#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In the summer of 1962; nineteen-year-old Mimi Beardsley arrived in Washington; D.C.; to begin an internship in the White House press office. After just three days on the job; the privileged but sheltered young woman was presented to the President himself. Almost immediately; the two began an affair that would continue for the next eighteen months. Emotionally unprepared to counter the President’s charisma and power; Mimi was also ill-equipped to handle the feelings of isolation that would follow as she fell into the double life of a college student who was also the secret lover of the most powerful man in the world. After the President’s assassination in Dallas; she grieved alone; locked her secret away; and tried to start a new life; only to be blindsided by her past. Now; no longer defined by silence or shame; Mimi Alford finally unburdens herself with this unflinchingly honest account of her life and her extremely private moments with a very public man. This paperback edition includes a special QA; in which the author reflects on the intense media attention surrounding the book’s initial release. Once Upon a Secret is a moving story of a woman emerging from the shadows to reclaim the truth. “With the benefit of hindsight and good old-fashioned maturity; [Mimi Alford] writes not just about the secret; but the corrosive effect of keeping that secret. . . . You can’t help liking her; or her elegant and thoroughly good-natured book.â€â€”The Spectator“What [Alford] sacrificed in lucre she has more than recovered in credibility and dignity.â€â€”The Washington Times “Compelling . . . a polished voice telling a credible story you can take to the bank.â€â€”Seattle Post-Intelligencer “Explosive . . . searingly candid.â€â€”New York PostLook for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more.
#783004 in Books 2006-05-23 2006-05-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; .65 #File Name: 0812970454416 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. The Southern SpyBy Agent 355I first came across the name Rose O'Neale Greenhow; though the website Fold3.com. Rose was featured in the section for this month in history due to her Confederate spy arrest on August 23; 1861. As an avid history buff; I was fascinated to learn of this southern spy during the Civil War. Wanting to know more; I searched for a book on the subject and found Wild Rose.Rose was a well-educated woman of high society; using her intelligence at a time when women were looked down on for an interest in politics. She was a staunch supporter of slavery and made sure everyone knew her opinion. Wild Rose tells of how Rose comes to these beliefs. Through her spying right in the heart of Washington D.C.; society; she was able to provide information to the South that changed the outcome of some battles of the war in the south's favor. With her information about military information on the North; she used couriers that brought the information to the Confederate generals. After being caught and exiled to the South; President Jefferson Davis then sent her to England France; in the hopes Rose could convince them of helping the Confederacy. While in Europe; she wrote her memoir; which became a best-seller in Europe. The royalties from her book ended up being the downfall of Rose; keeping her money around her neck by a chain. She drowned while trying to escape from a blockade in Wilmington; North Carolina when her lifeboat overturned in the water.I found this book very informative a great read. Would recommend to anyone interested in Civil War or women's history; but I think anyone a fan of history would enjoy the book. I gave it only four stars because I wished that the author Ann Blackman would have written the book in chronological order.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating Life of Rose O'Neal Greenhow; Female Confederate SpyBy Molly BloomI'm a native Southerner; so I enjoy reading about Southern history--esp. when it's written about someone actually involved IN that history. Both my parents are from near Wilmington; NC; and I've heard the story of Rose O'Neal Greenhow for years (tragically she died near Fort Fisher; which isn't far from Wilmington). When I found this book; I HAD to have it. I wanted to know the full story of one of the South's most famous--and alluring!--female spies; and Rose was the perfect choice. I'm learning things about Rose I never knew. Of course I don't agree with all her attitudes (such as her approval of slavery!); but I think she had to have been a fascinating and brilliant woman (not to mention a very brave one!) to have taken the risks she did for her beloved South. Rose was fearless and like a lot of very brave people; her courage ended up costing her her life. Then again; she lived a very full life and I don't think she would have regretted that for a moment. Women in those days had very limited options--Rose refused to be trapped by the expectations of her times and I admire that. Very intriguing book--and TRUE; too! (Anyone who thinks "history" is dull should try reading a few books like this one!)4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. FascinatingBy JenniferI have not traditionally been a reader of historic non-fiction but was intrigued by the subject-matter of this book and was not disappointed. I was fascinated to learn about the social scene of the time and to be introduced to this admirable woman. It was incredible what a "small world" it was and how other historic figures were interwoven unexpectedly into this biography. While I don't agree with her politics nor her methods; I couldn't help but admire her courage and the conviction with which she contributed to a cause she believed in. The writing style was informative and conversational. In fact the book inspired me to read A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons to learn more about this remarkable man of integrity to whom I was first introduced by Ms. Blackman. In contrast; that book was written in a far more academic style and while it was thought-provoking it didn't grab me as "Wild Rose" did; but as a companion book it was a great read and provided another perspective and angle to the subject-matter.
