Times to Remember

by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

A fascinating chronicle of eight decades rich in history, drama, and courage, the new edition of Rose Kennedy's bestselling memoir is introduced by a moving tribute from her children and features family letters, memorabilia, and personal photographs. Reissue.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Autobiography, Politics, Kennedy Family

536 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy was an American philanthropist and socialite. She was the wife of businessman, investor, and United States Ambassador, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. Their nine children included President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and longtime Senator Ted Kennedy.

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Fusty" barely begins to cover it, although some of that is understandable. She was essentially a Victorian/Edwardian who lived well into the late 20th century, and she managed to control an exceptional series of tragedies with steel in her spine and a rosary in her hands. The real problem with this autobiography is the sheer amount of Kennedy books released since she wrote it in 1973. They have collectively blown the roof off Mrs. Kennedy's genteel descriptions of herself as the loved wife of Joseph P. Kennedy, wise businessman, with herself a somewhat strict mother, as opposed to the remote figure most of her children would have remembered. One of the issues is that none of the four eldest wrote an autobiography, for various reasons. It would have been particularly interesting to hear Kathleen's and JFK's takes on their mother. Joe, Jr. inevitably emerges as a shadowy figure, and while her revelations about Rosemary's condition were mildly shocking in their day, the details were already well known by the time Mrs. Kennedy penned her memoirs. There is no disclosure of exactly what did happen to the young woman, i.e. a shattering lobotomy performed without the knowledge of her mother. If she can't admit that her husband used profanity (and she can't, even when other people document it), she certainly isn't going to task him with an act of desperation that left Rosemary with no alternative other than lifelong institutionalization.

I admire many members of this family, either those by birth or some of those who married into it. But Rose, not so much, and this book did nothing to dissuade me that I am wrong.

[Nick Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always admired the Kennedys. Much like the British Royal Family, the Kennedys combine a tradition of service to their country with glamour, tragedy, and limitless wealth. So, naturally, I have a great deal of respect for and interest in Rose Kennedy who is by all accounts a truly remarkable woman.
However, thanks to innumerable books on the Kennedy family and countless People Magazine covers, even the most casual observer knows the Kennedy saga has its glorious triumphs as well as its scandalous lows. So, it's almost humorous to read Rose's genteel take on her husband's "friendship" with Gloria Swanson or Ted's "unpleasantness" at Chappaquiddick. Rose occasionally comes across as a bit ridiculous and is often unintentionally hilarious, for no matter what sadness has befallen her or her family she never forgets to observe the proprieties. Nor does she ever miss the chance to, repeatedly, remind others to do so! Mary Worth has nothing on this lady!
Ultimately, in the guise of author I likened Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy to an old movie star like Joan Crawford or Lana Turner. Whenever one of those ladies made a film, they made best friends with the lighting guys, insisted on certain hairdressers, make-up artists and dress designers. The public wasn't going to see them looking less than their best. And, in 'Times to Remember' the public sees Rose and her family looking their absolute best. After all, appearences matter.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. Having lived through most of the "Kennedy Era", I wanted to learn what I thought was going to be the "real" stories behind the media coverage of all their lives. I was not disappointed. Mrs. Kennedy wrote the book in such a way that she inserted most of the family members' and working staff and friends' comments about the same events, which lent a pure "truism" to said events. I would recommend this book.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the personal memoir of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, wife of Joseph Kennedy. She was born in 1890 to John Francis "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, a prominent member of Boston society and a member of the Boston Common Council. She met her future husband, whose father was a rival of her father, and they began a relationship that ended in marriage in 1914. Together, the couple had nine children. Three of her children wound up being politicians, the Senators Bobby and Ted Kennedy, and President John F Kennedy. This memoir tells interesting stories about her personal life, as well as letters and memoirs from her family, friends, and children.

It was neat to see the perspective on some events that are well publicized from the matriarch of the family herself. Based on some other books that I have read, her memory on some things differ from others. I like memoirs and I am very interested in family dynasties, so this book was right up my alley. Plus, I got it for a dollar at the used book store.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As many previous reviewers mentioned, there isn't any argument that Rose Kennedy white-washed her family's history. As this is her memoir, that is her prerogative. Regardless, it was a joy to read, in large part, because it was easy to 'hear' Mrs. Kennedy's voice within the pages. In sum, I would very much like to find a biography that focuses on her life-long cultural and educational pursuits.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a favorite, I've read this book several times over the years. Obviously ghostwritten (but entertainingly so), Rose's white-washed version of history is a joy to read.

[Suzanne Skelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have I would never suspected how much I would enjoy this book.

I have very little in common with Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy but I found her memoir easy to read, well-written and insightful. I do believe she is a woman I would have liked to have know personally.

Her love and respect for her family and others is admirable.

[Christine Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's a very loving mother. I respect her honesty and humbleness she has with supporting her family through thicka and thin.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written by Mrs Rose Kennedy.

[Colleen Skuza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir and learned much about the Kennedy family. It was fascinating!

[Amy Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Both historical and personal. I highly recommend it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at growing up Fitzgerald/Kennedy by the matriarch herself, Rose. She does not mention at all any hint of infidelity in her husband or her children (maybe looking back with rose-colored glasses, hah). It's fascinating to me how Joe and Rose's 9 children were so close and always looking out for each other all through their lives. I can't imagine how she got through all the tragedies, but she was very religious, going to Mass every morning, and had a tremendous reliance on her faith. Rose called on family and friends to send her letters to help her with this book, and it is good to get other people's perspectives. Lots of great pictures too.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sets the family history from Rose's point of view. Easy to read and one of the first Kennedy books I read as a child. Seems to have all the mythology wrapped up in this book...I consider the fact that Rose Kennedy is the author, so the book has value for how she cared to present her life. A fast read. It's interesting to compare her writing style with Katherine Graham's whose autobiography I think is a tremendous. Come to think of it, I'm sure this book was ghost-written.

[Suzyberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when it came out so many years ago (1974)...a treasured gift from my mother-in-law. It was a very candid book about her entire life, covering, in her straight forward manner, the untold grief of a mother who buried many children, grandchildren and her husband. She was an inspiration in how to persevere in the face of the worst life has to give you by standing strong in her faith...by counting her blessings and the richly adventurous life she felt privileged to live.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've enjoyed this book but i don't know if i'm going to finish it. we'll see. it's interesting just really long.
it was long but interesting. i never knew how many people the kennedy's were connected to and knew b/c of joe kennedy's job. rose kennedy led a fascinating life albeit sad due to losing so many children to death.

[Jpavalock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right after the first publication. I was young and admired the Kennedy family very much. I've learned a lot since then, so I decided to re-read it. I still admire Rose Kennedy, but I now see her in a different light! She had a powerful influence on her family, especially her daughters & granddaughters. In my opinion, she really did consider herself an American "Royal"!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fantastically interesting book and i am not at all into politics. it was the story of a family and the triumphs and tragedies of their lives. i highly recommend this book to any wanting to read about a interesting life.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. It's written by Rose herself. It's like listening to her tell stories...in that grainy Bostonian accent.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother greatly admired the Kennedy family. When I visit my mother, I have the opportunity to read from her collection of "Kennedy" books. This is a favorite of mine.

[Cws]

92K

[Debbie Duran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a complicated family. To whom much is given, much is required.

[Cindy Martino · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my all time favorites!!,

[Kidough711 · Rating 4 out of 5]

560 pages Great read, a wonderful glimpse into the Kennedy world.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a nice depiction of Kennedy family life, even though she completely disregards anything negative about any member of the family. I guess that's to be expected.

[Maureen O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too white washed, just like the JKF Library