I started reading this book the day Roe vs. Wade was overturned. It made reading this book even more emotional and devastating. This book focuses on ten days of President Obama’s last term of office through the lens of his chief speechwriter. The three big events that were happening in this ten days were the upholding of the ACA, gay marriage becoming the law of the land and the shooting in Charleston. There is so much hope in this book yet we still have so far to go.

* I've received an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley.

Cody Keenan takes the reader along a grueling week-in-the-life of a President's head speechwriter, notably during one the most prolific weeks of the Obama administration. The week of June 17th, 2015 commences with a massacre in a historic Black church in Charleston, leaving 9 dead, sending shockwaves across the nation. Cody struggles to find the words necessary to once again comfort and instill confidence in the American people in the line of the never-ending battle over gun violence, race issues, and overall political divide. All the while, trying to balance how President Obama will respond to the seminal SCOTUS decisions regarding the constitutionality of the ACA and same-sex marriage legalization.

Cody's narrative reads like a novel while he eloquently depicts the ebbs and flows of speechwriting as a white man for America's first Black president. His intimate anecdotes and conversations brings to light life inside of the White House, working alongside loyal staffers within his 'Speechcave' and paints President Obama as the down-to-earth leader of the free world and literal visionary that always seems to elevate his speeches to reach the mountains, while Cody's laying the foundation at base camp.

Although President Obama is a 'self-proclaimed president who doesn't need a speechwriter', it's clear that Cody's influence shines through on some of Obama's most influential speeches and this captivating story helps the reader catch a glimpse into the tireless work that brings it all to life.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the everyday hustle & bustle, behind-the-scenes action at the White House or to someone just interested in politics & history in general. Come October, I'd be shocked if this isn't at the top of the NYTimes Bestseller's List.

All politics aside (I actually hate talking politics but am always super interested in the workings of people on the inside no matter the “side”), this is
A fascinating look behind the scenes of working for/with the president of the United States. Well written and very enjoyable.