Audiobook Review: Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller

Genre: Biography/Audiobook

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Pub. Date: May 21, 2024

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A quarter of a century after the plane crash that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and sister-in-law Lauren, the magnitude of this tragedy remains fresh. Yet, Carolyn is still an enigmatic figure, a woman whose short life in the spotlight was besieged with misogyny and cruelty.

Amidst today’s cultural reckoning about the way our media treats women, Elizabeth Beller explores the real person behind the tabloid headlines and media frenzy. When she began dating America’s prince, Carolyn was increasingly thrust into an overwhelming spotlight filled with relentless paparazzi who reacted to her reserve with a campaign of harassment and vilification.

To this day, she is still depicted as a privileged princess—icy, vapid, and drug-addicted. She has even been accused of being responsible for their untimely death, allegedly delaying take-off until she finished her pedicure. But now, she is revealed as never before.

A fiercely independent woman devoted to her adopted city and career, Carolyn relied on her impeccable eye and drive to fly up the ranks at Calvin Klein in the glossy, high-stakes fashion world of the 1990s. When Carolyn met her future husband, John was immediately drawn to her strong-willed personality, effortless charm, and high intelligence. Their relationship would change her life and catapult her to dizzying fame, but it was her vibrant life before their marriage and then hidden afterwards, that is truly fascinating.

Based on in-depth research and exclusive interviews with friends, family members, teachers, roommates, and colleagues, this comprehensive biography reveals a multi-faceted woman worthy of our attention regardless of her husband and untimely death."

 

Many people believe they know Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy based on what the tabloids highlighted, but she was so much more than that. Once Upon a Time by Elizabeth Beller explores Carolyn's childhood, formative years, career, and her relationship with John Kennedy Jr. If you want to learn more about Carolyn, her motivations, and the triumphs and struggles she experienced, this biography will help you appreciate her more deeply. It also sheds light on the challenges she faced with the media in the latter part of her life, evoking sympathy for her situation. Elizabeth Beller’s Once Upon a Time is a compelling biography of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, a misunderstood woman who was truly larger than life.
 
This debut biography starts with Carolyn's childhood, and it examines her relationship with her formidable mother, her sisters, and the often complex relationship with her father. As a teen, she was well-liked, popular, and often a little too social, which had her mother start her in a Catholic school instead of the public school in the neighborhood. Her mother remarried a successful doctor, so Carolyn's life was a bit more affluent after their marriage, and she lived in a nice house in New York. She attended Boston University, and the biography takes us through her college years, and I was surprised to find out she majored in education. This was just one of the interesting tidbits that challenged my original ideas on Carolyn.  
 
Always drawn to fashion, she ends up working at Calvin Klein and works her way up the ladder. Beller dives into some of her fashion and how that evolved through the years. At Calvin Klein, this is where she meets John F. Kennedy Jr., and then her life is forever changed. Once Upon a Time takes us through their first meeting, the dates, breakups, more dates, and eventual engagement. I adored the details surrounding their secret wedding on a private island, how she navigated the Kennedy family, and eventually how she deals with the overbearing media scrutiny. The last quarter of the book mainly focuses on how the tabloids destroyed Carolyn's sense of peace, and she couldn't deal with it in a healthy way. She was constantly portrayed horribly, and it wore her down. Readers can help but feel sympathy towards her and see her in a different light.
 
What inspired me to dive into Once Upon a Time was watching a few episodes of Love Story on FX, which is based on this book. I'm glad I made that choice because the biography filled in some gaps that the show couldn't fully explore. Was it the best written biography? No, it did feel repetitive at times and hyper-focused on Carolyn's looks, but if you're a fan of Love Story, I recommend picking up a copy of Once Upon a Time. Even though we know the sad ending, I still enjoyed learning more about Carolyn. It evoked a strong sense of 90s nostalgia, which I relished in! Also, I appreciated Carolyn as more than just a fashion icon. I hope she is remembered for her full legacy.
 
Are you a fan of Love Story? Do you want to read Once Upon a Time? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

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, despite—and maybe even because of—his 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.  

 

Mini Reviews: Non-Fiction Audio Books

You all know I love fictional audio books and getting immersed in the world the author creates, but sometimes I need to switch it up with some non-fiction. Sometimes I find myself really engaged with an non-fiction memoir more than I expected and I get sucked in. Today I'm sharing two non-fiction audio books that I thought were really engrossing, each in their own way. 

The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson

Genre: Biography/Audio Book

Pub. Date: February 2, 2023

Publisher: Harper Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Based on genealogical breakthroughs and previously unreleased records, this is the first book to explore the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America.

Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Here at last, we meet the first American Kennedys, Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine—penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office—the first of many.

Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story."

 

Most people when they think of the famous Kennedy family think of Joe Kennedy, JFK, RFK, and other influential male Kennedys. However, this book peels back the layers of the Kennedy family. It brings us to Ireland in the 1800s and a woman named Bridget Murphy, JFK's great-grandmother. It starts there with the struggle in Ireland during the Great Famine and their escape to Boston. But while in Boston things weren't easy for any of the Irish immigrants. Bridget married Patrick Kennedy and had many children, but then Patrick died of consumption, like many others, in 1858. She had no choice, but to provide for her family and return to work as a servant with a family member watching her brood. She went from a servant to a hairdresser, to working at a fancy hotel, to becoming a female entrepreneur by opening her grocery store. She ended up being so successful, that she bought the building and surrounding real estate. This is unheard of in the 1800s for a female widow to not only thrive after her husband's death but to become a successful businesswoman. Thompson credits the Kennedy family's success to Bridget's, which is fascinating as most biographies don't even mention her. Bridget's son, PJ, thanks to her success and money, opened his saloon after struggling for a bit. He then became a liquor importer and involved in local politics, which led him to become a Democratic party boss. He ended up being one of the most influential men in Boston and he also paved the way for the Kennedy family. The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson is a fascinating look into the Kennedy family as well as all Irish immigrants in the 19th century.

I was completely glued to The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty and blown away by Bridget's grit and determination. What I also really appreciated was Thompson's ability to explain the Kennedy's situation in Boston as an Irish Catholic immigrant, but also relate it to all Irish immigrants during the time. Thompson really highlighted the immigrant experience and while I was aware of a few things, I found all the details about the hardships that they had to endure to be eye-opening. If you have family that also immigrated from Ireland during this time, this is a must-read as it will explain the experience. If you love books about the famed Kennedy family or about the American Dream, look no further.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Genre: Biography/Audio Book

Pub. Date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.” So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for."

 

Everyone knows Matthew Perry from Friends, but do people know the real Matty? I certainly did not. This memoir was eye-opening. It takes readers through Matthew's childhood, which at times was tumultuous and seems to be something he can't get over. It takes readers to his first drink of alcohol and his breakthrough in Hollywood, the women, the success, and the parties. At first, he was just partying like the rest of the celebrities, but then it became something more and he got hooked on opioids. He certainly tried for years to get clean with many stints in rehab, but he could never seem to completely break away. He had many surgeries, which broke my heart, and after each one, he was offered opioids to help with the pain, which only furthered his addiction cycle. But not all of his stories were sad, as many of the details surrounding Friends and various movie sets were honest and fun. Matthew Perry's memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is heartfelt, self-deprecating, funny, and honest. I am glad I read it and anyone who has an addict in their lives should read it, too.

 

He had such success but was so unlucky at times and my heart felt for him as he fell into his problems again and again. What was so heartbreaking is that he tried for years to break away from drugs. He spent millions on rehabs that didn't completely work. Also, I had no idea that during a few seasons of Friends, he was on the amount of drugs he was on. This was eye-opening and explained addiction to me and how people can function and hide it. I will say Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing hits differently as you listen to his voice narrate the audiobook now that he has passed away. It makes it that much more heartbreaking and haunting because by the end of the memoir, readers think he had it figured out. He was always searching for something to fill that void and it broke my heart that he never found it.

Have you read either biography? I am glad I listened to these two as they really lent themselves to the format of an audio book. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Audio Book Review: Jackie: Public, Private, Secret by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography

Pub. Date: July 18, 2023

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Source: Library

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "From the New York Times bestselling author of Jackie, Janet & Lee comes a fresh and often startling look at the life of the legendary former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Based on hundreds of interviews with friends, family, and lovers over a thirty-year period―as well as previously unreleased material from the JFK Library―Kennedy historian J. Randy Taraborrelli paints an unforgettable new portrait of a woman whose flaws and contradictions only serve to make her even more iconic. “I have three lives,” Jackie told a former lover, “public, private and secret.” In this revealing biography, readers will become intimately familiar with all three. New insights from the book  · Jackie’s cold feet before her wedding to Jack Kennedy and her secret plan to avoid moving into the White House with him. · Jackie's plan to meet with the woman with whom her husband, Aristotle Onassis, was again having an affair, Maria Callas…and why, in the end, she decided against it. · The truth about the nude photos of Jackie which scandalized her in the 1970s…and which family member had betrayed her by selling them. · Her unusual relationship with Maurice Templesman, which was never what outsiders believed it to be. · The never-before-reported, last-ditch efforts to save Jackie’s life with experimental cancer treatments, and the doctor who wouldn’t risk jail time in order to treat her.n Twenty-nine years after her death and sixty years after the assassination of President Kennedy, Jackie delivers the last word on one of the most famous women in the world."

 

 

Jackie Kennedy Onassis has been covered countless times, but this extensive biography sheds some light on topics that haven't recently been covered due to Taraborrelli's extensive research for twenty-five years. The biography isn't told chronically, but instead, it feels like interconnected vignettes that form a beautiful picture once all the pieces of the puzzle come together. Taraborrelli covers Jackie's young adult life and provides some insight into her relationship with her father, Jack Bouvier, as well as her overbearing mother, Janet Bouvier Auchincloss. It also highlights her relationship with her stepfather, Hugh Auchincloss, and their special bond. The undercurrent of competition with her sister Lee is always there and highlighted throughout the biography. What readers would expect the author to cover, such as her marriage to John F. Kennedy, her relationship with the Kennedy clan, the assassination of JFK, and her marriage to Aristotle Onassis is all there. Taraborrelli fills in the blanks by providing details of her time between the marriages, such as her projects, her lovers, and her many issues with feeling safe and secure. What Taraborrelli covers very well in Jackie: Public, Private, Secret is the time after Aristotle Onanssis's death as I think many biographies gloss over this period. The author does a deep dive into how Jackie rebuilt her life, entered the publishing world, her editorial work, and her relationship with Maurice Templesman. Sadly, the story ends with her cancer diagnosis as well as upsetting events within her family, but once again Taraborrelli sheds some light on the experimental cancer treatment that Jackie wanted but never had the chance to try it. This was new information to me and utterly heartbreaking! Any fan of Jackie or the Kennedy family should definitely check out Jackie: Public, Private, Secret as it's one of my favorite biographies of such an important icon in history.

 

Much of the details in Jackie: Public, Private, Secret I was familiar with regarding the first half of her life, but the last half is when Taraborrelli really pulls back the curtain. Readers will learn a lot of details surrounding the end of her marriage to Onassis and her rebirth as a working woman. It was truly captivating. Sadly enough, it wasn't just Jackie's cancer diagnosis that was heartbreaking towards the end of her life, but other family members suffered greatly too, such as Jackie's mom and her stepsister, Janet Jr. I didn't know the details surrounding their deaths, but it left me brokenhearted. Once Jackie got out of that abyss of sadness, her health issues took a toll. It seemed so unfair, especially the details surrounding an experimental cancer treatment that she never got to try. 

One thing is for sure, Jackie: Public, Private, Secret is going down as one of my favorite biographies of such a captivating woman. Jane Oppenheimer narrated the audio book and I was hooked from the first line. If you enjoy the Kennedy family or simply want to learn more about a woman who lived such an unbelievable life, look no further. I am so glad I started the year off with this gem! Have you read Jackie: Public, Private, Secret? Are you a fan of the Kennedy family? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Audio Book Review: Spare by Prince Harry

 

Genre: Autobiography/Audio Book

Pub. Date: January 10, 2023

Publisher: Random House Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last. Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with loneliness—and, because he blamed the press for his mother’s death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight. At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldn’t find true love.  Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the couple’s cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . . For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief."

 

How do I even write a review of this memoir? I am not sure, but I will do my best. I am still blown away by various aspects of this memoir and processing it all. It was A LOT; in fact, Harry did MENTION IT ALL. Truly. It starts with his childhood, the untimely death of his mother, his formative years, boarding school, his troubled teens and young adulthood, the military, and of course, his time with Meghan. Although the Meghan chapters are very small compared to the rest of the novel, so it's very clear that this is HIS story.  This is his version of the truth. I think it's important to remember that when going into it. There are two sides to every story and while Harry is sharing his, we will never know William or Charles's despite the fact that he believes they speak through the media. Nonetheless, Harry does make some damning points and some accusations that the Royal Family, in my opinion, won't recover from. Spare by Prince Harry is a mind-blowing memoir that Royal watchers most definitely don't want to miss.

What was most telling to me was how for years Harry thought his mother disappeared. She couldn't possibly be dead, right? She must be hiding from the paparazzi and she will come and get them when she's ready. How heartbreaking is that? And this facade went on for years and postponed him actually dealing with his grief. I felt gutted. Harry endured so much trauma. He clearly needed therapy sooner in life and would have most definitely benefited from it. 

I am going to own the fact that I haven't always been Harry and Meghan's biggest supporters. I think I may have, at some level, fallen prey to the British media's antics. I am glad Harry came out and set the record straight regarding a few things, especially with how he carried out his exit from the Royal Family. I did appreciate his take and could sympathize with him 100% when it came to the paparazzi. Just like he saw his mother set the record straight, he is doing the same thing. I get it and I did appreciate most of it. It must be beyond frustrating to deal with the British media and I could see why he wanted to leave it all behind.

However, I can't help but feel like Harry wanted his story out at all costs. Burn down the Royal Family, burn down the paparazzi, burn down the lies and the false narratives, etc. Listen, I am here for burning down the horrible and racist British media, which is at fault for so much. But it's the parts that really throw his father and his brother under the bus; this would ultimately make his grandmother so extremely sad. Sometimes it's best to just deal with it privately in therapy and don't air your dirty laundry, because to what end? It won't certainly bring Harry peace and it only hurts his kids, William's kids, their legacy, etc. So, while I think aspects of Harry's story had to be said, I am not sure he needed to burn every damn bridge in the process.  

Spare left me with such deep sadness. Sadness for the British Royal family, sadness for Diana who most definitely wouldn't want to see her sons estranged, and sadness because I think Harry put it all out there and there will be no peace going forward. He didn't really own his part in many of the conflicts. It takes two to tango and I think holding himself accountable for some of the things would have been better for him instead of always playing the victim card. Also, I don't think you can come back from all that he said in the memoir. I don't think Charles and William will forgive him and quite frankly, I am not sure I would either. It was A LOT. So, my wish for Harry and Meghan is to find the peace that they so desperately want. Stop rehashing things. Spare got his point across as did the Netflix documentary and let it go in order to move on; otherwise, I am not sure they will ever be living the peaceful life they so desperately want. They must let it go now.

I listened to Spare and it was 100% effective in conjuring up emotions from me. Hearing Harry read it was brilliant. His ghost writer is also amazing and did a great job telling Harry's story in such an memorable and potent way. If you haven't read Spare yet and want to, I urge you to listen to the audio version.

So, if you enjoy a Royal family tell-all, this is the mother of all tell-alls. Harry literally tells us it all, even down to an unfortunate incident where his penis is frostbitten. Did we need to know this? Nope, but it's in there. Have you read Spare? Are you a fan of the Royal family? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Book Review: The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton

Pages: 441

Genre: Biography

Pub. Date: November 15, 2022

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads says, "#1 New York Times bestselling biographer Andrew Morton provides the definitive, most comprehensive account of Queen Elizabeth II's legendary reign.  Painfully shy, Elizabeth Windsor’s personality was well suited to her youthful ambition of living quietly in the country, raising a family, and caring for her dogs and horses. But when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, she became heir to the throne—embarking on a journey that would test her as a woman and queen. Ascending to the throne at only 25, this self-effacing monarch navigated endless setbacks, family conflict, and occasional triumphs throughout her 70 years as the Queen of England. As her mettle was tested, she endeavored to keep the monarchy relevant culturally, socially, and politically, often in the face of resistance from inside the institution itself. And yet the greatest challenges she faced were often inside her own family, forever under intense scrutiny; from rumors about her husband’s infidelity, her sister’s marital breakdown, Princess Diana’s tragic death, to the recent departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Now in The Queen, renowned biographer Andrew Morton takes an in-depth look at Britain’s longest reigning monarch, exploring the influence Queen Elizabeth had on both Britain and the rest of the world for much of the last century. From leading a nation struggling to restore itself after the devastation of the second World War to navigating the divisive political landscape of the present day, Queen Elizabeth was a reluctant but resolute queen. This is the story of a woman of unflagging self-discipline who will long be remembered as mother and grandmother to Great Britain, and one of the greatest sovereigns of the modern era."

 

Andrew Morton, most notably known for his explosive biography written with Diana's cooperation, Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words, now focuses his latest biography on none other than Queen Elizabeth II and her remarkable 70 year reign. Morton starts with Elizabeth's childhood, her budding romance with Philip, her family dynamic, and her sooner than expected rise to the throne due to her father's illness.  Morton gives us a glimpse of Elizabeth as a young woman and especially focuses on her relationship with her mother and sister, which I found fascinating. Her mother can be overbearing and extremely lavish, which I wasn't aware of know about. Often times, Elizabeth would try to avoid confrontation (now is a great time to take her dogs for a walk, yes?) than actually face her mother or other family members. I think this behavior definitely carried over into motherhood and beyond. As the years progress, Morton takes us through her marriage, her responsibilities as a new sovereign, and how she had initially had difficulty balancing it all. Morton continues highlighting Charles marriage to Diana, the subsequent unraveling of their marriage, Camilla's hold on Charles, and the behind the scenes events at the palace after Diana's untimely death. Lastly, Morton continues on to William, Harry, and the latest events in the Royal Family including Prince Andrew's debacle. All in all, it was a comprehensive, well researched biography that kept me flipping the pages. Although I have read a few biographies on the Queen, I felt Morton provided some insights that other biographies didn't. The Queen: Her Life shouldn't be missed by Royal family lovers! 

It's hard to comment on every aspect of The Queen: Her Life as it was a long biography that spans almost ninety years, but a few things really stuck out for me. The portions focusing on Prince Philip were very well done and I always appreciate all he did for Queen Elizabeth. Playing a supporting role isn't always easy, but he did it very well and for many years. Also, the section regarding Elizabeth and her part with the ATS during WIII was very interesting and provided some details I wasn't aware of. I also found the section focusing on Charles and his upbringing very telling. It definitely shed some light as to his behavior and actions later on in life as well as the current rocky relationship with Harry. The section focusing on Diana's death and how the Palace reacted was also very insightful. There were a lot of blunders that went on behind the scenes and it was interesting to see how the Queen went on to correct them or minimize the damage. I think ultimately all of the Queen's struggles humanizes her and makes her relatable as a mother, a wife, and admirably, a woman with extreme dedication to her country. 

Despite her many successes over the years and her great working relationships with many a prime minister, her family had many difficulties over the years. Morton takes us through each scandal in The Queen: Her Life and how the Queen reacted. Readers can't help but feel for all the drama she had to endure through the years. Could you imagine dedicating your life to service and always trying to do the right thing, but your family around you are behaving like imbeciles half the time and constantly bringing all the drama to your doorstep. It had to be trying. Also, I read The Queen: Her Life before I listened to Prince Harry's Spare and it definitely gave me another perspective to some of the scenes he laid out in his memoir.

One thing is for sure, I have always respected, admired, and been a fan of Queen Elizabeth II and after reading The Queen: Her Life, it has given me even more of an appreciation of her 70 years of service. Fans of the Royal Family will definitely want to add this memorable biography to their collection.

So, are you a Royal watcher? Is The Queen: Her Life on your TBR list? Are you a fan of Morton's previous biographies? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Book Review: The Palace Papers by Tina Brown

Pages: 573

Genre: Non-fiction/Biography

Pub. Date: April 26, 2022

Publisher: Crown

Source: Library

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The gripping inside story of the British royal family’s battle to overcome the dramas of the Diana years—only to confront new, twenty-first-century crises  “Never again” became Queen Elizabeth II’s mantra shortly after Princess Diana’s tragic death. More specif­ically, there could never be “another Diana”—a mem­ber of the family whose global popularity upstaged, outshone, and posed an existential threat to the Brit­ish monarchy. Picking up where Tina Brown’s masterful The Diana Chronicles left off, The Palace Papers reveals how the royal family reinvented itself after the trau­matic years when Diana’s blazing celebrity ripped through the House of Windsor like a comet. Brown takes readers on a tour de force journey through the scandals, love affairs, power plays, and betrayals that have buffeted the monarchy over the last twenty-five years. We see the Queen’s stoic re­solve after the passing of Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother, and Prince Philip, her partner for seven decades, and how she triumphs in her Jubilee years even as family troubles rage around her. Brown explores Prince Charles’s determination to make Camilla Parker Bowles his wife, the tension between William and Harry on “different paths,” the ascend­ance of Kate Middleton, the downfall of Prince An­drew, and Harry and Meghan’s stunning decision to step back as senior royals. Despite the fragile monar­chy’s best efforts, “never again” seems fast approaching. Tina Brown has been observing and chronicling the British monarchy for three decades, and her sweeping account is full of powerful revelations, newly reported details, and searing insight gleaned from remarkable access to royal insiders. Stylish, witty, and erudite, The Palace Papers will irrevoca­bly change how the world perceives and under­stands the royal family."

 

Tina Brown, veteran journalist, breaks down all the royal scandals as well as live events surrounding many important figures in the British Royal Family. It touches on Prince Philip, and a little bit about Princess Margaret. There's a deep dive into Queen Elizabeth, as you would expect, Kate Middleton's rise, Meghan Markle's entrance, Diana's struggle, William and Harry's heartbreaking stories, Andrew's debacle, Camilla Parker Bowles's long journey, and more.  If you are a Royal lover, this book shouldn't be missed. The Palace Papers by Tina Brown was irresistibly entertaining and one of my favorite books of the year.

The one thing I loved about The Palace Papers was the way that Tina Brown organized this huge tome. I thought she did a great job jumping around, but keeping everything coherent.  She gives us just enough information about each Royal family member that it felt like I was pulling up a set at the bar, grabbing my favorite cocktail, and getting the inside scoop. I have read a lot of books about Diana and Queen Elizabeth, but this book brings up things I didn't know, especially when it came to Camilla, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and of course, Prince Andrew. Somehow The Palace Papers got me sympathizing a bit with Camilla (who would have known!) and I liked the dive into Kate's background and her early days with William. I am a huge Kate Middleton fan, so I really enjoyed learning more about her family, her childhood, her incredible mother (!), and her school days. I also enjoyed learning more about Harry and his relationship with Meghan Markle, but I have to say, this book didn't make me feel much sympathy towards Meghan's issues and how she handled things. That's all I'm going to say about that.

I do appreciate Brown's insight into Camilla and her struggles in The Palace Papers. It definitely made me sympathize with her a bit more and appreciate the long journey she took to get to where she is now as Queen consort. I also felt like Brown dropped a ton of bombs about Prince Andrew and his fiasco. Whoa! I knew the basics, but the details surrounding this corrupt scandal are very upsetting for sure. I also learned a lot about Fergie. I knew the basics surrounding her story, but The Palace Papers took readers through it all, which was very eye-opening to say the least. Lastly, the book also touched on Prince Philip, which I found utterly fascinating as his background is compelling. He was quite the character!

If you are gearing up for a new season of The Crown and you love the Royals, you must pick up a copy of The Palace Papers. It was juicy, gossipy, and salacious in the best way possible. My review doesn't do it justice. It was utterly compelling and one of those non-fiction books that reads like your favorite novel. I highly recommend it!

So, are you a Royal watcher? Have you read The Palace Papers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: Truly, Madly by Stephen Galloway

Pages: 416

Genre: Biography

Pub. Date: March 22, 2022

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A sweeping and heartbreaking Hollywood biography about the passionate, turbulent marriage of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. In 1934, a friend brought fledgling actress Vivien Leigh to see Theatre Royal, where she would first lay eyes on Laurence Olivier in his brilliant performance as Anthony Cavendish. That night, she confided to a friend, he was the man she was going to marry. There was just one problem: she was already married—and so was he. TRULY, MADLY is the biography of a marriage, a love affair that still captivates millions, even decades after both actors' deaths. Vivien and Larry were two of the first truly global celebrities – their fame fueled by the explosive growth of tabloids and television, which helped and hurt them in equal measure. They seemed to have it all and yet, in their own minds, they were doomed, blighted by her long-undiagnosed mental-illness, which transformed their relationship from the stuff of dreams into a living nightmare. Through new research, including exclusive access to previously unpublished correspondence and interviews with their friends and family, author Stephen Galloway takes readers on a bewitching journey. He brilliantly studies their tempestuous liaison, one that took place against the backdrop of two world wars, the Golden Age of Hollywood and the upheavals of the 1960s — as they struggled with love, loss and the ultimate agony of their parting. "

 

Everyone has heard of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, but do they really know the ups and downs of their lives? In Truly, Madly, Galloway starts with Leigh and Olivier's childhoods and explores how their experiences impacted their adulthood.  Both Leigh and Olivier had unique childhoods with a few situations that shed some light on their behavior as adults.  The biography also explores how they met, their affair, their subsequent marriage, the movies they acted in both together and apart, as well as all that ensued.  Galloway takes us through the Golden Age of Hollywood up to the 1960s and Leigh's illness that eventually led to her untimely death.  Galloway also highlights their acting career, the ups and downs in Hollywood, as well as the political climate throughout the years and how that influenced their lives.   Stephen Galloway's Truly, Madly is a sensational Hollywood biography that is sure to entertain.

I have always admired Vivien Leigh as an actress, so it was wonderful to learn more about her childhood and young adulthood in Truly, Madly.  She was born in India, spent her childhood at a boarding school in England, and in turn, felt neglected. This obviously impacted her personality.  As time went on, slowly aspects of her mental illness would emerge, but she seemed to have most of the behaviors under control. Once she became a popular actress, she would struggle with it even more and many thought she was difficult to work with. Galloway takes us to the various sets of Leigh's movies, gives us some details regarding her experiences, and well as her emotional state. Leigh went undiagnosed with her bipolar disorder for years, so it broke me heart that she couldn't get the help she most desperately needed as well as escape the stigma of a mental illness. Leigh desperately wanted to keep Olivier's love that she underwent several rounds of electroshock therapy to "improve" herself. It's heartbreaking, really, and I like that in this biography Leigh isn't cast as some "crazy" woman. Towards the end of her life, she was obviously sick and needed medical attention.

I think knowing what this generation knows about bipolar and manic depression, we can better understand Leigh through a modern lens and appreciate her even more. She held it together without much help for so long and obviously the one person for the most part in her life that kept her motivated was Lauren Olivier.  During their marriage, Leigh suffered a few miscarriages, so obviously that contributed to her depression. Both Leigh and Olivier also didn't stay faithful to one another and as the years went by and I could see that their relationship was very complex and very tumultuous. Galloway truly brought their relationship to light, so much so that I forgot I was reading a biography at times. It was very dishy, but it was respectful to the actors and it also highlighted the different time periods, the politics, and how that impacted these two larger-than-life actors.

The sections about Olivier's life before and after Leigh were also interesting in Truly, Madly. I did not know as much about him, so it was intriguing.  He dominated the British stage for quite awhile, and it was interesting to see how that would tie into Leigh's interest in the stage as well versus Hollywood movie sets, which they both didn't enjoy.  His ability to perform Shakespeare was captivating as well as his talent in the theater. However, Olivier had his ups and downs as well when it came to his career and love life.  Despite all of his success (he was knighted by the queen!) and Leigh's stardom, it wasn't enough to keep both of them satisfied, at least at the same time.

If you are a movie buff, you will especially appreciate the details in Truly, Madly about the Golden Age of Hollywood and all the background information about the various successful movies, such as Gone with the Wind, A Streetcar Named Desire, Rebecca, and more.  In addition to bringing their marriage to life, Truly, Madly also details the actors' lives on movie sets, their methods, and the drama that unfolded, especially when filming Gone with the Wind.  Fans of Old Hollywood will definitely enjoy this aspect of the biography.

So, if you are looking for a biography to get lost in that will entertain, but also inform you about a time now gone forever, look no further. I recommend Truly, Madly to movie buffs, Old Hollywood fans, or anyone curious about these two spectacular movie stars.

Are you a fan of Hollywood biographies? Is Truly, Madly on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

 

  

Book Review: Everything Beautiful in Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult Non-Fiction/Memoir

Pub. Date: September 8, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "To the world, George and Barbara Bush were America’s powerful president and influ­ential first lady. To Jenna Bush Hager, they were her beloved Gampy and Ganny, who taught her about respect, humility, kindness, and living a life of passion and meaning—timeless lessons that continue to guide her.  In Midland, Texas, Jenna’s maternal grandparents, Harold and Jenna Welch—Pa and Grammee—a home builder and homemaker, lived a quieter life outside the national spotlight. Yet their influence was no less indelible to their granddaughter. Throughout Jenna’s childhood and adolescence, the Welches taught her the name of every star in the sky, the way a dove uses her voice—teaching her to appreciate the beauty in the smallest things.  Now the mother of three young children, Jenna pays homage to her grandparents in this collection of heartwarming, intimate personal essays. Filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable stories, Everything Beautiful in Its Time captures the joyous and bittersweet nature of life itself. Jenna reflects on the single year in which she and her family lost Barbara and George H. W. Bush, and Jenna Welch. With the light, self-deprecating charm of the bestselling Sisters First—cowritten with her twin sister, Barbara—Jenna reveals how they navigated this difficult period with grace, faith, and nostalgic humor, uplifted by their grandparents’ sage advice and incomparable spirits.In this moving book, Jenna remembers the past, cherishes the present, and prepares for the future—providing a wealth of anecdotes and lessons for her own children and all of us. Poignant and humorous, intimate and sincere, Everything Beautiful in Its Time is a warm and wonderful celebration of the enduring power of family and an exploration of the things that truly matter most."

 

Everyone knows the Bush family, but few really know what it's like to grow up with such famous family members.  Jenna Bush Hager provides us a glimpse into what life was like with her grandparents and shares some adorable anecdotes as well as stories of heartbreak that her grandparents endured.  Whether she is sharing her stories of growing up in the White House or spending time with her former president grandfather at their house in Maine, it was all very endearing.  That's what Jenna does well in this memoir; she shares her stories of her grandparents and tugs on your heartstrings in the process.  Readers who are fans of Hager herself or the Bush family should definitely check out  Everything Beautiful in Its Time. It's a nice reminder of a time when politics wasn't so divisive.

I am right around the same age as Hager, so I could especially connect to her memories of her grandparents, her pregnancies, and her struggles as a mother. Reading her stories was like sitting down at a restaurant and catching up with an old friend. During the time of COVID, this was a nice escape, especially since we are all missing that connection with friends that we used to have. Hager is so heartwarming that at times I even felt an affinity towards her father, whom I have never been the biggest fan of. Sure, I respect him, but he wasn't my favorite president; however, after reading this memoir, it put him in a different light for me.

Hager shares stories about her grandparents in Everything Beautiful in Its Time, which I found very interesting and I was hoping there would be more about them in this memoir. While Hager is adorably sweet, I sort of wasn't as interested in her personal stories as much as I was hoping. When compared to her grandparents' stories, they felt rather ordinary, which I guess is why she is so relatable despite growing up in such a prominent family. Her grandparents were truly remarkable, especially when learning about how much her grandfather (former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush) really went through in their lives. George and Barbara's relationship was beautiful and I loved that Hager included family letters.  Some of the letters brought a tear to my eye. Lastly, the advice from her grandparents, like "nobody likes an overbearing big shot" really hit home, especially in today's political climate.  It made me appreciate the Bush family more than ever.

There wasn't any "new" information in Everything Beautiful in Its Time, but that's not why I read it. I was looking for stories about enduring love, the connection between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of family. That is exactly what I got when I read  Everything Beautiful in Its Time and it ended up being one of my favorite non-fiction books of the year.

Did you read  Everything Beautiful in Its Time? Are you a fan of the Bush family or Jenna Bush Hager? Let me know in the comments below. 

 

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.