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From the Corner of the Oval Office

A searing summer 2019 holiday read
3.82 goodreads logo

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( 16,587 ratings, 2,207 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
From the Corner of the Oval Office by Beck Dorey-Stein is a captivating memoir that offers an insider's view of life in the White House. As a stenographer during the Obama administration, Dorey-Stein shares her journey from an unexpected job opportunity to navigating the intricate world of political power, friendship, and personal growth. Her narrative brims with wit and honesty, providing a unique perspective on politics and personal resilience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy behind-the-scenes stories with a mix of political insight and personal growth. Drawing from the author's unique experiences traveling with the Obama White House, it blends the intensity of political life with the relatable challenges of navigating personal relationships and career aspirations. It's ideal for those interested in first-hand perspectives on high-stakes environments combined with candid reflections on finding one's path.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The compulsively readable, behind-the-scenes memoir that takes readers inside the Obama White House, through the eyes of a young staffer learning the ropes, falling in love and finding her place in the world.

If you've ever felt like you were out of your element, in over your head or working without a net, you will love this book. Funny, fast-paced, and so emotionally true it hurts. β€” Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black

Guidelines for aspiring stenographers:

  • Neutral tones set the tone
  • Be discreet and neat β€” like a librarian or well-paid prostitute
  • Breathe quietly or not at all
  • Above all else, keep the secrets to yourself...

In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein was just scraping by in Washington DC when an unusual job interview landed her in the Oval Office as one of Barack Obama's stenographers. She joined the elite team who accompanied the President wherever he went, recorder and mic in hand. On whirlwind trips across time zones, Beck forged friendships with a tight group of fellow travellers β€” young men and women who, like her, left their real lives behind to hop aboard Air Force One in service of the President. But as she learned the ropes of protocol, Beck became romantically entangled with a colleague, and suddenly, the political became all too personal.

Set against the backdrop of a White House full of glamour, drama and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters and discovering her voice in the process.

Praise for From the Corner of the Oval Office

Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck's unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humour... Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers. β€” Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

This memoir is good and gossipy, will make you wish that you got to hang out with Barack and Michelle on a daily basis and is the missing link between The West Wing and Bridget Jones's Diary. β€” Red

Set against the backdrop of a White House full of glamour, drama and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters and discovering her voice in the process. β€” GLAMOUR's Best Books of 2018

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

From the Corner of the Oval Office is praised for its humorous and candid exploration of life working in Obama's White House. Reviewers highlight Beck Dorey-Stein's unique insider perspective, energetic prose, and the blend of personal anecdotes with glimpses of political life. The memoir is often described as engaging, offering a human touch to the West Wing's glamour and challenges while delivering a hopeful and entertaining narrative.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784164126

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 August 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Black Swan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 241g

Pages: 352

About the Author

A graduate of Wesleyan University in Connecticut, BECK DOREY-STEIN worked as a White House stenographer from 2012 to 2017. Previously she worked as a high school English teacher in Hightstown, New Jersey, Washington, DC, and Seoul, South Korea. This is her first book.

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