Inside Camp David: The Private World of the Presidential Retreat

This book is indispensable for those of us who want to know more about the day to day activities of Camp David. With stories about regular (even mundane) days at Camp David, and with historical perspective on some of the most important happenings, Michael Giorgione passes on to readers an in-depth look at Camp David. The book has a mix of presidential, military, and general American history that will satisfy both casual and expert readers. This is largely due to the author having served at Camp David during 1999-2001 and his style of writing - concise and well-ordered. Completely unbiased, easy to read, and very entertaining, the writing gives a view of leaders letting their guard down and acting as normal people. Giorgione, with his first-hand knowledge and grasp of history, allows you to see a world that few of us will ever experience on our own. Being unable to go to Camp David, this book is the next best thing. :)

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. I often look for writings of this type - first hand narratives of the lives of past presidents. This one certainly didn't disappoint, with plenty of "inside baseball" details that only someone who lived at Camp David 24/7 could provide. The author's story telling technique kept me turning page after page, and made it hard to put down. Very much appreciate the depth of historic, factual detail he went into, seeking out and interviewing several past Camp David commanding officers and then transcribing their tales - all very entertaining. Most definitely recommend this book for all readers.

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.

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.

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.

Over the years have heard a lot about Camp David and wondered about its existence. This book brought it to life for me.

As a service member, this book touched me deeply. No matter your political affiliation, you will realize that the president is a human. And like the rest of us humans, the president and the first family needs privacy from time to time. Camp David is not only a place where they can spend time away from the constant attention and stress of the White House. It is also a place to make peace, set policy, and create history. Thank you to Rear Admiral Giorgione for this great book. dc

Full of stories of guests and Presidents who have visited, by the military commander in charge of this Presidential retreat, its maintenance and comfort and the crew that delivers that service. I live in the same county as this site, and have driven past often (at a distance) , and now have increased my fondness for this unique and historic piece of Americana, and for the various Presidents who have stayed there.

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.

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!

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