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True Compass: A Memoir

by Edward M. Kennedy, John Bedford Lloyd (Narrator)

3.91 · rating details · 2,620 ratings · 564 reviews

Edward M. Kennedy is widely regarded as one of the great Senators in the nation's history. He is also the patriarch of America's most heralded family. In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Kennedy speaks with unprecedented candor about his extraordinary life.

The youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, h...more

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Published September 14th 2009 by Hachette Audio

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Oct 19, 2009

Jeanette rated it

· review of another edition

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 sto...more

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Jan 26, 2010

Jake rated it

· review of another edition

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...moreIt 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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Sep 16, 2011

Donald Crane rated it

· 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...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

· review of another edition

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...moreI’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

· review of another edition

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 politic...moreThere 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

· review of another edition

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 b...moreThis 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

· review of another edition

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 surpris...moreIn "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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Apr 03, 2010

Andy rated it

· review of another edition

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 peo...more

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Mar 04, 2010

Jim Leffert rated it

· review of another edition

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 historic...moreTed 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

· review of another edition

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 so...more

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Feb 20, 2010

Kathleen Hagen added it

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...more

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Jan 04, 2010

Jane rated it

· review of another edition

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 t...more

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Dec 31, 2009

David rated it

· review of another edition

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 charismati...more

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Nov 11, 2009

Tamie rated it

· review of another edition

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 compassi...more

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Oct 21, 2009

Siobhan rated it

· review of another edition

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 apa...moreFrom 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

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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. ...moreThis 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

· review of another edition

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 t...more

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Jul 24, 2011

Ronald Wise rated it

· 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 conversationa...more

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Jan 04, 2010

Maggie Campbell rated it

· review of another edition

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."...more

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Oct 15, 2009

Vivian rated it

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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 ...more

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Dec 25, 2009

Sharon rated it

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The book was a fast read, if you have any fascination with the people to people dynamics that play into the making and passing of laws and bills by our elected representatives.

Kennedy's childhood memories are fascinating, describing a family who were born into wealth, but who were expected to produce and were taught that they had a responsibility to their country and to all its people.

Especially enlightening to me was his view of his brother John's successful handling ...more

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Feb 13, 2010

Mlg rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-book-club

Kennedy's memoir shows both his positive and negative attributes. As I read this, I kept thinking how typical he seemed as "the youngest" in birth order. He was never much of a student, was likable, fun-loving, knew how to broker a deal with his enemies, and never really had a negative thing to say about many others. He tells how he cheated on a Spanish exam and got kicked out of Harvard, got caught stealing a car, ran away from the accident at Chappaquiddick, and was with Wm. Ke...more

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Oct 23, 2009

Keonaona rated it

· review of another edition

These memoirs were based partly on an oral history Kennedy had been doing for a few years, and the way the text jumps from topic to topic reflects that--especially toward the end, when an entire presidential election season can be covered in a few paragraphs; you could miss it if you blink. But to be fair, it would have taken a few thousand pages to be truly comprehensive. It's impressive that he discusses those personal subjects he does touch on, including his brothers' assassinations and--of c...moreThese memoirs were based partly on an oral history Kennedy had been doing for a few years, and the way the text jumps from topic to topic reflects that--especially toward the end, when an entire presidential election season can be covered in a few paragraphs; you could miss it if you blink. But to be fair, it would have taken a few thousand pages to be truly comprehensive. It's impressive that he discusses those personal subjects he does touch on, including his brothers' assassinations and--of course--Chappaquiddick.

I enjoyed the glimpses into Kennedy family life, though while lifting the lid he maintains his family's privacy (it's clear that his mother was quite the character!); but I was most intrigued by the occasions when he discusses the workings of the Senate and of the government in general. His discussion of various presidents and his colleagues in both the House and the Senate made me wish that he had had more time for that comprehensive memoir. While overall the tone of the book is genial--which I guess is much the way he was in life--the section on Jimmy Carter stands out for its toughness. And the anecdote he tells about Ronald Reagan and shoes nicely sketches out how frustrating those years must have been.

Kennedy's faith and patriotism shine through. He loved the Senate; he had studied its history and its intricate structures and because of the length of his service was much its institutional memory; he legislated for the long run, understanding that legislative change can rarely happen all at once; he was proud to serve not just the Commonwealth of Massachusetts but the nation as a whole. In the end, you must give your respects regardless of whether you agreed with his politics.

Part of what's interesting is thinking about the publishing process itself: he was placed under contract for the book in the fall of 2007, about two months before he endorsed Obama and half a year before he suffered the seizures that revealed the cancer that killed him. The original intention had been to publish in 2010. What might this book have been had 2008 been a different kind of year?

It was a good read, even if--especially toward the end--it glosses a bit over events. I'm sorry anew that he's gone.(less)

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Aug 29, 2010

Kathy rated it

· review of another edition

Since I don't share his political views, I initially read this book simply due to an interest in the Kennedy family that was fostered in my childhood by my Catholic parents who voted for JFK. It was interesting to read Ted Kennedy's "behind the scenes" descriptions of what was going on during the various administrations that followed his brother Jack's presidency although I was disapppointed in the fact that he unfailingly excoriated Republicans and praised Democrats. I was left with...more

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May 26, 2010

Paul rated it

· review of another edition

For those interested in the life of this politician/icon/celebrity/patriot, this memoir is of interest. Kennedy reviews his life with a balance of political activities and "other" events and aspects of his life, a good mixture. The parts I found most interesting were the personal experiences, including Chappaquiddick. The great debates on Civil Rights, Medicare, No Child Left Behind: they are all here, as well as the campaigns for his brothers and his own. Kennedy's ability to make...more

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Jan 09, 2010

Andrew rated it

Shelves: read-nonfiction

It's a given that a politician's memoir will be self-serving, emphasizing whatever good he can claim credit for and omitting whatever might reflect poorly on him. But I was drawn to give 'True Compass' a try because Teddy Kennedy was really the only person left who could offer intimate insight into the formation of his family's political dynasty, which has had such a profound impact on our nation's history and culture in so many ways over the last 60 years. And the very nature and scope of his l...more

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Aug 02, 2010

Kathie rated it

· review of another edition

Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy used his journals, memos and briefs to write his memoir.

The youngest of the nine children of Joseph and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Ted writes that he looked at brothers Jack and Bobby as his heros. Their father was a strict disciplinarian who insisted the chidren not appear priveledged by having things, like cars, before their friends. He recounts several stories of his brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents. The large Kennedy family was oft...moreEdward M. "Ted" Kennedy used his journals, memos and briefs to write his memoir.

The youngest of the nine children of Joseph and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Ted writes that he looked at brothers Jack and Bobby as his heros. Their father was a strict disciplinarian who insisted the chidren not appear priveledged by having things, like cars, before their friends. He recounts several stories of his brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents. The large Kennedy family was often plagued by tragedy and illness but in his memoir Ted writes that the strength from his family and his faith were the most positive forces in his life and provided sources of optimism even as he endured dismissal from Harvard, a failed marriage, a failed bid for the presidency, Chappaquidick, two of his children undergoing treatment for cancer and the effects of his brain tumor which was discovered in 2008. He seemed unwilling to accept fate.

His memoir is not without humor. He tells the story of being asked to cut the ribbon on the reoppening of the Children's Zoo in London in 1938 where he had an episode with an arm-swallowing zebra. Another story of his mother traipsing after him at the gates of his Army base calling, "Teddy dear, you forgot your dancing shoes." Other stories involving his mother include his tennis racket, the gift of an expensive blue turtleneck sweater, and her letter to Khrushchev during the Cuban missile crisis. Even while campaigning he had some humourous situations involving bronco riding and ski jumping. His story of how he gained his appointments to his preferred committees as a new Senator is also very humorous.

He shows respect for members of both the Democrat and Republican parties but also honestly writes of those in both paties who he did not hold in such high esteem. He spent 50 years representing people who experienced their own hard times. He encourages others to serve, to stand up for what is just and fair and lead constructive lives. No matter what your politics, True Compass: A Memoir, is an interesting read. Readers will come away with a sense of history and can learn from his positive attitude. (less)

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Oct 01, 2009

Tara rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-read

Ted Kennedy's biography is insightful. Unlike third-party observers who have tried to recount the personal and political lives of Kennedys, Ted Kennedy's observations are unmatched. This is his family. Bobby and JFK become more than tragic heroes - they become sons, brothers and fathers. And these are Ted Kennedy's tragedies and personal failures - his viewpoint, not those of theorists and lovers of conspiracy.
The only complaint is his restraint. After so many years of reticence (ingraine...more

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Jul 26, 2011

Steve rated it

· review of another edition

Outstanding read. Marked with history, tragedy, humor, and (naturally) politics. I thought Mr. Kennedy composed a wonderful book that captured his life, the world of the Kennedy family through a perspective we've longed to see. One thing about Ted Kennedy is that he didn't pull any punches when it came to leadership and loyalty to the Democratic Party, his campaign for human rights and human needs, and his love of his family through the good times and tragic.

I love it when a politician can...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 ...more

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Books by Edward M. Kennedy

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“I have fallen short in my life, but my faith has always brought me home.” — 5 people liked it

“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.” — 4 people liked it

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