Book review: If Only They Didn't Speak English, by Jon Sopel (Amazon / Book Depository) BBC journalist Jon Sopel, the network's North America editor, writes about US history, politics, culture and personal impressions through a UK-US comparative lens while working in both Obama's and Trump's America. Sopel got called out by Trump at a press... Continue Reading →
The Many Phases of Michelle
Book review: Becoming, by Michelle Obama (Amazon / Book Depository) When you're First Lady, America shows itself to you in its extremes. Michelle Obama's life has had so many facets already: two Ivy League degrees, a successful career in corporate law, vice president of a hospital, nonprofit director, not to mention a mother, a role... Continue Reading →
How the Message Got Made in Obama’s White House
Book review: West Winging It, by Pat Cunnane (Amazon / Book Depository) This year and last have seen a wave of newly published memoirs from former Obama staffers. I read speechwriter David Litt's wonderful, charming Thanks, Obama last year, so after that I was on board with the genre. West Winging It begins with a similar premise - young... Continue Reading →
Obama’s Nonfiction Reading Recommendations
Featured photo: President Barack Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia shop for books at Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C., on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) President Obama published a list on his Facebook page of his favorite books and music of 2017 and it's pretty wonderful.... Continue Reading →
An Obama Speechwriter On Work, Country, and Getting Things Done in the White House
Book review: Thanks, Obama by David Litt (Amazon / Book Depository) Few activities offer less upside than a staring contest with the president. But now, having started one, I didn’t know how to stop. I considered averting my gaze, like a shy maiden in a Jane Austen novel, but that would only make things more awkward.... Continue Reading →