I’ve long been interested in the American presidency. I’ve read, perhaps, more about the various men to have served that role than any other particular historical subject. Over the last 2+ years participating in the Cannonball, I’ve read about 20 biographies of various presidents. I have books on the office itself, not just the men who’ve sat in it. I’ve read countless articles and think pieces. And in all of this, Jefferson Davis, one and only president of the Confederate States of America, is never […]
At Home in this Nation We’ve Made
When I was in 5th grade, we were assigned a “President’s Pack” to complete. It was a just a bunch of worksheets with facts about the Presidents, but it was enough to get me hooked. Ever since, I’ve been completely fascinated by the lives of U.S. Presidents. I’ve never cared as much about their political accomplishments–I wanted to know more about their families and their day-to-day lives. This is exactly what The Residence is about, and I found it completely enjoyable. Kate Andersen Brower used […]
Understanding Laura Bush. Kinda.
Though I read “Prep” many years ago I really enjoyed it and was excited to see what else Sittenfeld had up her sleeve. This novel, loosely based on the life of First Lady Laura Bush, is a fictional memoir of Alice Blackwell, wife of the sitting president Charlie Blackwell. Beginning on “what might become one of the most significant days in her husband’s presidency,” Alice reflects on all the steps, and missteps, that have shaped her life and gotten her to this moment. […]