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10th out of 79 books
—
32 voters
Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House
by
Sally Bedell Smith (Goodreads Author)
In GRACE & POWER: THE PRIVATE WORLD OF THE KENNEDY WHITE HOUSE, New York Times bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith takes us inside the Kennedy White House with unparalleled access and insight. Having interviewed scores of Kennedy intimates, including many who have never spoken before, and drawing on letters and personal papers made available for the first time, Smith...more
Paperback, 768 pages
Published
May 30th 2006
by Ballantine Books
(first published 2004)
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Audiobook:
It's no surprise that I would be interested in reading yet another bio, the lives of other people (especially famous people) fascinate me. And how can I resist a book about America's favorite First Family.
This is a long book. I was impressed at how the author delved into all the nooks and crannies of Jack and Jackie's lives. I learned alot of things that I never knew about these people. At times, she had a tendency to describe seemingly insignificant people that were friends or acquain...more
It's no surprise that I would be interested in reading yet another bio, the lives of other people (especially famous people) fascinate me. And how can I resist a book about America's favorite First Family.
This is a long book. I was impressed at how the author delved into all the nooks and crannies of Jack and Jackie's lives. I learned alot of things that I never knew about these people. At times, she had a tendency to describe seemingly insignificant people that were friends or acquain...more
Never have I read so strong and thorough a biography of the Kennedys as the one Bedell-Smith put forth in this book. Not only does it touch on the key aspects of the presidency (the numerous women, Cuban Missile Crisis, and assassination), but it also delves into the lives of the POTUS and FLOTUS and their rocky marriage. She takes many interviews and spins them into strong stories, tied together with excellent narration.
So strong a book yet filled with the good and bad of the Kennedys, it leave...more
So strong a book yet filled with the good and bad of the Kennedys, it leave...more
All the well-known incidents of Kennedy's 1000 Days are here, but I don't think you'll find anything substantial you didn't know about The Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missle Crisis, Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, etc. What makes this book special are the highly credible anecdotes about the President and First Lady, the little things that make them come to life. I enjoyed reading about President Kennedy's complicated relationship with Adlai Stevenson and his fascination with the men women found attractive,...more
I've always had a thing for the Kennedys. I was a huge assassination buff in my teens and whilst I've grown out of that I'm still fascinated by the image of glamour and youth and excitement that they projected. I think America lost something the day JFK was assassinated and they've not got it back yet. But anyway, I digress. This is very good book, nothing earth-shattering or ground-breaking, but it focuses much more on Jack and Jackie's private life, their relationships with their friends, fami...more
I was amazed at the intelligence, sensitivity and melancholy of Jacdqueline, and at the social whirlwind they both could maintain every day. Jack was a womanizer (and every woman is mentioned), but he apparently was good at compartmentalizing and definitely adored his wife. Meanwhile the power of his position, and the power he held over the press will never be repeated. The gruesome assassination left the whole world grieving, and the imprint they both made on the White House and their unique st...more
A trifling, gossipy gabfest with sporadic episodes of political/historical reportage. Given the Kennedys' reputation for regality, I wasn't surprised at the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous shtick, but I was disappointed that this more superficial aspect wasn't connected in any meaningful way to what little historical narrative there was. I learned some things (precious few, given the bulk of the book) that I didn't know (details of JFK's several affairs and physical ailments), but the new info...more
When John F. Kennedy was assassinated, I was three years old—too young to really remember the tragedy or study his legacy in school, too old to be ignorant of the influence he and his wife had on Americans. Grace and Power reveals how history intersected with the couple’s relationship to a coterie of intellectuals, policy makers, family, friends and each other. If you enjoy history and biographies and like having a book on your nightstand that is easily sandwiched between other books you’re read...more
This was the single best biography I've read on the Kennedys while they were in the White House. If you know me, you understand what a high honour it is for me to say that. This book gives a glimpse of the day to day life in an extraordinary marriage that helped shape one of the best times this country has ever seen.
This book was interesting at times, but not really well written. It seemed a little bit like I was reading a gossip magazine rather than history. The emphasis in this book is on the relationship between JFK and Jackie, which I enjoyed to a certain extent; however, I would have enjoyed more details on some of the historic events that took place during JFK's presidency such as the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis,etc. These things are mentioned and some information is given concerning them, b...more
I thought this book was well written, and did not pull any punches. It dealt with all of JFK and Jackies' foibles very honestly. I saw a side of the Kennedy family in general that I had never really seen before. I heartily recommend this book to all people interested in JFK's brief Presidential career.
This book was amazing. It brings fresh insight into the complex relationship between Jack and Jacqueline during their years in the White House. From the memories and stories relayed in the pages of this book it is easy to understand how this couple mesmerized a nation and captivated the imaginations of an international audience.
This book gave me a new admiration particularly for Jacqueline Kennedy and what she accomplished in restoring some of the grandeur and history to the White House rooms - and at such a young age.
This was a Christmas gift from Sean, which is sort of funny to me. I'm not a huge Kennedy fan/freak and he said he more wanted to buy me a gossipy book than a Kennedy book.
Anyway. It's a social history of their White House and it's been kind of fun to read it with all the Obama transition. The chapters on Kennedy's affairs and his professional/personal attitudes towards women sort of make me hate him.
I'm about halfway through and have been picking it up here and there--little pieces of sugary g...more
Anyway. It's a social history of their White House and it's been kind of fun to read it with all the Obama transition. The chapters on Kennedy's affairs and his professional/personal attitudes towards women sort of make me hate him.
I'm about halfway through and have been picking it up here and there--little pieces of sugary g...more
Didn't really like this one. Was a look the social side of Camelot but there was too much focus on decorating the White House and the affairs of JFK and his staff for my taste. If you are into that then this would be a good book for you.
Jan 01, 2009
Lori
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People interested in the Kennedys
Shelves:
books-i-own
I really liked this book. It didn't focus on the Marilyn Monroe aspect of the marriage as much as it could have and probably should have. The book solely focused on the White House years. I learned a lot about them and their personalities. The book mentioned a few books they read, so now I want to go find them. Overall, a good read.
A wonderful book about JFK, his presidency and his life during the almost three years he was President. An honest look at both the good and the bad traits of JFK and Jackie Kennedy.
It was quite interesting to read about the private secrets of them. It made Clinton look like an angel
Can I do 3.7 stars?
Helpful history that goes down "easy" with a bit too much saucy gossip.
Helpful history that goes down "easy" with a bit too much saucy gossip.
Very interesting and in depth. Lots of back story and unknown details. I enjoyed it!!
Una pérdida de tiempo hasta que decidí dejarlo. Es una colección desordenada y agotadora de cotilleos sobre JFK y Jackie.
Interesting view of the Kennedy years.
Easy to read with great photos.
This didn't grab my attention quite like Mrs. Kennedy and Me, but I am really intrigued with Jackie, who suffered so much loss in her life and carried herself with such poise and grace.
Very interesting
A good read...leaves me with lots of questions, which is something that I like!
Some of the stories/facts were interesting -- especially the origin of the Arthurian myth comparison to the Kennedys in the White House. However, much of later chapters felt like gossip. So much of the information and one-liners felt like name-dropping, or showing off the number of sources garnered for this book. There was little flow because of the multiple references made on every page. I stopped reading it after five chapters. Disappointed.
This is a well researched and interesting account of the Kennedy Administration. It also deals a lot with the complex relationship between Jackie and JFK. I would recommend it for anyone wanting an intimate glimpse into the Kennedy years. Just be prepared to cry...you know the end, but it still gets you. The author spares no detail in describing the death of JFK and it breaks your heart all over again.
I FINALLY finished this book-nearly one year after I started it. I really enjoyed it. I bought this after I finished watching the Kennedy Miniseries. I picked this one because it included the right balance of history and the family/social dynamic of the White House. Let's be honest-I really liked the parts that read like a soap opera. If you are looking for more history-this is not for you.
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Its really good for a book to go into detail about a presidential administration and also to tell about the President and the First Lady.
Even though I have read a lot of books about the Kennedy family, especially in particular JFK, I have found that this book had included some information that I have not known about him and/or the family.
Even though I have read a lot of books about the Kennedy family, especially in particular JFK, I have found that this book had included some information that I have not known about him and/or the family.
The book is very insightful to what happened during the Kennedy White House years. Especially the day to day activities. At times it was very sad.
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Author of six biographies: Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House 2102); For Love of Politics: Bill and Hillary Clinton: The White House Years (Random House 2007); Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House (Random House 2004); Diana In Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess (Random House 2004); Reflected Glory: The Life of Pamela Churchill H...more
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