Five Presidents is a New York Times bestseller!

Finishing a book and turning in the final manuscript to the publisher is kind of like turning in a term paper and waiting for the grade from your professor.  For Secret Service agent Clint Hill and me, writing Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford was an enormous undertaking.  We visited several presidential libraries; sorted through thousands of photographs; reviewed daily reports and contacted colleagues to confirm dates, places, and other memories—all before we even sat down to write. When we turned in the final manuscript, after several rounds of cutting—it was originally 600 pages!—we knew we had done our best.  Now it was up to the readers and reviewers to give their opinion.

We were thrilled to learn that in today’s edition of the New York Times, Five Presidents is #9 on the bestseller list for hardcover nonfiction and home-fivepresidents-cvr#6 for Ebook nonfiction.  But even better, and more fulfilling to us, are the heartfelt reviews and emails we are receiving from readers.  Here are just a few:

“I just wanted to thank Mr. Hill for his bravery in his service to our country and in telling his stories. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of his books. His latest book was especially meaningful to me as I was born in 1965 shortly before my father, a 22-year veteran of the US Army, was deployed to Vietnam for his first term. Mr. Hill’s book gave me insight into that war that I’d never heard before. Though my dad was awarded a Bronze Star with a “V” device for his service in that war, he would never talk about his experiences there. Reading Mr. Hill’s words brought me to a new understanding of my dad, who passed away in August 2014. This book brought me closer to his spirit.  Thank you again, Mr. Hill. I admire you so much, sir. Keep doing what you’re doing!”   — S. Sanchez

“I have shelves of presidential histories and biographies in my house, but this book gave wonderful details through a very different lens! I hated to come to the end of it!! You and Mr. Hill did a wonderful job.”

— J.P. Hess

“I loved it. Being born in The 80’s, I missed this entire era. Clint Hill captured the essence of each time period he discussed and I felt transported back in time. I felt like I lived it through him. I have enormous respect for how Hill discussed his time with these presidents. While showing candor regarding each president’s particular style of leadership and overall personality, Hill did not sling mud…rather he emitted the respect he held for the position they each held by not discussing personal, private matters. I feel like I’ve learned so much, and I could not put this book down. Thanks Mr. Hill. For your service and for sharing your experiences!”  — Keishah

“Definitely a page turner of the nth degree! Books like this are rare, informative and incredibly enjoyable to read.”  — V. Gardino

So, thank you all! We continue our book tour tomorrow with a swing through Los Angeles for a private event.  Catch Clint Hill on Good Day L.A. Tuesday morning (May 24), and then we are head to La Jolla for a presentation and book signing at Warwick’s Books.  7:00 pm Wednesday, May 25. Hope to see you there!

 

7 Comments

  1. Rich Knapp on June 25, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mr. Hill in Dearborn Michigan at the Henry Ford. Not sure that you may remember me, but I was the guy from Texas in the meet and greet that asked Mr. Hill for an autograph for my mother in law who let me make the trip. I was so impaired and impressed with your presentation, that my wife and I had our own “two person book club” and I tried to relate what you and Mr. Hill had said to the story.

    We just finished Five Presidents and were sad that it ended, but are excited to start Mrs. Kennedy and Me. The one thing that you said at the end of the presentation, which has resonated with me ever since, is that Mr. Hill did fulfill his dream of becoming a history teacher. I can not wait until my son is old enough to cherish this book. Mr. Hill, through his own words that evening, is also very fortunate to have found you as you to help address the PTSD.

    If the two of you are ever in the Houston area, it would be an honor to meet you again and my wife would consider it a life memorable event as well. Thanks to both of you for this historical insight as I never knew the names of some of the historical figures that existed before my time.

    Best,

    Rich Knapp

    • Lisa McCubbin on June 27, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      Hi Rich
      We are actually going to be in Houston. It was just added to our schedule. Please spread the word.
      Saturday, August 13 3:00 pm
      Blue Willow Bookshop
      Outreach Center of West Houston
      725 Bateswood,
      Houston, TX 77079
      Here is the link. http://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/event/clint-hill-and-lisa-mccubbin

      • Rich Knapp on June 27, 2016 at 11:05 pm

        Thank you very much Lisa for the response.

        Unfortunately, as luck would have it, we will be in Northern Michigan on August 13th for a family get together.

        As my wife’s b-day is coming up, we can travel to see the two of you. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for her to meet the two of you.

        Is there a location of calendar/events for your remaining stops on the tour? The schedule on both yours and Mr. Hill’s ends for June 11th ( the Houston date is not on there either).

        I will be sure to tell all who I know to attend August 13th Outreach visit in Houston, but I have a strong feeling the two of you always have a large following!

        Thank you!

  2. Judith Mannix on July 12, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    I cannot tell you how impressed I am with Mr Hill Ms McCubbin in your ability to tastefully write about history. You do so in such a respectful manner and obvious literary ability. I have all your books and just purchased Five Presidents. I cannot wait to dive in tonight. I have read Mrs Kennedy and Me twice and purchased 4 copies for Xmas gifts. Mr Hill has always been so respectful of the privacy of those he protected in the office of the President of the Unitied States of America and their families. I am most especially glad Mr Hill met you Lisa. You are such a positive talented person. I wish you both continued success with your books travels and the best of health and happiness.

    • Lisa McCubbin on September 5, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Sorry for the delay in responding. It has been a hectic few months!

  3. Judith Mannix on July 12, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    I forgot to add that I hope your schedule would allow you to travel to Canada as you have a lot of fans here. Cheers.

    • Lisa McCubbin on September 5, 2016 at 4:24 pm

      We would love to travel to Canada for the book tour some day. Thanks so much.

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