Melania

Melania Trump's autobiography reflects what we've seen of the former First Lady so far. She tells you what she wants you to know and no more. She does address some of the more controversial issues that have surrounded her and her family, including what some called her plagiarized convention speech, the "I don't care" jacket, and the denuded White House rose garden. Barron is not autistic, Trump writes, not that there's anything wrong with that. Some excuses ring less than true: for instance, she didn't denounce the January 6th violence because she was busy working on an archival book. But much of this, especially the coverage of her younger life, is just a recitation in glowing terms. She is a perfectionist; apparently she was a top model, and she remains a dedicated family woman. The narrative is oddly stilted and flowery at the same time, and though there is an abundance of photos, they are not always crisp. Trump ends with a pro-choice declaration and recounts her horror at the assassination attempt against her husband. Although readers will learn more than they knew before, Melania remains enigmatic.

A carefully curated personal portrait. First ladies' roles have evolved significantly in recent decades. Their memoirs typically reflect a spectrum of ambition and interests, offering insights into their values and personal lives. Melania Trump, however, stands out as exceptionally private and elusive. Her ultra-lean account attempts to shed light on her public duties, initiatives, and causes as first lady, and it defends certain actions like her controversial "I REALLY DON'T CARE, DO U?" jacket. The statement was directed at the media, not the border situation, she claims. Yet the book provides scant detail about her personal orbit or day-to-day interactions. The memoir opens with her well-known Slovenian origin story, successful modeling career, and whirlwind romance with Donald Trump, culminating in their 2005 marriage, followed by a snapshot of Election Day 2016: "Each time we were together that day, I was impressed by his calm.…This man is remarkably confident under pressure." Once in the White House, Melania Trump describes her functions and numerous public events at home and abroad, which she asserts were more accomplished than media representations suggested. However, she rarely shares any personal interactions beyond close family ties, notably her affection for her son, Barron, and her sister, Ines. And of course she lavishes praise on her husband. Minimal anecdotes about White House or cabinet staff are included, and she carefully defuses her rumored tensions with Trump's adult children, blandly stating, "While we may share the same last name, each of us is distinct with our own aspirations and paths to follow." Although Melania's desire to support causes related to children's and women's welfare feels authentic, the overall tenor of her memoir seems aimed at painting a glimmering portrait of her husband and her role, likely with an eye toward the forthcoming election. A slick, vacuous glimpse into the former first lady's White House years. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.