Lorraine
Cleary
Making 250 years of presidential history accessible to politically exhausted Americans, one president at a time.
From Silicon to the Oval Office
Lorraine Cleary spent more than 15 years working in technology, solving complex systems problems, managing data, and bringing structure to complicated information. When life placed her in an unexpected season of full-time caregiving, she looked to history as a way to stay grounded and intellectually engaged.
What began as a personal research project during an emotionally demanding time eventually grew into POTUS Unpacked: 250 Years of Presidential Highlights, a nonpartisan and accessible guide to every U.S. president from George Washington to Joe Biden.
Her philosophy is straightforward: no political agenda and no partisan framing. The goal is simply to present history with clear context so readers can better understand where the country has been and how those events shape where it is today.
Background at a Glance

POTUS Unpacked
"The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know." — Harry S. Truman
American history can feel like a collection of disconnected names, dates, and events. We remember Washington's leadership, Lincoln's assassination, and Roosevelt's fireside chats, but often miss the larger story connecting them all.
POTUS Unpacked brings the American presidency into focus through clear, concise, and balanced snapshots of every president. Rather than overwhelming readers with exhaustive detail, this book highlights the challenges each leader inherited, the decisions they made, and the lasting impact they had on the nation. Together, these presidential stories reveal the broader patterns that have shaped the United States for nearly 250 years.
Designed for curious citizens, students, and lifelong learners, POTUS Unpacked serves as an accessible roadmap to American history. Whether you're looking to better understand current events, fill gaps in your historical knowledge, or gain a deeper appreciation for the presidency, this book provides the context needed to see how the past continues to influence the present.
Inside, you'll discover:
Think of POTUS Unpacked as the greatest hits of presidential history: a practical, engaging guide that connects the dots between America's leaders, their times, and the enduring debates that continue to shape our nation today.
Topics Lorraine Covers
Presidential History
- 250 years of U.S. presidents in context
- Patterns that predict today's politics
- Non-partisan historical framework
Interested in a Speaking Engagement or Media Interview?
Lorraine is available for podcasts, panels, book clubs, civic organizations, and media appearances.