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True Compass: A Memoir

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 4,830 ratings · 660 reviews

In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Edward M. Kennedy tells his extraordinary personal story--of his legendary family, politics, and fifty years at the center of national events.

TRUE COMPASS

The youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, he came of age among siblings from whom much was expected. As a young...more In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Edward M. Kennedy tells his extraordinary personal story--of his legendary family, politics, and fifty years at the center of national events.

TRUE COMPASS

The youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, he came of age among siblings from whom much was expected. As a young man, he played a key role in the presidential campaign of his brother John F. Kennedy, recounted here in loving detail. In 1962 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he began a fascinating political education and became a legislator.

In this historic memoir,Ted Kennedy takes us inside his family, re-creating life with his parents and brothers and explaining their profound impact on him. or the first time, he describes his heartbreak and years of struggle in the wake of their deaths. Through it all, he describes his work in the Senate on the major issues of our time--civil rights, Vietnam, Watergate, the quest for peace in Northern Ireland--and the cause of his life: improved health care for all Americans, a fight influenced by his own experiences in hospitals.

His life has been marked by tragedy and perseverance, a love of family, and an abiding faith. There have been controversies, too, and Kennedy addresses them with unprecedented candor. At midlife, embattled and uncertain if he would ever fall in love again, he met the woman who changed his life, Victoria Reggie Kennedy. Facing a tough reelection campaign against an aggressive challenger named Mitt Romney, Kennedy found a new voice and began one of the great third acts in American politics, sponsoring major legislation, standing up for liberal principles, and making the pivotal endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

Hundreds of books have been written about the Kennedys. TRUE COMPASS will endure as the definitive account from a member of America's most heralded family, an inspiring legacy to readers and to history, and a deeply moving story of a life like no other.(less)

Hardcover, 532 pages

Published September 14th 2009 by Twelve (first published January 1st 2009)

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Oct 19, 2009 Jeanette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir, nonfiction, politricks, four-star-nonfiction

I really enjoyed the first 300-or-so pages of this book and sailed through that portion very quickly. After that it gets bogged down in the way of every politician autobio I've ever read. Too much detail about campaigns and the nuts and bolts of bureaucracy. I scanned much of this stuff, but I didn't want to pass over it too quickly because there's some juicy info in among the boring bits. His chapters on the various presidential administrations were eye-opening for sure.

The story of his life b...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Kiessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir

It is hard for me to put my finger on why I feel the way I do about this book....

I must say that I am fascinated with the Kennedy family - their privilege yet tragedy, their ideals yet human failings, their wealth yet tireless work for their country, their large yet mortal family...

After recently reading Bobby Kennedy's biography, a book that left me feeling like I knew the man himself, I started this book with the same expectations. And, for the first quarter of the book I detested Ted Kennedy...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Andy Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ted Kennedy wrote this after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, in fact the first chapter describes the day of his seizure and the events after that.

I am an admirer of Ted Kennedy, despite his personal flaws, some of which he acknowledges in his book. You can tell that Ted Kennedy truly likes people which sets him apart from many liberals(and I consider myself a liberal) who can be condescending and patronizing to people. And Kennedy had a reputation for liking and working with people he did...more

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Jan 26, 2010 Jake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: politics, biography, non-fiction

It was, I believe, the summer of 1992. I was standing outside the stage door of the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington D.C. waiting for actors from the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera to come out after the show. The stage door opened and a gray-haired man with a preoccupied expression emerged. He wasn't a cast member. He was Senator Edward Kennedy, only 15 or so feet from me. I just gazed as American royalty strolled out the back door of an immense building named after his brothe...more It was, I believe, the summer of 1992. I was standing outside the stage door of the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington D.C. waiting for actors from the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera to come out after the show. The stage door opened and a gray-haired man with a preoccupied expression emerged. He wasn't a cast member. He was Senator Edward Kennedy, only 15 or so feet from me. I just gazed as American royalty strolled out the back door of an immense building named after his brother.

Yet another in a growing shelf of books I heard about on NPR, True Compass interested me because of the symbolic role Ted Kennedy came to play in the ongoing healthcare debate. Until this book I'd never read, nor had any special interest, in the Kennedys. Finally, with midterm elections approaching, I thought it would be good to read a book with insights into being a member of Congress.

True Compass is first and foremost a nostalgic work. It starts with a discussion of Mr. Kennedy's diagnosis with terminal cancer. From there, the reader heads back to the privileged existence of a young boy from a powerful family in Massachusetts. As he proceeds into recounting a controversial career as Senator, Ted Kennedy remains personal and frank.

I found Mr. Kennedy's self-portrait compelling, especially in its honest portrayal of a man trying to get out from behind the shadows of his iconic brothers--brothers he admired greatly. I know Ted Kennedy is a man as easily vilified as lionized. Yet, I came away from this book with a better impression of him, feeling he generally made good on the incredible privilege and power life threw in his lap.

Kudos to award-winning author Ron Powers, and the publishers at Twelve. This memoir is masterfully constructed, relating Mr. Kennedy's life like an Oscar-winning biopic script would. Whether Mr. Kennedy is worthy of such a treatment is worth debate among experts, and I am not one. However, I appreciated the chance to spend a couple of weeks getting to know the man from his own memory.(less)

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Mar 10, 2012 Kara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, biographies, heartwarming

I felt Ted Kennedy's biography was quite insightful. Hearing the events of history from his viewpoint was something I feel the Kennedy literature was always missing. Third-person recounts of Kennedy tragedies and triumphs lacked any personal touch the way that Ted's memoir was obviously able to seamlessly include. As the youngest, of a powerful, Democratic driven, Irish Catholic family, Ted had big boots to fill as a child. He speaks of Joe Jr., Jack, and Bobby not only as the tragic heroes Amer...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Austin James rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: politics, memoir

Ted Kennedy is a controversial guy in some circles. I grew up hearing all about the affairs, scandals, and conspiracy theories concerning the Kennedy family. As an adult, I try my best to disregard all of that nonsense. I'm sure some of it is true. I'm also sure much, if not the vast majority of it, is false. There is one thing I'm absolute certain of though - their personal lives are of no concern to me. I don’t read political books for the smut or gossip.

I guess what I look for is their take o...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Gary Schantz rated it 3 of 5 stars

There were a few reasons I chose to read this book. The biggest reason was because I like to read presidential memoirs and this was going to be the closest thing I would get to John Kennedy's memoirs. The other reason was because the Kennedy story has been told in thousands of books and movies to the point where who knows what's true and what isn't true. In both cases, I was disappointed as there is nothing here other than a NON-farewell memoir despite the fact that Edward Kennedy knew he was dy...more There were a few reasons I chose to read this book. The biggest reason was because I like to read presidential memoirs and this was going to be the closest thing I would get to John Kennedy's memoirs. The other reason was because the Kennedy story has been told in thousands of books and movies to the point where who knows what's true and what isn't true. In both cases, I was disappointed as there is nothing here other than a NON-farewell memoir despite the fact that Edward Kennedy knew he was dying from brain cancer.

After all, the Kennedy family's entire life was novel-like in that it had depictions of major heroics combined with major tragedies all because of the political aspirations that Joseph Kennedy Sr. wanted for his family. Senator Kennedy does not attempt to dispel any of these myths that his family was American royalty).

Unfortunately, this book does not spend too much time on the major tragedies in regards to the assassinations of John Kennedy or Robert Kennedy (I refuse to use the fairy-tale names of Jack and Bobby as this was also part of the American royalty myth).

It wasn't as if I expected this book to reveal that there was a conspiracy in the murders of the President Kennedy or Senator Kennedy but I did get the feeling that the subject was avoided because "I grew up in a family of people who didnt want to hear you complain and, quite frankly, I don't have a lot of respect for people who whine or go around feeling sorry for themselves". This quote basically sums up the Joseph Kennedy Sr. Type-A attitude of we all have tragedy in life and we all need to get over it.

However, I will give Edward Kennedy credit for admitting that this attitude was also an attiude of much earlier generation who didn't go to grief counseling or seek emotional help but rather kept moving to avoid their feelings. There is even a chapter titled "No Crying In This House".

The book speaks for itself in that it never addresses anything emotionally. Every subject is quite matter of fact. No hard feelings. No heartaches. No nothing. This is about as dysfunctional as you can get.(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Abbe added it

Shelves: in-library

SUMMARY: In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Edward M. Kennedy tells his extraordinary personal story--of his legendary family, politics, and fifty years at the center of national events.TRUE COMPASSThe youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, he came of age among siblings from whom much was expected. As a young man, he played a key role in the presidential campaign of his brother John F. Kennedy, recounted here in loving deta...more SUMMARY: In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Edward M. Kennedy tells his extraordinary personal story--of his legendary family, politics, and fifty years at the center of national events.TRUE COMPASSThe youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, he came of age among siblings from whom much was expected. As a young man, he played a key role in the presidential campaign of his brother John F. Kennedy, recounted here in loving detail. In 1962 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he began a fascinating political education and became a legislator.In this historic memoir, Ted Kennedy takes us inside his family, re-creating life with his parents and brothers and explaining their profound impact on him. For the first time, he describes his heartbreak and years of struggle in the wake of their deaths. Through it all, he describes his work in the Senate on the major issues of our time--civil rights, Vietnam, Watergate, the quest for peace in Northern Ireland--and the cause of his life: improved health care for all Americans, a fight influenced by his own experiences in hospitals.His life has been marked by tragedy and perseverance, a love of family, and an abiding faith. There have been controversies, too, and Kennedy addresses them with unprecedented candor. At midlife, embattled and uncertain if he would ever fall in love again, he met the woman who changed his life, Victoria Reggie Kennedy. Facing a tough reelection campaign against an aggressive challenger named Mitt Romney, Kennedy found a new voice and began one of the great third acts in American politics, sponsoring major legislation, standing up for liberal principles, and making the pivotal endorsement of Barack Obama for president.Hundreds of books have been written about the Kennedys. TRUE COMPASS will endure as the definitive account from a member of America's most heralded family, an inspiring legacy to readers and to history, and a deeply moving story of a life like no other.(less)

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Jun 08, 2012 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

The memoir held my attention more than I thought it would. Providing both personal and historical background to many events I've lived through, he brought those events to life. At first it was off-putting to read so much of the life of the rich: how many times can I read about sailing, about yachts, about flying to Paris to celebrate a birthday, about summer homes - too many to count. However, it did provide perspective and balance to learn why the Kennedys fought so hard against social injustic...more

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May 08, 2012 Carl Brush rated it 3 of 5 stars

True Compass is labeled a “memoir.” I always thought a memoir had a limited scope of time and events, such as Pamuk’s Istanbul, which focuses on his growing up years. True Compass is really an autobiography. A rather eerie experience reading this, knowing it was written with a true, not a figurative, deadline. The acknowledgements state that it was begun in 2004, but I’m sure it was not then slated for a 2009 finish. Certainly the author (Kennedy gives credit in the acknowledgements section to...more True Compass is labeled a “memoir.” I always thought a memoir had a limited scope of time and events, such as Pamuk’s Istanbul, which focuses on his growing up years. True Compass is really an autobiography. A rather eerie experience reading this, knowing it was written with a true, not a figurative, deadline. The acknowledgements state that it was begun in 2004, but I’m sure it was not then slated for a 2009 finish. Certainly the author (Kennedy gives credit in the acknowledgements section to Ron Powers for much of the writing, but Powers is not listed as an author or “as told to”) he had no inkling of his own 2009 finish.
Since Kennedy and and brothers and family lived so much of their lives in public, and since they always seemed to be center stage in the pivotal moments of the last sixty years or so, reading this book seemed a little like reviewing current events. Camelot, the assassinations, The Civil Rights Act, The Great Society, Vietnam, Johnson, Chappaquiddick, Medicare, the Clinton impeachmentand on and on--Teddy and his parents and siblings and offspring and their offspring were right in the middle of all of it all the time.
Because he focuses so heavily on the public knowledge aspects of most of these events, I did not pick up a lot of behind-the-scenes knowledge or insight from True Compass. There were some. I hadn’t realized the degree of antipathy between him and Jimmy Carter. A true clash of Catholic wealth and protestant plainness. I also didn’t realize how he’d been bounced around from school to school during his childhood. He ended up distinguishing himself at Harvard, but I doubt he would have gotten in in the first place without the push of privilege. At any rate, however he got there, he got himself elected to the Senate at the earliest possible age (thirty) and built a career of achievement that few can match. He had his flaws, like all of us. The the always open wound that stemmed from the overpartying flaw, is Chappaquiddick. He makes no excuses for himself on that one, and he acknowledges that atonement is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. But Mary Jo is still dead, and it was his fault.
I miss him, and I wonder if the health care legislation would be such a mess if he were still around. No way of knowing, is there?
True Compass is a breezy read, not overly self-serving, not too full of polemic (though a conservative might be of a different opinion), and a good compendium of the events of our recent history and of a life that is too big to fit in one book. I’m sure there will be many others.(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Jim rated it 1 of 5 stars

I know that I'm not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but words cannot adequately describe how much this book irritated me. I'm an avowed liberal who works in the US for 6 months a year, so the autobiography of the last significantly political Kennedy should interest me. That's why I bought it after all. It didn't.

As soon as I sat down, it became apparent that this book isn't anything more than a puff piece where Kennedy spends 532 pages skimming through his life, putting the most positive spin...more I know that I'm not supposed to speak ill of the dead, but words cannot adequately describe how much this book irritated me. I'm an avowed liberal who works in the US for 6 months a year, so the autobiography of the last significantly political Kennedy should interest me. That's why I bought it after all. It didn't.

As soon as I sat down, it became apparent that this book isn't anything more than a puff piece where Kennedy spends 532 pages skimming through his life, putting the most positive spin on everything he had to address (the fact he drank like a fish and how that might have contributed to his nephew's rape arrest for example), and ignoring the rest (Chappaquiddick is dealt with extraordinarily briefly, despite the fact it's a term that symbolises his life now).

In America, Garrison Keillor signs off his "Lake Wobegon" monologues with the description of the town as a place where "the women are strong, the men are good looking, and the children are above average." That statement could be used to sum up this entire book. There is no self-awareness, let alone self-analysis here. He genuinely seems to believe that most people should see him as he sees himself, as some bastion of the common man who should be seen through that light only.

For those of you who have issues with him, he makes no excuses. He makes no attempt to excuse any of his actions. He tells us repeatedly through the book that he is who he is, and won't demean himself by explaining areas of his life he chooses to ignore. If that's the case, why write the book?

It's also worth noting that the editor didn't manage the book well. Kennedy half tells a number of stories that eventually gets told, and semi-repeated (often within a few pages) throughout the book. In addition, there's no linear narative. He hops about his life like a magpie, and that seriously affects the flow of the book, and how it reads. For someone who was such a good orator, I'm surprised how poorly structured this book is.

In short, don't buy this book. The Edward Klein book about Kennedy is much better, because it approached him in a more neutral way.(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Donald Crane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book kept my interest throughout, though I'm always skeptical of autobiographical pieces because I'm never quite sure whether the author - either consciously or unconsciously - is presenting history as he or she would like it to have been, rather than as it was.

One example: the Kennedy patriarch, Joseph Kennedy, famously subjected his retarded daughter, Rosemary, to a frontal lobotomy. Author Kennedy relates this as his father seeking an operation that purportedly would cure his daughter, a...more

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Jul 27, 2011 Louise added it · review of another edition

An overly sentimental journey for the most part. To believe the late senator, he was the only one in his family who ever did anything wrong. Who ever even had a less than impure thought. A little fairy-tale-like on that respect. His father was perfect, his mother was perfect, his brothers were perfect, his sisters were perfect. He was the bad one.

The stories of his brothers Joe Jr, Jack and Bobby are lovely, if a little bit heavy on hero worship. His own family gets pretty short shrift until ne...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Nikitabanana rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’m in a hardcore memoir phase right now. I don’t really know what draws me into these stories, but it’s probably because I’m obsessed with interesting people and desperately want to be one. It’s probably very sad that I just live vicariously through stories about other people, but don’t judge me.
The thing is, a lot of memoirs suck. The subjects might be interesting people, but not interesting enough to devote 300 pages to. At the moment it seems like a requirement for every Hollywood star or r...more I’m in a hardcore memoir phase right now. I don’t really know what draws me into these stories, but it’s probably because I’m obsessed with interesting people and desperately want to be one. It’s probably very sad that I just live vicariously through stories about other people, but don’t judge me.
The thing is, a lot of memoirs suck. The subjects might be interesting people, but not interesting enough to devote 300 pages to. At the moment it seems like a requirement for every Hollywood star or rookie Senator to write an unnecessary autobiography, with the help of the friendly neighborly ghostwriter. But Ted Kennedy’s memoir “True Compass” is a fascinating read, offering a glimpse into the lives of one of America’s most famous families and the turbulent life of my senator. The youngest and most underrated son of an American dynasty, Ted Kennedy persevered through scandal and death to find real purpose carrying out the course his brothers had set.
The memoir starts with Kennedy collapsing and soon later learning about the malignant brain tumor that would kill him shortly before the book was published. From there the book jumps back to his childhood in Cape Cod. This is my favorite part of the book. If you’re unwilling to read all 540 pages of the book, you should at least read the beginning to see American royalty through the eyes of a man who just thought of them as family. He talked about Robert Kennedy’s self-deprecating sense of humor and Jack’s wonderful singing voice. He used to sing while his mother played the piano. He also writes about the deep love the whole family had for his mentally disabled sister Rosemary. My favorite story in the whole book is about Jack Kennedy. Right after he was inaugurated as President of the United States, he spent the weekend with his family at their house in Cape Cod. He overslept, missed Church, and then climbed out of his window in his boxer shorts and hid at a neighbor’s house so his father wouldn’t yell at him. Even though he never thought about his family’s wealth or political power, he has astonishing stories from his childhood of Churchill staying at his house or receiving his First Communion from the newly appointed Pope. He talked about being in a “constant state of catching up” to his brothers whom he hero-worshipped: Joe who died in the war, Jack and Bobby.
After reading about his childhood and his rambunctious young adulthood (including riding a bronco to help his brother Jack win votes) it was a little devastating to have to read on to the heartbreak I knew was coming. He writes about the death of JFK and how he had the burden of telling his father “”By the time we arrived, the anticipation of what lay ahead had burned through any numbness and replaced it with dread. I fought it by launching myself out of the plane, through the front doorway, and up the stairs to Dad’s bedroom. His eyes were closed. I would let him have this last peaceful sleep. The television set near his bed caught my eye. I lunged at the connecting wires and ripped them from the wall.” As soon as they regained their footing, Bobby died and Ted never recovered. But like a true Irish Catholic, he kept his feelings to himself and his head down and soldiered on through.
Kennedy touches on the infamous moments of his life, most notably the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. He doesn’t say much, only “that night on Chappaquiddick Island ended in a horrible tragedy that haunts me every day of my life. I had suffered sudden and violent loss far too many times, but this night was different. This night I was responsible. It was an accident, but I was responsible.” It was disappointing that he didn’t go into more detail about his struggles with alcoholism and Kopechne’s death but he focused instead about how his struggles changed him for the better.
The thing I took away from the book was love: Love of family, love of country, love of God, love of the ocean, love of life. He was a man who was full of life, who loved to sail, loved to root for the Red Sox and loved for the entire Kennedy clan. That love can sometimes be heartbreaking. He talks about playing football with his son after he was diagnosed with cancer and the doctors said they would have to amputate his leg. As his son was running around, it hits Kennedy that he would probably never play football with his son again. The love he feels for his son radiates from the page. “True Compass” is a fascinating read, full of fascinating anecdotes, history, and what the Lion of the Senate called how helping other people was his “road of salvation.” (less)

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Jul 04, 2010 Brent rated it 3 of 5 stars

There is certainly much that could be said about this book, due to its length, the long period of history covered, and the controversy surrounding the author.

In addition to his own personal life story, Senator Kennedy offers his own unique perspective on the tragedies suffered by his family. Controversies are white washed where possible and mei cuplas are offered for his "personal failings" where white washing is not possible. He settles some personal scores with politicians both sides of the a...more There is certainly much that could be said about this book, due to its length, the long period of history covered, and the controversy surrounding the author.

In addition to his own personal life story, Senator Kennedy offers his own unique perspective on the tragedies suffered by his family. Controversies are white washed where possible and mei cuplas are offered for his "personal failings" where white washing is not possible. He settles some personal scores with politicians both sides of the aisle, and discusses at length his own progressive theories for "reform" of our socioeconomic institutions. And he speaks of his love for his family and his Catholic faith.

However what struck me most was the entirely different world in which the late Senator lived. There is, of course, the fact that he was the product of a wealth and political connections. He speaks casually of his multimillion dollar properties, his sailing boats, Irish bread horses and global vacations. It is astounding to me that he could view himself as an advocate of the common man, as nothing in his life was common.

Beyond this, however, Senator Kennedy seems to show absolutely no understanding of the harm done by the repercussions of his policies. The Senator believed that "working hard" meant pushing a bill into law. And if that bill had a pleasant sounding name, it must be positive. Take as an example his championing of raising national minimum wage. He pats himself on the back for this "accomplishment" but seems completely oblivious to the lost jobs, rise in prices for goods mostly purchased by those with lower incomes, lost opportunity for unskilled workers to receive on the job training to become skilled workers, and the distortions introduced by the economy by reducing the ability of people to trade in freedom.

I wouldn't mind so much if there were any indication that Senator Kennedy understood these issues but felt that the good in his policies outweighed the bad. However the Senator does not provide any evidence of thinking beyond stage one (to use the phase from Thomas Sowell). There is an arrogance to the man, which is common in progressives and neoconservatives, that they are smart enough to inject themselves into incredibly complex systems and tinker with them in away that only produces the good results consonant with their good intentions. When the unpleasant unintended consequences of their actions manifest themselves the solution is to tinker more and make the situation even worse.

It would come as a great surprise to Senator Kennedy to learn that he, and those like him, are the cause of many of the social problems that so distressed him.

In the end this is an interesting, if limited and frustrating, account of the past half century from the vantage point of a man in extraordinary an situation. I do wish the Senator well and pray he rests in peace.
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Jun 15, 2010 David Kubicek rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults

This is an extraordinary memoir. It held my interest and was a quick read, which is good for a 500+ page book. There are several reasons why this autobiography is so intriguiing:

* It gives a well-rounded look at Ted Kennedy's life: his family, his schooling, his years campaigning for his brothers, and his own political service.
* Kennedy writes candidly about the low-points in his life: his brothers's assassinations, Mary Jo Kopechne, and his divorce.
* He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the...more This is an extraordinary memoir. It held my interest and was a quick read, which is good for a 500+ page book. There are several reasons why this autobiography is so intriguiing:

* It gives a well-rounded look at Ted Kennedy's life: his family, his schooling, his years campaigning for his brothers, and his own political service.
* Kennedy writes candidly about the low-points in his life: his brothers's assassinations, Mary Jo Kopechne, and his divorce.
* He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Presidents with whom he served, portraits that often differed greatly from their public personas.

This is not a kiss-and-tell autobiography, but Kennedy is candid about his experiences and what he learned from his mistakes.

True Compass is a must-read for anyone who has, or is planning to have, children. The first part is largely concerned with how the Kennedy children were raised. I've seen many times in the media that Joe Kennedy groomed his sons to go into politics. Ted debunks that notion. His parents, he said, emphasized public service but did not dictate to their children how to accomplish that public service. In fact, Joe was surprised when Jack announced that he planned to run for Congress.

The book is full of anectdotes. For example, to illustrate the respect for Joe by his adult children, Ted told of Jack's visit home while he was president. Jack decided to sleep in on Sunday morning but awoke suddenly when he heard his father's footsteps coming up the stairs. Knowing that he would be questioned about why he wasn't in church, he dressed hurriedly, slipped out the back way, and climbed over the fence into the neighbors's yard. Ted didn't mention if Secret Service agents were right behind him or if he ditched them, too.

True Compass gives us a good look how things get done in government and how politics has changed over the years. Kennedy tells about good and bad experiences he has had working with both Domocrats and Republicans, and he doesn't use his book as a platform to lash out at people he doesn't like.

This is a nonpartison book. It tells the story of an American dynasty and its last patriarch. It is a memoir that should be read, and can be enjoyed, by Democrats and Republicans. (less)

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Jun 05, 2010 Jo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-memoir

In "True Compass" Teddy Kennedy gives us a well-rounded picture of his life that explains not just what he accomplished, where he failed, and how he endured, but how he felt about it all along the way.

The book made me admire him even more. Perhaps as much for what he didn't say as what he did. Even though I was born in 1960 and at least aware of most of the family history, it never struck me before how much utter tragedy his family has had to deal with. I was also surprised by the depth of his...more In "True Compass" Teddy Kennedy gives us a well-rounded picture of his life that explains not just what he accomplished, where he failed, and how he endured, but how he felt about it all along the way.

The book made me admire him even more. Perhaps as much for what he didn't say as what he did. Even though I was born in 1960 and at least aware of most of the family history, it never struck me before how much utter tragedy his family has had to deal with. I was also surprised by the depth of his faith throughout his life, and his absolute passion for service to his constituents. The book opens with the only section on the cancer that took his life, from diagnosis through treatment, and his inspirational attitude toward dealing with it.

The book starts off with a section that is an inside glimpse of "growing up Kennedy" but Teddy was 15 years younger than Jack and so there is an entirely different perspective. He is a gentleman and does not unnecessarily besmirch anyone's character in talking of his personal life or of the behind the scenes workings of the senate. Kennedy explains that the best way to handle rumor, innuendo and scandal is to refuse to comment. This may aggravate some, but I find it admirable and wish more people would follow that practice. Even so, though he provides few details, his contrition over the events at Chappaquiddick, and other personal failures, come through.

It was interesting to read about the behind the scenes workings of the Senate from his perspective. It was fascinating to learn that the roots of his career long interest in reforming health care in this country stem from spending months in the hospital recovering from a plane crash and watching over the care of his son when he had cancer -- and listening to the stories and worries of other people in the hospital wondering how to pay for a loved one's necessary care. Kennedy has largely positive things to say about every President he worked with but even the negative points were made more in honest assessment than anger or derision.

I listened to the book and so have not seen the photos in the print version, but based on others comments about them, I want to go get it from the library just to look at the pictures.

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Mar 04, 2010 Jim Leffert rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ted Kennedy grew up the baby of his family, looking up to his energetic and accomplished older brothers. Now, more than four decades after John and Bobby were killed, and at the end of his own life, Ted recounts the story of how he grew up to be the person that he became, a leader and champion in his own right.

It’s a warm and bighearted book and filled with inside stories behind the headlines and the legends. It’s not an unbiased historical biography (although it relies upon historical records,...more Ted Kennedy grew up the baby of his family, looking up to his energetic and accomplished older brothers. Now, more than four decades after John and Bobby were killed, and at the end of his own life, Ted recounts the story of how he grew up to be the person that he became, a leader and champion in his own right.

It’s a warm and bighearted book and filled with inside stories behind the headlines and the legends. It’s not an unbiased historical biography (although it relies upon historical records, journals that the senator kept, and previously written books) but rather, Ted Kennedy’s story as he sees it. For example, he admired and loved his father greatly and uncritically recalls his father’s advocacy of the policy of appeasement of the Nazis; he admired and loved his brother Jack greatly and dismisses stories about his brother’s compulsive sexual behavior as baseless nonsense. He loved his brother Bobby, and mentions in a matter-of-fact way his early work assisting Senator Joseph McCarthy. Nonetheless, there is much in the book that seems to be revealing of Ted Kennedy’s personality and that explains how his life and passions developed, including his thoughts about how the youngest child of an incredibly wealthy family became a tireless advocate for ordinary folk and those who are disadvantaged.

Kennedy explains how family members influenced him, including his father and, especially, his grandfather, “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, legendary Boston politician, with whom young Ted was close. Kennedy does not gloss over Chappaquiddick; he presents his explanation of what happened and how it happened and although it is presented in a way that attempts to minimize the unsavory aspects of it, he comes across as attempting to come to terms with his responsibility for this tragedy. Kennedy mentions his excessive alcohol use for a long period while he was serving in the Senate, asserting that it never interfered with his work and explaining that it had to do with medicating himself for dealing with the residue of tragedies that he has experienced.

Kennedy is legendary for his ability to forge personal connections with colleagues on both sides of the aisle; he has kind words to say about many of the people that he encountered, including some political opponents. He recalls that he and his older brothers even hit it off with Richard Nixon when Nixon served in Congress, and he lauds George W. Bush for his grasp of education issues (but not for the Iraq invasion!). For this reason, it is intriguing that he is unsparing in lavishing scorn on one political figure—Jimmy Carter--whom he opposed for re-election in the presidential primaries in 1980. In addition to explaining why he came to dislike Carter so vehemently, Kennedy offers revealing anecdotes about Clinton, under the pressure of the impeachment trial, Reagan’s lack of engagement, at times, with policy issues, and his courtship of Victoria Reggie.

Those of us who found Ted Kennedy’s legacy to be meaningful and who miss his presence in today’s political firestorms will find this memoir to be an “up close and personal” encounter that brings this larger-than-life person, whom we all think we know, into sharper focus.
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Feb 24, 2010 Chanell rated it 3 of 5 stars

true compass was an inspiring read. as someone who grew up in the eighties, i didn't realize the span of ted kennedy's career nor the significance of his work in the senate. seeing bobby and pres. kennedy from his eyes shifted my view of them - i found myself drawn (strongly!) to bobby's forwardness to combat injustice. and my respect only increased for pres. kennedy.

but most of my inspiration is reserved for ted kennedy - his work in the senate, such a behind-the-scene career in some ways, is...more

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Feb 20, 2010 Kathleen Hagen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-audio-books, 2010-nonfiction

True Compass, by Edward M. Kennedy, narrated by John Bedford Lloyd, produced by Hachette Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

It was a sad day and the end of an era for some of us when Ted Kennedy passed away. He managed to write this autobiography of himself and the Kennedy family and the inside story of his senate battles, and the inside stories of Jack and Bobby’s senate battles, as well as Jack’s presidential nomination andpresidency. He talks about how the Kennedy family was hit time and agai...more

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Jan 04, 2010 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

About 35 years ago I read a biography of Ted Kennedy (I don't remember who wrote it) and came away feeling that any of us could have accomplished what he did if we'd had his advantages. After reading True Compass I feel totally differently. Of course, he'd had those 35 years to accomplish all he did in the Senate and well as run for President briefly. However, his version of his childhood, being shuttled back and forth to Florida from New England to stay with his mother, consequently having to c...more

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Dec 31, 2009 David rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ted Kennedy wrote this memoir during the final months of his life, knowing he was dying of cancer. At times the book seems sincere and personal, but at times it seemed to be a heavily-edited compilation from other historic sources by a not-so-subtle co-author - hence less a convincing memoir than a political biography.

I did enjoy the personal glimpses particularly of the early years: what it meant to grow up a Kennedy in Hyannis Port, the legacy of powerful parents and the charismatic older brot...more

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Nov 11, 2009 Tamie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was surprised how different the Ted Kennedy in this book was to my image of him. When he described his childhood, he reflected a real innocence. It reminded me that he was truly the youngest child with his parents and siblings nurturing him. Not only was he able to have a long childhood but he was seeing the world through the eyes of a family that was very famous.

Between his family's nurturing and the suffering he felt about the losses he experienced, he became a really compassionate person.

H...more

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Oct 21, 2009 Siobhan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, memoir-biography

From the moment this book was published, it was inevitable that I would buy it. Eventually, armed with a 30% off coupon from Borders, I did just that. And I'm glad I did.

Anyone interested in the political process would probably enjoy this book, because there is plenty of that included. But Kennedy's poignant reminiscences of his family are both touching and revealing, and make up one of the best parts of this book.

The best part, though, the thing that sets this book apart from other memoirs, i...more From the moment this book was published, it was inevitable that I would buy it. Eventually, armed with a 30% off coupon from Borders, I did just that. And I'm glad I did.

Anyone interested in the political process would probably enjoy this book, because there is plenty of that included. But Kennedy's poignant reminiscences of his family are both touching and revealing, and make up one of the best parts of this book.

The best part, though, the thing that sets this book apart from other memoirs, is Kennedy's reflections on his faith. The true compass of the title isn't liberal politics or wealth or family connections, although all of these abound in this book. Kennedy was guided throughout his life by his faith.

That is not to say that he was without his flaws, as he had them aplenty. He deals with them in a straightforward manner here, without descending into a gushing confessional.

I think the thing I admire most about Kennedy, though, is something he shared with many members of his family. When Kennedy's son was battling cancer at the age of 12, Kennedy took him to Boston every three weeks for treatment. There, while his son was undergoing treatment or sleeping, the father prowled the corridors, getting to know other parents in the same situation and listening to the fears they expressed--of how they were going to pay for the expensive care that was keeping their kids alive. Kennedy took that experience and made the fight for adequate health care in this country the cause of his life. It's tragic that he didn't live to see it, but even more tragic for the country that we don't have it.

This is a trait that many people have--the abilitly to take a personal sorror or tragedy and use it as a force for good for others. The Kennedys certainly aren't the first to do so, and I hope they won't be the last. But compare Kennedy's reaction to his son's illnesses to the recent comment by a male Senator, during a debate on health care, that maternity care really isn't necessary. I guess he forget that he had been born.

The ability to understand the pain of others, and to take action on their behalf, is part of what made Kennedy a great man.

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Oct 17, 2009 Steven Peterson rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book ends up being a personal reflection of Ted Kennedy's life near its end. Indeed, Kennedy says (Page 13): ". . .I think of them often: my parents and my brothers and sisters all departed now save for Jean and myself. . .My story is their story, and theirs mine, and so it shall be in these pages." Thus, more personal reflections than discussion of issues and people in historical context. It is unfair for me to ask that he write a book that I would have wanted him to write, but. . . .

The b...more This book ends up being a personal reflection of Ted Kennedy's life near its end. Indeed, Kennedy says (Page 13): ". . .I think of them often: my parents and my brothers and sisters all departed now save for Jean and myself. . .My story is their story, and theirs mine, and so it shall be in these pages." Thus, more personal reflections than discussion of issues and people in historical context. It is unfair for me to ask that he write a book that I would have wanted him to write, but. . . .

The book is filled with discussion of Kennedy and his family, from his early youth onwards. Much of such discussion, of course, is poignant, given the losses of brothers in war and to assassination. The part of the book where he discussed family and friends has a nice tonality to it, as we come to learn about the inner aspects of the Kennedy family (from his parents and brothers, to nieces and nephews, to. . .). His discussion of the brain tumor, how to attack it, and how to persevere in the face of its almost inevitable conquest of him is powerful.

On the other hand, the discussion of historical events has a superficial quality to it. Brief discussion and then moving on to the next highlight. For instance, "No Child Left Behind." He worked with others, Republicans and Democrats to help this law, championed by President George W. Bush, become enacted. However, I would have found it very important for him to discuss more of the interactions among the variety of players, how they hammered the legislation out, and what they did to pass it. Such coverage was rather superficial.

And, of course, some of the tough moments in his life, such as the death of Mary Jo Kopechne at Chappaquiddick. If my memory is accurate, his version in this book is pretty much what he said at the time of this incident. People who have doubts about this episode will not have their minds changed; those willing to accept his version of events will accept the description.

So, as a personal reflection, this works fairly well. However, the opportunity for us to learn from the author about events leading to important public actions such as legislation tends to be rather superficial. This was not his intent, of course, but I regret that we will almost surely never have his perspective on such events appear.

For what this book intends, it does pretty well. But it could have been much more. . . .
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Oct 17, 2009 Irving Koppel rated it 4 of 5 stars

As with most people, Ted Kennedy was multifaceted. His Catholic
faith was very important to him. It drove him to test various issues
by their morality. For example, he considered that health care was
to be judged as a moral issue,that is, denial of health care to anyone
was immoral.

He was a very physical person as shown by his love of sailing and
his playing football at Harvard. He had a deep love for all members of
his family. As the youngest, he always felt the pressure to excel,even
when he c...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you are a Democrat and / or a Kennedy fan, you will love this book.
An autobiography is a person telling their story, their perspective. This book is masterful in the telling. Ted Kennedy has been judged and rejudged – this book allowed the reader to see the story from his vantage point. Everyone knows the basic facts … lost three brothers and a sister tragically – had a car accident that killed a woman – lifelong advocate for health care. But he weaves these critical events into his life and...more

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Jul 24, 2011 Ronald Wise rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The sad passing of this man and almost immediate publication of his memoir could not have been more dramatically timed. He played a key role in the election of a president he felt would carry on his dream, and I hope he died feeling that the passion of his Senate career - health care reform - was to soon produce concrete results.

In the introduction he addresses his cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and at the end sums up as though death is close. In between he recounts in a conversational manner h...more

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Jan 04, 2010 Maggie Campbell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: psychology-peace-psych-politics

"I am a realist, and I have heard bad news in my life. I don't expect or need to be treated with kid gloves. But I do believe in hope. And I believe that approaching adversity with a positive attitude at least gives you a chance for success. Approaching it with a defeatist attitude predestines the outcome: defeat."

"And so with Barack Obama- for you and for me, for our country and for our cause- the work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on."

"...I hope when you grow up you wi...more

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Oct 15, 2009 Vivian Valvano rated it 3 of 5 stars

The strongest parts of Ted Kennedy's memoir are his expressions of love and gratitude toward his wife, Vicki, his expressions of deep love and concern for his children, and his awareness of his development over the years into a good, hard-working, justice seeking legislator. That said, he was not an extraordinary writer, but perhaps he should be commended for not having ghost writers make it appear as if he was. My main problem with his memoir is this: while he includes information about the obv...more

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About Edward M. Kennedy

Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy was a United States Senator from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic Party. In office since November 1962, Kennedy served nine terms in the Senate. At the time of his death, he was the second most senior member of the Senate, after Robert Byrd of West Virginia, and the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. He was best known as one of the most outspoken...more

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Books by Edward M. Kennedy

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In Critical Condition: The Crises in America's Health Care

Tenere La Rotta: Una Famiglia Leggendaria, Una Vita Al Centro Della Storia Americana

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Quotes from True Compass: A Memoir

“This is the greatest lesson a child can learn. It is the greatest lesson anyone can learn. It has been the greatest lesson I have learned: if you persevere, stick w/it, work @ it, you have a real opportunity to achieve something. Sure, there will be storms along the way. And you might not reach your goal right away. But if you do your best and keep a true compass, you'll get there.” — 10 people liked it

“I have fallen short in my life, but my faith has always brought me home.” — 8 people liked it

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