It seems as if he genuinely is telling us his story for the sake of history, and because he wants to share the interesting narrative with us, and with posterity, without resorting to scandal or gossip. Thirdly, without being sycophantic or bland, he manages to portray the characters of the presidents and their wives in a largely positive light. For example, he never mentions JFK’s infidelities, or any other sexual impropriety for that matter.
Secondly, he must have seen, or suspected, some scandalous behaviour going on within the White House walls, but if he did, he omits these incidents from the book. How does he achieve this? Well, firstly, he says that his principle motive is to ensure that the lives of the First Ladies over three momentous decades are not lost to history. So can we still consider John West to be trustworthy now that he has spilled the beans, revealing the secrets of the presidents’ wives? Or do these revelations mean that trust in him was misplaced? Somehow John West manages to tell the story while retaining his reputation as a man of discretion and honour, so we aren’t left with the feeling that this is a tacky case of Kiss and Tell. What are the key character attributes of anyone holding this job? Well, obviously, the person should be well-organised and a good communicator, but they should also be discrete and tactful, and able to be trusted to keep a secret. The author, John West, was Chief Usher at the White House through several presidential administrations, from Roosevelt to Nixon. Kennedy's assassination), West's audiobook is an enlightening and rich account of the American history that took place just behind the Palladian doors of the North Portico. Johnson's showerheads) to the tragic (the aftermath of John F. Alive with anecdotes ranging from the quotidian (Lyndon B. In Upstairs at the White House, West offers an absorbing and novel glimpse at America's first families, from the Roosevelts to the Kennedys and the Nixons.
For 28 years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests - including friends, relatives, and heads of state. He directed state functions planned parties, weddings, funerals, gardens, playgrounds, and extensive renovations and with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - and coordinated its daily life - at the request of the president and his family. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life on Pennsylvania Avenue with America's first families, by the man who spent nearly three decades in their midst.
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