The Hidden History of the White House by Corey Mead

 

Have you ever visited the White House?  I have toured it two times in my life and have visited two other times were I only saw it from the outside and was unable to get a tour.

The White House has stood for over two hundred years and has stood as an emblem of the United States.  There have been many historic turning points that have occurred in the White House.  The Hidden History of the White House lets you explore 15 historic events that changed the White House and/or the world forever.

My thoughts on this book:

·        I Found this book to be fascinating.  I learned about events I hadn’t known about, and more details about events I already knew about.

·       For example, when the White House burned in the War of 1812, James Madison was away with his troops on houseback.  Dolly Madison was expecting him back at any time.  She had a giant dinner made and had to flee with it served out on the table.  The British ate and drank the feast before burning down the White House.  James and Dolly Madison were separated and had to look for each other in the countryside.  It was a stark picture with our capital burning, the president and first lady lost in the countryside, and the president being denied a stay at a home because the citizen was mad about the situation.

·       I also never knew that a piano fell through the floor at the White House!  It was interesting reading about the rebuild of the entire inside during the Truman administration.

·       There were so many more interesting facts and stories that one should read for themselves.

·       This book clued me into the American History Tellers Podcast.  I’ve been listening to and enjoying this podcast since reading this book summer. 

Overall, The Hidden History of the White House by Corey Mead is a fascinating nonfiction book that immerses the reader into 15 different historic events that helped define the White House and our nation.

Book Source:  Review copy from William Morrow.  Thank-you #MorrowPartner!  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.