Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat Hardcover – October 24, 2017

A thoroughly enjoyable read. I very much enjoyed the back-stories of the presidents and their administrations, how they used Camp David and how Camp David not only helped shape world events, but provided a decompression outlet for the president and his family. It was also very interesting to get a glimpse of life for the military members and their families over the many years. I was a member of the Camp David Weather Team, 1981-1983, so I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't until halfway through the book that the weather team or a weather situation was mentioned, and even then only a few sentences. In my day, the Air Force handled the weather and the avionics at Camp David - so there were only five AF personnel assigned to the duty (the weather desk was under the overhanging blades of Marine One when it was in the hangar). There was hardly a mention of "Air Force" throughout the entire book, which is too bad - I'm willing to share a few stories if there's ever a second book.

If you enjoy history, especially about the history of being inside the White House, then this is a very sweet and personal account of the author's years as the person in charge of Camp David. We have all heard about this, a special retreat for the president, Camp David. This book takes us there, like going to Camp David. It started with FDR and every president since has used this retreat for getting away, even planning major events such as President Carter's Peace Treaty with Israel and Palestine. The author has done something nice, to give voice to the history of this place and the amazing historic roster of world famous visitors. And clearly, this was an assignment the author, who is a decorated Navy man, took this proudly. This books moves nicely and in a leisurely pace. He has researched this and takes us from FDR, through the early Obama years. (Spoiler: Truman did not like the Camp.) If you don't know how the name, Camp David, is chosen, you will learn. A very nice and tender piece of history that gives us a snippet of all what has happened at Camp David. The bonus is the great photos in the book.

A really interesting read, especially on the heels of The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. This book, written by a former CO of Camp David, collected the stories of his predecessors and their experiences with the First Families at Camp David. It also includes some fun history of the Camp itself from its origins as "Shangri-La" when the Presidential Yacht wasn't safe for Roosevelt during WWII to its role in diplomacy with Camp David Accords as well as Soviet visits. Although many presidents had their own vacation getaways, Camp David at a 30m flight/3 hour drive was closer than Hawaii, Texas, California and even Maine. This book also showed the relationships that these COs built with "their" Presidents even though their terms were two year military appointments vs. the civilians long terms at the White House. Chelsea Clinton gave a CO's daughters a stuffed animal at the end of a visit, and the Bushes invited a CO Family to the White House to say goodbye when their planned Camp visit before the CO's departure was cancelled. No scandals, just a fun behind the scenes read.

Mike Giorgione takes readers on a journey through the history of how "Shangri-La" evolved from a meager set of cabins into a private retreat and America's best known platform for resolving thorny global diplomatic problems. Mike shares the stories of Camp David commanders and its Presidents through the decades, describing why this national treasure provides the Chief Executive with a secluded escape from the non-stop action of the White House. What I also found fascinating about this book is the clear struggles and lessons in leadership that all military service members must overcome, including the loneliness of leadership, the challenges and disruptions of military family life, and the pressures of striving for "perfection". The book truly shows how "Naval Support Facility Thurmond" not only impacted America's presidents, but how it shaped the careers and touched the lives of so many Navy and Marine Corps leaders, enlisted, and civilians.

The author, who served as commanding officer of the Navy unit assigned to Camp David, tells of his and his family's personal experiences on the unique presidential hideaway as well as going back to its origin under FDR. You'll read about the facilities which few of us will ever see and learn about the tasks done by the crew whenever the President and his family are in residence. I found his reflections to be fascinating regarding the effect of a visit to Camp David by world leaders, especially as antagonists negotiatingfor peace.

Reads like the author is still in the military, so not a single word of criticism or amusement at the expense of the presidents can be allowed. Deer nibbled on the flowers before the arrival of the party? Replace with new ones, quick! Snow melting and dirty? White spray-paint, quick!If you can get past the nauseating servility, there's a lot of information on Camp David, its daily operations, and the presidents and families. (Not enough to actually FIND the place, I suspect.) If Giorgione had a streak of irreverence, and were retired, it would have been a much better book.

I enjoyed learning in detail about this renowned place that was quite mysterious to me. The stories of several Presidents, their Families and the Military Crews who served them were very enlightening. Its a good book. Enjoy!

Excellent, I learned so much about Camp David I didn't know, and was fascinated with all the stories, made all these presidential families seem real. I recommend it highly.

Interesting at times, most is made of details of no interest.