Weird Book of the Week: Presidential briefs

Dozens and dozens of books pile up around here every week, and while I’d like to say each one gets a fair shake at a review, you and I both know that’s not true. That's why we turn to this recurring feature, in which we pluck our favorite weird books from the mail bin, and profile these wonders of publishing.

Apparently, there’s a deep-seated American tradition here that I, despite my undying allegiance to the flag, have inexcusably missed. I speak, of course, of First Couple Paper Doll books, which have been around since—as far as I can tell from several minutes of Internet research—the first Reagan administration. Typically, these books feature our presidents and their families, looking sharp in tuxes and gowns, possibly waving to admirers.

But this year, The Barack & Michelle Obama Paper Doll & Cut-Out Book takes a different tack. Whereas previous covers have been adorned with our commander-in-chiefs and their wives in their inaugural gala spiffies, author John Boswell dress the new first couple in their skivvies.

As maybe an olive branch to the boxer-briefed prez, Boswell and illustrators Randy Jones and Susann Ferris Jones did pump up Obama’s pecs. Although, that does make for some awkward decision-making on the inside, when you’re not sure whose chest is whose behind that curvy T-shirt. But hey, as Barack has been telling us, these are tough times, and we’re going to have to make some tough choices.