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A review by laurieb755
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin
5.0
The hardest part about reading a current historical biography is the wish that the ending could turn out to be different. With biographies of long dead Presidents or other public figures the outcome is well known. With An Unfinished Love Story I hadn't known the reason behind the book but soon realized that only one author's name was listed, and that signaled much about what would come in the final chapter. [Posted in April of this year there is a wonderful interview of Goodwin that I encourage you to view.]
This book is a masterful blending of history, specifically the history of the 1960s - the decade that defined my life from age 6 to 16 - with a biography of Dick Goodwin (about whom I had no knowledge till reading this book) and a story of a couple well suited to one another. With her usual skill at story telling Doris Kearns Goodwin brought not only the 60s back to life but provided multitudes of back stories that illuminated the past.
I found myself feeling respect and compassion for LBJ, seeing Jackie Kennedy emerge as more than the widow of JFK, (re)appreciating Eugene McCarthy's attempt to become the Democratic nominee for President, and marveling at Bobby Kennedy's passion for and engagement with those who most needed assistance. Doris Kearns Goodwin makes us feel like we are in the room with her and Dick, her husband, as they rehashed and delved deeper into the history of the 60s that especially Dick had a role in shaping. As noted earlier, Dick Goodwin was unknown to me prior to reading this book, though I'm willing to bet my Dad would have heard of him, given my Dad's interest in politics.
Both Goodwins had an intense interest in history - Doris in writing about it and Dick in being part of it via the many speeches he wrote, polices he guided and programs he started. His brain was forever churning out ideas to improve the lot of citizens primarily in the United States but also in South America. From working with JFK through most of Lyndon Johnson's tenure Dick Goodwin was involved in the highs and the lows of the people and policies of the 1960s. Even more fascinating was that he stayed connected to his belief that life could be better for the vast majority of Americans, and he worked throughout his life to make an impact via articles and speeches, including Al Gore's concession speech to George W Bush in December 2000.
This is a beautifully written story of history and an illuminating look behind the scenes of major events from a particular era. I have now read 4 books by Doris Kearns Goodwin and have enjoyed each one immensely.
This book is a masterful blending of history, specifically the history of the 1960s - the decade that defined my life from age 6 to 16 - with a biography of Dick Goodwin (about whom I had no knowledge till reading this book) and a story of a couple well suited to one another. With her usual skill at story telling Doris Kearns Goodwin brought not only the 60s back to life but provided multitudes of back stories that illuminated the past.
I found myself feeling respect and compassion for LBJ, seeing Jackie Kennedy emerge as more than the widow of JFK, (re)appreciating Eugene McCarthy's attempt to become the Democratic nominee for President, and marveling at Bobby Kennedy's passion for and engagement with those who most needed assistance. Doris Kearns Goodwin makes us feel like we are in the room with her and Dick, her husband, as they rehashed and delved deeper into the history of the 60s that especially Dick had a role in shaping. As noted earlier, Dick Goodwin was unknown to me prior to reading this book, though I'm willing to bet my Dad would have heard of him, given my Dad's interest in politics.
Both Goodwins had an intense interest in history - Doris in writing about it and Dick in being part of it via the many speeches he wrote, polices he guided and programs he started. His brain was forever churning out ideas to improve the lot of citizens primarily in the United States but also in South America. From working with JFK through most of Lyndon Johnson's tenure Dick Goodwin was involved in the highs and the lows of the people and policies of the 1960s. Even more fascinating was that he stayed connected to his belief that life could be better for the vast majority of Americans, and he worked throughout his life to make an impact via articles and speeches, including Al Gore's concession speech to George W Bush in December 2000.
This is a beautifully written story of history and an illuminating look behind the scenes of major events from a particular era. I have now read 4 books by Doris Kearns Goodwin and have enjoyed each one immensely.