Imagine that your hairstyle, your wardrobe, and even your manner of speech are fodder for journalists and celebrity news programs. That everything your husband did or said would come under intense scrutiny, and that he would often be criticized in a most bruising manner. That you could not drive or walk your children to school. That you must be camera-ready, well-groomed, polite and gracious at all times. That you could not step out for an impromptu latte or a little retail therapy. If all of these conditions and restrictions apply to you, then you have much in common with the first lady and former first ladies of our country.

These women have neither a job description nor an actual job. Basically, they are the wives and mothers who are thrown into a huge fishbowl viewed by the whole world. They become famous, or infamous, depending on how history treats them, by virtue of being married to a man who becomes president. They are expected to be a charming hostess, whether they are attending the annual Easter Egg hunt on the White House lawn or hosting state dinners in honor of dignitaries and world powers visiting Washington.

"FIRST WOMEN goes behind the scenes once again as it reveals what life is like for the select group of women who have called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home since 1961."

Former White House correspondent Kate Andersen Brower opens a window into the lives of 10 first ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Michelle Obama. Her previous book, THE RESIDENCE, gave a peek at life for the people who keep the White House in top form at all times, from the plumbers to the florists, from the butlers to the gardeners. FIRST WOMEN goes behind the scenes once again as it reveals what life is like for the select group of women who have called 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home since 1961.

Both Lady Bird Johnson (does anybody know her first name? It's Claudia.) and Betty Ford moved into the White House during very dark days in our nation's history --- no parades or inaugural balls for them. Rosalyn Carter moved out of the White House after the bruising defeat of her husband, Jackie left under a heavy blanket of grief, and Pat Nixon was stoic and brave during her leave-taking.

Nancy Reagan wrote "First Lady" as occupation on her income tax return. She was her husband's unofficial gatekeeper and had enormous say in who worked closely with him. Jackie oversaw a huge refurbishing of the White House and received both criticism and praise for her efforts. Pat and Laura Bush stayed pretty much in the background, though Laura was front and center the compassionate first lady in the aftermath of 9/11. Hillary Clinton wanted a part in her husband's presidency, which he willingly encouraged, and worked tirelessly on a health care initiative that was not welcomed. Rosalyn insisted on sitting in on Cabinet meetings, and the criticism she received did not deter her. Each woman tried to be herself and create as normal a family life as was possible, given the extraordinary circumstances.

There are a few anecdotes about first ladies who became friends and those who did not. And there are family stories, some quite well known and others unknown until now. The White House, after all, is the family home for either four or eight years, under normal circumstances, and it is here that the first families live out their personal lives, out of sight whenever possible. The task of first lady takes a different form for each woman who occupies the role as she brings to bear her strengths, interests and outlook. 

As of this writing, we do not know who will occupy the White House come January 2017, or if we shall have a first lady or a first gentleman. We do realize and understand, however, after reading this book, that the spouse of the next president will need and deserve all the kindness and appreciation our country has to offer.