Pretend I’m Not Here audiobook

One of the reasons I enjoyed the movie the Post so much was watching Meryl Streep's performance as Kay Graham. I could certainly identify with Graham's self-doubt and hesitancy before finding her voice and owning the powerful decision made at the heart of the film. What a delight then to pick up this book from my book pile and realize there were echoes here by Barbara Feinman Todd for a number of reasons. One--because Feinman Todd actually began her career at the Post and we get a different perspective of what it is like to work there at the start of your career especially as a young woman starting out. Two--because Feinman Todd worked directly for Ben Bradlee (and Woodward and Bernstein) researching important books for them. A major part of the books is also about her work for Hillary Clinton on It Takes a Village--so we really learn what it can be like to be caught up in a Clintonesque maelstrom. (Yikes!) So we also get a glimpse at the world of Washington D.C., the power, the intrigue and what it is like to work close with powerful people. Third--because in addition to teaching journalism, Feinman Todd is a book researcher, ghost writer and book doctor, so we get a good sense how that works and how her career plays out. Any writer or editor would find this of interest. And finally, because Feinman Todd does some soul searching and questions her own hesitancy at finding her own voice. All that time writing for others and taking on their voices--would she have been better off finding her own instead? My answer to Barbara Feinmann Todd is that I'm glad you've taken. Through you we have a record of those in Washington and now your own view. I hope to read more from this author.

Amazing, resonant story of the awakening of a woman who found her own voice after years as a successful ghost writer. As a woman, trained journalist, consultant to the more powerful, and long-time political junkie who has lived in The Swamp for most of her life, this book rings true to me. As Todd tells us, citing an adage, “…until the lion has a historian, the hunter will always be the hero.”The book is a juicy read and giddy with exciting inside stories until it isn’t: years of speaking as and on behalf of others take their toll, and Todd’s voice becomes sour, weary, and introspective. As Todd says, she was a friend (e.g., human being) before she was a journalist (e.g., professional)—a sure way to be a victim of the power game in any workplace milieu. Over time, the underlying dynamic of supplicating her identity to shrewd gladiators who always play the power game becomes clear to Todd. It renders her both angry and sad. Her stories of being played by both Bob Woodward and Hillary Clinton bring home the professional and personal hazards one suffers when one lets down one’s guard with those who are expert at winning the power game, especially for those who do not realize that they are fellow contestants.

Unique insight into working Washington from a journalist turned ghostwriter for Senator Bob Kerrey, then First Lady Hillary Clinton, and other famous names. If you like politics as spectator sport, this is your book. Also of interest is the historical setting, not only of 1980's and 1990's US politics, but also of the personal experience of a young woman professional. We have come a long way...haven't we? Well-researched (well, of course!) with levity enriching the telling. Do read.

"I admit, I'd never heard of Barbara Feinman Todd before, having been too young to remember the controversy over Hillary Clinton's book 'It Takes a Village' when it was published. But I am a political junkie, so the premise of her new book 'Pretend I'm Not Here,' was pretty intriguing! Feinman Todd presents a fascinating memoir of her life as a ghostwriter for such luminaries as Bob Woodward, Ben Bradlee, and Hillary Clinton. Her collaboration with Clinton for "It Takes a Village" resulted in the mini-scandal 'Thank-yougate' after Feinman Todd's contribution to the book went without acknowledgement. This moment of brief notoriety lead eventually to testimony before a Congressional committee, much to the chagrin of a writer who preferred working away from the spotlight. More than a book about her interactions with Washington elite (entertaining though that is), she reflects on how she came to be a ghost writer, and how she became so comfortable with adapting the narrative voice of those she worked with. These different threads combine to form an engrossing read," - Brady

You know this book is really interesting because it gets into something that I really didn't know anything about: ghost writing. The author of this book started as a copy girl at the Washington Post. She spent years at the post writing and getting smaller stories published attending parties and making connections until she finally became a researcher for Bob Woodward. After that she was both doing research and editing books for Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein and also Ben Bradlee. This book is funny as hell but it gets really interesting when she is selected by Hillary Clinton to write her book, "It takes a Village". The drama surrounding getting that book published is one of the most fascinating parts of the book and also showing you how Washington DC really operates. Her experiences are powerful but I laughed a lot in this book the author is really funny in sharing her experiences...

Barbara Feinman Todd writes in a compelling fashion, which I didn’t find surprising given her prolific experience in writing for others. However, despite selecting the book in an interest for a part memoir, part hearing about the rubbing shoulders with famous people, I found a deeper message throughout. Feinman Todd manages to offer a succinct message in the book, which is the importance of maintaining your own identity. Throughout the book she reflects on experiences and decisions in a thoughtful manner, offering candid opinions and regrets. I appreciated her honesty and authenticity in telling her own story, which can be a lot harder than telling others. Overall a great book and a worthwhile read.

I always enjoy books that relate to journalism and writing and this book was no exception. Barbara wonderfully takes the reader through her ghostwriting career and the memorable or at times regrettable experiences she had through that career choice. Her story has made me interested to learn more about some of the subjects she ghosted for and also changed my opinion of a few people as well (such as Bob Woodward who while an incredible journalist is likely not the best person to confide in).This was a great and at times thoroughly engrossing book. So much so that finishing it has made me a little sad.

This is a fascinating look into a profession that might have appealed to me at one time. The author does a nice job explaining the nuances of the job and her view of how best to approach such work. It is by no means clinical or dry but an engaging, warm description of her personal approach and concomitant insecurities that seem to come with the ghostwriting territory . Her personal story is equally interesting.

I saw this book at a local bookstore and was immediately drawn in by the cover, and I was not disappointed. Barabara Feinman Todd didn't sugarcoat the story, making it more relatable without making it boring. Having a woman's perspective on the political world, especially a perspective of Washington DC, was refreshing change from the male dominated political scene. Very inspiring, 10/10, would recommend.

A 2017 staff favorite recommended by Ellen J. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore...

I randomly picked this off the shelf and loved it! The author's behind-the-scenes description of the swamp that is Washington, D. C. was like candy for this political junkie.

Very interesting account of working with Hillary before she was the most qualified candidate.

The life of a Washington ghostwriter.