Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero Audiobook

" I started reading this book of and on for the past several months, but I still say it was a very informative read. I know people have said this is not the most detailed book about JFK, but for me it was my first real view into that time period in political American history. Jack Kennedy, as Chris Matthews calls him was extraordinary man who had to deal with many physical ailments, an unloving mother and many personal demons. But with all of that he was able to rescue his men during WW2, solve the Cuban Missile Crisis, usher in the Civil Rights Movement and create the Peace Core. We owe a lot to Jack Kennedy and Chris Matthews allowed us to see that in this book. "

" Great book about a great president who overcame his personal issues to lead a nation. "

" Kennedy's life has been examined in detail before, and this book adds little to the sum of knowledge in that area. Rather, Matthews has attempted, through anecdote and explication of personal relationships, to bring Kennedy's character and thinking to life, to explain in Matthew's words, who he was. That he succeeds in large part is no small accomplishment, considering that Jack was one of those individuals who always seemed to stand apart, even from himself. Kennedy's flaws are somewhat glossed over, and in some cases seen to strengthen his ability to accomplish all that he did in the political arena. I found the accounts of Kennedy's run for the Senate, the '56 vice presidential affair, and the 1960 election fascinating, but that sort of "inside baseball" is not to everyone's taste. "

" I've always been curious about JFK because so much has been said about him and I was too young when he died. This is a well written book that provides just the right amount of information. "

" Obviously hero worship, and as thus not an objective book. It was, for an admirer of Kennedy the person such as myself, a very good book. "

" I am impressed. I didn't think there would be anything new and there was! Great research, especially about the political process. He was a complex man and Chris captured it all, even the physical pain. "

" Chris Matthews is a terrible story teller but the insider stuff via his old boss Tip is amazing. "

" It was very good.. I learned a lot of new things about John Kennedy. The stories of the early campaigns were fascinating.. "

" A biography of personal rememberences by friends and those who served with him in the service and in Washington. Not in depth or analytical, but a very intimate look at the man who was 34th president "

" I found that I admired many things Jack Kennedy accomplished. I also found that Jack had flaws just like the rest of us. I found the Bay of Pigs incident much scarier today than I did as a high school senior. Life teaches one many lessons. "

" Engaging personal portrait of JFK. More of a character study than a biography, but a very enjoyable read. "

" Another JFK biography but written by the well known political analyst from MSNBC. A through account of his life with many facts I had not known before. I knew his health was never good but never knew it was this horrible. "

" I'm a huge fan of Hardball with Chris Matthews and of Kennedy biographies, so I rushed to read this book. I found it an interesting political biography, but inexplicably, Matthews' writing style was at times, hard to read. "

" A fascinating read of the early years of Kennedy's life and the campaign for the presidency. The book ended like JFK's life-way to abrupt;y and without resolution. It is well written and it is something that captures interest and makes you want to keep reading. "

" A truly great and easy read. The stories from JFK's friends are wonderful and really paint a picture of what a great president and friend he was beyond the pictures and what was seen on tv. It's amazing what one man could accomplish and how many lives he touched in such a short time. "