Friday, December 4, 2020

If You Like the Kennedys...


It's no secret that I love the Kennedy family. I've read a lot of different books about them over the years. Here are the latest books and audio books that I've enjoyed; plus, some other books that are about the famous Kennedy clan, both non-fiction and historical fiction.  

 

 

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews - I listened this this audio book and was really impressed with Matthews's insight into this former president.  While I knew a lot of the information regarding JFK's childhood and a lot of the drama surrounding his marriage, I learned a lot about his politics through this book. It was really fascinating to dive deeper into what he accomplished at the White House. JFK, despite his myriad of health issues, really is a determined person and is the very definition of grit. At the time, I was going through some heath issues of my own and I was inspired by his perseverance and resilience.  I was also listening to this during the election and it was a nice break from current politics.  Through this biography, I also realized how important Bobby Kennedy was to JFK and a major part of just about every accomplishment.  After listening to this audio book, I couldn't help but wonder how different the world would be if JFK was still alive.




Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews - After listening to Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, I decided to listen to this audio book which focuses on Bobby Kennedy. The narrator is the author, Chris Matthews, which was a nice touch. You can tell that Matthews really knows his stuff about the Kennedy family. He provided a lot of insight into Bobby's childhood and his transformation from being the wimpy Kennedy brother who goes to church with his mother to a collegiate athlete and a powerful person.  After listening to Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit, I have come to realize just how crucial Bobby was to Jack's campaign and as well as his time serving as president. His dedication to civil rights and his determination to do the right thing is inspirational. A lot of the things going on during RFK's time was really applicable to today, which made me sad, because not much has changed.  I had the same thought after listening to RFK's biography that I had when I listened to Jack's. I couldn't help, but ask the same question. What if? What if both of these incredible men lived? What would our world look like? 


The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy by Jean Kennedy Smith  -  This was an interesting glimpse into what it was like to grow up as a Kennedy.  Jean takes readers into the life of the Kennedys, everything from how they celebrated holidays, what they talked about at dinner, to what their parents told them regarding life advice.  There's a lot of excerpts from family letters, which was a nice touch.  I knew a lot of this information ahead of time about the Kennedy's home life, but some of the anecdotes were new to me, which I appreciated.  I liked learning more about Rose Kennedy, the matriarch, and some of the invaluable advice the parents dispensed. If you are looking for a quick, but pleasurable read providing a lot of insights into the Kennedy's childhood, look no further.

 

Other Non-Fiction Books I've Read Featuring the Kennedys:
(Linked to my reviews) 

The Kennedy Wives by Amber Hunt and David Batcher - This non-fiction book focuses on the lives of each Kennedy wife and it read like a tell-all; it was definitely captivating as all of the women's lives weren't easy.



The House of Kennedy by James Patterson and Cynthia Fagen - This is one of my favorite non-ficiton books of the year. It was a bit soapy at times, so if you want more insider information and less information about politics, this will be sure to captivate. It had me thinking long about the infamous Kennedy curse long after I finished the book.



Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life by Donald Spoto  - I loved this biography about Jackie. It was my first glimpse into her sometimes sad, but always amazing life.



Fictional Books Featuring the Kennedys: 
(Linked to my reviews)  
 


The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher - This one focuses on Kick Kennedy's interesting, but all too short life. 

 

 


And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton -  This book brings Jackie to life during her time at the White House and the events afterwards. 




The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable - This summer read features Jack before Jackie and other members of the Kennedy clan at Hyannisport.


I am always on the hunt for my next favorite book featuring the Kennedys. Have you read any recently? Let me know your favorites in the comments below.

2 comments:

  1. I also love books about the Kennedys! I haven't read any of the nonfiction ones you mentioned yet, though. I have Five Days in November (nonfiction) on my TBR; Jackie and Maria is a fiction book I'm looking forward to.

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    1. I definitely hope to find time to read Jackie and Maria soon. I've heard good things! Thanks for visiting, Angela!

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