In 'Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?', Alyssa Mastromonaco takes readers behind the scenes of the White House, sharing her incredible journey as a former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Obama. With sharp wit and candid anecdotes, she reveals the chaos and humor of political life, showcasing the challenges faced by women in leadership. This memoir invites you to reflect on ambition, resilience, and the importance of finding your voice in a male-dominated arena. Mastromonaco's unique perspective challenges conventional wisdom about power and success. Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughs and insights that will leave you questioning who really runs the show!
By Alyssa Mastromonaco
Published: 2018
""If we waited until we were ready, we would be waiting for the rest of our lives.""
The acclaimed New York Times bestseller, now in paperback! "Always fascinating and very funny, Alyssa's book is full of juicy stories from one of the world's most glamorous jobs." - Mindy Kaling, New York Times bestselling author of Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) and Why Not Me? If your funny older sister were the former deputy chief of staff to President Barack Obama, her behind-the-scenes political memoir would look something like this... Alyssa Mastromonaco worked for Barack Obama for almost a decade, and long before his run for president. From the then-senator's early days in Congress to his years in the Oval Office, she made Hope and Change happen through blood, sweat, tears, and lots of briefing binders. But for every historic occasion-meeting the queen at Buckingham Palace, bursting in on secret climate talks, or nailing a campaign speech in a hailstorm-there were dozens of less-than-perfect moments when it was up to Alyssa to save the day. Like the time she learned the hard way that there aren't nearly enough bathrooms at the Vatican. Full of hilarious, never-before-told stories, WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA? is an intimate portrait of a president, a book about how to get stuff done, and the story of how one woman challenged, again and again, what a "White House official" is supposed to look like. Here Alyssa shares the strategies that made her successful in politics and beyond, including the importance of confidence, the value of not being a jerk, and why ultimately everything comes down to hard work (and always carrying a spare tampon). Told in a smart, original voice and topped off with a couple of really good cat stories, WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA? is a promising debut from a savvy political star. "A must-read for anybody who's even remotely interested in how Washington works." - Popsugar.com
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“"If we waited until we were ready, we would be waiting for the rest of our lives."”
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
By Alyssa Mastromonaco
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alyssa Mastromonaco is a prominent author and political strategist, best known for her candid memoir, "Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?" which provides an insightful look into her experiences working in the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations under President Obama. Her writing style is characterized by wit, humor, and a relatable, conversational tone that engages readers while delivering poignant reflections on politics, public service, and personal growth. In addition to her memoir, Mastromonaco is known for her contributions as a political analyst and commentator, and she has served as an executive for various organizations, including Vice Media. Through her work, she continues to inspire many with her insights on leadership and empowerment.
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