Faith of the First Ladies

by Jerry MacGregor, Marie Prys

American presidents and their families are some of the most-watched people in our culture today. And though their politics, personal interests, and leadership abilities have varied, most of the presidential families have at one time or another professed their faith in God. Still, many history books have ignored this unifying characteristic. Faith of the First Ladies will show readers what history books have not. This interesting and entertaining read offers more than thirty prayers, plus biographical materials, inspirational speeches, and spiritual reflections written by various wives of United States presidents. Candid and insightful, this book will give readers a glimpse of what it's like to be a part of the first family. Trivia and little-known facts about such women as Laura Bush and Lucy Hayes will captivate women readers as well as anyone interested in American history.

Genres: History, Biography

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

SUMMARY: American presidents and their families are some of the most-watched people in our culture today. And though their politics, personal interests, and leadership abilities have varied, most of the presidential families have at one time or another professed their faith in God. Still, many history books have ignored this unifying characteristic. Faith of the First Ladies will show readers what history books have not. This interesting and entertaining read offers more than thirty prayers, plus biographical materials, inspirational speeches, and spiritual reflections written by various wives of United States presidents. Candid and insightful, this book will give readers a glimpse of what it's like to be a part of the first family. Trivia and little-known facts about such women as Laura Bush and Lucy Hayes will captivate women readers as well as anyone interested in American history.

REVIEW: First and foremost, the title of this book is very misleading. This does not cover all of the first ladies leaving out some of the more important ones. But in the short 3 to 4 pages on each First Lady, it is predominantly a short bio and tidbits about her during her reign as First Lady. What it has to say about her faith is at the most a paragraph. So although I found the bio and tidbits quite interesting, the faith element which is what I bought the book for was very trivial. Overall, an OK read that is quick and easy; but definitely not what I was expecting.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." Abigail Adams quoted

"It isn't so important what others think of you as what you feel inside." Lou Hoover quoted

"Adapting one's plans to the needs of others is what makes life worth living." Eleanor Roosevelt quoted

"Even when people can't speak your language, they can tell if you have love in your heart." Pat Nixon Epitaph

"It doesn't matter by whose had a life is saved. It's always the hand of God anyway." Betty Ford quoted

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent brief bios and interesting facts about each of the first ladies from Martha to Laura Bush. If you think you are going to be steeped in religion, think again. The religion of the each of the first ladies are noted, but the book discusses some of the fascinating facts about these ladies. Some, as widows, took their first plane ride. The charitable work many did and what causes to which they were devoted. The questionable divorce of Rachael Jackson and the deaths of a few first ladies while in the White House are noted.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Martha Washington to Laura Bush (book published in 2006), the authors shared a little window into each First Lady's faith and relationship with the President as well as a mini biography. I would have preferred more facts or topics of their contributions instead of sometimes seemingly trite trivia. However, this did inspire me to choose a few first ladies to read their autobiography or biographies to learn more about how they thrived in their role.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! I don't know much about many of the first ladies, so these vignettes were informative. I kept my phone nearby and looked up pictures of each lady as I started the chapter, and that really added to the book, for me. Now I'm curious about the ladies that were not covered. 🙂

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I do not think my eyes are blinded by affection when I say that she has combined to a degree I have never seen in any other woman the power of being best of wives and mothers, the wisest manager of the household, and at the same time the ideal great lady and mistress of the White House."--A touching quote by Theodore Roosevelt about his wife Edith

I enjoyed this book and learned a lot, but it was more of a short snapshot on each first lady rather than a book about their faith and spirituality.

It also bothered me that there seemed to be an attitude that if a woman glossed over her husband's infidelities, that made her a more spiritual woman. The quote about Ladybird Johnson below is an example, "Perhaps most impressive is the fact that she remained committed to her husband despite his dalliances."

I also found it odd that the authors left Nancy Reagan out of the book but included Hillary Clinton.

[Lisa Topp · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was very little content to this book. More time was spent on the First Ladies' bios than actual comments about their faith. Good concept, badly executed.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is wonderful to see how the First Ladies of our Country used their faith in God to guide the President and their families. Inspiring stories. I really enjoyed this short sweet read.