If You Like the Kennedys

 

It's no secret that I love the Kennedy family. It has been a few years since I've updated my list with some new recommendations and of course, some new books to add to the overflowing TBR list. 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.  

 

Non-Fiction Books About the Kennedys:

 

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.

 

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. 

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.

 

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: 

 

 

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.

 

 

Jackie & Me by Louis Bayard - It's a glimpse of Jack and Jackie's relationship as told through Lem Billings, Jack's best friend. 

 

 

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah - Not many novels focus on Jackie's time living abroad in Paris during college. This was a fascinating glimpse into that time and it really showed how this shaped her.

 

 

On the TBR List:

 

Jackie and Maria by Paul Gill

The First Kennedys by Neal Thompson

Rose Kennedy: The Life and Times of a Political Matriarch by Barbara A. Perry

These Few Precious Days by Christopher Andersen

After Camelot by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Jackie, Janet & Lee by J. Randy Taraborrelli

 

So, have you read any of these books? Do you have some recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments.