People began lining up outside Politics & Prose at 8 on Tuesday morning, in the rain,
to be among the fortunate 260 who got to buy a copy of American Grown and get it signed by its author, Michelle Obama.
“She’s a very lovely person,” says Lacey Dunham, a P&P staffer, about the First Lady. Her visit began at 11:15 AM and lasted about
an hour an a half, according to Dunham, during which Obama posed for a group photo
with the staff to mark the special occasion: It was the first time a sitting First
Lady had appeared at the Connecticut Avenue bookstore, which is a mecca for the famous
and powerful who are promoting their books.
“As many of you know, this is my very first book,” the First Lady said in her opening
remarks. “But what a great first book to be able to tell the tale of the White House
garden. And I hope you guys enjoy it. It’s not just the story of the White House kitchen
garden; it’s the story of community gardens all across this country, because the truth
is the idea of the White House garden is not unique. Community gardens are a mainstay
in so many communities across this country.”
Noting that Mother’s Day
is coming up, Obama said, “I would say I was going to give this as a gift to my mother,
but she already has, like, ten copies. But I might buy her another one just for the
heck of it.”
Patient patrons who waited in line received wristbands allowing them to buy a book
and get it signed by Obama. “Everyone was able to shake her hand and greet her,” says
Dunham, though no customer photos were permitted. Proceeds from the sale go to the
National Park Foundation.
We talked with Dunham after the midday excitement had concluded. “We just reopened
two minutes ago,” she said, “and now everything is back to normal. Customers are browsing.
Business as usual.” She also says that now that the First Lady has visited the store,
P&P would like to have the President make a visit, too.
Michelle Obama’s Book-Signing at Politics & Prose
The First Lady signed 260 copies of “American Grown” for patient patrons.
People began lining up outside Politics & Prose at 8 on Tuesday morning, in the rain,
to be among the fortunate 260 who got to buy a copy of
American Grown and get it signed by its author,
Michelle Obama.
“She’s a very lovely person,” says
Lacey Dunham, a P&P staffer, about the First Lady. Her visit began at 11:15 AM and lasted about
an hour an a half, according to Dunham, during which Obama posed for a group photo
with the staff to mark the special occasion: It was the first time a sitting First
Lady had appeared at the Connecticut Avenue bookstore, which is a mecca for the famous
and powerful who are promoting their books.
“As many of you know, this is my very first book,” the First Lady said in her opening
remarks. “But what a great first book to be able to tell the tale of the White House
garden. And I hope you guys enjoy it. It’s not just the story of the White House kitchen
garden; it’s the story of community gardens all across this country, because the truth
is the idea of the White House garden is not unique. Community gardens are a mainstay
in so many communities across this country.”
Noting that Mother’s Day
is coming up, Obama said, “I would say I was going to give this as a gift to my mother,
but she already has, like, ten copies. But I might buy her another one just for the
heck of it.”
Patient patrons who waited in line received wristbands allowing them to buy a book
and get it signed by Obama. “Everyone was able to shake her hand and greet her,” says
Dunham, though no customer photos were permitted. Proceeds from the sale go to the
National Park Foundation.
We talked with Dunham after the midday excitement had concluded. “We just reopened
two minutes ago,” she said, “and now everything is back to normal. Customers are browsing.
Business as usual.” She also says that now that the First Lady has visited the store,
P&P would like to have the President make a visit, too.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Eat, Drink, Shop, Do, and Know
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Washingtonian Magazine
August: Great Festivals & Fairs
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Eat and Drink
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Do
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Shop
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Know
More from News & Politics
Mubadala Citi Open 2024 Is Putting Mics on Players and Hosting Michelin-Star Chefs
Why Is Babydog in All These Famous Artworks?
Varsity Pickleball Will Come to All Montgomery County High Schools This Fall
Can Any Town in the US Dethrone Arlington as the Nation’s Fittest Place?
I Saw “Twisters” in 4DX. I Didn’t Realize It Was a Comedy.
A Gen-Zer’s Guide to Kamala Harris Memes
MAP: How to Get Around DC During Benjamin Netanyahu’s Visit This Week
Olympics 2024: These DC-Area Athletes Will Compete in Paris