began his career as a journalist in 1964 on the Worcester Telegram and then became an investigative reporter for the Boston Herald. He later worked for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He won many awards during his tenure as a reporter and obviously built up a little book of "connections." The information that he shares in this book and the people he quotes are fascinating. This book was quite simply great fun to read. Who doesn't like to know all of the gossip about famous people? If these people are Presidents, it is all the more fun.
We all know that JFK was less than faithful to Jackie, but this book names names and gets into the nitty gritty about the where, when and how many (at one time). LBJ was another player it seems. Lady Bird actually caught him having sex with a secretary on his coach, so he insisted that that the secret service put in a buzzer system to alert him when Lady Bird was coming.
There is a chapter on the history of the secret service which first began on July 5, 1865, to track down and arrest counterfeiters. It was interesting to see how the role of the secret service changed through the years.
I found some of the things he wrote difficult to imagine. Jimmy Carter, for example, was said to be the least likable President. He refused to speak to the men on his detail and did not want them to say as much as hello to him. Seeing the humanitarian that he has become makes me realize how much the Presidency can warp a person while he/she is in office.
The book also goes into what measures are taken to protect the President. It is fascinating to read about the manpower and money that is used whenever "POTUS" goes anywhere.
I can go on, but that would ruin the fun of reading the book for yourself. I promise that you don't have to be a history buff to thoroughly enjoy this book!
- Beverly
Publisher - Crown Forum
Date of Publication - August 4, 2009