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!

First Ladies offers highly readable vinaigrettes into the lives of the various women who married the President of the United States, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Some are well known fiery trendsetters, such as Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton. Many were highly educated, including Lucy Hays, Grace Coolidge and Lou Hoover. Some were well traveled, like Louisa Adams. And nearly all stressed the importance of home and family. Whatever their backgrounds these show more women were at the center of Washington life and have often worked behind the scenes to help further their husbands careers or causes that they held dear. show less

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.