Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Audiobook Review - JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Pages: 592
Genre: Biography
Pub. Date: July 15, 2025
Publisher: St. Martin's
Source: Personal Copy
Other Books By Author: Jackie: Public, Private, Secret
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
 
Goodreads says, "In this deeply researched presidential biography, J. Randy Taraborrelli tells John F. Kennedy’s story in a provocative new way by revealing how public moments in his life were so influenced by private relationships with not only his family, but also Jackie’s.

But it’s the secret life that also surprises. As Congressman, Senator and finally President, JFK was a magnet for women. With exclusive interviews and meticulous research, Taraborrelli reveals not only the man’s many affairs but also the strength and resolve his wife showed in coping with them.

The JFK presented in Taraborrelli’s definitive biography is a complex and endlessly fascinating historical figure, despiteand maybe even because ofhis many flaws.
 
 
 

JFK lived an extraordinary life, and there’s no doubt about it. J. Randy Taraborrelli, a Kennedy expert, takes readers on a journey through JFK's life, specifically examining how the relationships around him influenced his world. JFK: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli delves into his relationship with his father, his older brother, his religious mother, and Jackie, providing insight into how these interactions shaped his identity.

I have read many a JFK biography, but Taraborrelli manages to cover a lot of information I knew, and also provides some new information based on twenty-five years of his research. I liked learning more about his time in the military and his heroic efforts in the South Pacific. Taraborrelli also dives into his health issues and how that shaped his world. Also, Taraborrelli sheds a bit more light on Jackie and Jack's early marriage days and how they were on the brink of divorce. Lastly, I appreciated the depictions of Jack's family, how he was raised, Rose's behaviors, and how that all impacted Jack and turned him into the person who rose to the presidency. 
 
JFK is one of the most memorable presidents in history, and I always appreciate learning more about him, his struggles, and his family. After reading a JFK biography, I always wonder what life would be like if he weren't assassinated. It's heartbreaking all that the Kennedy family endured. However, Jack's story is one of hope. Even though he had questionable morals at times when it came to women, deep down, he cared about the American people and making a difference. Despite all his chronic issues, pain, and surgeries, he still endured, which I find inspiring.   

JFK: Public, Private, Secret as an audiobook is fantastic and will definitely be one of my favorites of the year. So, let me know if you are you a fan of JFK? Do you plan on reading JFK: Public, Private, Secret? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

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