A First Lady Like No Other
Betty Ford: First Lady, Women’s Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer (2018) was an incredible read. Written by Lisa McCubbin alongside Betty’s daughter Susan Ford Bales, it tells of Betty’s life, from her childhood until her death, detailing things like her plans to become a professional dancer, her first marriage, her relationship with Jerry Ford, motherhood, and their time in Washington, D.C. It was an extremely enlightening read!
An Inspiring Life of Love and Courage
Betty was a formidable woman who wore her heart on her sleeve. Beloved by her family and the country both, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was candid, witty, and relatable in a way no First Lady had been before. Her devotion to her family, her love for her husband, and her work ethic throughout her life are beyond commendable.
She was also a bit of a wildcard, so to speak, defying convention in various ways. Divorced and having children later in life, she raised them primarily on her own as her husband worked tirelessly as a congressman.
When he abruptly became vice president to Nixon and then, even more suddenly, president himself, Betty seamlessly transitioned with him. Their public affection and support of one another was striking and moving to the country. The Fords truly were, to the people, the “all American family.”
As First Lady, Betty was vocal about her breast cancer, back when it wasn’t acceptable to even say “breast” publicly. She championed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), making women all over the country feel heard and seen. The American people so deeply loved her that, during the 1976 campaign for Ford’s re-election, there were posters saying things like “Betty’s Husband for President” or “Betty for President.”
Personal Struggles and Public Redemption
Betty was unstoppable, it seemed; but it became clear very quickly after their time in Washington that she had some serious issues. Though it took time, Betty became open about her prescription drug addictions and her alcoholism. A poorly understood battle at the time, it was breaking her body and tearing apart her family.
Reading about this aspect of her life, after learning what an amazing person she was, was sobering and grievous. But Betty didn’t quit. She went through rehab, got sober, and was spurred on to open The Betty Ford Center in California, which still operates today.
A Biography That Stays With You
I simply adored this biography. I felt attached to Betty and the rest of the Fords. Her devotion and the loved she shared with President Ford was moving, and I had tears in my eyes as McCubbin wrote in the final chapters about his death and how Betty faced that.
I was inspired by the grace and respect shown by the Fords to others, and by others to them. I appreciated the deep faith Betty and her family had and the way in which they handled many challenges thrown at them. Reading this book truly made me feel like I knew them.
Lisa McCubbin wrote and presented Betty’s life beautifully. Her writing was easy to read and not bogged down with unnecessary details. Betty Ford was truly brought to life for modern readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this biography and definitely recommend it.
Content Rating: Moderate
for drug and alcohol addiction
Copyright Lisa McCubbin and Gallery Books. Image from Amazon.
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