be a life-long process, but re-hashing the same things over and over in great and repetitive detail doesn't make for the most enjoyable reading experience. Some editing could definitely have helped.
Also, one of the things I really enjoyed and respected about the earlier books was that it was never totally clear which political party President Powers belonged to. Yeah, the more politically aware readers could easily figure it out, but it wasn't brought up directly. The stories were about Meg, the challenges she had to deal with, and her relationships with her family and friends, and therein was their strength. This time we are left with no illusions about Meg's, the President's or Ms. White's political views. Which wouldn't necessarily be bad. Meg is growing up and of course she's going to be confronted with people who disagree with her mother's policies and be forced to defend them or at least deal with them in a diplomatic manner. However, when the topic comes up in this book, it doesn't feel like an integral part of the storyline, but more like a political statement thrown in just to influence readers.
And the guy Meg chooses to date is such an irritating character that it's a huge disappointment. Yes, he's obviously smart and very witty, but all his wit is centered around sex and there doesn't seem to be anything to their relationship other than sexual attraction. Which, yes, can be very powerful and enjoyable, but Meg has always been such a strong, smart character that I really feel this relationship is unrealistic.
But, I do still love all the characters, even when they're acting like jerks, which Ms. White is smart enough to allow them to do, as always. And I did enjoy it overall, I was just a bit disappointed by its weaknesses.
August 16, 2023
So this book sounds like it should be dumb. Fourth book in a series following the daughter of the President, Meg Powers. (The first three books were written in the 1980s). But this book, coming in at around 700 pages, was written in 2008. Though the premise may sound silly, it is actually AMAZING and touching and moving and made me cry multiple times.
Meg Powers was abducted and tortured by terrorists prior to this book. So this novel centers around her recovery – physically (her knee was completely destroyed and she broke the bones in her hand to get free and save herself) and mentally (she battles depression, PTSD, and disordered eating patterns). Trigger warning for assault, mental illness, eating disorders, rape, PTSD, among other things. This book is heavy, for sure, but it is really really well-written. Meg starts out the book in a bad place, but decides getting out of the White House is what she needs, so she begins attending college, and it basically just goes from there.
I really enjoyed Meg’s family – her parents are having a rough time with their marriage, her brother Steven is having issues with puberty escalated due to circumstances, and her little brother Neal is basically adorable. Her friends at school are fleshed out and interesting – even her Secret Service agents and some of the reporters that follow her around get character development.
By far the most interesting relationship in this series, however, is with Meg and Preston Fielding. He is her best friend, a thirty something African American man who is the most dapper person ever. He’s handsome and intelligent and shares her snarky, witty sense of humor. I can’t help but ship it, and if you look on AO3, all six fics from this series are Meg/Preston, so I know I’m not alone.
It’s odd, because I have read the three other books in this series, and none of them gripped me as much as this one did. However, in this book, comparatively little actually happened. In the first book, Meg adjusts to living in the White House. In the second book, Meg’s mother gets shot, and in the third book, Meg gets kidnapped. However, this book is mos captivating of all of them, because the emotional and character development is just that strong. The mentions of how everyone around Meg felt when she was missing for thirteen days rip your heart apart.
Meg Powers was abducted and tortured by terrorists prior to this book. So this novel centers around her recovery – physically (her knee was completely destroyed and she broke the bones in her hand to get free and save herself) and mentally (she battles depression, PTSD, and disordered eating patterns). Trigger warning for assault, mental illness, eating disorders, rape, PTSD, among other things. This book is heavy, for sure, but it is really really well-written. Meg starts out the book in a bad place, but decides getting out of the White House is what she needs, so she begins attending college, and it basically just goes from there.
I really enjoyed Meg’s family – her parents are having a rough time with their marriage, her brother Steven is having issues with puberty escalated due to circumstances, and her little brother Neal is basically adorable. Her friends at school are fleshed out and interesting – even her Secret Service agents and some of the reporters that follow her around get character development.
By far the most interesting relationship in this series, however, is with Meg and Preston Fielding. He is her best friend, a thirty something African American man who is the most dapper person ever. He’s handsome and intelligent and shares her snarky, witty sense of humor. I can’t help but ship it, and if you look on AO3, all six fics from this series are Meg/Preston, so I know I’m not alone.
It’s odd, because I have read the three other books in this series, and none of them gripped me as much as this one did. However, in this book, comparatively little actually happened. In the first book, Meg adjusts to living in the White House. In the second book, Meg’s mother gets shot, and in the third book, Meg gets kidnapped. However, this book is mos captivating of all of them, because the emotional and character development is just that strong. The mentions of how everyone around Meg felt when she was missing for thirteen days rip your heart apart.
January 21, 2013
This book sure is hefty. 700 flipping pages is enough to fend off a sizable assailant, in my opinion.
The main thing to get about Ellen Emerson White, though, is that even she's completely obscure (for reasons I have yet to figure out), her books are unquestionably witty. Clever witty. Funny witty. Actually, I think I'm up for more than 700 pages witty.
But we must march on, wit or no wit! To the characters! Generally, the people are what make or break a story, given that the stuff the characters do create everything in the plot. We live in humancentric book world, my friends, and it just gets strange when books are published from the point of view of an animal (It's even stranger when it's a plant). Fake-people-that-are-completely-real-in-my-mind are my favorite kind of character, boy oh boy oh boy oh boy Meg and everyone else makes me happy. I know it's really whiny sometimes (Dude, are people not allowed to whine anymore? Then I'm in a heap of trouble.), but hey, Meg acknowledges her flawed humanity. Whining is also offset (very nicely) by wit. And wit. And more wit. Garden variety wit. I'm giggling under the covers and it's waaaaay past midnight wit. Exhibit A:
"Why are you in college, Miss Powers?"
...
"Because I can't sing or dance." she said.
I must divulge on a brief opinion on Jack - oh my goodness it's a real boy! With crude comments and feelings and mess ups and everything! And it's all really really awkward and I can't even. Also, their inappropriateness is kind of funny. They manage to be awkward about that, too, and it's all very very cute.
Well, that's all for today, folks, but rest assured, this book is at least the greatest gift to novel-writing and at best plain wicked excellent.
The main thing to get about Ellen Emerson White, though, is that even she's completely obscure (for reasons I have yet to figure out), her books are unquestionably witty. Clever witty. Funny witty. Actually, I think I'm up for more than 700 pages witty.
But we must march on, wit or no wit! To the characters! Generally, the people are what make or break a story, given that the stuff the characters do create everything in the plot. We live in humancentric book world, my friends, and it just gets strange when books are published from the point of view of an animal (It's even stranger when it's a plant). Fake-people-that-are-completely-real-in-my-mind are my favorite kind of character, boy oh boy oh boy oh boy Meg and everyone else makes me happy. I know it's really whiny sometimes (Dude, are people not allowed to whine anymore? Then I'm in a heap of trouble.), but hey, Meg acknowledges her flawed humanity. Whining is also offset (very nicely) by wit. And wit. And more wit. Garden variety wit. I'm giggling under the covers and it's waaaaay past midnight wit. Exhibit A:
"Why are you in college, Miss Powers?"
...
"Because I can't sing or dance." she said.
I must divulge on a brief opinion on Jack - oh my goodness it's a real boy! With crude comments and feelings and mess ups and everything! And it's all really really awkward and I can't even. Also, their inappropriateness is kind of funny. They manage to be awkward about that, too, and it's all very very cute.
Well, that's all for today, folks, but rest assured, this book is at least the greatest gift to novel-writing and at best plain wicked excellent.
October 10, 2008
On the one hand, I was super excited to have a new Meg Powers book to read, and I couldn't put it down.
On the other hand, the reason I couldn't put it down was because I kept expecting something to happen, and well...nothing really does. Meg doesn't feel hungry. She's so tired she can't possibly stay awake but then she stays awake for like 10 more hours. Her knee hurts and her hand hurts. She has awful nightmares. She has difficult conversations with her family. She feels awkward. Repeat chapter after chapter after chapter. As a representative look at what someone's life would be like after a horrible, traumatic event, I find it believable. As a novel, it's not very exciting.
It was so painful to read about a character you've come to know and love going through all this, and seemed totally unrealistic that she would not be getting psychiatric help. I understand that part of the point of the book was that she kept suffering because she was not willing to open up to people, and she refused help. I found it so hard to believe her parents would not insist, and did not insist.
I'll read more books in this series if they come out, but I really hope they get a little more plot-ful, and I really hope Meg gets some help.
On the other hand, the reason I couldn't put it down was because I kept expecting something to happen, and well...nothing really does. Meg doesn't feel hungry. She's so tired she can't possibly stay awake but then she stays awake for like 10 more hours. Her knee hurts and her hand hurts. She has awful nightmares. She has difficult conversations with her family. She feels awkward. Repeat chapter after chapter after chapter. As a representative look at what someone's life would be like after a horrible, traumatic event, I find it believable. As a novel, it's not very exciting.
It was so painful to read about a character you've come to know and love going through all this, and seemed totally unrealistic that she would not be getting psychiatric help. I understand that part of the point of the book was that she kept suffering because she was not willing to open up to people, and she refused help. I found it so hard to believe her parents would not insist, and did not insist.
I'll read more books in this series if they come out, but I really hope they get a little more plot-ful, and I really hope Meg gets some help.
November 12, 2007
This sequel, published 18 years after Long Live the Queen, was a long time coming, and I was thrilled when it came out. The previous three books, which also include The President's Daughter and White House Autumn, are some of my all-time favorites. The main character is Meg, the oldest daughter of the first female president of the United States. She and her family must deal with unique situations in their position, such as assassination attempts and even a kidnapping. The most recent book follows Meg through her physical and emotional recovery which takes place during her freshman year of college.
I've heard critiques that the writer is too introspective and slow with plot points, but I find myself so drawn to the richness of the characters as to not notice. This book, 700 pages plus, adds a lot of backstory and fleshes out Meg's character even more than the previous books. It also fairly accurately captures freshman year of college: meeting new people, finding a way to fit in, dorm life - however, from the point of view of a person completely, constantly, in the media spotlight.
I've heard critiques that the writer is too introspective and slow with plot points, but I find myself so drawn to the richness of the characters as to not notice. This book, 700 pages plus, adds a lot of backstory and fleshes out Meg's character even more than the previous books. It also fairly accurately captures freshman year of college: meeting new people, finding a way to fit in, dorm life - however, from the point of view of a person completely, constantly, in the media spotlight.
September 12, 2008
I bought this book for my Election unit, it's the last in a series of books about a girl whose mom runs for and becomes President. The author or one of her close relatives MUST have gone to Williams, because she is intimately aware of the ins and outs of campus life (in the book, the President's daughter goes away to Williams). She is in Sage D, she has JAs, they get coffee and sandwiches on Spring Street, she takes Psych 101 in the Bronfman auditorium. . . it was an out of body experience to read. Seriously.
Obviously I liked reading it because of the Williams connection, but it was also an emotional, powerful read. It's probably not a middle school book, (not because of content or anything) but because in terms of reading level it's probably too hard for them to understand. For this unit I read another book in this series as well, but I probably won't use them for the whole class. Some of my girls are higher level readers and will probably enjoy them.
Obviously I liked reading it because of the Williams connection, but it was also an emotional, powerful read. It's probably not a middle school book, (not because of content or anything) but because in terms of reading level it's probably too hard for them to understand. For this unit I read another book in this series as well, but I probably won't use them for the whole class. Some of my girls are higher level readers and will probably enjoy them.
November 19, 2008
I cannot write a coherent review about how awesome this book is. It's just not working.
The highlights: Meg is the daughter of the first female President. At the end of the previous book (one of three originally written in the 80's and now updated), she escaped from kidnappers who had beaten her badly and left her for dead. Now she's attempting to recover physically and mentally while carrying on with her everyday life, including college away from Washington DC.
I loved it because all of the characters were real, even down to their flaws. (I wanted to smack Meg frequently.) It really gave me a new perspective of what it would be like to live any kind of life under that much scrutiny, much less to try recovering from a terrible trauma under such pressure. The balance of the dramatic and comic, including Meg's awesome smartassery, kept me turning pages rapidly.
The highlights: Meg is the daughter of the first female President. At the end of the previous book (one of three originally written in the 80's and now updated), she escaped from kidnappers who had beaten her badly and left her for dead. Now she's attempting to recover physically and mentally while carrying on with her everyday life, including college away from Washington DC.
I loved it because all of the characters were real, even down to their flaws. (I wanted to smack Meg frequently.) It really gave me a new perspective of what it would be like to live any kind of life under that much scrutiny, much less to try recovering from a terrible trauma under such pressure. The balance of the dramatic and comic, including Meg's awesome smartassery, kept me turning pages rapidly.
October 18, 2009
The fourth and final volume about Meg Powers, the daughter of the first female President of the United States. Meg moves away from the White House to college, where she has to balance classes, roommates and new friends with her physical therapy sessions, Secret Service detail and the press coverage that has followed her since she was kidnapped and left to die in the woods.
This one is almost twice the size of the other titles in the series, and it drags in spots, particularly in the first half. There was also a lot of gratuitous swearing, especially compared the rest of the series. They could have curbed Meg's use of "Jesus Christ" and saved 50 pages right there.
Personally, I was disappointed Meg's brothers were barely featured in this one, but her roommates and friends at school are, for the most part, an entertaining substitute.
This one is almost twice the size of the other titles in the series, and it drags in spots, particularly in the first half. There was also a lot of gratuitous swearing, especially compared the rest of the series. They could have curbed Meg's use of "Jesus Christ" and saved 50 pages right there.
Personally, I was disappointed Meg's brothers were barely featured in this one, but her roommates and friends at school are, for the most part, an entertaining substitute.
August 29, 2007
I have been waiting for this book for over 15 years. Ellen Emerson White was the reason I went into writing as an undergrad. She is the reason I wanted to go to Tufts and then Sarah Lawrence. I grew up reading these books and TOTALLY identifying with the main character, who is a young woman named MEGHAN - with and H!, but they call her Meg (just like my close friends.)
This book was amazing. My knee actually started to hurt with Meg as she struggled to get around. The writing is smart. I found myself looking up a vocabulary word that was new to me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. That being said, I'm not so sure if people who have never read the other books would love it like I love it. For me, it was like coming home to an old friend.
This book was amazing. My knee actually started to hurt with Meg as she struggled to get around. The writing is smart. I found myself looking up a vocabulary word that was new to me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. That being said, I'm not so sure if people who have never read the other books would love it like I love it. For me, it was like coming home to an old friend.
December 15, 2007
Before: The President's Daughter trilogy was my absolute favorite in middle school. I was thinking about it this morning and wondered if I could find the books on Amazon. When I went on Amazon I found out that there is a 4th book coming out in October! The last one was written in 1989. Of course I ordered it right away! I'm SO excited! :)
After: So, I gave it 4 stars but really would say 3 1/2 because it was great to see Meg Powers again and I was sad when it ended but I think I was really sad when it ended because I felt like I had read 700 pages and was finally getting somewhere when it ended without much being resolved. Does this mean there will be a fifth book? I hope I don't have to wait another 15 years for it!
After: So, I gave it 4 stars but really would say 3 1/2 because it was great to see Meg Powers again and I was sad when it ended but I think I was really sad when it ended because I felt like I had read 700 pages and was finally getting somewhere when it ended without much being resolved. Does this mean there will be a fifth book? I hope I don't have to wait another 15 years for it!
August 12, 2009
This is the first book I have read in a long time that passed the "stay up late at night and keep reading test." Not that my standards are that high, since I have no job, no children (yes, Sara qualifies as an adult), and no real responsibilities, yet it was fun. I have always enjoyed adolescents and this is probably in the young adult fiction catagory. The way Meg, the heroine and the president's daughter, thinks rings true. Plus the president is a woman, something that always gets a second look from me. It also addresses that complicated thing between mothers and daughters. Fortunately since it is a series I plan to get the rest of them. Better than reruns on TV.
November 7, 2007
A satisfying continuation of The President's Daughter. It was less jarring than I expected to see Meg transported from the 80s to the present day era. The ending was a bit disappointing in that it doesn't resolve much. Hopefully we won't have to wait 18 more years for the next installment.
Ellen actually discusses the book in this blog some
Ellen actually discusses the book in this blog some
February 24, 2008
I love how well Ellen Emerson White does aftermath. She writes about what happens when the thrilling adventure-movie part ends, and someone tries to get back to normal life--with a shattered knee, broken hand, and post traumatic stress. About trying to go to college when you aren't remotely normal.
And she writes about Williamstown, in great detail! Which was fun.
And she writes about Williamstown, in great detail! Which was fun.
May 7, 2008
This long awaited continuation of Ellen Emerson White's trilogy about Meg, the President's Daughter, was impossible to put down, although alternatively touching, painful and funny.
July 18, 2016
The critic in me recognizes that this should have been whittled down. The fan girl wants more more more!
September 3, 2023
I love everything Ellen Emerson White writes, but this book might be the best thing I've ever read. I adore every second of reading it. Like it's more than seven hundred pages long and every time I read it, I'm always just so sad when it ends. It feels like it goes on forever, but in the most wonderful way where I'm enjoying every second.
I love Meg's character. Her voice is so strong and she's so smart. I love that it's not an author trying to make a character sound smart, but a character who actually is intelligent and shown through the writing. I love that her pain so visceral. I love that she feels real and relatable, for all that her struggles are nothing like mine. I love that she's allowed self reflection and growth, and that she is flawed.
I love her family and their relationships. Her parents are struggling in their marriage and it's shown through the eyes of the kids as so real. I love Meg's relationship with her siblings. I love her friends and her romantic interests.
This book feels very slice of life, but that isn't to say dramatic events don't happen. A lot happens. It's just that it doesn't feel like it has a very strong narrative force because it's largely about Meg and her personal growth.
The writing is gorgeous. I can't name any other book that can make me both laugh and cry, let alone at the same time. I'm pretty sure there was a line I loved and remembered on every page, and that's a lot of memorable lines. It's utterly masterful. I don't know anyone else who writes like this.
I genuinely can't fully express my love for this book. It's so well done and I literally can't think of anything negative to say about this. It's a masterpiece and I'm pretty sure I spend half my life trying to bully other people into reading it. So please do. It's so wonderful.
I love Meg's character. Her voice is so strong and she's so smart. I love that it's not an author trying to make a character sound smart, but a character who actually is intelligent and shown through the writing. I love that her pain so visceral. I love that she feels real and relatable, for all that her struggles are nothing like mine. I love that she's allowed self reflection and growth, and that she is flawed.
I love her family and their relationships. Her parents are struggling in their marriage and it's shown through the eyes of the kids as so real. I love Meg's relationship with her siblings. I love her friends and her romantic interests.
This book feels very slice of life, but that isn't to say dramatic events don't happen. A lot happens. It's just that it doesn't feel like it has a very strong narrative force because it's largely about Meg and her personal growth.
The writing is gorgeous. I can't name any other book that can make me both laugh and cry, let alone at the same time. I'm pretty sure there was a line I loved and remembered on every page, and that's a lot of memorable lines. It's utterly masterful. I don't know anyone else who writes like this.
I genuinely can't fully express my love for this book. It's so well done and I literally can't think of anything negative to say about this. It's a masterpiece and I'm pretty sure I spend half my life trying to bully other people into reading it. So please do. It's so wonderful.
December 12, 2017
On the one hand, I wish this book had been edited slightly, because it was really long and I didn’t feel like it needed to be. But it was also a really nuanced look at trauma and healing and I can’t be too mad at it.
August 24, 2011
I've been in unpacking my books (finally, after living here for 13 months) and I ran across my stash of Ellen Emerson White novels. Naturally I had to reread them, and equally naturally (because I am contrary like this) I had to start with Long May She Reign.
Like so many others, I read the President's Daughter series when I was in elementary school/Jr. High. Unlike so many others, I only have a very sketchy and vague memory of them - there were things that were familiar when I got my hands on the re-issues three years ago, but enough time had passed that I didn't really remember anything about them - and even then, LMSR was brand spankin' new. Essentially, I don't have any deep emotional ties to this series.
It's probably fair to say that the main character of Meg Powers isn't a very likable character in some ways. She's abrasive, kind of bitchy, deeply proud, has a fast temper, is very aware of her own intelligence, and is deeply, deeply depressed. She's also suffering from severe PTSD and that's exacerbating her natural tendencies towards isolating and being overly critical of herself. But the thing is, despite Meg being a really complicated and prickly person who I really wanted to shake a few times, she's incredibly sympathetic and by the end of the novel I found myself respecting and admiring the hell out of her.
Some reviews have noticed that there's not a lot of action in this novel, and those reviews are fair. To be sure, there's none of the dramatic plot points of the first three novels of the series (Mother being elected President, Mother being shot, Meg being kidnapped by terrorists), but as someone who suffers from depression and whose father is (still, always) locked in a therapeutic battle of wills with his own PTSD, I found it to be plenty dramatic enough for me to want to keep reading just so I could find out if Meg and her family are going to get any better.
The character portraits are deftly drawn and beautifully fleshed out, at least in the case of most of the main characters. The minor characters are also written with a sure touch, none of them suffering from being overly stereotyped cliches. I'm really a fan of the casual way that White works characters of color and queer characters into the mix - with a great and stunning lack of fanfare. I also love that every character gets to be flawed and human, including Preston. Until this point, I've always kind of felt like Preston was too good to be true, but in this book he's allowed to be tired and overworked and snippy and deeply upset over the events in Long Live the Queen. I do love me some Preston.
While I did like Jack, Meg's new boyfriend (I have a soft spot for penis driven intelligent douches with a basic good sense of fair play), I thought that...hm. That was the one weak point of the novel for me, I guess. We kept being told that Meg and he had epic chemistry, but I didn't buy it - it was all very tell-and-not-show. It probably wouldn't have been so noticeable, but Meg did have chemistry with Preston - oodles and oodles of it.
In any case, this review is rambly because it's four in the morning and I've stayed up far too late to finish the book. I'm sincerely hoping that we're going to get another book in this series - maybe one regarding the President's run for a second term? - and I also sincerely hope that it won't take a decade or more to come along. I've been unable to find any information online indicating if there's going to be a fifth book, but maybe if we all close our eyes and wish really *really* hard....
P.S. I saw a lot of criticism of Meg's language in the less complimentary reviews of this book. Good lord - most of the "cursing" in this book is "Jesus Christ" and "God Damn" - there's a few "Fucks" scattered throughout, but we're talking about a mostly 18-20 year old cast of characters and our main character is a PTSD suffering 18 year old with severe chronic pain, incredible amounts of daily stress, and significant levels of depression, isolation, and fear. I'd think it was deeply unrealistic if she didn't ever cuss.
Like so many others, I read the President's Daughter series when I was in elementary school/Jr. High. Unlike so many others, I only have a very sketchy and vague memory of them - there were things that were familiar when I got my hands on the re-issues three years ago, but enough time had passed that I didn't really remember anything about them - and even then, LMSR was brand spankin' new. Essentially, I don't have any deep emotional ties to this series.
It's probably fair to say that the main character of Meg Powers isn't a very likable character in some ways. She's abrasive, kind of bitchy, deeply proud, has a fast temper, is very aware of her own intelligence, and is deeply, deeply depressed. She's also suffering from severe PTSD and that's exacerbating her natural tendencies towards isolating and being overly critical of herself. But the thing is, despite Meg being a really complicated and prickly person who I really wanted to shake a few times, she's incredibly sympathetic and by the end of the novel I found myself respecting and admiring the hell out of her.
Some reviews have noticed that there's not a lot of action in this novel, and those reviews are fair. To be sure, there's none of the dramatic plot points of the first three novels of the series (Mother being elected President, Mother being shot, Meg being kidnapped by terrorists), but as someone who suffers from depression and whose father is (still, always) locked in a therapeutic battle of wills with his own PTSD, I found it to be plenty dramatic enough for me to want to keep reading just so I could find out if Meg and her family are going to get any better.
The character portraits are deftly drawn and beautifully fleshed out, at least in the case of most of the main characters. The minor characters are also written with a sure touch, none of them suffering from being overly stereotyped cliches. I'm really a fan of the casual way that White works characters of color and queer characters into the mix - with a great and stunning lack of fanfare. I also love that every character gets to be flawed and human, including Preston. Until this point, I've always kind of felt like Preston was too good to be true, but in this book he's allowed to be tired and overworked and snippy and deeply upset over the events in Long Live the Queen. I do love me some Preston.
While I did like Jack, Meg's new boyfriend (I have a soft spot for penis driven intelligent douches with a basic good sense of fair play), I thought that...hm. That was the one weak point of the novel for me, I guess. We kept being told that Meg and he had epic chemistry, but I didn't buy it - it was all very tell-and-not-show. It probably wouldn't have been so noticeable, but Meg did have chemistry with Preston - oodles and oodles of it.
In any case, this review is rambly because it's four in the morning and I've stayed up far too late to finish the book. I'm sincerely hoping that we're going to get another book in this series - maybe one regarding the President's run for a second term? - and I also sincerely hope that it won't take a decade or more to come along. I've been unable to find any information online indicating if there's going to be a fifth book, but maybe if we all close our eyes and wish really *really* hard....
P.S. I saw a lot of criticism of Meg's language in the less complimentary reviews of this book. Good lord - most of the "cursing" in this book is "Jesus Christ" and "God Damn" - there's a few "Fucks" scattered throughout, but we're talking about a mostly 18-20 year old cast of characters and our main character is a PTSD suffering 18 year old with severe chronic pain, incredible amounts of daily stress, and significant levels of depression, isolation, and fear. I'd think it was deeply unrealistic if she didn't ever cuss.
August 8, 2015
It's so strange that Meg is suddenly in 2007 and talking about hybrid cars and the internet and David Ortiz. I kind of miss the outdated references to Tab and Hill Street Blues.
I really, really liked this book. I'm so happy that it exists. I can't believe it took me so long to find out about it. Even though I didn't think it was perfect, I couldn't put it down and I so enjoyed reading about these characters again. Words cannot describe my love for The President's Daughter.
I love Meg. I just think she is the most fantastic character. I love how flawed she is. I pretty much worship Ellen Emerson White. Her characterization is amazing. Meg's parents are so well-written, as always. I think their relationship could be its own book. I love Meg’s relationships with both of her parents, but especially her mom. It’s so fantastically full of affection and anger and resentment.
I love Steven and Neal. Steven just breaks my heart, even when he's being a little bit of a jerk. Especially when he's being a little bit of a jerk. I love that Meg's dad told her Neal never doubted that she would make it home okay. I love Trudy. I love how Trudy insists on cooking all the time. I love that she's so much a part of the family that she was comfortable being pissed off at Meg's mother. I love Beth and her honesty. I love that she took a bus up to Williams because she was so worried about Meg, and that she didn't back down even though Meg didn't want to hear it. I love that Beth was the only person who wasn’t afraid to get right in Meg’s face and tell her to get her act together.
I liked Meg's friends at school. I liked that they weren't best friends right off the bat, or even at the end. I liked that things were sort of awkward and difficult. I liked when they went with Meg the first time she tried to play tennis. It felt like such a victory for her. I liked that she noticed how they started to become media savvy after being around her all semester.
But most of all, more than anyone except maybe Meg, I love Preston. I LOVE Preston. Love. I love his relationship with Meg. I love his relationships with everyone. I love how Trudy said his presence was the only reason she felt okay leaving the family when Meg was missing. I love that Preston still calls her dad by his first name. I love his long conversations with Meg, and when he told her what his experience was like during the thirteen days.
There wasn't a lot that I didn't like, but Jack Taylor is number one. I thought he was very Adamesque. I absolutely appreciate that Ellen Emerson White didn't create some absurdly flawless character who was super supportive of Meg and had no issues with how difficult she and her life can be. But I almost feel she went too far in the opposite direction. I didn't find him very likeable for much of the book. Then again, I didn’t hate him, so that’s something.
I liked Susan, but I thought it was a bit much to have her be the character from Friends for Life. There's already a lot of drama in this series, you know? I was also a little confused with how angry everyone was at Meg after the media discovered who Susan was. How is that Meg’s fault? I understand them being frustrated with her for not figuring it out on her own or alternately, if they thought she knew and didn’t care because she was too self-absorbed. But the media attention itself wasn’t her fault. Though I suppose they all loved Susan enough to be a bit irrational in that situation.
Lastly, I thought the attack by the crazy abortion woman was a little bit overkill. After what happened to Meg’s mother in White House Autumn and Meg in Long Live the Queen, did there really need to be something else? Maybe it was necessary to drive the character development, but I thought it was a little much.
I really, really liked this book. I'm so happy that it exists. I can't believe it took me so long to find out about it. Even though I didn't think it was perfect, I couldn't put it down and I so enjoyed reading about these characters again. Words cannot describe my love for The President's Daughter.
I love Meg. I just think she is the most fantastic character. I love how flawed she is. I pretty much worship Ellen Emerson White. Her characterization is amazing. Meg's parents are so well-written, as always. I think their relationship could be its own book. I love Meg’s relationships with both of her parents, but especially her mom. It’s so fantastically full of affection and anger and resentment.
I love Steven and Neal. Steven just breaks my heart, even when he's being a little bit of a jerk. Especially when he's being a little bit of a jerk. I love that Meg's dad told her Neal never doubted that she would make it home okay. I love Trudy. I love how Trudy insists on cooking all the time. I love that she's so much a part of the family that she was comfortable being pissed off at Meg's mother. I love Beth and her honesty. I love that she took a bus up to Williams because she was so worried about Meg, and that she didn't back down even though Meg didn't want to hear it. I love that Beth was the only person who wasn’t afraid to get right in Meg’s face and tell her to get her act together.
I liked Meg's friends at school. I liked that they weren't best friends right off the bat, or even at the end. I liked that things were sort of awkward and difficult. I liked when they went with Meg the first time she tried to play tennis. It felt like such a victory for her. I liked that she noticed how they started to become media savvy after being around her all semester.
But most of all, more than anyone except maybe Meg, I love Preston. I LOVE Preston. Love. I love his relationship with Meg. I love his relationships with everyone. I love how Trudy said his presence was the only reason she felt okay leaving the family when Meg was missing. I love that Preston still calls her dad by his first name. I love his long conversations with Meg, and when he told her what his experience was like during the thirteen days.
There wasn't a lot that I didn't like, but Jack Taylor is number one. I thought he was very Adamesque. I absolutely appreciate that Ellen Emerson White didn't create some absurdly flawless character who was super supportive of Meg and had no issues with how difficult she and her life can be. But I almost feel she went too far in the opposite direction. I didn't find him very likeable for much of the book. Then again, I didn’t hate him, so that’s something.
I liked Susan, but I thought it was a bit much to have her be the character from Friends for Life. There's already a lot of drama in this series, you know? I was also a little confused with how angry everyone was at Meg after the media discovered who Susan was. How is that Meg’s fault? I understand them being frustrated with her for not figuring it out on her own or alternately, if they thought she knew and didn’t care because she was too self-absorbed. But the media attention itself wasn’t her fault. Though I suppose they all loved Susan enough to be a bit irrational in that situation.
Lastly, I thought the attack by the crazy abortion woman was a little bit overkill. After what happened to Meg’s mother in White House Autumn and Meg in Long Live the Queen, did there really need to be something else? Maybe it was necessary to drive the character development, but I thought it was a little much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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