An Unfinished Life (Abridged): John F. Kennedy 1917-1963 Audiobook

" This is not a book for the casual reader -- this is an in-depth book about the Kennedy life and presidency. There is no doubt that this is a well-written book; but it's only for the most serious Kennedy/presidential scholar/historian. I think the greatest revelation I had from reading this was about how serious Kennedy's health problems were throughout his life. "

" Glad I read it. It has given me a greater view of history during that time. "

" As lots of the reviewers have pointed out, the really remarkable thing about this book is the medical information Dallek had access to, which reveal the extent of his suffering for the majority of his life. Dallek does a pretty solid job of maintaining a readable biography that doesn't go too far into hero worship, disillusionment, or "what if he had lived?" any more than is necessary. "

" Disclosure: I loved JFK and admired his presidency and still weep over his assassination. I am no fool about his errant womanizing. That said, I commend Dallek for his meticulous research into JFK's medical history. He was a far sicker man than anyone except very few people very close to him knew, and he hid it very deliberately. My conclusion is that he really did want to do public service, do something for his country. Most fabulously wealthy men who were as ill as he was would have done absolutely nothing, regardless of parental ambitions. The details about the womanizing during his marriage are most painful. Details about Joseph, Sr. and Rose lead me to conclude that despite whatever veneer was displayed, they were poor parents. He was morally bankrupt when it came to women, including young women acquaintances of his sons, and she was in a world of her own based in religious fanaticism and looking through rose-colored glasses. Serious flaw in the book: despite descriptions of JFK's spirit, style, and personality, nowhere does Dallek capture anything of the charisma (yes, that 1960s word) of the man. We who were young then heard, saw, and knew the charisma, and it was special. Dallek's style is strangely flat. He quotes from JFK's speeches only sparingly and paraphrases them poorly. Readers who were not alive during the Kennedy presidency will get scant awareness of what he was like from this biography. "

" I admit to an obsession with the Kennedy Family. I remember being a kid and looking through my mom's boxes of stuff from her childhood and finding an autographed picture from JFK and Jacqueline from like 1962 or something. I was fascinated. Then, I was enamored and fascinated with the idea that this young and against-type President was shot down in the prime of life. I remember seeing JFK, the Oliver Stone movie, and loving it, and I was convinced that there was a conspiracy. I remember just always being so completely fascinated and enthralled with JFK, Bobby, Rose, Teddy, and on and on. How could one family--the Kennedy's of Massachusetts--sustain so much tragedy? I love this book for being so honest about the imperfection of JFK and of the Kennedy Family. I love it for what it showed JFK to be: a human being with a serious illness, a man with imperfections and flaws and addictions, and a man who genuinely wanted to do right by the American people. It truly made me feel like I knew the real JFK and gave me insight into one of America's pinnacles in history. "

" Well written. Nothing new that I can remember. "

" Actually 4.5 stars. Very well written, very well balanced. Probably the most informative book on Kennedy I've ever read (it just got hard to get through the excruciating detail of Kennedy's 1000 days of presidency - at least 350 pages!). "

" Goes all the way through his life, which is insanely interesting. Plus, it hits on his foreign and domestic policy pursuits. A great insight into a great man. "

" not being a history buff, i learned so much about JFk, his fam, the period of time in which he lived, how the politics game is played... all in all, very informative. "

" Good read about JFK... "

" Best biography on JFK that has been written. "

" Dear G-d that was a haul. (review forthcoming) "

" Wonderful book. Dallek is a thorough and thoughtful historian who paints a new picture of Kennedy that others have seemed to miss; he goes straight to the real man behind the office. I can't recommend it enough. "

" Great book...one of the best on JFK. "

" So far I am amazed at how big a role money plays in politics. JFK actually had good policy stances, but without the backing of his father's millions he would probably never have made it to the White House! "

" Good book. I learned a lot and found it interesting for the most part. I really liked the part on the Cuban Missile Crisis and how Kennedy handled it. I wish Dallek would have spent more time on the PT-109 incident as it seems exciting. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about Kennedy. "

" A little dull, but well done. "

" A little too dense and dry for my personal taste; however, an interesting look at JFK. "

" I was really excited about reading this and it was sort of a letdown. I am not sure why, but I got soooooo bored and it felt tedious. Even the mundane during his time seems so compelling and I was hoping for more of that feeling. "

" very detailed and fair account of JFK. If you have decided you must read one JFK bio, I guess this would be it. Not exactly a ringing enorsement, but it's a solid read. "

" The most engrossing JFK biography I've ever read. Finally something new to write about the Kennedys "

" Quite a tome, but well worth the read. Provides fascinating insights into the life of this iconic US president. "

" Best biography on JFK that has been written. "

" I finished this!!!! What a great biography. Excellent read for this new year. He makes me hopeful for a better year. "

" So far I am amazed at how big a role money plays in politics. JFK actually had good policy stances, but without the backing of his father's millions he would probably never have made it to the White House! "