Inspiring, poignant, and sometimes-funny quotations by first ladies from Martha to Melania.

The iconic women who’ve made an indelible mark on our country are richly represented in this collection—as are the lesser-known first ladies, whose powerful words often reveal tragic personal circumstances. The excerpts, compiled from speeches, interviews, books, letters, and other sources, are arranged thematically, touching upon a diverse array of subjects, including government and democracy; freedom, rights, equality and justice, hardship and hope; happiness, success, and life’s pleasures, and more.

Together, they offer an insightful glimpse into the public and private lives of the women in the White House who have had such a profound influence on the leaders—and the historic course—of our great country.