Betty Ford
McCubbin, Lisa
Genre:
An intimate and insightful biography of Betty Ford
the groundbreaking
candid
and resilient First Lady and wife of President Gerald Ford
from the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of "Five Presidents" and "Mrs. Kennedy and Me." "Betty Ford: First Lady
Women's Advocate
Survivor
Trailblazer" is the inspiring story of an ordinary Midwestern girl thrust onto the world stage and into the White House under extraordinary circumstances. Setting a precedent as First Lady
Betty Ford refused to be silenced by her critics as she publicly championed equal rights for women
and spoke out about issues that had previously been taboo--breast cancer
depression
abortion
and sexuality. Privately
there were signs something was wrong. After a painful intervention by her family
she admitted to an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs. Her courageous decision to speak out publicly sparked a national dialogue
and in 1982
she co-founded the Betty Ford Center
which revolutionized treatment for alcoholism and inspired the modern concept of recovery. Lisa McCubbin also brings to light Gerald and Betty Ford's sweeping love story: from Michigan to the White House
until their dying days
their relationship was that of a man and woman utterly devoted to one another other--a relationship built on trust
respect
and an unquantifiable chemistry. Based on intimate in-depth interviews with all four of her children
Susan Ford Bales
Michael Ford
Jack Ford
and Steven Ford
as well as family friends
and colleagues
"Betty Ford: First Lady
Women's Advocate
Survivor
Trailblazer" is a deeply personal
empathic portrait of an outspoken First Lady
who was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. With poignant details and rare insight
McCubbin reveals a fiercely independent woman who had a lively sense of humor
unwavering faith
and an indomitable spirit--the true story behind one of the most admired and influential women of our time.
Target Readership: