The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy Audiobook

" Apart from the mind-numbingly dull and excessively long section on Joseph Kennedy's rise from banker to Wall Street speculator and real estate baron, I found this book to be a fascinating chronicle. It's aptly named and well worth the time it takes to get through its 750+ pages. "

" Interesting enough for the subject matter, but also gives great insight into some of the seminal events of US and world history in the 20th century. Some of them find their echoes in today's political and economic climate. "

" Painstakingly detailed almost to the point of dull. The first half is a "business biography" more than anything else, and David Nasaw makes meticulously sure that we all know how legally Kennedy made his millions. The second half is the political biography, showing Kennedy as a stubborn man who saw things in black and white, no shades of gray, and became increasingly pessimistic about the world and the state of capitalism. Joe and his indomitable clan don't come out smelling like a Rose, but their devotion to public service (second only to their self absorbed devotion to all things Kennedy) is still an admirable thing. By the end, you aren't sure whether you like the Kennedys or find them repulsive - can you do both? "

" This is an outstanding book. An incredible portrait of an incredible man. The hard part here is not to review Joe Kennedy, but to review the book. I learned a huge amount about U.S. and World politics and economics from about 1900 on. Kennedy and his family were so much more influential than I had ever known. This book is detailed and researched (or so it appears) to death. The players are not always painted in flattering terms, but that makes it even that much more believable. The fact that it was 800 pages long and a little tedious at times is probably all that kept me from giving it 5 stars. There was a little self indulgence by the author at times but I really enjoyed it. "

" about 2/3 through: "The rich are different". Brought up hearing all the JFK Camelot lore, I am finding all of this fascinating: the pater familias comes across as having an overblown sense of self and the infallibilty if his opinions. Also, interestingly, perhaps as the father if current-day political PACs. Rose is distant and surprisingly uninvolved with her kids. Rosemary was given a lobotomy with negative effects and Rose did not even mention it in her letters etc. for over 20 years? All Joe seems to have been interested in was growing the family fortune. "

" Before reading this book all I heard about Joseph P. Kennedy was that he was a bootlegger and Nazi apologist. As with all things in life there multiple sides to any story. The author combs through the Kennedy archives for letters and other information and constructs solid narrative that entertains and educates. I gained an interesting perspective of Roaring 20's, Great Depression, World War II, and the first half of the Cold War from a devoted father and shrewd businessman. The author writes an interesting analysis of the context surrounding the letters and sheds objective light on the more controversial events of his life. I definitely recommend if you are into 20th century history. "

" Decent biography "

" I found this book interesting but very ponderous at times. I learned a lot about the Kennedy's that I didn't know but I still don't know if I understand Joe "

" Fascinating biography that puts to rest all the myths about Joseph P. Kennedy. My only problem with the book is that it ends rather abruptly and gracelessly. "

" Well written biography of a fellow it woud be tough to like. "

" I knew this would be enlightening after finishing the introduction. "

" Very interesting biography of the founder of the Kennedy dynasty. A genius at making money, but a disaster diplomatically, fostered his son's political careers, and endured multiple family tragedies. A fascinating read. "

" A great primer on business and politics. As relevant today as when the events in the book occured. "

" Fascinating look at JPK, whom I really knew nothing about. The hard parts for me were the financial parts but it's so long there's something for everyone in it ;) "

" A riveting and one of the most detailed accounts of early Kennedy family history. This is a really good read. "

" Good book , good research "

" Amazing book. Kennedy's life touched so many eras of history. Couldn't put it down. I shed a lot of tears at the end, which I never do. I still think he's more interesting than his son. "

" Fascinating view of 20th century history. Well-written and fast read even though it's long. Received it as a gift and might not have picked it for myself seeing it as more of a "guys" book maybe but loved it. "

" I'd really like to give this book 4.5 stars. The only thing I can knock it for is that at times it got bogged down in details that I didn't consider significant or interesting. Overall, I loved it and highly recommend it. "