I finished one book this week, but it was an interesting one.
Joe Biden devoted his life to public service, guided by a genuine concern for others and a desire to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Jill was by his side for much of that journey, and together they have endured more than their share of personal heartbreak, something that, sadly, continues even now. I wish them both peace, comfort, and all the best in the years ahead.
That being said, I read View from the East Wing hoping for a deeper, substantive memoir from Jill Biden. Instead, much of the book focuses on feel-good anecdotes about White House life, like Christmas decorations, teaching classes, grading papers in the Rose Garden, and other behind-the-scenes moments that, while pleasant enough, never felt particularly revealing.
What I was most interested in was Jill Biden's perspective on Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. That section was easily the most compelling part of the book. According to her account, both she and Joe immediately knew he had "f***ed up". She writes that she wondered whether he was having a stroke or had somehow been poisoned. I remember watching the debate and wondering if he was experiencing a stroke or TIA myself, especially after the now-infamous "we finally beat Medicare" comment.
What surprised me most was what happened next: they went to Waffle House. Personally, if I genuinely thought my spouse might be having a stroke, I think I would have skipped Waffle House and headed straight to the ER. That detail left me with more questions than answers.
Overall, this memoir never quite became the book I hoped for. There are warm family stories and plenty of optimistic moments, but I finished wishing for more substance, more candor, and a deeper examination of the events and challenges that defined the Biden presidency. For readers looking for a comforting portrait of Jill Biden, this may be satisfying. For those hoping for sharper insights and a more revealing account, it may feel somewhat superficial. Three stars from me.
Now I'd love to know what you're reading!
Well, feels like I can definitely skip this one! Currently I am reading Whistler!!!
ReplyDeleteGood to know I won't miss much if I skip this one! I just started Daniel Mason's new book (only just started) last night, and I'm still reading Land plus listening to This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.
ReplyDeleteI am skipping this one (but have been wildly enjoying Hunter's exploits on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter... he is sharp, witty, funny, and snarky!) I think writing books is a good thing, but writing something because "everyone does it" does not make a good book.
ReplyDeleteI think anyone that has lived in the White House is expected to write a book (or books). Not all have the talent for it. Having grown up around the family, I'll be skipping this one.
ReplyDeleteI skipped this one in the Governerd book club, but listened to the club meeting with Jill Biden last night (or yesterday afternoon, for me). Quite a few people seemed to appreciate the interview more than the book. So I think the book will stay skipped, for now.
ReplyDeleteI generally avoid memoirs since I have so often been disappointed. So, I did not plan to read this one. I admire Joe and Jill Biden, and I, too, wish them the very best during the remainder of their lives after public service. I hope they are content. I just started reading Whistler, so far, so good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review. Sounds like it's not a book I will read even though I appreciate the dedication to public service that the Bidens have shown.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review. I too admire the Biden's and their public service. While I can't imagine aging in the public spotlight is easy, more candor about the topic would make for a more interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI, too, decided to skip this memoir (even though I generally love memoirs) because I had heard siimilar feedback from other readers. I did hear that her interview with Sharon Says So's Governerd book club (of which I am a member) was really much more candid and interestesting. I'm planning to go back and watch that someday . . . and I'll let you know if she addressed the Waffle House "decision." (because HELLO . . . you thought he was having a stroke . . . ).
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