Lady in Red: An Intimate Portrait of Nancy Reagan

by Sheila Tate

Lady in Red is the long-awaited collection of behind-the-scenes stories and iconic images of one of the most influential First Lady in modern history -- Nancy Reagan. Lovingly compiled by long-time close confidante and aide, Sheila Tate, the book provides a rare and much-anticipated look into the personal life of the president's wife, from her daily routines and travels as First Lady to her friendships and deep influence in the Reagan White House.

Lady in Red depicts a nuanced portrait of this graceful yet strong woman who felt it was her mission to restore a sense of grandeur, mystique, and excitement to the presidency, showcasing the various roles that Mrs. Reagan played during her years in the White House, that of Wife, Mother, Protector, Host, Diplomat, and Advisor, among others.

The book also features twenty-four pages of gorgeous color photographs, including "Nancy's Album," a collection of Mrs. Reagan's favorite photographs, which she entrusted to Sheila to share with the world after she and her beloved Ronnie had passed.

To complete the portrait, Lady in Red includes interviews with the friends and politicians who knew Mrs. Reagan President George H. W. Bush, Chris Wallace, James Baker, Ed Meese, Maureen Dowd, and Marlin Fitzwater share their most cherished memories of the First Lady.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Politics, Memoir, History

256 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Crown Publishing who provided this advance reader copy via NetGalley.

This is a loving memoir about First Lady Nancy Reagan written by her personal Press Secretary, Sheila Tate. One fact that clearly shines through is that Ms. Tate loves and admires Nancy Reagan. There are many wonderful insider anecdotes that comprise this book. Far from the opinion of some that Nancy Reagan was cold-hearted, this tome reveals Mrs. Reagan to be a loyal friend who can keep secrets and dispense compassion generously where needed. Ms.Tate was about as close an insider as you could get to her subject, having been Mrs. Reagan's chosen press secretary just prior to Ronald Reagan taking office as President in 1981. She was privy to many special, poignant and humorous moments, both during her tenure in the White House and while a private citizen...as their friendship endured through the decades.

Some of the notable subjects covered are Mrs. Reagan's successful "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign, how she intervened on multiple occasions to help children who needed organ transplants, her sound instincts in "sizing-up" people, and being the strongest advocate, partner and protector to her husband.

A fact I found particularly remarkable (in light of the sharp political divide these days) is that Nancy Reagan counted numerous devoted and loving friends among both Democrats and Republicans. A common refrain among her many friends quoted in this book is that the thing they miss the most is just hearing her voice on the phone as well as her hearty laugh. She just loved to call people all the time and keep in touch.

There were many buried treasures brought to light in this book such as her thoughts on how to keep love alive, personal letters, and many insider stories tinged with both humor and tenderness. One particularly unfortunate story was how Nancy sent a personal note to a certain First Lady-to-be offering the benefit of her experience. Shamefully, this person never responded, and Mrs. Reagan had no use for her after that.

In final summation, for me, reading this book was an uplifting experience. Yes, there were laughs...because the Reagans both had a great sense of humor. There was a lot of love in that marriage, and also a lot of heart-tugging moments shared by friends and employees. My eyes shone with tears on multiple occasions, as this was a very special book about a very special lady.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley #44

Many thanks go to Sheila Tate, Random House, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Extremely biased recounting of Nancy Reagan's stint as First Lady in the early '80s. I was about ten years old. All I remember about her is her "Just Say No" program against drug use. And that's about all the author could focus one as well. Tate was Nancy’s press secretary for the first four years. These years are known for high levels of criticism and bad press for Nancy. She had a bad reputation for spending. According to Tate, that was completely unfounded. Examples are given. In these pages Nancy is also described as warm, funny, giving, etc-all words I’ve never heard used to describe her. One term I am aware of is protective and that was quite apparent from the stories told.
All in all this reminded me of a memoir type book told from a highly subjective angle to influence opinion. Snippets of a life no substance

[Judy Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing, Crown Forum for the digital galley of this book.

The subtitle of this book indicated an intimate portrait of Nancy Reagan but I don't think Sheila Tate followed through on that to the extent I had hoped. Ms. Tate was closely associated with Nancy Reagan from 1981 to 1984 as her press secretary during the first term of Ronal Reagan's presidency. After that period of time Ms. Tate moved on with her career and was not as aware of what was taking place in the public and private life of Nancy Reagan. Ms. Tate did maintain friendly relations with Ms. Reagan but the years after Tate left the White House staff are not covered as closely in this book as I had thought they would be.

Sheila Tate has provided an opportunity for readers to understand the problems faced by Nancy Reagan as she was endeavoring to take on the monumental task of being the First Lady. Things often didn't go smoothly in the beginning so reading about some of the ways Ms. Reagan began to put her own personality stamp on that position makes interesting reading. As someone who was aware of the problems facing Ms. Reagan and knowing some of the mistakes she initially made, this book was an opportunity to look behind the scenes and to understand just how serious she was about her Just Say No to drugs campaign. Many people evidently underestimated the fervor with which Ms. Reagan chose that message to promote during her time in the political limelight. I was very glad to see that my perception of her interest in that cause was correct and to read about her successes with the work she did in that area.

I think perhaps this book might be of more interest to readers who were not dialed in to the political landscape of our country during the years of Ms. Reagan's time in Washington, D. C. What I had hoped to learn more about were the years when the Reagan's left the glare of public life. I didn't find much in this book about those years.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a intimate look at the life of the First Lady’s press secretary. Which was interesting in itself and should have been the theme of the book instead of trying to give an inside look at Mrs. Reagan’s life (which it really didn’t give any great insights that weren’t already known).

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, but I would not call it an "intimate portrait." It was more like a professional portrait. I felt like there were a lot of really good stories about Nancy Reagan as first lady, but not as many about her as a person aside from being first lady. I don't quite know what I was expecting, but I don't feel I know her much better after reading this book. A good part of the book was recounting what was already publicly known about Mrs. Reagan. There were good back stories, but not enough there to really make it feel like the book revealed a truly personal side.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading Lady in Red, my impression of Nancy Reagan wasn’t the best. I decided to read this new book to see what someone close to her had to say.

In the early years of the Reagan administration, the media faulted her for the White House décor, new china, and loaned clothes. She appeared to be insensitive and selfish in tough economic times. That is what had flavored my impression.

Her Just Say No campaign against drugs did wonders for her image. As legal counsel Fred Fielding said, she was a demanding and formidable force, opinionated to be sure, but not the Dragon Lady as portrayed. She was also very focused and loved using her position to help people.

I found it interesting that, despite having been an actress and governor’s wife, she came to Washington unsure of herself, and only as time passed, she relaxed into her role as First Lady.

Interesting tidbit: Frank Sinatra approved the entertainment of state dinners because of his significant clout with a range of entertainers.

I recommend this book for a fresh, appealing look at Nancy Reagan.

[Pamela Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent and written from the perspective of the people who worked constantly with her as First Lady. From the Press Secretary to the Photographer, and putting together the details of state dinners and "Just Say No" nationwide cause. There are brief glimpses into the Presidential marriage. Overall, Nancy as wife & as First Lady procedural descriptions are explained.

[Ghost of the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Review slightly edited for spelling)

I admit to 95% ignorance on Nancy Reagan prior to reading this one, which was probably a good thing given the amount of vitriol that seemed/seems to exist regarding the former first lady.
In fairness it should also be added, so that no one thinks I'm about to enter into a series of compliments about her, I'm not a republican in any way, shape or form - simply a curious soul that likes to read and know before forming an opinion - and now back to business.
The author had privileged access to Nancy Reagan as her press secretary and ultimately a friend, so that does indeed provide a unique source of information and a new look on a woman that is still today iconic...for better or worse (worse apparently).
It's funny she should choose to call this an intimate portrait, because what stayed with me at the end reading it, and it's clearly a testament to Nancy herself, was the clear loyalty from both author and sources she consulted.
And I say this because you are given snippets of information and some lovely stories of her time as First Lady and yet, what stays with you is that there was a lot more to this lady in red than what Sheila Tate chose to tell.
Don't get me wrong, it's a very interesting read and clearly a labour of love and respect, but it's simply a portrait, because she may be gone but still clearly still commands loyalty and love from her friends....and as far as I'm concerned that's the best proof that she wasn't the "evil woman" everyone describes....you can't have this level of dedication if you weren't at least half a decent human being.
Kudos to Sheila Tate, it's not a perfect book, but it's a perfect tribute to a woman who had such a big influence in american society and the lives of all that knew her.
Definitely worth the time.
Happy Readings!

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy enough to read anecdotal memoir about Nancy Reagan, but it's breathless adoration got to be a bit tiring after a while. Don't look for non-partisan, exhaustive biography in this slim volume. The end section, devoted to other people's memories of the First Lady, makes me wonder if it exists merely to pad out the page count.

[Maryellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new college grad at the advent of the Reagan administration, I was not a fan of their politics and policy. I bought into the entire narrative about Nancy Reagan and only began to appreciate her grit and class as I matured. Sheila Tate brings you into her and Nancy's daily world in a way that is emotional, respectful, chatty but not gossipy. She draws on her years as the First Lady's publicist and then later as a cherished friend. It's a glimpse into the life of a complicated woman who had much more depth and grace than she was given credit for during the best years of her life. The trivial details of petty grievances, wealthy friendships, and her penchant for designers fashions took media precedence over her service to the needy and contribution to the war on drugs. Ms. Tate while clearly a big fan of Mrs. Reagan does hint at her employers sometimes imperious and demanding nature, but also gives insight into her loyalty, sense of humor, dedication to country and class. Her devotion to Ronnie was unquestionable and perhaps unequalled. While far from a gritty biography, it's an enjoyable and enlightening read about one of our history's most enduring and should've been endearing First Ladies.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this only mildly interesting. Not a biography, more a collection of random memories and anecdotes from the Reagan White House years written by Nancy's press secretary. Some really interesting stories, but also many that weren't particularly interesting or funny. Written by someone who obviously adored everything about Nancy Reagan, and who made what I thought were excuses for the foibles covered negatively by the press. Nancy being naive or unfamiliar with the fishbowl of Washington really seemed stretching it; after all, she was a Hollywood actress and First Lady of California, so how naive could she have been?

I thought the recollections of Reagan alumni toward the end of the book was tedious; remembrances that were usually not very interesting and seemed pointless. And, in many cases, not very flattering, which made me wonder why they were included.

Nancy Reagan comes across as controlling and a micro-manager, which the author clearly finds endearing but which I find off-putting no matter how much spin is applied. While the author did help to highlight positive attributes and contributions made by Nancy, overall I am left with a reinforced negative impression of Nancy Reagan.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheila Tate was a loyal and professional member of Nancy Reagan's staff and she has continued to honor her employer in this gracious and complementary book about the first lady. Tate's style is personal and eminently readable.

If there is anything critical to say about the book, it is that the author is generous to a fault. Her respect and affection for Mrs. Reagan is demonstrated on every page. In the end, the book would be more fun if it was just a wee bit more "dishy."

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find that memoirs are never as interesting as biographies. Yet, I make exceptions, especially when memoirs have anything to do with First Ladies and The White House. Despite all the positive reviews for this one, I was not won over. The author just rubbed me the wrong way; and her writing style left a lot to be desired.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ute stories about serving as Nancy Reagan’s press secretary

[Sue Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting more. There were some interesting tidbits from the insider author, but I didn't really care for the style of writing. Simply not my cup of tea.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Lady in Red An Intimate Portrait of Nancy Reagan by SheilaTate from Crown Publishing Crown Forum to learn more about Nancy Reagan's time in the White House. I was not a fan of the Reagan's policies or politics and hoped to gain a better understanding of this chapter in U.S. history but I was a bit disappointed. The book is well written but slightly skewed by Sheila Gate's affection for Mrs. Reagan. No doubt she could be difficult to work with and image was her primary goal and that was pretty much glazed over. Sadly nothing new was learned. Finding about the true Nancy Reagan was not the focus. I appreciate the authors well written book but was looking for more honesty, less First Lady fluff. Despite that it was an interesting book.
Thank you NetGalley, Sheila Tate and Crown Publishing for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this wonderful biography of Nancy Reagan in my TBR stack for a good while and now that I've finished reading it I can't believe I left it for so long. I was a young adult during the 80's and always admired the Reagans. My husband had a chance to meet Mr. Reagan during the campaign. This book is a humorous real life account of Ms. Tate's relationship with Mrs. Reagan during their years in the White House. It's amazing to think how anything got done with no cell phones. This book has chapters on a wide variety of subjects from clothes, the assassination attempt, dealings with the press and the magnificent state dinners. Biographies are not my normal read but I'm so glad I picked this one to read. I received a copy of the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Claudia L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the author talk about this book on C-Span. Sheila Tate a former press secretary for Nancy Reagan drew me in to read this book. There are no shocking secret reveals about the first lady (What a relief!). Rather it is another view of the former first lady from someone who knew her well.
If you want to see another side of what it is like to be put into the role of first lady and how she changed in her role over eight years, read this book. It is not a political book but rather what it is like to be the first lady.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheila Tate was the press secretary for Nancy Reagan during the first term of the Reagan White House. This was not so much a biography as a collection of stories about Mrs. Reagan. I really enjoyed it and it was a quick read, but I didn't learn a lot of new things about her in the end. However, this was a very nice love note from a former employee and did give an more intimate side to the story of how Nancy Reagan changed her image throughout the years, especially during her first rough years of the Reagan presidency.

[Becky Roupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a must add to your collection. This book is phenomenal. I was blown away. Our First Ladies suffer from an image that people craft for her.
This book brought me back to my childhood as Sheila Tate, former Reagan East Wing employee, and a friend of Nancy Reagan, opened a door to a Nancy Reagan that those who don't know her may never have seen.
The Lady is Red, is a must read, about a patriot, a strong woman, who loved both her country and her husband.

[Rachel Meints · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book changed my opinion of the first lady. Prior to this book, my only knowledge of Nancy Reagan was based on old news coverage. Tate did a nice job highlighting the big impacts Reagan had in drug education campaigns and international diplomacy. Tate also did a great job highlighting that it can take some time to grow into the role of first lady. I only give four stars because I felt there were a few stories that were overused in multiple chapters. It's a fast and engaging read.

[Babajaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book thru a Goodreads giveaway. I hadn't known much about Nancy Reagan, that's why I welcomed this chance to find out about her personality. As an added bonus, the book also offered a glimpse into life at the White House.
This is a good and quick read, even though a bit choppy at places. The author's admiration for Nancy Reagan is the main theme. In that sense, the book pays a great tribute to the former First Lady.

[Beth Hunsberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed learning more about Nancy Reagan and some of her "behind-the-scenes" views into her life and preferences. The book is a nice collection of memories, stories, and thoughts by those who worked closest with her. The writing was a little basic, but the story gets across well.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely felt like a book written by a friend rather than one by a biographer. It was also more like memories working for Nancy Reagan and the staff she worked with. If you are looking for a in depth look at Nancy's years at the White House try something else. If you are like looking for a sweet reminiscence then try it, it's cute.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not a true biography of Mrs Reagan, this book gives fabulous detail about the author's relationship with Nancy from 1980 to her death info 2016. Tate worked closely with Nancy and others in the Reagan white house, and shares their stories with a self - effacing humor. Clean language and great history.

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the book does paint a vivid portrait of former First Lady Nancy Reagan. The writing is often times sloppy, repeating itself many times though the book. The author also clearly shows her bias for Nancy (understandable, as they worked together and became great friends). A more neutral approach would have made for a better book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always admired her classy style and personality, as well as her amazing work with children! Such a great, inspiring read! One of my favorite quotes from
Her is “a woman is like a tea bag; you don’t know her strength until she gets into hot water” (may have misquoted a few words but something along that line)

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book written by the First Lady’s first press secretary. Enjoyed reading this, especially since we were recently at the Reagan library in Simi Valley. Many pages of photos included!
Highly recommended

[Kirsten Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not really an intimate portrait; seems more like protection of Nancy Reagan’s legacy. It’s actually a more intimate look at the East Wing staff and their experience working for the First Lady. I don’t recommend this one.

[Jay Gabler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for the free audiobook. “Lady In Red” is a frankly reverent memoir by Nancy Reagan’s press secretary of half a decade. Where else are you going to get a story about the time Nancy almost got into a scandal involving a slot machine in Sinatra’s Vegas suite?