In this book Nancy Clarke reveals the touching, funny, and illuminating story of what it was like to serve under six administrations and to help each first lady find her own personal style when it came to planning flower designs, state dinners, and holiday festivities in the White House. Readers learn how Nancy gave comfort to Nancy Reagan when she discovered she had cancer and how she helped Laura Bush to gain the confidence to select bright, bold flower arrangements over the more conservative palettes she had used in her first years as first lady. See the deep bond that developed between Nancy Clarke and Barbara Bush and feel what it was like to be standing in a bunker right next to President Bush in the days following 9/11. Only Nancy Clarke can reveal the inside story of what it was like to work for more than 30 years in the White House she called her second home.
My First Ladies
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Clarke regales us with stories that place a special emphasis on the First Ladies she knew... an enjoyable peek behind the scenes for those who cannot read enough about our First Families. --Bonnie Poquette, Library Journal
Nancy Clarke reveals a treasured glimpse into the social life of the White House in My First Ladies. With help from Christine Matheson, she recounts thirty years of experience arranging flowers there. As chief floral designer, Clarke served under six first ladies: Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Rosalynn Carter. Nancy's stories of life in the White House are an interesting and rare look into domestic life in America's most prestigious household, and will satisfy readers' curiosity of what it's like to be a staff person, day in and day out. --ForeWord Reviews
Nancy Clarke reveals a treasured glimpse into the social life of the White House in My First Ladies. With help from Christine Matheson, she recounts thirty years of experience arranging flowers there. As chief floral designer, Clarke served under six first ladies: Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Rosalynn Carter. Nancy's stories of life in the White House are an interesting and rare look into domestic life in America's most prestigious household, and will satisfy readers' curiosity of what it's like to be a staff person, day in and day out. --ForeWord Reviews
Nancy Clarke reveals a treasured glimpse into the social life of the White House in My First Ladies. With help from Christine Matheson, she recounts thirty years of experience arranging flowers there. As chief floral designer, Clarke served under six first ladies: Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Rosalynn Carter. Nancy's stories of life in the White House are an interesting and rare look into domestic life in America's most prestigious household, and will satisfy readers' curiosity of what it's like to be a staff person, day in and day out. --ForeWord Reviews
Nancy Clarke reveals a treasured glimpse into the social life of the White House in My First Ladies. With help from Christine Matheson, she recounts thirty years of experience arranging flowers there. As chief floral designer, Clarke served under six first ladies: Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Rosalynn Carter. Nancy's stories of life in the White House are an interesting and rare look into domestic life in America's most prestigious household, and will satisfy readers' curiosity of what it's like to be a staff person, day in and day out. --ForeWord Reviews
About the Author
A renowned Floral Designer, Nancy Clarke has created thousands of beautiful decorations and floral designs. Her work is appreciated by national and international audiences. For 30 years her exquisite floral designs brought beauty, grace and elegance to White House historical events.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Nancy Clarke worked in the White House for over 30 years, first as a volunteer and finally as the chief floral designer. She tells her story from the days of Rosalynn Carter to the beginnings of the Obama White House. For those readers looking for juicy gossip, it is not here. Clarke follows the principle that if you can't say something good...
She describes the style of the First Ladies, how they chose the flowers and place settings for dinners and celebrations. We learn how the White House functions in this sphere. There are problems and solutions and tactful descriptions of all the first ladies and people that she worked with.
Clarke begins by describing how she came to this position. There are illustrations throughout of the handwritten notes she received from the First Ladies and their family members. Best of all there are several sections (32 pages total) of colour photos of the designs, the White House, Clarke and the first family.
She does a good job in explaining the reasoning and requirements for the elaborate decorations and floral arrangements and how each First Lady handled the events taking place at the White House, some at Camp David and the family weddings. She does touch upon how Mrs. Clinton handled herself (nicely) during the Lewinsky scandals and what happened on 9/11 and the days after.
There is an appendix with copies of dinner menus, invitations, notes and letters; an index is also included with names and the rooms of the White House.
This is a book that those who enjoy reading about the inner workings of the White House, floral and decorating design would enjoy.
She describes the style of the First Ladies, how they chose the flowers and place settings for dinners and celebrations. We learn how the White House functions in this sphere. There are problems and solutions and tactful descriptions of all the first ladies and people that she worked with.
Clarke begins by describing how she came to this position. There are illustrations throughout of the handwritten notes she received from the First Ladies and their family members. Best of all there are several sections (32 pages total) of colour photos of the designs, the White House, Clarke and the first family.
She does a good job in explaining the reasoning and requirements for the elaborate decorations and floral arrangements and how each First Lady handled the events taking place at the White House, some at Camp David and the family weddings. She does touch upon how Mrs. Clinton handled herself (nicely) during the Lewinsky scandals and what happened on 9/11 and the days after.
There is an appendix with copies of dinner menus, invitations, notes and letters; an index is also included with names and the rooms of the White House.
This is a book that those who enjoy reading about the inner workings of the White House, floral and decorating design would enjoy.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By JYK
Format:Hardcover
I really enjoyed the book as Nancy Clarke did a good job illustrating the various personalities of the first ladies, from Rosalyn Carter to Michelle Obama. Ms. Clarke seems to have an amazing memory, and it's interesting just how much flowers could capture the individual personalities of these first ladies.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By S. Cummins
Format:Hardcover
I flew through this book, even though I don't have a big interest in flower arrangements. To me, it was a great glimpse into the lives and personalities of the first ladies. I loved reading about the differing relationships between the author and the first ladies. I also enjoyed the many pictures (such pretty flowers!) and personal notes included in the book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mom loved it
I bought this book for my Mother and she just loved it. Read it back to back twice before putting it down. Loved the pictures also.
Published 3 days ago by Connie Lou
5.0 out of 5 stars
A BOOK TO MAKE YOU SMILE AWHILE
I didn't want this pleasant book to end! I read it on the Kindle Fire then ordered the hardback version to share and see better quality pictures of the White House floral... Read more
Published 2 months ago by V. L. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
what a find!
i love us history and this is a wonderful peek "behind the scenes". this is definitely a collectible about our first ladies.
Published 2 months ago by Laurette L Freel
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully written about the first ladies of the White House.
I learned so much about some of the first ladies and also what goes into decorating the White House. Read more
Published 3 months ago by esther
3.0 out of 5 stars
interesting
I haven't finished the book yet. I got more interested in the White House Chef..But they both refer to each other so I'm enjoying both.
Published 4 months ago by Cassie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inside the White House
I'm fascinated by life in the White House so I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book giving the reader a glimpse of the First Ladies personalities as reflected in their choice... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Debra D.
5.0 out of 5 stars
My First Ladies
Wonderful book. New slant on each of the first ladies of the US and the pressures of entertaining and how they handled. The author herself if a class A act. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Calimio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flowers and the First Ladies
I loved reading about a department in the White House that operates behind the scenes and adds that touch of beauty to the White House. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Judith A. Watson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy with confidence
Book is full of interesting details, lots of wonderful pictures.
Told from the perspective of the head floral decorator at the White House
Told from the perspective of the head floral decorator at the White House
Published 5 months ago by Faye Baxter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book!!
This is a very interesting book regarding the floral department at the White House and all of the banquets, etc., they prepare for!! It was very well written and fast paced. Read more
Published 8 months ago by legalgal74
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
