The educator and wife of former President Joe Biden has written View From the East Wing, a memoir that offers a personal account of her four years in the White House. The book will be published in June by Simon and Schuster imprint Gallery Books, the publisher announced on March 11.
In the memoir, Jill Biden recounts her experiences during her husband's presidency, including the historic start of his administration. Joe Biden was sworn in as president in January 2021 during a challenging moment in the nation's history, following the COVID 19 pandemic and the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The book also reveals her perspective on the sudden decision that ended his 2024 reelection campaign, a moment that surprised many observers at the time.
According to the book's synopsis, Jill Biden reflects on how she viewed herself throughout those years. Despite living in one of the most visible positions in the country, she describes herself as an ordinary woman experiencing an extraordinary chapter of life.
Speaking with The Associated Press, Biden said writing the memoir allowed her to process many of the moments she experienced while in the White House. She described the writing process as deeply personal and healing.
"It was kind of cathartic for me to write it," she said, explaining that the book explores both difficult and joyful experiences she shared with her husband during his presidency.
During her time as First Lady, Jill Biden also made history by continuing her work as a community college professor while living in the White House. The memoir includes scenes that reflect how she balanced those responsibilities. One moment described in the book shows her grading student papers in the Rose Garden between official duties.
Along with her professional commitments, Biden also writes about her life as a wife, mother and grandmother while living in the White House during a pivotal time in American history.
Jennifer Bergstrom, executive vice president of Gallery Books, said the publisher is honored to share Biden's story. She highlighted the former First Lady's advocacy for women's health, military families, cancer prevention and education. Bergstrom also noted that Biden made history as the first First Lady to maintain a full time career outside the East Wing.
An audiobook edition of View From the East Wing will also be released and narrated by Jill Biden herself.
