Betty Boyd Caroli

I never thought I would be this into a history book that didn't involve a heinous crime but holy cow did I enjoy this! I learned so much about the role of the first lady and what that entails, as well as the women who have held it. Some of their little known stories were deeply moving and inspiring, I can't wait to read more about them all!

I never thought I would be this into a history book that didn't involve a heinous crime but holy cow did I enjoy this! I learned so much about the role of the first lady and what that entails, as well as the women who have held it. Some of their little known stories were deeply moving and inspiring, I can't wait to read more about them all!

A charming book for those of us interested in the Roosevelt's. It revealed, without spelling it out, that this family had a huge thread of alcoholism along with intelligence, energy, writing skills, and political genius. Made me wonder how much is due to nurture and environment and how much is hard-wired in our genes.

The term and the institution of First Lady are integral–though still evolving–aspects of our political and cultural landscape, and this is the first full treatment of the subject. Covering all 37 women from Martha Washington to Nancy Reagan, the book shows how the role of First Lady was transformed from ceremonial backdrop at best to substantive world figure. Along the way, the book introduces a remarkable cast of characters, many not at all what one would expect of a presidential show more help-mate. Because of their position, they left remarkably complete records, and their stories offer us a window to view not only this particular sorority of women--holders of what sociologists now call "derivative power"--but also American women in general. show less