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Title: Madhouse: The Private Turmoil of Working for the President by Jeffrey H. Birnbaum ISBN: 0-8129-2325-1 Publisher: Times Books Pub. Date: May, 1996 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $25.00

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Average Customer Rating: 4 (3 reviews)

Rating: 3
Summary: All Work and No Play
Comment: This book is an interesting look at 6 different mid level White House staff during the first two years of the Clinton administration. The book is not a review of the first two years, just a focus on what it is like for these six people. The first thing that I thought was just how much these people work, 7 days a week and 90 plus hours is the norm, it is no wonder they burn out after year or so. Other then that bit of info, for me there really was nothing all that new about the book. It basically described that fact that these jobs are very difficult, unforgiving and at times not very fun.

One gets a kind of hopeless feeling at times reading this book as many of the people covered seam to at times. This is probably the best part of the authors work in that he was able to convey just how hard it was working under so much stress in a very unorganized situation and constantly being attacked. I think I have a better appreciation for the people that do the work that goes unnoticed in all White Houses. The book is somewhat interesting and not badly written, it just does not give the reader that much new info and it is limited to only the view of these six people.

Rating: 4
Summary: Who Would Want These Jobs?
Comment: Each of the White House staffers in this book are presented as having taken their position with the hopes of making a difference. it didn't take long for each and every one of them to realize that they were just pawns in the game. The book mentions that the average tenure of a staffer is only 12 - 18 months, and if all staffers are treated as poorly those in this book were treated, it is obvious as to why they choose to move on. The upside to the jobs? Each of them went on to a more lucrative position after leaving the White House. If you can put up with 12 - 18 months of misery, you can write your own ticket. They all had to be aware of that when they started, so it's had to feel too bad about what they had to go through in order to be able to add 'White House Staff' to their resume.

Rating: 5
Summary: A very revealing look at the Clinton White House!
Comment: This book explores the inner workings of the Clinton White House, exposing the way in which the President works and handles his affairs. Through the stories of the people who helped him get to the presidency, this book has shown me a side of Mr. Clinton I never knew existed, and which frankly does not seem too likeable. I would recommend this book to anybody who wants to learn more about the way in which this President goes about governing. It is also a good reference as far the White House regarding the way it works. Kudos to Mr. Birnbaum for writing such an interesting description of the current administration!