Great insight into history
I love, love, love this book.So much detailed history into the most powerful room on the planet! The info is slightly outdated since the Bush administration has updated the room. However, this book is a great read for any White House history buff!
Not as interesting as you'd imagine from the title - but still worth a read
The author, who was one of the Directors of the White House Situation Room during the Reagan era, does a good job of tracing back it's history from it's inception under Kennedy through to the GW Bush era. It's also an insightful look at the situation room's purpose, how various President's have utilized it, and the politics involved of prioritizing and accurately communicating important news to everyone who needs to know it immediately.
It's particularly worthwile if you're interested in how communications with other countries and world leaders have evolved as technology has evolved, as well as the role that CNN has historically played in the White House effort to track world events.
That said, while the author has great insight and has done much research on his topic, the writing is a bit dry and laborious. A hodge-podge of anecdotal stories and research are thrown in - most of which provide little insight into any of major crisis of the day. (Partly, you realize, that's because you the Director of the Situation Room is mostly a meeting and communications coordinator. So, while it has front access to the meeting room and high-level communications, noone in that group really knows the political ins and outs of what happens with what they provide until it becomes public.)
BOTTOM LINE: Not the interesting page-turner which you'd expect from a book titled "Nerve Center". But interesting all the same, if you want a look at how the real situation room (and not the far more exciting movie version of it) operates.
A Wonderful Inside Look Into the "REAL" Sit Room
As a fan of the TV show "The West Wing", and considering how much the Situation Room was an integral part of the shows storylines, I wondered and wondered what the real Sit Room was about. Even more, I always wondered if there was a book that takes you inside the Sit Room, just like a book that takes you inside the Pentagon, or inside the White House. Naturally, there is such a book in "Nerve Center". Even better, it's the only book on record that takes you into the Sit Room.
This book has it all: political intrigue, history, secrets, clashes of personalities, clashes of organizations, character development of those who functioned in the room, even a bit of fiction. It greatly clears up the perceptions about how the Sit Room is depicted in TV and in the movies.
A bit of warning! If you were not a political junkie before reading this book, you will become one after reading this book. The book influenced me greatly. I am now one of them, whether it is fact or fiction...I want more. You WILL NOT be disappointed after reading this book. Great reading!!
Totally Cool
Excellent sneak peak into the White House Situation Room, dispelling myths and showing us the American people how our leaders handle a crisis.
A must for lovers of the West Wing!
I first read this book 2 years ago after purchasing it from Amazon, and loved it the moment I saw it. Sitting down to read it was almost like opening a chocolate box, with wonderful anecdotes from dozens of men and women who have served in the nexus of American Military decision making. I highly recomend this book to anyone who would like to find out more about the White House Situation room and it's impact on the world and the West Wing itself.
(9 reviews)
