Team of Five: The Presidents Club in the Age of Trump
Written by Kate Andersen Brower
Narrated by Erin Bennett
4/5
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About this audiobook
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Residence and First Women—also a New York Times bestseller—comes a poignant, news-making look at the lives of the five former presidents in the wake of their White House years, including the surprising friendships they have formed through shared perspective and empathy.
After serving the highest office of American government, five men—Jimmy Carter, the late George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—became members of the world’s most exclusive fraternity. In Team of Five, Kate Andersen Brower goes beyond the White House to uncover what, exactly, comes after the presidency, offering a glimpse into the complex relationships of these five former presidents, and how each of these men views his place in a nation that has been upended by the Oval Office’s current, norm-breaking occupant, President Donald Trump.
With an empathetic yet critical eye and firsthand testimony from the Carters, Donald Trump, and the top aides, friends, and family members of the five former presidents, Team of Five takes us inside the exclusive world of these powerful men and their families, including the unlikely friendship between George W. Bush and Michelle Obama, the last private visits Bill Clinton and Barack Obama shared with George H. W. Bush, and the Obamas’ flight to Palm Springs after Donald Trump’s inauguration. This insightful, illuminating book overflows with anecdotes about how the ex-presidents are working to combat President Trump’s attempts to undo the achievements and hard work accomplished during their own terms.
Perhaps most poignantly, Team of Five sheds light on the inherent loneliness and inevitable feelings of powerlessness and frustration that come with no longer being the most important person in the world, but a leader with only symbolic power. There are ways, though, that these men, and their wives, have become powerful political and cultural forces in American life, even as so-called “formers.”
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Kate Andersen Brower
Kate Andersen Brower is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Residence, First Women—also a New York Times bestseller—and First in Line. She is a CNN contributor who covered the Obama White House for Bloomberg News and is a former CBS News staffer and Fox News producer. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Vanity Fair, and the Washington Post. She lives outside Washington, D.C., with her husband and their three young children.
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Reviews for Team of Five
39 ratings6 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I downloaded this book before boarding a 6 hr flight since there were no movies available. I really enjoyed this book! I remember most of the comments and events mentioned in the book, but Kate Anderson Brower filled in the blanks for the rest. How did that person react? How did they feel about that remark?
Also, Brower explained the "code of honor" for the office not the party. It was very interesting which presidents choose to reach out to which former president and why. I really enjoyed to hear how these relationships developed and how they rose above themselves for the true cause of serving.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Very interesting insight into the past and current Presidents.
Well researched and very much appreciated listening to the reading.
I found it valuable in learning more about Americanism through the descriptions of these men and their wives.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Highly recommend for anyone who is interested in the modern presidency.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This seemed a fairly balanced presentation, in the main. Both positives and negatives for each of the 6 men discussed were on display. The author did a good job of contrasting Trump’s MO with that of other presidents without demonizing any of them.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wonderful review, chock filled with facts, of the relationships not only among the last five Presidents, but also going back further in history. And of course, it included the relationships that Trump has had with them. Actually, he hasn't had any relationships with them because he thinks he doesn't need advice, mentoring, or counsel. But Trump aside it is nice to see the past men in this office having reached across and become good friends. No relationship is perfect, but I found this book interesting in that the main focus is on those Presidents that have served in my adult life.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5It would have been a stronger book (imho) if Brower had not tried to tie it to Trump. He does not yet belong to the club and conjecture of how he will behave once he does is pure speculation. Plus, he is in the news aplenty, already.It was nice to learn new "stuff" about the Bushes (41 & 43). Nice to hear a bit more about Carter. Obama, it appeared, is simply too new to have made much history post-White House. Clinton? I can only suppose he has done little outside of Bush 41's shadow. I can't help but suppose that Brower doesn't care for him.