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Learn More About
This Book and Its
Authors
Author's Bio
(Caroline Kennedy)
Author's Bio
(Michael Beschloss)
Selected Videos
This Book and Its
Authors
Author's Bio
(Caroline Kennedy)
Author's Bio
(Michael Beschloss)
Selected Videos
| 20/20 profile |  |
| Book trailer |  |
| Ebook preview |  |
Jacqueline Kennedy
Historic Conversations on Life With John F. Kennedy
By Caroline Kennedy and Michael Beschloss
What this book is about: Jacqueline Kennedy’s recollections of her husband, the Kennedy family, his political career and presidency, and the people in their lives recorded in a series of seven interviews with JFK confidant Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. and sealed for 50 years. The recording sessions began four months after Kennedy’s assassination and were conducted in the Georgetown home Mrs. Kennedy moved to with her two young children within weeks of the President’s death. The book comes in a package including CDs of the interviews, so you can read her account as well as listen to the emotions in her voice and young Caroline and John Jr. playing in the background.
Mrs. Kennedy knew when she spoke that no one would hear the recordings until after her death, so her comments are open and often critical of the people in her husband’s administration, Congress and foreign dignitaries of the era. Her critique frequently extends to their wives—yes, wives rather than spouses, as her world was clearly male-dominated and she was very comfortable with that fact. But the loving, compassionate, intelligent Mrs. Kennedy is also very evident. She is articulate, well-educated, well-read and worldly. Her selection of words and metaphors to describe the people, places and happenings around her are refreshing and impressive.
Why you should read this book:
- It provides a unique view of JFK as a man, husband, father and world leader.
- Jackie Kennedy very rarely granted interviews, and never in this depth, so this is the only chance to see the world through her eyes.
- It offers a candid critique of JFK’s staff and cabinet.
- You'll realize how much the role of women has changed in the U.S. in the past 50 years.
- You''ll hear the story of how Mamie Eisenhower snubbed Jackie, and how glad Jackie was about it.
- You''ll find out who the Kennedys liked and disliked, respected and disdained.
- You''ll learn about “White House-itis” and who got it.
Must-Read Scale—Non-Fiction
5=Highest Value; 0=Lowest Value
| Importance to Society | 4.0 |
| Importance to You | 3.5 |
| Fun Read | 4.2 |
| Quality of Writing and Presentation | 4.0 |
| Perspective Changer | 4.4 |
| Overall Must-Read Rating | 4.0 |