From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Presidents and The Kennedy Detail comes an “insightful and beautifully told look into the life of one of the most public and admired first ladies” (Publishers Weekly)—Betty Ford. 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 interviews with her children, Susan Ford Bales and Steven Ford, as well as family, friends, and colleagues, Betty Ford is “a vivid picture of a singularly influential woman” (Bookpage).

"John Robert Greene traces Betty Ford's problems and triumphs from her childhood through her husband's entire political career, including his controversial presidency, which thrust her into an unrelenting media spotlight. He then tells how she confronted her personal demons, and became a symbol of courage for women throughout the nation."--BOOK JACKET.

In this candid and moving memoir, former First Lady Betty Ford shares her experience, understanding, and hope so that others can discover that alcoholism and drug addiction need not rob them of their lives. Much more than one woman's intimate odyssey through loneliness and despair to happiness and health, this extraordinary volume is one of encouragement, comfort, and support to all families and individuals. It is a living testament to the power of love, the joys of recovery, and the will to survive that can give life a new, and often better, beginning. Like so many millions of Americans, Betty Ford suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction. But, in her case, as in many cases, the disease took years to surface. When it did, it took all of the strength and courage that she and her family possessed to be able to deal with it. Betty: A Glad Awakening is the deeply personal story of one of the most celebrated women of our time. Wonderment, gratitude, serenity, laughter, freedom—these are but a few of the gifts that Mrs. Ford received in her journey through treatment to recovery. And, as she so eloquently describes in her book, they inspired her to help others who feel defeated by the disease of addiction.

Answers questions about alcoholism and heredity, co-dependence, recovery from cocaine addiction, tranquilizer abuse, and factors affecting recovery.

“A moving account of six former alcoholics and Betty Ford graduates—among them a teacher, a housewife and a gang member—with commentary from Ford herself.”—Self “There was a lot of drinking and codependence in my extended family. Sitting in my jail cell, I thought about how many funerals I had attended over the years of family members whose lives had ended in violence or suicide. I never once heard of them getting help. There was never any mention of AA. The only way out of their terrible lives was just to die...It was one hell of a legacy.”—Laurette Laurette’s story is remarkable, but she’s not alone. She is one of six women in Healing and Hope who experienced the pain and devastation of addiction—and managed to break free. Originally brought together by the Betty Ford Center’s twentieth-anniversary reunion, these women share their poignant stories in this book. Their combined voices create a groundbreaking and ultimately triumphant memoir that lays bare the destructive power of addiction.

This is a book of reflections by A.A. members for A.A. members. It was first published in 1990 to fulfill a long-felt need within the Fellowship for a collection of reflections that moves through the calendar year--one day at a time. Each page contains a reflection on a quotation from A.A. Conference-approved literature, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, As Bill Sees It and other books. These reflections were submitted by members of the A.A. Fellowship who were not professional writers, nor did they speak for A.A. but only for themselves, from their own experiences in sobriety. Thus the book offers sharing, day by day, from a broad cross section of members, which focuses on the Three Legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous: Recovery, Unity and Service. Daily Reflections has proved to be a popular book that aids individuals in their practice of daily meditation and provides inspiration to group discussions even as it presents an introduction for some to A.A. literature as a whole.

"This book documents the work of Betty Davenport Ford from 1941 to the present, summarizing her career as sculptor and teacher."--Amazon.com.

This book introduces young readers to the life of Betty Ford, beginning with her childhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Readers will become familiar with her spiritedness as they learn about her time spent studying dance with the famous Martha Graham in New York City and her marriage to Gerald Ford. Details of Mrs. Ford's time as First Lady, including her vocal support of women's health, equal rights, and women's rights, are also discussed. Additionally, the book highlights the opening of the Betty Ford Center. Informative sidebars and full-color photos accompany easy-to-read, engaging text. Includes timeline, fun facts, index, and glossary.

This volume presents thirty-nine interpretive biographical essays on all first ladies, from Martha Washington to America's newest First Lady, Laura Bush. This new edition contains updated material on all the living First Ladies and updated bibliographies for each entry, as well as a portrait of the newest First Lady.

Traces the development of the First Lady's role from obscurity into an influential force in politics, complete with office, staff and budgetary resources to rival those of key presidential advisors. The author also explores the paradoxes surrounding activism in the office.