Scan barcode
juliechristinejohnson's review
4.0
Although the writing is a bit plodding and pedantic, it's hard to not be intrigued by yet another window into the epic Kennedy family. Kennedy's voice rang sincere and earnest to me. Although written as his life was ending, Ted still spoke like the youngest child- one forever trying to catch up to and shine as brightly as his older siblings, one seeking to create his own opinions and future underneath the iron rule of strong parents determined to set the course of their childrens' futures.
Because of the vast age difference between he and his brothers, who remained his truest compass long after their deaths, Kennedy's childhood memories are endearing but almost passive- he is an observer for much of his child and young adulthood as his brothers rose in power and fame. It isn't until he reaches the Senate that his story really becomes his own.
His observations of Jimmy Carter rang a sour note, but I found these as well as his musings on Watergate, the Reagan administration, Vietnam, all fascinating.
It is nearly impossible to relate to the vast wealth and privilege of the Kennedy family, yet Kennedy took the tragedies in his life (and there were so many) as opportunities to fight for those who did not enjoy his good fortune. Kennedy stumbled so many times but kept moving forward in a life of public service that merits respect and celebration. If Congress and the American people come to their senses and support universal health care, it will be in large part due to Ted Kennedy's tremendous advocacy.
Because of the vast age difference between he and his brothers, who remained his truest compass long after their deaths, Kennedy's childhood memories are endearing but almost passive- he is an observer for much of his child and young adulthood as his brothers rose in power and fame. It isn't until he reaches the Senate that his story really becomes his own.
His observations of Jimmy Carter rang a sour note, but I found these as well as his musings on Watergate, the Reagan administration, Vietnam, all fascinating.
It is nearly impossible to relate to the vast wealth and privilege of the Kennedy family, yet Kennedy took the tragedies in his life (and there were so many) as opportunities to fight for those who did not enjoy his good fortune. Kennedy stumbled so many times but kept moving forward in a life of public service that merits respect and celebration. If Congress and the American people come to their senses and support universal health care, it will be in large part due to Ted Kennedy's tremendous advocacy.
yarbs's review
3.0
An interesting view of the man. He danced around all the personal issues in his life - Chappaquiddick, his marriage and drinking. He had a spiritual side to his life which surprised me. A good remembrance of politics in the last 50 years. I think he rightly loved the Senate and I'm sure many experienced what he said.
raehink's review
3.0
While I almost completely disagree with Kennedy's politics, I found this memoir surprisingly good. I just wish he had gone into more detail over some events (he's quite detailed about political things) rather than glossing over them. After all, that's part of what a memoir is--the personal.
I enjoyed his expressions of love and loyalty toward his family and his wife, Vicki. As the youngest Kennedy, his life was already shaped in ways he really couldn't avoid. This was enlightening material when placed within the context of the other Kennedy books I have read and plan to read.
I enjoyed his expressions of love and loyalty toward his family and his wife, Vicki. As the youngest Kennedy, his life was already shaped in ways he really couldn't avoid. This was enlightening material when placed within the context of the other Kennedy books I have read and plan to read.
cft8's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book. Parts of it were a little dry, but overall he had a conversational style of writing. I learned so much about Ted Kennedy. He truly was dedicated to being the best Senator he could be. I was amazed to learn that he was an advocate of health care reform from his very early days as a Senator. He put so much time he put into really studying the issues and bringing in people to teach him when a subject was unfamiliar.
cmq22's review
4.0
Some middle sections of the book dragged for me...possibly because I didn’t come into the book looking for a detailed narrative of every period of American political history that occurred while Kennedy was in the Senate. Frankly, I was mostly in this one to hear about one of my favorite great American families from a different vantage point in the family and to better educate myself about one of the great senior statesmen of Massachusetts. To me, the best parts of this book were when EMK was reflecting on his family, expounding upon his love for public service, and sharing his reflections on the importance of the sea throughout his life. On those topics, his words were often poignant.
More...