My First Ladies: Twenty-five Years as the White House Chief Floral Designer

In this light-hearted memoir, retired White House Chief Floral Designer Clarke shares her memories of working for first ladies from Rosalynn Carter to Michelle Obama. For 25 years, Clarke worked with the presidential spouses and their staffs on a daily basis, creating floral arrangements for everything from the president's private quarters, to elaborate state dinners fit for a queen. Clarke writes in glowing terms about all the first ladies, but she also paints an intimate portrait of each. Her success as chief floral designer depended on her being a careful student of their idiosyncratic tastes and temperaments. Readers may also be interested in learning how national events, such as the 2000 election uncertainty, the Clinton impeachment, and the terrifying events of 9/11, were experienced by the behind-the-scenes White House staff. There are no shocking revelations in these pages, but Clarke's memories will entertain those who would like a glimpse inside America's most famous house. 29 color photographs. (Sept.)