JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography

by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Christina Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique take on a biography, instead of one author doing research, they captured interviews of people who knew JFK Jr to tell his story. It was even better as an audiobook since there were different readers for each person.

While it was interesting to hear from a variety of different people who knew JFK Jr, I also think it harms this story. We don’t know what is actually true or what is twisted to make him look better. There were points where some friends contradicted each other, especially regarding Carolyn Bessette—it was clear one of his friends did not like Carolyn and wished he was with her instead of Carolyn. I felt there was an obvious attempt to continue the “Camelot myth” of the Kennedy family, to a point where friends avoided any negatives.

I also wonder about the ethical implications of biographies of ‘recently’ decreased figures like JFK Jr and Carolyn. They can’t defend themselves against what is being said, especially when some discussed their sex life or portrayed Carolyn in a negative light—would you share this if they were still alive?

Overall, it was an informing read, and does paint a good picture of what JFK Jr was like. Though I criticize the bias in the book, I appreciate that this is first book I’ve read on him that really describes who he was. It helps bring him down as some mythical figure and more of a human that had lots of flaws.

[Kim Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very candid biography of JFK Jr. Awwwww what might have been !!!

[historyfurby · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I'm stuck in a Kennedy morbid fascination spiral so this is my 10th Kennedy/adjacent book.

I thought it was fucking great. After reading so many Kennedy books I really intended just to hear the same info recycled from other books yet so much was new. The full cast narration felt so incredibly personal, just as intended. Alllll of the different perspectives made it so well rounded and truthful. It's the first time I had heard his death spelled out from a technical standpoint for example. I didn't get the feeling that John was being glamorized at all (some other books are a little fuzzy in that regard).

It's a wonderful complement to Once Upon a Time which I recommend as well for those of you who, like me, have lingering sadness because you've heard so many accounts of John, Carolyn, and Lauren's deaths.

Liz and RoseMarie- this history Furby thanks you.

[Pegeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made him real

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my third read this summer in the current Kennedy quartet of historical fiction/memoirs. Having just finished "Once Upon a Time" about the life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, many of the players were fresh in my mind. What a wonderfully organized and authentic oral history of JFK Jr. by those who knew him best. It was abundantly apparent that the book was compiled by his former assistant at George Magazine. Not only did it pique my lifelong fascination with the Kennedy family, but it added rare tidbits to some of the less well known pieces of is life, namely his involvement with Reaching Up. During my career with NYS OPWDD, I worked on a program to help professionalize the direct care workforce with Dr. Bill Ebenstein who worked closely with JFK Jr. to launch the program and continue its legacy after JFK Jr. tragic death. For better or worse, the last piece in the quartet focuses on the wronged Kennedy women, which though dark, still rings true today. I highly recommend reading these four books (I started off with "Jackie" by Dawn Tripp).

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar in format to the recent “When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day,” which I don’t find as informative as a normal book.

Because I read the top fifteen nonfiction bestsellers, in the past two months I’ve read “Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed,” and “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.” Last year was, “The Last Honest Man: The CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys—and One Senator’s Fight to Save Democracy,” and “White House by the Sea: A Century of the Kennedys at Hyannis Port.”

There’s too much overlap and same storytellings. This was probably less political. Also less insightful due to all the previous material. That being said, the analysis regarding JFK Jr.’s motivation toward risky behavior was new to me.

[Eva Varkojyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book. I especially loved the short sections with interviews from people who knew John and Carolyn—it gave the story a very personal and emotional depth. The way their lives were portrayed felt intimate, respectful, and truly moving.

After finishing the book, I had to sit in silence for a while and just reflect. It left a deep impression on me, and I honestly have no words for how powerful and well-written this book is. A must-read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going to read a book about JFK Jr...read this one and if you aren't crying when you read uncle Teddy's eulogy why are you reading this book?
Why do I think their friend RoseMarie waited so long to write this book? Because she wanted it done right and it was.

[Nancy Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an intimate sharing by those who knew John Kennedy Jr. the best. I found the book to be very moving. His life impacted so many people And he lived his life on his own terms. I highly recommend this book.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done and heartbreaking.

[Barbara Rifkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan or in awe of the Kennedy family. I’ve read alot of books about them but this one was really good! The style in which it was written was different but enjoyable.

[Rhona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watched Love Story and then had to buy this. It was good but I felt….guilty? for reading this. Too invasive or something.