I haven’t posted much on books lately, here are two that are different:

• Inside the Food Network. Definitely some gossip, but also a look at how businesses evolve and how the people that made them in the beginning couldn’t keep up with that evolution. A common problem/pattern. Bobby Flay seems to have been the most adaptable. Worth reading if you’re a Food Network fan.
• Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies. I would wish for a better title, but it was worth reading. Starting in the 1940’s with Roosevelt through the early days of Nixon author and former Chief Usher J. B. Wood did a really good job of showing how the White House and it’s staff grew and changed and does an equally good job of describing how each First Family lived in the House – and did it in a way that felt fair, even classy at times. Some great stories. LBJ wanting a super powerful shower or he would move out. The Truman’s breaking a couple wooden bed slats. I read it because it popped up on my Kindle for $1.99, enjoyed it.