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Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
- And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House
- Narrated by: Alyssa Mastromonaco
- Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
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Publisher's summary
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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Critic reviews
"A candid and charming memoir of her unexpected career in government.... The memoir abounds with intimate glimpses of Washington, D.C., celebrities (Biden, Clinton, Michelle Obama, and scores more) and cheerfully dispensed survival strategies. An entertaining look inside the White House." (Kirkus)
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The Big Life is packed with actionable guidance combined with personal advice from high-profile millennial women who have already achieved tremendous success, plus intimate conversations with a cast of compelling characters and Shoket's own stories on her quest for The Big Life. You'll learn to tackle all of the issues on heavy rotation in your mind.
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Just OK
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Bare Bones
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Growing up poor in Mountain Pine, Arkansas, with a young, addicted mom, Bobby Estell fell in love with country music. Abandoned by his father at the age of five, Bobby saw the radio as his way out - a dream that came true in college when he went on air at the Henderson State University campus station broadcasting as Bobby Bones while simultaneously starting The Bobby Bones Show at 105.9 KLAZ.
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A look inside the narcissist life of Bobby Bones.
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The Great Stewardess Rebellion
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It was the Golden Age of Travel, and everyone wanted in. As flying boomed in the 1960s, women from across the United States applied for jobs as stewardesses. They were drawn to the promise of glamorous jet-setting, the chance to see the world, and an alternative to traditional occupations like homemaking, nursing, and teaching.
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Amazingly true!!
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As the co-host of MSNBC's popular morning show Morning Joe, Mika Brzezinski has established herself as a leading political news journalist and beloved television personality. She daily interviews world leaders - Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain - and discusses the major events of the day with guests like Tom Brokaw, Dan Rather, Andrea Mitchell, Chris Matthews, Maureen Dowd, and Tom Friedman. But success hasn't always come easy for Mika.
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All Things at Once
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Small Admissions
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Despite her innate ambition and summa cum laude smarts, Kate Pearson has turned into a major slacker. After being dumped by her handsome French "almost fiancé", she abandons her grad school plans and spends her days lolling on the couch, leaving her apartment only when a dog-walking gig demands it. Her friends don't know what to do other than pass tissues and hope for a comeback while her practical sister, Angela, pushes every remedy she can think of, from trapeze class to therapy to job interviews.
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For fans of "Where'd You Go, Bernadette ?"
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A witty, wise, straight-talking career guide for women, I Shouldn't Be Telling You This is the perfect book for the current economic climate, whether you're just starting out, re-entering the workforce after maternity leave, or simply looking for a career change; it contains essential tips and bold strategies from a gutsy innovator who helped increase Cosmo's circulation by half a million copies per month.
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AMAZING
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Every evening for eight years, at his request, President Obama was given 10 handpicked letters written by ordinary American citizens - the unfiltered voice of a nation - from his Office of Presidential Correspondence. He was the first president to interact daily with constituent mail and to archive it in its entirety. In To Obama, Jeanne Marie Laskas interviews President Obama, the letter writers themselves, and the White House staff who sifted through the powerful, moving, and incredibly intimate narrative of America during the Obama years:
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a must have audible book or print, it will amaze u
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Has Anyone Seen My Pants?
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Has Anyone Seen My Pants? is a laugh-out-loud trip around America (and Mexico!) with Sarah as she braves crying in nail salons, mother-daughter road trips, Iowan casinos, and single-shaming resorts. From a fling-gone-wrong to friend breakups and a new romance, Sarah's signature wit and sharp observations take you on a journey at once so deviously funny and surprisingly compassionate that it might just steal your heart - not to mention your pants.
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clearance shelf material
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I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends
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Complete with stories, tips, tricks, and advice from your favorite Bachelor alumni, and filled with all the juicy details Courtney fans and foes alike want to know, I Didn't Come Here to Make Friends is a must-listen for every member of Bachelor nation.
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I didn't come here to make friends
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Off with My Head
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The year 2020 was going to be the best year of Stassi’s life. Besides getting engaged and feeling like she was on top of the world career-wise, she bought her first house and was planning her dream Italian wedding. The future showed so much freaking promise—until it all went to hell. Stassi may not be perfect—she may have made some (major) mistakes—but she does feel like she has some insight (and plenty of hilarious tales) about getting knocked up, called out, and learning from what went wrong.
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Really Wanted to Like This, But...
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Shortest Way Home
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Once described by The Washington Post as "the most interesting mayor you've never heard of", Pete Buttigieg, the 36-year-old Democratic mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has improbably emerged as one of the nation's most visionary politicians. First elected in 2011, Buttigieg left a successful business career to move back to his hometown, previously tagged by Newsweek as a "dying city", and transformed it into a shining model of urban reinvention.
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Reveals a Person Wise & Experienced & Literate
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By: Pete Buttigieg
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What listeners say about Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
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- H. Winslow
- 06-13-17
A woman works for obama
Enjoyable read that provides insight into how the White House and Barack work. Really made me miss Obama. He called her when her cat died, for gods sake! Imagine the orangutan doing that
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117 people found this helpful
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- Jean
- 04-06-17
Engaging and funny
This is the autobiography/memoir of Alyssa Mastromonaco. She starts off telling about growing up in a small town in Vermont. While attending the University of Vermont she did her summer internship with Bernie Sanders. After college she worked for Senator John Kerry then obtained a job with Senator Barack Obama. When Obama became President, she became the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President. She was the youngest women to assume this office.
The author provides a look inside how presidential campaigns are run and what it is like to work in the White House. For those planning on a job in politics, she provides some pointers and a few examples are…. “always be prepared”, “Know as much as possible about the people you meet”,… “Be polite”… “Take responsibility for your mistakes”.
The book is easy to read but did not follow a chronological order which was a bit confusing at times. I enjoyed the humor but what I did not enjoy was the profanity. If you are curious about politics or thinking about working in politics, you will enjoy this book.
The book is about six hours long. The author narrated the book.
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61 people found this helpful
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- Weswig
- 03-25-17
Humorous, insightful, and empowering
Any additional comments?
If you are looking for a book that is humorous, insightful, and empowering to women in leadership this is a great one for you. I think if you liked Tina Fey's and Mindy Kaling's books, you'll like this one too. I'm almost done with the audible version and love it!
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57 people found this helpful
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- Lynn D. Greene
- 03-24-17
Better than expected!
I don't recall how I stumbled upon this book in Audible, but it was interesting, inspiring and laugh out loud funny! Worth the listen. I may listen again, it was that good.
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32 people found this helpful
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- GLC
- 05-08-17
Very Insightful
Alyssa was very transparent as she walked you through the life of a staffer. As a Navy Staff Officer, I see a lot of similarities and sincerely appreciate her perspective. Being a staffer can be challenging so hearing how she navigated the various pitfalls was funny and insightful. I have already shared this book.
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25 people found this helpful
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- corey
- 03-26-17
Great perspective
After hearing Alyssa on Make me smart podcast I couldn't wait to hear her story. My only issues with this book is that I couldn't stop listening and it was over too fast! The authors passion shines in her voice and her perspective and candid way of giving you the real deal was way refreshing. Great perspective on true politics when we need it most.
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16 people found this helpful
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- John Sweeney
- 04-12-17
An honest, entertaining account of political life
More of a "how to survive working in politics" guide than a political memoir, Alyssa Mastromonaco's recounting of her time with Senator, Candidate and finally President Barack Obama is a must read for anyone contemplating -- or currently struggling through -- a life as a political staffer.
Punctuated by personal stories and poignant advice throughout, Mastromonaco honestly details the difficulty of achieving a work life balance in the fast-paced world of politics. Though I imagine this story will be particularly helpful to women climbing the corporate or political ladder, "Who Thought this Was a Good Idea" should be on the top of any political geek's reading list, or that of anyone who looking to be entertained, informed and inspired.
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15 people found this helpful
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- Hambone
- 05-10-18
New title-Crazy Nervous Cat Lady
This was an enjoyable listen, for the first hour, but, I felt like this was a repeat of every 30 something over stressed, disorganized, professional, and yet so down to earth girl who eventually finds love.
I think there were two our the good points to this book but I didn't feel any connection. Narration was enjoyable.
Content is a like Parks and Rec but nothing is funny.
I am certain there is great content but this is one of those books that should have just been a blog.
like this comment the book went on and on in a circle of similar comments and then if finally ends.
Key disconnects-
I got a new cat and named after "x" I could hear him pee. and he didn't cuddle.
I was changing jobs and they said start now. I was all no way I need a break. One week later of unemployment... My life is so relaxing but I feel worthless, doesn't anyone need me, am I worthless? I need something to do and I'm so relatable right?
At a party, guy asked me to get a coke for him. I was all WTF, do you know who I am? Minutes later at the vending machine I affirm he must be a douche bag. Said nothing and got him the Coke. Ya, feminism.
Was going on honeymoon. Wait my cat is sick...do I stay? NVM these other cats are going to pay for him.
Also no chronological order. In and out of the White house. Story jumps from being married to single again five times I bet. The honeymoon story started, stopped, then completed fire chapters later.
Crazy Cat Lady, POTUS calls for condolences when cat dies.
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14 people found this helpful
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- Laura
- 06-21-17
A must read for every young woman
This is the perfect book for every young woman. Especially when you want to go into politics, or plan another big career. What makes this book so great is that Alyssa is so relatable, she writes about the big meetings with Obama she had, her love for cats and everything in between. You can be a woman with a big career and still be a crazy cat lady. This is an unique insight in the head of someone who looks like she has it all together, but on the inside is just as insecure as all of us.
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12 people found this helpful
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- icarryyouwithme
- 11-28-17
More about bodily functions than the White House
The author spent an astonishing amount of time discussing her period and her Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I️ realize she was going for transparency, but what we got was TMI.
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10 people found this helpful