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mrssloan's review
4.0
I really enjoyed hearing Jacqueline Kennedy discuss her life in the White House with John F. Kennedy. It was delightful and surprising. The book got a little long toward the end, but it was truly interesting to hear Jacqueline Kennedy herself speak on many issues. It was also a sort of study of memory, womanhood, and marriage. A First Lady today would definitely not uphold the ideas Jackie did about marriage, and neither would I, but it seemed to work for their marriage. Not a breath in here about Jack's affairs. However, she did speak quite negatively about Dr. King's affairs. I wonder how she was able to remain so utterly loyal to Jack? I wonder how she was able to condemn someone else's philandering and ignore her husband's?
I would also note that in these recordings, Jackie does not come across as the brightest political wife of all. However we know based on her experiences that she was quite intelligent. I think some of her air was affected--it was becoming of a woman to keep her nose out of a man's business. It served to round out my image of Mrs. Onassis a bit more, but I look forward to reading still more on the subject.
I would also note that in these recordings, Jackie does not come across as the brightest political wife of all. However we know based on her experiences that she was quite intelligent. I think some of her air was affected--it was becoming of a woman to keep her nose out of a man's business. It served to round out my image of Mrs. Onassis a bit more, but I look forward to reading still more on the subject.
knitter's review
2.0
So far, this narrative makes Jackie appear frail, weak, needy and narcissistic.
uberbutter's review
4.0
Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, interviews by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
★ ★ ★ ★
These interviews took place only months after the assassination of JFK. But you won't hear about the assassination in these interviews (the interviewer chose to steer away from that since she was also doing the Manchester interviews at the same time which did focus on the assassinations. The interviewer had no urge to make her relive the horrific day more than once). Instead, you'll get a candid, very intimate and personal look into the lives of Jacqueline and John Kennedy. Everything from their marriage, to political policies, to kids, to the little things (such JFK's sensitive stomach and napping habits). So beautiful in so many ways.
I am usually content with either the audio version or the paper edition of a book. This is one of the few times I must say that having both is a must. The paper book is much easier to sift through and the pictures are amazing. The book is made to make it easier to read so all the “uh, ah”, mumbling, background noises (planes, walking, etc) and interruptions are obvious taken out. Also, a lot of people are mentioned in the audio version – and are actually explained as footnotes in the book on who they are (and unless you are extremely knowledgeable in 1950s and 60s politics, there will be questions of who these people are) . However, listening to the actual recording of, what I think, is one of the greatest women ever was absolutely awe-inspiring. And when John Jr. walks in, hearing his 4 year old voice saying he knows his dad “has gone to Heaven” was so heart crushing. The emotions and the voices are something the book can't hold.
My only complaint is I wish Jackie would have delved a little more into their personal life and her own. There was a lot on JFK's political policies and how he and Jackie felt about every political person of the period. But given that John Kennedy was a politician, it seems logical. And I've heard people complain that Jackie's thoughts on marriage and the role of the wife is dated. Well..obviously people. It was an interview by a woman born in the 1920s and married in the 1950s. Putting today's thoughts and standards on history's thoughts just doesn't work. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't one I could sit down and go through in one sitting. I could only handle a little bit at a time.
★ ★ ★ ★
These interviews took place only months after the assassination of JFK. But you won't hear about the assassination in these interviews (the interviewer chose to steer away from that since she was also doing the Manchester interviews at the same time which did focus on the assassinations. The interviewer had no urge to make her relive the horrific day more than once). Instead, you'll get a candid, very intimate and personal look into the lives of Jacqueline and John Kennedy. Everything from their marriage, to political policies, to kids, to the little things (such JFK's sensitive stomach and napping habits). So beautiful in so many ways.
I am usually content with either the audio version or the paper edition of a book. This is one of the few times I must say that having both is a must. The paper book is much easier to sift through and the pictures are amazing. The book is made to make it easier to read so all the “uh, ah”, mumbling, background noises (planes, walking, etc) and interruptions are obvious taken out. Also, a lot of people are mentioned in the audio version – and are actually explained as footnotes in the book on who they are (and unless you are extremely knowledgeable in 1950s and 60s politics, there will be questions of who these people are) . However, listening to the actual recording of, what I think, is one of the greatest women ever was absolutely awe-inspiring. And when John Jr. walks in, hearing his 4 year old voice saying he knows his dad “has gone to Heaven” was so heart crushing. The emotions and the voices are something the book can't hold.
My only complaint is I wish Jackie would have delved a little more into their personal life and her own. There was a lot on JFK's political policies and how he and Jackie felt about every political person of the period. But given that John Kennedy was a politician, it seems logical. And I've heard people complain that Jackie's thoughts on marriage and the role of the wife is dated. Well..obviously people. It was an interview by a woman born in the 1920s and married in the 1950s. Putting today's thoughts and standards on history's thoughts just doesn't work. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't one I could sit down and go through in one sitting. I could only handle a little bit at a time.
rdmncy's review
3.0
michael beschloss was right i wish arthur schlesinger had seen her as a historic figure in her own right rather than a source on JFK because sometimes she really shone through and those were the best parts. also i have no idea why i read this in the first place
willwrite4chocolate's review
4.0
Released 50 years early in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy Presidency on permission of daughter Caroline, Conversations on Life With John F. Kenney
interviews by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. provide only a bit of insight into the life of Jacqueline and J.F.K. I listened on CD and, aside from the New England accent, Jacqueline Kennedy could have been Marilyn Monroe with her breathy voice and her adoration of J.F.K. I wish I knew my history better, but I couldn't place most of the people that were asked about and who she discussed and so the subtleties were lost on me. I did, however, take note of the fact that, as Caroline mentioned in the introduction, Jacqueline felt her job was to make her husband happy, to bear and raise his children, and to stay out of politics. She would later change these views and embrace feminism whole-heartedly, but this was 1963 and she was a young woman still so fresh in the shadow of losing the man she loved.For the conspiracy theorists, there was no mention of Lyndon Johnson master-minding the assassination although it was clear that they did not care for him. In fact, Jacqueline stated quite clearly that Johnson was not selected as V.P. candidate to enhance the ticket, but rather because J.F.K. thought he would be much less dangerous there than as Senate Majority Leader, the position he held prior to the campaign.
For the gossip columnists, there was no mention of Marilyn or any of J.F.K.'s other alleged lovers and also no mention of Jacqueline's supposed retaliatory affair with William Holden.
Overall Jackie was elegant if sometimes snobbish, and very convinced in her judgments of people and of the positions she stated that J.F.K. held. There were several brief appearances by John, Jr. and Caroline, but as always, they were protected.
nattyj21's review
4.0
I just loved reading this and hearing Jacqueline Kennedy's voice in my head. It would be even better to listen to this book. I was really surprised how candid Jackie Kennedy was. If I had one criticism it would be that it would have been interesting to hear more personal information from Jackie. The book is dedicated more to the political side of her life. If that isn't something you enjoy, I don't think this book would be good for you.
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