Jack and Jackie: Portrait of an American Marriage

Jack and Jackie #1

by Christopher Andersen

Theirs was one of the great love stories of our time. Indeed, John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, captured and have held the world's imagination as perhaps no other husband and wife in modern history. Yet despite the billions of words that have been written about this most golden of couples, the true nature of their relationship has been veiled in mystery and mystique.
Until now. With stunning information from important sources, some of whom were sworn to secrecy until Jackie's death in May 1994, and previously sealed archival material, international best-selling author Christopher Andersen examines their unique partnership and the courage, grace, and humor that defined it. In the manner of Joseph Lash's insightful Eleanor and Franklin, Jack and Jackie is packed with startling revelations about the secrets and events that shaped their lives, including never-before-known details of their courtship, and the other men Jackie almost married; the world-famous women whose romances with JFK have previously been unreported, including Audrey Hepburn; the shocking truth about Jack's medical condition, and how, as with FDR, the disturbing truth was concealed from the press and the public; and their concerns about infertility, and Jackie's troubled pregnancies; the way Caroline and John Jr. transformed their lives - and the touching story of how the death of their infant son Patrick brought Jack and Jackie closer than they had ever been, only months before Dallas.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, Presidents, American History, Historical

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Christopher Peter Andersen is an American journalist and the author of 32 books, including many bestsellers. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Andersen joined the staff of Time Magazine as a contributing editor in 1969. From 1974 to 1986 Andersen was senior editor of Time Incorporated's People Magazine. He has also written for a wide range of publications, including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, Life, and Vanity Fair.

While his early nonfiction books veered from psychology (The Name Game) to true crime (The Serpent's Tooth) to art collecting ('The Best of Everything', with former Sotheby's chairman John Marion), he is best known for his controversial biographies. Between 1991 and 2011, he published 14 New York Times bestselling biographies. Andersen wrote Mick: The Wild Life and Mad Genius of Jagger to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones in July 2012. The book quickly became Andersen's 15th New York Times bestseller.

Reviews

[HR-ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction.

This author interviewed 100s of: friends, family members,
neighbors, classmates, colleagues, political friends/ foes,
former girlfriends, boyfriends, lovers. And researched at
various libraries, including the John F. Kennedy (JFK) lib-
rary, found letters, films, photos, medical records, person-
al papers, spoke w/ historians. All as source material.

John F. Kennedy attended the London School of Economics
(for 4 weeks), Princeton U (6 weeks), then eventually grad-
uated from Harvard. His best friend "Lem" Billings attended
Princeton. His father Joseph pressured Jack to attend Harvard.

JFK wed Jacqueline Bouvier (hereafter Jackie) in Sept. 1953.
JFK's mother, Rose, did not show affection or give kudos to
her offspring. Reportedly JFK did not trust women because
of this & tended to hide his emotions. Jack stated; "Dad
(Joseph) told all the boys to get laid as often as possible."
(10% mark) JFK had casual flings w/ women before/ after
marriage. He admitted he couldn't sleep at night w/o first
having an orgasm. Jackie's mother Janet was hypercritical,
emphasized her daughters must not gain 1 pound & must
marry for money. Various folks in this book described Jackie
as: stoic, or funny, or moody, or all these. Several people
who knew Jackie considered her a fortune-hunter when it
came to marriage.

Jackie adored her sire "Black Jack" Bouvier, a womanizer.
Janet, his ex-wife, encouraged drinking buddies to meet up
with Black Jack so he was too inebriated to be at Jackie's
wedding. Jackie's step-father walked her down the aisle.

A main theme was did Jack + Jackie have a a marriage of
convenience or were they in love? They worked together to
get JFK re-elected to the US Senate (which bored him) & for
him to become US President. She had difficult pregnancies &
was not always well enough to campaign. During their 10 yr
marriage, she had a miscarriage, a stillborn baby, Caroline,
then John Jr., then a premature son died. Jack didn't always
support her after these sad events. He refused to cut his
cruise short after she had the stillborn baby.

Joseph, a known manipulator, bought up 40K copies of Jack's
first book to ensure it became a best-seller.

Jackie made clear that she disliked: large crowds, politics (&
phony politicos) & photos (made of her or her kids) made by
strangers. Per Jackie: "I feel like I've turned into a piece of
public property. It's frightening to lose your anonymity at
thirty-one." (60% mark).

The author revealed that Jack had lifelong pain due to a
congenital back problem. He had 3 back surgeries & finally
received relief from an MD Max w/ the moniker "Dr.
Feelgood" who injected him w/ vitamins & amphetamines.
Jackie took these shots too. The Secret Service terminated
an agent who gave Pres. Kennedy, Demerol, not prescribed
for JFK.

Did Jackie cope with Jack's infidelities? Per the author, she:
confronted him, disappeared (traveled) & went on spending
sprees. Jack became jealous a few times when Jackie was
photographed overseas with famous or powerful men.
Jackie's sister Lee told her own spouse that she had sex
with JFK. (44%). It appears the Kennedys & Janet's side of
the family each had a poor grasp of personal boundaries.

Revised.

[Mary Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kennedy's

Jack and Jackie. Who can think of one without giving thought to the other? They were the perfect pair, but they weren't without their faults. Christopher Andersen examines the political marriage of the Kennedy dynasty to the blue blooded Bouviers. We glimpse into the private lives of two complicated, determined individuals. Through Andersen, we eavesdrop on conversations with former White House staff, mutual friends, lovers, and an assortment of Auchincloss step siblings. Touching on a little bit of everything: childhood to that final tragic day. I didn't gain new insight, not much anyway, but I did get a better understanding of why these two appeared so cool and aloof. And damaged. Doesn't seem like they got much love or affection as children. Andersen portrays Rose Kennedy and Janet Bouvier-Auchincloss as emotionally unavailable. These women ruled with an iron fist when they bothered to mother. As for their fathers...Joe Kennedy and Black Jack Bouvier treated women like possessions. Is it any wonder that Jack regarded women as objects of sex? One of the President's favorite sayings was "Wam Bam. Thank you, ma'am." Not surprisingly, the young President was a chronic sufferer of venereal disease. I've a sneaking suspicion that dear John would be facing a few sexual harassment charges if his Presidency occurred in the here and now. Don't feel sorry for Jackie though. Like her mother-in-law, Mrs. John Kennedy chose to look the other way when it came to her husband's habits. I admire her courage to keep her personal life private. While she may have been the picture of perfection, Jackie was anything but. However, husband and wife were devoted parents. Jack and Jackie cherished Caroline and John Jr. The Kennedy's love for their little ones was endearing. Who doesn't tear up at 'the most famous salute in the world'? For all their flaws, Jack and Jackie created two well rounded children. John and Caroline remain their greatest accomplishment. It's rather sad that Jack and Jackie's union is now overshadowed by so much infidelity. Did they love one another? Andersen sure makes you think they did.

FYI: Kindle edition does provide pictures.



* I won an ARC courtesy of the Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to Goodreads and Andersen Productions.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I started reading this because it was free on kindle unlimited. If you are interested in reading about every sex partner, scandal, and folly of the Kennedy family, this book is for you. It felt like I was reading US weekly. Didn’t even make it a quarter of the way through.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been totally amazed and absolutely godsmacked at the immoral behavior of not only Jack Kennedy but his father AND Jackie's father. If this is the kind of behavior our politicians and people of power have been wielding for centuries it's no wonder our nation's leaders are as corrupt as they are. You can't be doing admirable things when your moral compass is off between the sheets with the masses.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Boring

[Penny Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly don't like the subtitle of this book because Lord help us if their marriage was that. I've never heard of anyone's marriag being like theirs. I've always admired JFK, but this book changed my mind. I always knew he was unfaithful, but not to the extinct this book claims. And I've always heard there was talk of dealings with the mob and there must have been someting to that. I knew a lot about Jackie too, but she was something herself. If you have an interest in the Kennedys, read this and you will see what I mean.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive and seemingly well researched account of The Kennedy’s marriage. Easy to read, full of great anecdotes without being gossipy.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was basically a rehash of material I’ve read elsewhere. Nothing new to see here. His heavy emphasis on their affairs—it dominated the book—became tedious and repetitive. It was an easy read with little depth.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

so glad I read this book

Having been just just 12 years old when JFK was assassinated, my family, friends, schoolmates, and the entire world was glued to our small tv screens that November day. This well-written biographical account of “Camelot” will be a writing I will never forget. Though he was the President and she the First Lady, deep down they were two imperfect people who lived and loved…though I feel the true love reared it’s beautiful head in the months prior to his death.

[sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

One big gossip column. An easy read that flows well.
Author lost me once he blamed Marilyn Monroe for Clark Gable’s death. Can we please stop demonising this poor woman?

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent read. Before starting this book, the only think I knew about the Kennedy family was that JFK was assassinated in Dallas, TX. I picked it up because I want to be more learned by reading more nonfiction. This one sounded interesting, and I was correct.

It is well written and moving. Andersen does an excellent job telling facts like he's telling a story, making the book feel like a fiction piece. And I learned quite a bit. Andersen moves along the lives of Jack and Jackie, beginning with birth and ending with death. He describes events as if he was there, drawing the reader in and helping us to feel present as well.

I wish he had included more pictures because several times I had to put the book down and look up a picture that he was describing or a moment he shared. I know, however, that space is limited and he had to pick just a few pictures.

The book has definitely changed my idea of JFK. I always thought since he was president and was killed that he was an exceptionally good person, flawless and perfect. I know better, especially now. He was flawed, he made many mistakes, and he was a very selfish person. But so was Jackie. To see their relationship this way, to travel along their marriage as they did, shocked and enlightened me. I'm very glad I chose to read this book.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 star read. It was a very personal and intimate insight to one of the most famous couples of the 20th century. It was also quite confronting as to JFK's extensive womanising and also his very serious health issues. In spite of all his infidelities and all the other pressures faced by Jack and Jackie, especially their family tragedies, there was a genuine love and respect there. So in answer to my friend Kathryn's question...yes it was a kind of romance too.

[DEBORAH G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My qualifications regarding the review of this particular book is that I have read over 10 books that are about Jackie Kennedy Onassis alone, or in combination with the Kennedy/Bouvier family. This book is very well done. I was surprised to read details that I had not previously read or known. The researh was well done and I found it interesting and an easy pleasure to read. The writer liked Jack and Jackie, some of the books previously written were not so sympathetic or kind.

[Beth Bedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through a period of obsession over the Kennedy's. This was my first book during that phase. I found the information fascinating. I loved it.

[Jessica Derflinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I hated when I would have to put it down!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

To most of us, Jack & Jackie Kennedy were like a Prince, and Princess. ( Joe was King!).
To The unsuspecting Americans, not in the know, they were the perfect couple.
To those IN the know, their inner circle of friends, Jack & Jackie were like any other married couple. They fought about money, infidelity & in-laws. They cried about the loss of a parent, and mostly about the loss of a child. Patrick. Lived for about 40 hours.

What we weren't privy to, was the tears, the pains, the alcohol & drug abuse and the infidelity.
Jack was ALWAYS a womanizer. Affairs with many women, famous or not. Marilyn Monroe being the most known, because she died while Jack was still in office. Jack thought bedding a woman was like a sport. The more, the better. Competing with his father's known history of treating women like collections.
Jack had severe pains in his back. Several surgeries did not correct the problem. He had novacaine shot into his back. Later it was cortisone, and "Dr. Feel-good" would shoot vitamins & amphetamines into Jack, and later, Jackie, too. Her depression was so great, she decided to try the stress relieving shots her husband had enjoyed for so long already.
When they were on the go, traveling a lot, meeting all the local people, they were nearly high on SPEED!
YET, they accomplished so much in his shortened term of office. Politics notwithstanding, they also had many elaborate soirees. Grand parties for visiting dignitaries, or dinners for famous people.
Jackie's knowledge of French & Spanish , came in handy on many occasions, and she even got the Louvre to loan the MONA LISA to the President!
I enjoyed reading about the "inside story" but also saddened & disheartened by having ' my blinders' removed.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BETTER ACCOUNTS GIVEN OF THE MOST ELEGANT, INTERESTING COUPLES, TO OCCUPY

THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES.
President John F Kennedy's assassination was a carefully, planned out coup, to overthrow a popular sitting U.S. President, and, to continue a very UNPOPULAR war in Vietnam. I was 18 years old when JFK was murdered, and I was simply bereft watching his funeral and his grief stricken widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, walking behind her beloved husband's horse drawn caisson bearing the late President's body to his final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery. This book gives some detailed insight to the Kennedy's marriage, most of which seems to focus on JFK 's unbridled sexual appetite, and his constant pursuit to satisfy himself with as many women as he could discreetly fit into his daily schedule! That and his daily pain relief provided by his on-call "Dr. Feelgood" for his unrelenting back pain... that also became a popular method for relieving much of poor Jackie's stressful times as First Lady and cockles wife! Thank goodness most of the Kennedy's marital issues were pretty much kept out of the public domain but their private life did not detract from their amazing charisma. There hasn't been such a dazzling First Family to occupy the White House since! "Camelot" it truly was on the World stage!



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[Susann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly Good!

When I first started the book, I thought it would be another gossip filled trashy expose but was pleasantly surprised at the depth of handling of this material. The author did tremendous research, especially in the breadth of interviews he conducted. There was a lot of new material to me and I have read widely about the two Kennedys. Especially interesting was the strictness and supposed coldness of Rose Kennedy towards her children and the consistent absences and controlling behavior of Joe Kennedy. I didnt know Joe Jr. bullied Jack or that the children were not allowed to play with anyone other than their siblings. Also new to me was Jackie's mother's rather forbidding personality. There were many many warts and all told about the key players. There seemed to be constant dwelling on Jack's (and role model, Joe Senior's) prolific sexual dalliances ad nauseum, his illnesses and drug abuse. One really wonders who or what was running the country during the brief presidential years. A fascinating look at the Kennedy Camelot facade, what it took to create and sustain it (Papa Joe's machinations and key bribes) and the reality behind the smoke screen. Well written and entertainingly presented with lots of juicy bits. One of your better Kennedy books in my opinion though there is a true lack of documentation.

[Doug Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This is the most emotionally-charged book, for me, that I have picked up since reading about the life & death of Princess Diana. As I felt in reading the latter, I was ready to castigate the main character as either painfully naive & immature, in her case, to self-absorbed & hedonistic in the case of JFK. However, in both cases I was nearly in tears at the end after realizing that both were painfully flawed individuals, not really understanding why they did what they did & both violently taken from this world & from the people who loved & admired them, worst of all being the children they left behind. This book was very honest in its recounting of all the warts & hairs of two people who personified the closest to an American king & queen that we shall ever see in America but showed us how very much the good far outweighed the bad. It truly was an amazing time in the history of our country, God damn those who took from us the only monarchy we shall ever see.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I officially read my third Kennedy book and I can say with confidence that I am done now. Such an intricate family, their roots so deep, their traditions so honored, and their dirt for everyone to see. This books major focus was on the romance and then marriage between JFK and Jackie. Most of the Kennedy books put a ginormous amount of emphasis on both Jackie and Jack’s parents. This book really only spent a third on that portion of the families history. Here we really zoom in with a super fine lense on the couple that was the president and First Lady. I really felt broken hearted for most of this book. The truths that were exposed and the history that was expressed truly wiped the shiny veneer right off “Camelot”. It is a lot to take in and a lot to stomach but this romance was a part of American history and I’m glad I know more about it. This book is excellently written, super entertaining, and very well researched. Any bookish friend of mine would absolutely eat this one up!

[Lauren Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Worth Its

It doesn’t tell you anything we didn’t already know. An attempt to sweep the really rather disgusting traits of both Jack and Jackie (and the author either didn’t know or turned a blind eye to many of the even more disgusting and outright cruel behavior of both) under the proverbial rug. Just because they behaved with occasional loving gestures toward each other doesn’t erase the fact that they were two of the most self-centered, selfish people that existed. People have dubbed them “Americas royalty” which I found offensive until I’ve considered the behavior of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and the newly crowned King Charles III. Royalty is now a word for someone using a title to back up selfish, cruel and (as seen recently in the case of Prince Andrew) sexually deviant, criminal behavior. Please spare us the royalty. Besides we have Donald Trump for scandal. I imagine he would have gotten along very well with Jack and Jackie.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and powerful, Jack and Jackie chronicles the life and events of Jack and Jackie Kennedy, their marriage in all its tumultuous splendor, exhilaration and exhaustion and its path to the White House and the Kennedy Camelot days.

The book also shares hundreds of accounts from trusted staff members, beloved friends, colleagues and treasured family members. Their reminiscences about the path to the White House and life revolving around the Kennedys, as well as the aftermath of JFK’s murder before an entire nation altered their lives, the course of our history and America forever and weaves a tale of depth and richness, power and meaning, beauty and tragedy - for those that share our lives truly see us at our worst and best and most real.

Beautifully, sensitively written, thoughtfully detailed and delicately presenting both points of view of the couple, it’s a fabulous book and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars

John F Kennedy died many years before I was born. His wife, Jacqueline, died when I was a young girl. Whilst having been born and raised outside of America, I was still exposed to American history and so aware of Kennedy, his affair with Marilyn Monroe, his assassination and that his late wife went on to marry Onassis - but that was pretty much all I knew.

My understanding was that the Marilyn affair was a one-off and hushed up to maintain the presidents image (and providing the conspiracy theorists proof that he was involved in her passing). I was genuinely surprised to read that a Kennedy was such a prolific cheater and that Jackie, famed for her elegance and poise, put up with it!

Overall I found this to be a very interesting exploration of the lives of two very famous historical figures. Certainly provided a more human-side to their famous personas.

[Mrs Olga A Danes-Volkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography

Biographies are frequently disappointing, either gushing or badly written. This is not one of those. It is very well written, tries it's hardest to be balanced - and succeeds.

The story of the two charismatic and deeply flawed Kennedy's is well known of course but this deep and sober account of both of their characters makes for a fascinating read. There was much information that I did not know.

I cannot say that at the end I liked either of them but many of their faults resulted from their upbringings and extraordinary wealth.

A thoroughly good read

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember my mom reading this book in the 90s, presumably when it came out. Being named Jacqueline and born in New England, I always had an interest in the Kennedys and was excited to finally tackle this book.

Disappointed. At times hard to follow the erratic timelines, and read more like an Us Weekly expose than anything else. I guess I should have dug a little more into the book before I got into it!

[Jacquelyn V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a revelation of how being raised in dysfunctional families can bring much pain and grief to children as they grow into adults. I never realized what a man whore Kennedy was and how his dad paid for his success and the presidency. All the revelations about John and Jackie were actually pretty shocking and sickening. They were all about power and money. Their life was pretty shallow. Very sad.

[maria vanderroer · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

I have never quite read a book about leaders and people of influence who were so selfish and insecure that they portray themselves as being super humans. The lavish lifestyle , infidelities and drug abuse to enhance their way to cope when leading a nation is just pathetic. Remember Vietnam and where it originated from.

[Vicki Quayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly surprising

I must have come late to this party because there were so many things about Jack and Jackie I found completely surprising. I was only 11 that November day when we were sent home early from school, but our television was on for the next 5 days nonstop. See? We all recall where we were when we heard JFK was assassinated . .

[Jennifer Sodaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anderson always writes with skill and warmth

Mr. Anderson continue to provide insightful and balanced writing about these very important and very human historical icons and also offers something new in every book even when we thought that we knew every thing about them. His interviews with so many key people show that he is trusted and that is a special gift.

[Carolyn Rehaut · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written book

I never had any particular interest in the Kennedys. I started reading an excerpt and decided to go ahead and buy it. I’m glad I did because I learned a completely different perspective about President John Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. It was very worth reading.