Kate Andersen Brower has written another captivating book about the White House, this time about people who have lived there. First Women: the Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies tells what it's like to be married to the president. The role has changed over the years (one First Lady was told to sit next to her husband and keep her mouth shut) and each has customized the job to her liking (as much as it's possible to do). Some liked it, others hated it, they didn't always all get along, either, but, all of them supported their husbands. Quite a read.

Floral Diplomacy at the White House, by Laura Dowling, is part biography, part recent history. When Ms. Dowling applied for the job as White House florist, she never really intended to get the job, but she did, and was there during the Obama administration. See what she designed for various functions from state dinners, to July 4 celebrations, the private rooms, and more. Impressive!

The Canadian sesquicentennial is coming up soon. Expect to see more books about our neighbors to the north (well, mostly) in upcoming posts. For a great look at Canadian artists there is Embracing Canada: Landscapes from Krieghoff to the Group of Seven from the Vancouver Artgallery and black dog publishing. So much wonderful art here, and it can be enjoyed from your favorite chair! I am partial to artists who included horses. ;-)

Reading Hermit With Dog