Profiles in Courage - John F. Kennedy - 4 Stars

[Jason]

During JFK's first Senate term, he had surgery on his back. During his recovery, he researched and wrote Profiles in Courage.

This book takes a look at several Senators who showed courage despite adversity from friends, constituents, and political parties. These men put their own convictions, what they thought was best for the country ahead of political parties and even the will of the people. This is not a book about who is right or if these Senators. Without his study into courage, could Kennedy have accomplished some of the things he did. How he accepted blame of the Bay of Pigs fiasco, handled the Cuban Missile Crisis, Civil Rights and other issues.

There is a forward by Robert F. Kennedy and an Introduction by Caroline Kennedy.

I loved before each Profile of Courage, Kennedy had a chapter entitled Time and Place which outlined the time period and the circumstances and political debates going on at the time as well as key players.

I did feel there were to many quotes and, loving history, I wanted more detail and more back story.

Along with courage, the book also outlines the struggles Senators or any politician has to deal with when taking a stand on an issue which I also found interesting.

[Joanne]

I remember reading this years ago-perhaps time to revisit!

[Shelly]

So glad you posted this review. Just yesterday I borrowed a copy from my library, to read for the American history tag in November. I love when the monthly tag prompts me to read something I should have gotten to long ago!. Also seems timely in the current political climate. Now I am looking forward to it even more.