06 Jan Book Review: The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower

I have a not-so-secret love for all things White House-y, and I blame it entirely on my mom. Growing up, she’d always have The West Wing reruns playing in the background, and I’d get sucked into the drama of politics, the elegant state dinners, and the endless halls of secrets. So when I stumbled on The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower, I didn’t even hesitate. A book that promised all the drama of White House life from the perspective of the staff? Sign me up yesterday.

I read this one during a cozy weekend at home with my trusty mug of tea (or three), and let me tell you, I was hooked from page one. The anecdotes felt like peeling back layers of history—but through the eyes of butlers, florists, and housekeepers who were actually there. It made me think about how my grandma used to tell these brilliant stories about her days as a hotel maid, and how the guests often overlooked the staff but never the other way around. That kind of quiet power, the knowledge of everything happening behind the scenes, is endlessly fascinating to me.

What’s it about?

The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower pulls back the curtain on one of the most iconic homes in the world. The book doesn’t focus on presidents or first ladies but instead gives center stage to the butlers, maids, ushers, florists, and chefs—the loyal staff who have been witness to decades of history, drama, and sometimes absurdity in the White House.

The book spans from the Kennedys to the Obamas, painting a vivid portrait of life in the executive mansion. Brower uses a combination of interviews with White House staff, historical records, and personal anecdotes to bring the residence to life. These stories reveal the immense pressure that comes with working for the most powerful family in the world while maintaining a level of discretion and professionalism that’s almost superhuman.

At its heart, The Residence is a study in contrasts. On one hand, the staff performs their duties in a house steeped in tradition, elegance, and power. On the other, they deal with the quirks, demands, and personal dramas of the First Families. Some moments are lighthearted, like LBJ’s obsession with getting the perfect shower pressure or Nancy Reagan’s fears of ghosts haunting the residence. Others are deeply moving, such as the staff’s quiet support of Jackie Kennedy in the days following JFK’s assassination or their pride in dressing the White House for Obama’s inauguration.

Brower doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the job, either. The staff are often caught in the middle of tense political climates and shifting social expectations. One chapter delves into how staff members handled the Clintons’ scandals in the 1990s, while another explores how race and class played into the staff’s interactions with the First Families—like the mixed emotions surrounding the Obamas becoming the first African American residents of the White House.

This isn’t just a collection of anecdotes, though; it’s a carefully woven narrative about what it means to serve with loyalty and dignity in one of the most high-stakes environments imaginable. Through the eyes of these behind-the-scenes workers, we get an intimate look at the humanity of the people who live in the White House. The book blends lighthearted moments with weightier reflections on the social and historical significance of this unique workplace.

For example, the florists who arrange dazzling displays for state dinners also mourn quietly during funerals. The butlers who serve tea to visiting dignitaries know which presidents love their routines and which ones don’t bother to look them in the eye. The chefs create dishes that reflect the tastes of a family whose meals are often scrutinized on an international stage.

From the grand to the mundane, The Residence showcases a unique slice of American history, all while reminding readers that even in the most powerful house in the world, it’s the people who make it a home.

What This Chick Thinks:

This book is pure catnip for someone like me, who’s nosy in the most wholesome way possible. I mean, how often do you get to eavesdrop on the inner workings of the White House? And from the people who’ve seen it all but are too classy to spill the beans in anything less than a tasteful, polished way? Nine out of ten times, this is exactly the kind of non-fiction I’ll fall head over heels for—and The Residence delivered.

Let’s talk about the good stuff first. The stories. Oh my goodness, the stories! I felt like a kid in a candy store with all the juicy tidbits about everything from First Family quirks (looking at you, LBJ and your shower obsession) to moments of real humanity (Jackie Kennedy crying on the staff’s shoulders after the assassination). Brower has a knack for bringing these anecdotes to life without turning them into tabloid fodder. She respects her subjects, and that makes all the difference.

I also loved how Brower balanced the personal with the political. Sure, there’s gossip, but there’s also this profound respect for the White House staff and the work they do. These people aren’t just fluffing pillows—they’re upholding traditions, adapting to changing times, and occasionally dealing with some truly bonkers requests. (Ahem, Nixon demanding his dog get personalized service.)

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the book sometimes felt like it skimmed the surface. There were moments when I wanted Brower to dig deeper, especially into the tensions and challenges of working for vastly different administrations. And while I appreciated the wide range of stories, the pacing could feel a little uneven at times—like I’d just gotten invested in one story when we’d jump to another. But honestly? Those are small gripes for a book that was otherwise such a treat.

Final Thoughts:

I loved this book. It’s the perfect mix of history, human drama, and straight-up fascinating trivia. It made me see the White House in a whole new way—not just as a symbol of power, but as a place where real people live, work, and sometimes spill coffee on the Lincoln rug. For anyone who loves a good peek behind the curtain, The Residence is a must-read. Nine out of ten for me—because nothing’s perfect, but this book comes close.

Try it if you like:

1. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain – If you’re into behind-the-scenes chaos and the unvarnished truth about what it takes to deliver perfection, this is your vibe. Plus, both books treat their subjects with a mix of grit and reverence.
2. Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner – Another look at the lives of those who serve, this one from the perspective of a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret. Less political but just as full of fascinating anecdotes.
3. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown – It’s not about the White House, but it captures the same mix of personal triumphs and historical context. A great choice if you want your behind-the-scenes stories with a side of inspiration.