Preview
  • The First Family Detail

  • Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents
  • By: Ronald Kessler
  • Narrated by: Michael Bybee
  • Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (417 ratings)

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The First Family Detail

By: Ronald Kessler
Narrated by: Michael Bybee
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Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author and award-winning reporter Ronald Kessler, The First Family Detail tells eye-opening, behind-the-scenes stories from Secret Service agents about presidents and their families.

©2014 Ronald Kessler (P)2014 Random House Audio
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What listeners say about The First Family Detail

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Disturbing revelations

Highlights need for immediate remedial actions by relevant American Government officials to ensure the continued security and preservation of the world's most admired democracy. All concerned should read this and quickly too!

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good Book

Very interesting! Enjoyed it! Great look inside the secret service and the inner workings thereof.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting and Well Written

Very informative and detailed history of the USSS. I enjoyed it and recommend it for those interested in law enforcement.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Secret Service Tell All

Where does The First Family Detail rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Just ok. The book was engaging ,but held very few big shocks for me.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Revealing, Sometimes Disappointing look at recent 1st Families

Revelations about first family conduct and their treatment of the staff charged with their protection confirm the basic decency of some, the frustrations caused by rebellious teenagers aching to run free, and the disappointingly two-faced public and private sides of others regardless of political party. Dry in places, the up close personal observations and revelations make for an interesting listen - and lesson - about some presidents and family members I would previously have thought better of.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting book esp during these election times

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book. It gives you an insight into the lives of the last several presidents and their families from an outsiders point of view. You get little tidbits of their personalities and lives from the people who spent the most time with them. I didn't feel as though the book was partisan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Behind the scenes of the White House

This is a fascinating look behind the scenes of the White House. It is interesting to see how the past and current President treat the White House staff and specifically the Secret Service. It changed my opinion of some of the people and their families who have held the highest elected office in the United States. It also confirmed how caring and decent some office holders are when they interact with their staff. The book does not fail to also examine the Secret Service itself and points out their highlights and where they need to improve. A great performance, this was an enjoyable read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting to see first families off camera

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Sure. It is quite an interesting look at how the first families behave when the camera is turned off. There are plenty of the good and bad stories about the man and his family that holds the highest office in the land.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The First Family Detail?

To learn how power hungry Hilary Clinton is and what a not-so-nice person she is to work for.

Which scene was your favorite?

I am not sure. It was amazing that Joe wants to appear like average Joe on his weekly trips to Delaware and not have the football within easy reach. A dangerous man.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No.

Any additional comments?

Besides accounts of first family life, there is a lot of information about the Secret Service itself. Due to recent events, it was an interesting book to listen to.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great insight

This is the second time I listened to this book. Even if I might call this book, thanks to the narrator, an easy-listen it is informative and well written. I liked and enjoyed the look behind the facade.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Interesting....Could Have Been Shorter

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Overall, an interesting and informative book. However, it seems like the author repeated several themes....especially the theme of the SS being under-funded. An interesting book and a good 'behind-the-scenes' look into how politicians really act when nobody's looking.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Not sure.

What three words best describe Michael Bybee’s performance?

Easy. Smooth. Unoffensive.

Did The First Family Detail inspire you to do anything?

Vote independent.

Any additional comments?

Overall a very good read. I respect the author for exposing bad behavior from presidents of both parties. Seems even-handed in that regard. The information on Joe Biden's travel costs is very concerning. I'm motivated to learn more about this.

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