Review of Why They Stay
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Angelica Arens
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Review of Why They Stay
[Following is a volunteer review of "Why They Stay" by Anne Michaud.]
Political sex scandals have become prime sources of journalistic material, and the fallout from the exposure is frequently used as career-ending ammunition during election years. Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives by Annie Michaud explores the lives of nine high-profile political couples who experienced very public sex scandals and answers the question that many had, why did they stay? Each of the chapters focuses on an individual couple and discusses childhood upbringing, college influences, and various political career moves. The “White Queen” theory is discussed and each of the wives is given a quotient on a scale of 1-10. The reader is given a glimpse into the before and after effects of the infidelities of these powerful men.
The book is incredibly well-written and easy to read. I liked how thoroughly each person’s background was explained because many of their childhood experiences had major impacts on how they viewed marriage in a political setting. For example, Jackie Kennedy was raised to believe men had affairs and that is just how it was. I also enjoyed how the book dove into the conservative and patriarchal upbringing that all nine women were raised. Being able to recall watching some of these scandals, I distinctly remember wondering what would make these women stand behind these men. Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives answers that question well.
While I enjoyed the book, a negative aspect is that it is very focused on the western world and culture. It began to discuss scandals in other countries, including Gila and Moshe Katsav, but that chapter seemed rushed. The author mentioned great insights when referring to cultural differences between Anthony Weiner and his wife, and I would have liked to have seen more examples of multicultural influences.
I give Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives 4 out of 4 stars. The book was enjoyable and provided an interesting history of politicians who are household names. Exploring the different social, economic, and familial upbringings of both parties gave insight into why these people behaved the way they did. It also made me confront the differences between my life and theirs and ask myself, “what would my White Queen quotient be?”
I recommend this book to adult women. I believe that the topics of family, stability, and the pressure of being seen as just one title are common themes that women can relate to.
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Why They Stay
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Political sex scandals have become prime sources of journalistic material, and the fallout from the exposure is frequently used as career-ending ammunition during election years. Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives by Annie Michaud explores the lives of nine high-profile political couples who experienced very public sex scandals and answers the question that many had, why did they stay? Each of the chapters focuses on an individual couple and discusses childhood upbringing, college influences, and various political career moves. The “White Queen” theory is discussed and each of the wives is given a quotient on a scale of 1-10. The reader is given a glimpse into the before and after effects of the infidelities of these powerful men.
The book is incredibly well-written and easy to read. I liked how thoroughly each person’s background was explained because many of their childhood experiences had major impacts on how they viewed marriage in a political setting. For example, Jackie Kennedy was raised to believe men had affairs and that is just how it was. I also enjoyed how the book dove into the conservative and patriarchal upbringing that all nine women were raised. Being able to recall watching some of these scandals, I distinctly remember wondering what would make these women stand behind these men. Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives answers that question well.
While I enjoyed the book, a negative aspect is that it is very focused on the western world and culture. It began to discuss scandals in other countries, including Gila and Moshe Katsav, but that chapter seemed rushed. The author mentioned great insights when referring to cultural differences between Anthony Weiner and his wife, and I would have liked to have seen more examples of multicultural influences.
I give Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives 4 out of 4 stars. The book was enjoyable and provided an interesting history of politicians who are household names. Exploring the different social, economic, and familial upbringings of both parties gave insight into why these people behaved the way they did. It also made me confront the differences between my life and theirs and ask myself, “what would my White Queen quotient be?”
I recommend this book to adult women. I believe that the topics of family, stability, and the pressure of being seen as just one title are common themes that women can relate to.
******
Why They Stay
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Bluewater Walkabout by Tina Dreffin
