NF - The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower

Fascinating and well documented account of the behind-the-scenes activities in the White House as told from the perspective of the predominately African-American Staff. The author researched accounts from long ago, but mostly interviewed surviving staff members of  "the House".

Spanning from the FDR years though the present day Obama administration, these are the revelations of devoted butlers, maids, secretaries, waiters, electricians, janitors, and dog walkers. How they got their positions, the eccentricities of their charges, and the effects of long hours on their families.

Some of the vignettes are heartbreaking - the JFK assassination; others hilariously funny - LBJ's shower dilemma; still others are poignant or eye-opening.  Nothing too scandalous, just a rewarding insight into the inner workings of our country's most famous residence.

Fict - Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg

Interesting take on the life of George Sand, the cross-dressing authoress of mid 18th century Paris.  Born Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, she had a unique ancestry which eventually shaped her life. She married early and well, as required, but soon chafed at the boring life of a privileged woman. Having been left a sizeable estate by her grandmother, she was able to devote her post-married life to her writing and her quest for knowledge.
Changing her name to get published more easily, and dressing as a man to go solo to plays and concerts, "George" embarked on a series of love affairs with both sexes.   And her salon gatherings became legendary - famous painters, actors, writers, politicians, and musicians all gathering for a night of drinking, intellectual discussions, and games.