…Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House
Alyssa Mastromonaco was on a recent episode of the Bad on Paper podcast. I found Mastromonaco’s humor and perspective really refreshing and interesting. They spoke about her books on the podcast, so I decided I needed to check them out for myself. In keeping with my goal to read more paper books, I went ahead and ordered her two books on Amazon. So far, I’ve read the first book — Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: and Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House — and have the second on my list.
The Writing Style is Conversational, Consistent, and Creative
Based on the podcast, I found that Mastromonaco (and her contributor Lauren Oyler) writes the way she speaks. It’s super conversational and, overall, an easy read. There are funny anecdotes that range from Mastromonaco’s early forays into politics as a Bernie Sanders campaigner to visiting Westminster Palace.
This volume is not only a funny read, though; I walked away from the book feeling like I learned a lot about the inside of the Obama administration. The book touches on politics, of course, but really focuses on the machinations of the administration — from the typical day-to-day to planning and organizing larger state events and trips. The political science major in me found this all fascinating.
Insights on Obama…and Cats
Obama is featured prominently in the book — obviously, see the cover photo. Besides Obama, Mastromonaco’s cat, Shrummie, is a main character. I won’t spoil anything for you, but there is a very moving passage about Shrummie’s passing that definitely brought me to tears.
So, you know my recommendation is real since there is a pet who does pass in the book and I am still recommending it.
Pick up Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? here and
So Here’s the Thing… here!
