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A typical used book in Very Good condition. It shows light use with some slight noticeable wear. No markings on pages (other than possibly previous owner's name/note or remainder mark on edge). We carefully inspected this book and pages are unmarked and binding is intact. Comes with Super Fast Shipping – usually leaves warehouse within 24 hours. Professional packaging with tracking number and 24/7 customer service provided at no additional cost. 100% satisfaction guaranteed with every purchase! A typical used book in Very Good condition. It shows light use with some slight noticeable wear. No markings on pages (other than possibly previous owner's name/note or remainder mark on edge). We carefully inspected this book and pages are unmarked and binding is intact. Comes with Super Fast Shipping – usually leaves warehouse within 24 hours. Professional packaging with tracking number and 24/7 customer service provided at no additional cost. 100% satisfaction guaranteed with every purchase! See less
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From the Corner of the Oval: A Memoir Paperback – August 6, 2019

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,422 ratings

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • What if you lived out the drama of your twenties on Air Force One?
 
“[This] breezy page turner is essentially Bridget Jones goes to the White House.”—The New York Times
 
RECOMMENDED READING theSkimm • Today • Entertainment Weekly • Refinery29 • Bustle • PopSugar • Vanity Fair •  The New York Times Editors’ Choice • Paste

In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein is working five part-time jobs and just scraping by when a posting on Craigslist lands her, improbably, in the Oval Office as one of Barack Obama’s stenographers. The ultimate D.C. outsider, she joins the elite team who accompany the president wherever he goes, recorder and mic in hand. On whirlwind trips across time zones, Beck forges friendships with a dynamic group of fellow travelers—young men and women who, like her, leave their real lives behind to hop aboard Air Force One in service of the president.
 
As she learns to navigate White House protocols and more than once runs afoul of the hierarchy, Beck becomes romantically entangled with a consummate D.C. insider, and suddenly the political becomes all too personal.

Against a backdrop of glamour, drama, and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman learning what truly matters, and, in the process, discovering her voice.

Praise for
From the Corner of the Oval

“Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck Dorey-Stein’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humor. I tore through the entire book on a four-hour flight and 
loved reading all about the brilliant yet hard-partying people who once surrounded the leader of the free world. Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers.”—Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

“Dorey-Stein . . . writes with wit and self-deprecating humor.”
The Wall Street Journal

“Addictively readable . . . Dorey-Stein’s spunk and her sparkling, crackling prose had me cheering for her through each adventure. . . . She never loses her starry-eyed optimism, her pinch-me wonderment, her 
Working Girl pluck.”—Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)
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Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

From the Publisher

from the corner of the oval office;president obama;personal memoir;white house;women in politics

from the corner of the oval office;president obama;personal memoir;white house;women in politics

from the corner of the oval office;president obama;personal memoir;white house;women in politics

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Beck Dorey-Stein’s] breezy page turner is essentially Bridget Jones goes to the White House.”Peter Baker, The New York Times

“Obama administration memoirs are rolling in, but in a refreshing twist 
From the Corner of the Oval swaps policy for good old-fashioned workplace drama. . . . Readers won’t find state secrets so much as they’ll get a glimpse at what life was really like working for the most historical of administrations. There are countless flights on Air Force One, late nights at four-star hotel bars in far-flung locations, and a bravely honest retelling of her workplace affair.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck Dorey-Stein’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humor. I tore through the entire book on a four-hour flight and 
loved reading all about the brilliant yet hard-partying people who once surrounded the leader of the free world. Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers.”—Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

“[Dorey-Stein] writes with wit and self-deprecating humor but is fully aware, too, of the pomposity and petty spite of official Washington. She’s at her best and funniest when recalling the physically unhealthy and vaguely ridiculous work of following the president wherever he goes.”
The Wall Street Journal

“Addictively readable . . . Dorey-Stein absorbs it all with a fine eye for detail and conveys it with freshness, candor and humor. . . . She may be a stenographer, but this is not typing; this is writing. . . . It is a testament to Dorey-Stein’s charm and her writing chops that we root for her throughout. . . . 
From the Corner of the Oval has been aptly dubbed The West Wing meets Devil Wears Prada. I see it more as C-Span meets Sex and the City—but with more drinking and even more sex. . . . Dorey-Stein’s spunk and her sparkling, crackling prose had me cheering for her through each adventure. . . . She never loses her starry-eyed optimism, her pinch-me wonderment, her Working Girl pluck. Which makes From the Corner of the Oval somehow, against the odds, a story of hope.”—Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

“A few weeks ago, what I always fear will happen actually
did happen. I’d been reading Beck Dorey-Stein’s engrossing memoir, From the Corner of the Oval, out July 10, on my commute home. ‘Huh,’ I thought, as I looked up from my book and saw a slightly unfamiliar landscape whir by. ‘This train ride seems longer than usual.’ And it was. I had been so absorbed in Dorey-Stein’s insider recollections of the Obama White House that I’d missed my stop entirely.”Refinery29 (Best New Books For July 2018)

“Dorey-Stein brings readers along for romance, heartbreak, and growing up.”—
Bustle

“History lesson meets soap opera. In this poignant, brutally honest, and often-funny work of self-reflection, Dorey-Stein pulls no punches and tells all she learned from and about the president who ‘taught me to look up.’”
Booklist

“Hilarious . . . Dorey-Stein writes with honesty and panache.”
—Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Beck Dorey-Stein is a native of Narberth, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Wesleyan University. Prior to her five years in the White House, she taught high school English in Hightstown, New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Seoul, South Korea. This is her first book.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; Reprint edition (August 6, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0525509143
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0525509141
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.18 x 0.73 x 7.94 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,422 ratings

About the author

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Beck Dorey-Stein
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BECK DOREY-STEIN grew up in Narberth, Pennsylvania. Her first book, From the Corner of the Oval, was a New York Times bestseller. She now lives in Maine with her family but still roots for Philly sports teams.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,422 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and relatable. They praise the writing style as well-written and easy to read. The style is described as lovely, classy, and fun. Readers appreciate the insightful and passionate look at government life from an insider's perspective. They also praise the author's witty prose and comfortable use of language. Overall, customers find the book provides a unique and informative glimpse into the Oval Office.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

135 customers mention "Readability"135 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and relatable. They praise the well-written narrative and lively storytelling. The book provides an entertaining account of White House operations and the risks and rewards faced by everyone involved.

"...I thought this was so cleverly written. It was cheeky, sassy, and fun...." Read more

"...And the first part of the book and the last part delivered a most entertaining account of just that...." Read more

"...Again, the book is well written and very interesting, however, the author uses a lot of analogies to describe different outcomes, almost to the..." Read more

"...This is a great book if you want to read about interesting travels (surface level only), quarter-life crises, and LOTS of drinking, but not much else." Read more

61 customers mention "Writing style"55 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They find it well-written and easy to read, with a comfortable use of language. The author's humor and energetic voice guide readers on her adventures.

"...Oh, the nostalgia. I thought this was so cleverly written. It was cheeky, sassy, and fun...." Read more

"...Again, the book is well written and very interesting, however, the author uses a lot of analogies to describe different outcomes, almost to the..." Read more

"...There are glimpses of really enjoyable and communicative writing, and I hope and believe she will grow as a writer...." Read more

"...make an entrance until the end, but I didn’t care because it is so well written I got lost in reading about Barack Obama...." Read more

43 customers mention "Style"36 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's style. They find it engaging, touching, and a unique look at life inside the bubble. The story is described as honest and entertaining, with parts about the White House being appreciated. Readers appreciate Beck's candid assessment of her 20s and working in the millennial world. Overall, they find the book relatable and enjoyable.

"...I thought this was so cleverly written. It was cheeky, sassy, and fun...." Read more

"A Unique View of a Side of DC and the Whitehouse Seldom Seen..." Read more

"This breezy look at life inside "the bubble" fulfills Beck's hopes: she IS a writer, and a talented one, who knows when to go long and when..." Read more

"Fascinating behind-the scenes look at working in the White House...." Read more

41 customers mention "Insight"41 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative. They appreciate the author's personal and professional life as well as the behind-the-scenes perspective and glimpses into the Obama White House. The factual information is blended with the romantic aspects, making the book especially interesting during the Obama era.

"...dish or put gas in a car or cooked a meal--but it was still fun and informative. The title was inspired...." Read more

"...From the Corner of the Oval is funny, insightful, and informative. But it is also sad and infuriating...." Read more

"...I loved that it wasn't a tell all, or about politics and policy. Honestly reminded me for the tv program The West Wing, which I love too...." Read more

"...Obama and his enormous, but necessary support staff, are fun and revealing, especially if you like to read about how much they drink, hang out, and..." Read more

35 customers mention "Writing quality"35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find the prose brilliant, the author likable, and the humor witty and fun. The author's style and comfortable use of language take readers on an engaging journey.

"...Oh, the nostalgia. I thought this was so cleverly written. It was cheeky, sassy, and fun...." Read more

"...But Dorey-Stein is a good observer and eloquent writer. First, she teaches us a lot of background about her job...." Read more

"...Beck, as she likes to call herself, writes a unique and personal story of being a very small cog in one of the biggest machines in our world with..." Read more

"...Dorey-Stein writing is unlike any memoir I've read. She makes you laugh, she shares her personal issues about her rocky relationship(s), the crazy..." Read more

15 customers mention "Perspective"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's unique perspective. They find it provides a glimpse into the workings of the White House and administration from a person closely connected to the leader. The book offers an honest, interesting, and rare view of life behind the scenes in D.C.

"I chose this book because the author had such a unique perch from which to view the day to day reality of working (sorta) in a White House..." Read more

"...The story itself is interesting and the author has a unique, fresh perspective..." Read more

"...There are glimpses of really enjoyable and communicative writing, and I hope and believe she will grow as a writer...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. It was a glimpse into the White House and insightful of some of the inner workings...." Read more

31 customers mention "Pacing"16 positive15 negative

Customers have different views on the book's pacing. Some find it fast-paced and fun, with an admiration for the Obama-Biden Administration. Others find it boring, disappointing, and lacking depth or heart.

"first let me say that this book was a quick and mostly enjoyable read...." Read more

"...a strong finish that ALMOST captured the absolute dejection, despondency and gut-wrenching despair as well as sheer terror I felt about the election..." Read more

"...own story as she bumbles through learning her job, breathing the rarified air of world leaders, and giving you an inside glimpse of the humanity of..." Read more

"...But it is also sad and infuriating...." Read more

29 customers mention "Personal narrative"18 positive11 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the personal narrative. Some find it relatable and authentic, drawing them into the author's world. Others feel the book puts too much emphasis on personal relationships and drama, making it tiresome.

"...He was especially human and personal in his interactions with his staff...." Read more

"...The stories about personal angst & relationship problems became tiresome - far too much drinking, antics, HS type crushes, & late-night affairs...." Read more

"...She makes you laugh, she shares her personal issues about her rocky relationship(s), the crazy work environment, to the coworker hookups, to..." Read more

"...Talk about getting lucky! Did love the description of trips on Air Force 1. It is good, but I wish there were more to it." Read more

Hard time putting this historical guilty-pleasure down!
4 out of 5 stars
Hard time putting this historical guilty-pleasure down!
This book was a welcome escape from the Trumpian nightmare and relieve a bit of the Obama years through the eyes of a fresh voiced 'accidental staffer'. I really appreciated Beck's essay's on President Obama public and private remarks, reactions and the day to day going ons within the White House... the play by play behind the scenes for historical trips, national nightmares, growing up into adulthood post college, finding your way and owning your mistakes as a young woman.Her emotional honesty and humor help guide the reader in Beck's own 5-year journey working in the 'bubble' and not getting herself too lost. We've seen the stories about staffers or secret service agents getting in trouble in the off-hours in these trips, Beck's memoir with navigating the social scene while also blowing off steam on stressful trips allowed this 40-year old to remember her own mistakes and leassons learned 20-years ago. Thanks to her book, I found myself one too many nights saying 'one more chapter' while lying in bed... only to see the clock advance past midnight... totally lost in Beck's universe, sometime shedding tears with her, or highlighting important passages that rung true. This would make an excellent binge-worthy TV series, rumor has it that the book was optioned recently. Who knew there was so much down time on some of the trips, or that the press bubble essentially went on holiday with them? I gifted this book to my own 19-year old who's in college and grew up under the reign of 'Obama', let Beck's truth sprinkle a bit of hope as she too will navigate her own journey post college soon. Here's hoping that Beck has relented on the Cape Codders in her 30's and has grown into her own finally outside of the bubble and Dreaming Big, finding her writer voice.Now for the bigger question, who was the Rattler, Noah and/or Jason?
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2018
    OMG, I love this book. I'm a 47 year old mother, and this book totally took me back to my young, single, fresh-out-of-college days. I felt like she was writing the book about me (except I didn't have a sweet White House job and I never went running). It reminded me what it was like to be young and have no idea what career I would ultimately have, to be exploring careers, friendships, and romantic relationships. To keep picking the "bad boy", even though they treated me poorly. Oh, the nostalgia. I thought this was so cleverly written. It was cheeky, sassy, and fun. I loved getting a little glimpse into how everything goes down behind the scenes at the White House, and it particularly made me bring up fond memories of our beloved #44. I'm so happy that the author had this crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I hope that she appreciates it. But I'm really glad that she became an author, and I look forward to reading her future books.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018
    I chose this book because the author had such a unique perch from which to view the day to day reality of working (sorta) in a White House Administration. And the first part of the book and the last part delivered a most entertaining account of just that. I loved the author’s writing style (calling Congress “a bag of dicks” when they shut down the government,causing the author to miss out on a trip to Asia which got canceled made me laugh out loud). BUT the middle part of the book got completely bogged down in the author’s love life and her cheating with an unattainable guy. This part of the book wasn’t something unique to working in the White House and I found it cumbersome, boring and completely predictable. Of course it was part of the author’s personal story but since I didn’t choose to read this book for soap opera dramatics, the ridiculous “Jason” saga almost made me stop reading the book. But I didn’t and I’m glad. She provided a strong finish that ALMOST captured the absolute dejection, despondency and gut-wrenching despair as well as sheer terror I felt about the election of Trump. When I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book I saw where David Remnick was the person who encouraged her to make her own personal story a big part of the book. In my opinion that was a mistake. And does the author think for one second David Remnick would have described his adulterous cavorting if HE had written a book about working in a White House Administration? Would he have recommended that ANY male author take that slant? I don’t think so and I think Remnick steered the author wrong with his advice. The god awful heavy narration about a cheating affair with a jerk who had no intention of engaging in a meaningful relationship took away from the otherwise wonderful narration of the author’s experiences in the Obama White House. And after suffering through reading about this cheating, the author didn’t even write steamy sex scenes so at least we could have some raunchy entertainment (other than the vibrator gift. If a man gave me a vibrator as a “joke” gift in front of several friends, I do believe I’d have shoved it up his ass sideways, sans lubricants!)
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2018
    Overall, a great book and the author is a very good writer. If you are looking for the latest sneak-peek of the Trump Administration, this isn't that type of book. As the book states, this is a memoir of the author's time working for the Obama Administration in a non-appointment position.

    Again, the book is well written and very interesting, however, the author uses a lot of analogies to describe different outcomes, almost to the point of annoyance. The author states in the book that she doesn't want to be, what she calls, a "DC Creature" but in my opinion, she tried so hard not to be one that she was slowly becoming one, perhaps without her knowledge--Semi stuck-up and better than others--although, it may have not been noticeable to her. Also, in the book, she discusses her relationships, especially the forbidden one that she carries on with "Jason." I feel that her waste of time with "Jason" could have better been spent with someone that cared for her, like the "Raven" she talks to several times as she gets on Air Force One. But instead, she keeps going back to him, sleeps with him and then he breaks her heart. I found myself wanting to throw my Kindle out the window.

    All in all, a great book. I highly recommend to read--It's an easy read!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2018
    I saw many glowing reviews of this book and was very excited to read it, but I was terribly disappointed by the average writing. The story itself is interesting and the author has a unique, fresh perspective (I had no idea of the shenanigans that took place among the White House staff, nor of the opulent staff trips that our tax money pays for ...). I also enjoyed hearing anecdotes about POTUS.

    The writing is incredibly repetitive (sentences to the effects of "How did we get so lucky?" "Tick Tock Croc is counting down" "Don't forget to look up," "The smell of his mint gum..." and "the triangle of light on the ceiling" are repeated so many times that it drove me absolutely crazy). Music is "fun," outfits are "fun," and dancing is "fun," all in the same paragraph. Places where it would have been interesting to hear the author's insight on political issues are boiled down to uninspired sentences ("congress is a bag of dicks"). The love triangle that the story centers on goes up and down so many times that I started to lose interest. It just could have been SO much better, in my opinion.

    With that said, I'd recommend this book as a light beach read without too much substance. This is a great book if you want to read about interesting travels (surface level only), quarter-life crises, and LOTS of drinking, but not much else.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • S.F.
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not a new book. It has been used before.
    Reviewed in Germany on March 18, 2022
    Not happy with my purchase.
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    S.F.
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not a new book. It has been used before.
    Reviewed in Germany on March 18, 2022
    Not happy with my purchase.
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  • Marie McGrath Davis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect and Speedy
    Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2018
    This item arrived much faster than I'd expected, especially in this season. So, Bravo!
  • lbls69
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un régal !
    Reviewed in France on October 22, 2018
    Son écriture est tellement riche et pure, son analyse de ses ressentis tellement précise et honnête, livrant tout sans fausse humilité ou non-dits que j’ai eu l’impression de vivre son expérience.
    Sa bienveillance à l’égard de ses personnages, même lorsqu’elle ne les apprécie pas, est la traduction d’une incroyable maturité et d’une belle humanité.
    Bref, je suis séduite et attends sa prochaine œuvre.
  • The Friday Potter
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible book that works on so many levels...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2018
    I absolutely loved this book! As a 40 something who cried when Obama left The White House, this gave me a small glimpse into that world. Beck Dorey-Stein writes brilliantly and you are swept away in what it was like to be a real person in a incredible environment. You have to love characters to engage with a book and you are obviously drawn to POTUS but Beck is who you cheer for. Reading her journey helps to show that the every day can be truly extraordinary.

    What an inspiring, heart felt, warm, funny and addictive read...thank you for writing it all down!
  • Candace Chaput
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
    Reviewed in Canada on September 19, 2018
    I liked the memoir and descriptive writing that painted the picture well enough to Help me appreciate what a good president looks like, while seeing what an ordinary person could accomplish with an extraordinary opportunity!