Rating: Summary: 5 Star Rating For The 5 Star Job Done At Our White House !! Review: Although I'm not one of HRC's greatest fans, I found this new 324 page super book well done, and a wonderful gift to give or receive. The price is quite reasonable, as well. I felt that Mrs. Clinton invited me into "our" White House, giving me a personally escorted tour of the house, its furnishings, its festivities and its dining. The more than 200 often breathtaking pictures succeed in giving the reader an inside view of the public and private areas, rarely seen by the general public. She even provides us with over 50 interesting recipes, giving us a flavor of the variety of dinners served here. Hillary details her interior decorations and gives insight into her non-partisan, personal side which were often not clearly previously visible. She has done a magnificent job in tastefully decorating the house, and this book gives the reader a taste of the flavor that exists. Portions of the book's proceeds are intended for charity. This is a coffee table, library book well worth owning and displaying in your home.
Rating: Summary: Good pictoral Review: First off, let me tell you that I loathe Hillary Clinton. I actually bought this book for my Clinton-loving grandmother for Christmas. I hated to put another notch in Hillary's best-seller status but, hey, it was Christmas.I picked up this book then couldn't put it down until I saw every photo and poured over every recipe! If you've never taken the White House tour, just get his book instead. You'll see more in the book than any guide will show you. The behind the scenes photos are quite interesting and the recipes make you feel like you attended the dinner where the dishes were served. This makes a wonderful gift for anyone, not just Clinton fans.
Rating: Summary: None better than this Review: For many of us, the White House is a fascinating topic. There are never enough books to read. Hillary Rodham Clinton has given what I love to see: a book that is genuinely democratic, that is, featuring the butlers and stolling musicians alongside the statesmen and superstars (even to giving us the names of tree-decorating volunteers shown in the photographs). Like no other book on the President's House, this one makes it clear that this is the people's house. Of course it is much more. Within my lifetime it has become a magnificent museum of American History. And take note, not just an archive: the book clearly indicates that visitors will see objects received as the legacy of previous presidents and their families. I remember my once-only walk tour of the White House. It went so fast! While many rooms are a kind of blur, I will never forget leaving by the front door and walking down the curved drive to the street! What a rush. If you can't get to Washington or don't know the president well enough to get his personal guided tour, Mrs. Clinton's book is the next best thing.
Rating: Summary: Another Clinton Victory - Can't Stop Them Review: Hillary once again has worked her magic solidifying her position as the most active First Lady in the history of the White House. Even Mrs. Roosevelt would agree that the determination and drive of this First Family is non stop. This book shows the life of an active Family through their stay in the old mansion. By giving a behind the scenes look at all the private places any American can finally see more of this historic treasure than ever before. No longer are we "roped off" to view only the public rooms, but we can see what this wonderful building contains, hidden from view. With all the attempts to knock this family off track over the eight years they spent in the White House it is a true testament to their courage and commitment that such a book is possible. Had they actually fallen to all the pressures and attacks, I really do not think such a fitting "Thank You" back to the home they occupied would be possible? Thank you for all your hard work and determination --
Rating: Summary: History comes alive in the Peoples' House Review: I actually purchased this book in Washington, D.C., while there for a conference. One of the great First Ladies of the twentieth century provides fascinating glimpses into the most important Home in history, while entertaining the reader with bold and whimsical insights into its many and varied occupants. Did you know that a 145 year-old, crumbling White House was completely gutted by President Harry Truman, with every scrap of detail preserved to be replaced as it was when John and Abigail Adams first occupied it? Such are the fascinating details of history the reader is provided while experiencing the most intimate, day-to-day functions of a house that is both a living, personal family residence while functioning seamlessly as the epicenter of the free world. I love the White House. Its history, its beauty, its timeless architecture, and its symbol as the center of democracy to a world hungry for freedom. Long may this home be occupied by men and women of good will who seek to serve the wishes of a free people.
Rating: Summary: Kudos from an anti Clinton person Review: I am not a fan of the Clintons and I emphatically voted against Hillary in the recent New York senatorial election. Nonetheless, I must say that this is a beautifully illustrated, tastefully written book about the White House and the Clintons' life in it. The book is chock full of excellent photographs and the glitter and style of America's most famous address is well covered. The book does not rate a fifth star for one reason: daily life in the Clinton White House is not well covered. If there was a book about the Ford White House, for example, you would have probably seen the photos of Ford preparing waffles for breakfast and daughter Susan, in shorts, tee shirt and bare feet, washing her car. Such personal glimpses of the Clintons are not in this book. Still, this is a wonderful book that belongs on your coffee table. I may not like Hillary but, I like this book.
Rating: Summary: Good, Not Great Review: I bought my copy cheap from one of Amazon's excellent network sources. I consider myself pretty neutral on Bill and Hillary, but this truly is a shameless advertisement for the two. I was expecting more on the house itself, but basically this is a photo journey through the happier social moments during the Clinton presidency. For this, I still consider the book documenting the Ford presidency to be far better, certainly more candid, and a better artistic statement. The most interesting part of this book for me was the documentation of the planning for a state visit. The recipes at the end of the book weren't very interesting. Certainly, anyone curious about the internal workings of the House itself will be disappointed; JB West's "Inside the White House" is far better. I'm unsure where this book should rest in anyone's library. It could easily be considered fuel for the Clinton spin on their own celebrity. I'm glad I paid only a few bucks for it as I'll have no problem getting rid of it. Recommend looking elsewhere; the Natl. Geographic video on the White House is done much better.
Rating: Summary: Good, Not Great Review: I bought my copy cheap from one of Amazon's excellent network sources. I consider myself pretty neutral on Bill and Hillary, but this truly is a shameless advertisement for the two. I was expecting more on the house itself, but basically this is a photo journey through the happier social moments during the Clinton presidency. For this, I still consider the book documenting the Ford presidency to be far better, certainly more candid, and a better artistic statement. The most interesting part of this book for me was the documentation of the planning for a state visit. The recipes at the end of the book weren't very interesting. Certainly, anyone curious about the internal workings of the House itself will be disappointed; JB West's "Inside the White House" is far better. I'm unsure where this book should rest in anyone's library. It could easily be considered fuel for the Clinton spin on their own celebrity. I'm glad I paid only a few bucks for it as I'll have no problem getting rid of it. Recommend looking elsewhere; the Natl. Geographic video on the White House is done much better.
Rating: Summary: Nice Coffee Table Book Review: I liked looking at the pictures and some of the history was fascinating, but its not a book you would read cover to cover. Just fun to look at now and then.
Rating: Summary: Brought tears to my eyes Review: I love the Clintons, but the photo that caught my eye was on page 284 of a sorbet. I'm going to scan it & use it as a screen saver. This is a beautiful book that the whole country, and particularly Sen. Clinton, can take a lot of pride in. AND the recipes are really good! It's such a top-quality book that I even sent one as a gift to my Republican friend.
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