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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
  • Written by: Alyssa Mastromonaco, Lauren Oyler
  • Narrated by: Alyssa Mastromonaco
  • Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (48 ratings)

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Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? cover art

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?

Written by: Alyssa Mastromonaco, Lauren Oyler
Narrated by: Alyssa Mastromonaco
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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.

©2017 Alyssa Mastromonaco (P)2017 Hachette Audio

What the critics say

"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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What listeners say about Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?

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A Fun Inside Look

This was such a fun listen. Alyssa did such a good job of telling a story about a notable figure but was still able to make it about her own experience. Loved it! #Audible1

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Refreshing

Alyssa M writes and reads an engaging account of her journey to and through the White House in the Obama years. It’s a thoughtful approach to lessons learned - simple and straight forward life lessons. Definitely worth a listen!

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  • Overall
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Surprisingly engaging!

Fascinating behind the scenes look at American politics with some good advice from a sassy, highly successful woman.

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Smart, funny and genuine

A fun and thoughtful peak behind the curtain that walks a delicate line between life itself and an extraordinary job with humour and humility. Unexpected and entertaining the whole way through!

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