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COUNSELOR: A Life at the Edge of History
In this gripping memoir, John F. Kennedy's closest advisor recounts in full for the first time his experience counseling Kennedy through the most dramatic moments in American history. Sorensen returns to January 1953, when he and the freshman senator from Massachusetts began their extraordinary professional and personal relationship. Rising from legislative assistant to speechwriter and advisor, the young lawyer from Nebraska worked closely with JFK on his most important speeches, as well as his book Profiles in Courage . Sorensen encouraged the junior senator's political ambitions—from a failed bid for the vice presidential nomination in 1956 to the successful presidential campaign in 1960, after which he was named Special Counsel to the President. Sorensen describes in thrilling detail his experience advising JFK during some of the most crucial days of his presidency, from the decision to go to the moon to the Cuban Missile Crisis, when JFK requested that the thirty-four-year-old Sorensen draft the key letter to Khrushchev at the most critical point of the world's first nuclear confrontation. After Kennedy was assassinated, Sorensen stayed with President Johnson for a few months before leaving to write a biography of JFK. In 1968 he returned to Washington to help run Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign. Through it all, Sorensen never lost sight of the ideals that brought him to Washington and to the White House, working tirelessly to promote and defend free, peaceful societies. Illuminating, revelatory, and utterly compelling, Counselor is the brilliant, long-awaited memoir from the remarkable man who shaped the presidency and the legacy of one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.
556 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
95 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
Theodore C. Sorensen
26 books26 followersTheodore Chaiken "Ted" Sorensen was best known as President John F. Kennedy's special counsel, advisor, and speechwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 2, 2020
Long-standing five or six-star interest in the subject contrasted with a still very solid four-star rating mean that, for my taste, Sorensen too often used the attention he got from JFK's luster for less than noble purposes.
Sorensen drew attention to how crucial he was in the Kennedy administration, going to the trouble of quoting other people to that effect. Tacky. The Bible says let others praise you and not you yourself. We would have gotten at least as good an impression of the author had he used this energy and ink to give credit to others at every critical juncture.
He breaks the spell. He violates the fourth wall. He steps out of the story we came for, okay I came for, to issue figures in the George W. Bush administration who are not going to hit back at a 90 something-year-old man. I wonder if he might have been nicer had he known what was coming.
Sorensen drew attention to how crucial he was in the Kennedy administration, going to the trouble of quoting other people to that effect. Tacky. The Bible says let others praise you and not you yourself. We would have gotten at least as good an impression of the author had he used this energy and ink to give credit to others at every critical juncture.
He breaks the spell. He violates the fourth wall. He steps out of the story we came for, okay I came for, to issue figures in the George W. Bush administration who are not going to hit back at a 90 something-year-old man. I wonder if he might have been nicer had he known what was coming.
August 7, 2013
Added 7/19/13.
I listened to the audio version of Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History (2008) by Theodore C. Sorensen. I love peeking behind the scenes in history. In this book, Sorensen looks back and tells about his personal experiences in politics and foreign affairs. Wiki says: "...Sorensen was an American presidential advisor, lawyer and writer, best known as President John F. Kennedy’s special counsel, adviser and legendary speechwriter."
The book was published 4 years before he died. He died at the age of 82 in 2010. In the book, he often gives his frank opinion about many of the powerful people he dealt with. He quotes personal letters he received from the people he dealt with, including Jackie Kennedy.
He explains the details behind historic events like the Cuban missile crisis and the Bay of Pigs fiasco. He describes all the vital decisions which had to be made at those times and the reasoning behind those decisions. We came so close to WW III.
The man was so wise and so knowledgeable! Wonderful with words too. Of course, that's one of the reasons he was an advisor and a speechwriter.
I listened to the audio version of Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History (2008) by Theodore C. Sorensen. I love peeking behind the scenes in history. In this book, Sorensen looks back and tells about his personal experiences in politics and foreign affairs. Wiki says: "...Sorensen was an American presidential advisor, lawyer and writer, best known as President John F. Kennedy’s special counsel, adviser and legendary speechwriter."
The book was published 4 years before he died. He died at the age of 82 in 2010. In the book, he often gives his frank opinion about many of the powerful people he dealt with. He quotes personal letters he received from the people he dealt with, including Jackie Kennedy.
He explains the details behind historic events like the Cuban missile crisis and the Bay of Pigs fiasco. He describes all the vital decisions which had to be made at those times and the reasoning behind those decisions. We came so close to WW III.
The man was so wise and so knowledgeable! Wonderful with words too. Of course, that's one of the reasons he was an advisor and a speechwriter.
July 11, 2008
This work, by trusted JFK aide Ted Sorenson, provides an interesting perspective of mid-century progressive thought. With fascinating recounts of the Cuban Missile Crisis, work in West Berlin, and the JFK White House, this memoir rarely flags. Yet, I thought that the best parts of this autobiography concerned the crafting of policy through language. The thought, care, humor, subtlety, and deftness that the president and his staff applied to JFK's speeches gives us a window into a better time for public service and rhetoric. Even with our current poor standards for service, this memoir presents a framework wherein we as a nation can do better and expect more from our leaders. It is in these moments that Counselor truly succeeds.
The only criticism that I might provide concerns the ease with which the author excuses mistakes in judgment, especially regarding his early silence regarding the importance of civil rights. However, given the number of positive policy initiatives that sprang from the JFK White House, and Sorenson's pen, this remains a relatively minor annoyance.
The only criticism that I might provide concerns the ease with which the author excuses mistakes in judgment, especially regarding his early silence regarding the importance of civil rights. However, given the number of positive policy initiatives that sprang from the JFK White House, and Sorenson's pen, this remains a relatively minor annoyance.
January 30, 2022
Ted Sorensen really admired JFK. I mean really. Naturally a good chunk of this autobiography is devoted to Sorensen’s years counseling Kennedy in the latter’s presidency, but I found more interesting the time spent on JFK’s Senate years, Sorensen’s own, failed run for Senator, and his doomed 1977 nomination for Director of Central Intelligence.
He didn’t think much of Jimmy Carter or Joe Biden, with Biden as U.S. Senator getting “the prize for political hypocrisy in a town noted for political hypocrisy.” That noted, had Sorensen lived, it would’ve killed him to see Trump in the White House.
Overall, the writing is dry, efficient, and without humor, and his Nebraskan reticence - “limiting what I assert or disclose even in this book” - points to missed opportunities. Still, Counselor motivates me to explore other autobiographies dealing with the same times and circumstances.
He didn’t think much of Jimmy Carter or Joe Biden, with Biden as U.S. Senator getting “the prize for political hypocrisy in a town noted for political hypocrisy.” That noted, had Sorensen lived, it would’ve killed him to see Trump in the White House.
Overall, the writing is dry, efficient, and without humor, and his Nebraskan reticence - “limiting what I assert or disclose even in this book” - points to missed opportunities. Still, Counselor motivates me to explore other autobiographies dealing with the same times and circumstances.
January 23, 2012
It's funny, but I am learning that if I don't absolutely LOVE a book, I can eventually stop reading it! There are simply too manybooks to read and too little time. It used to be inconceivable to me to quit a book, but now I'm loving the decision! I ended this book after reading 75% of it.
I started reading the book because I wanted to learn more about history, such as JFK's presidency, Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis. I was also intrigued by how decisions are made behind closed doors. I did learn from the book, but I was expecting more.
I felt like the author was trying to "prove" himself to the American public, such as how important his role was in JFK's presidency and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although he FREQUENTLY has this back-and-forth argument about claiming he did not write the speeches by himself, it's a collaborative effort - he goes on about it so much that you sense it's more of false humility than actual humility (and it gets old!)...he is very much pointing out how great his role was in the Kennedy years. There is a lot of name dropping without a lot of substance. He loses his whole family in the quest of this powerful role, and I imagine he would do it all again if he had the choice. I believe his role was as powerful as he painted it, but it just became old to me after awhile.
I was looking for a more personal account...the ups and downs of working in politics, how he felt personally in the role (the struggles of it, insecurities, what you have to give up). He mentions here and there how he lost his family due to the job, but he doesn't get into it in any sort of real way.
What I did like was when he would talk about drafting speeches and letters, especially the one to Krushev to try and stop the prospect of nuclear war. That particular acoount was insightful, and opened my eyes to some of the wrangling that goes into political choices. I was also amazed that what helped him with the drafting of such an important letter was what he learned on his high school debate team!
It was also intereesting to hear about the young Kennedy team and how they operated. Lastly, he gives some important speech-writing tips that I appreciated. I also loved reading about some of the morals of JFK. I know he was not a perfect president, but I learned some about him that inspired me.
It's an okay book, but all of the name-dropping and proving himself just left me a bit cold in the end, and lead to the decision to not finish it.
I started reading the book because I wanted to learn more about history, such as JFK's presidency, Bay of Pigs and Cuban Missile Crisis. I was also intrigued by how decisions are made behind closed doors. I did learn from the book, but I was expecting more.
I felt like the author was trying to "prove" himself to the American public, such as how important his role was in JFK's presidency and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Although he FREQUENTLY has this back-and-forth argument about claiming he did not write the speeches by himself, it's a collaborative effort - he goes on about it so much that you sense it's more of false humility than actual humility (and it gets old!)...he is very much pointing out how great his role was in the Kennedy years. There is a lot of name dropping without a lot of substance. He loses his whole family in the quest of this powerful role, and I imagine he would do it all again if he had the choice. I believe his role was as powerful as he painted it, but it just became old to me after awhile.
I was looking for a more personal account...the ups and downs of working in politics, how he felt personally in the role (the struggles of it, insecurities, what you have to give up). He mentions here and there how he lost his family due to the job, but he doesn't get into it in any sort of real way.
What I did like was when he would talk about drafting speeches and letters, especially the one to Krushev to try and stop the prospect of nuclear war. That particular acoount was insightful, and opened my eyes to some of the wrangling that goes into political choices. I was also amazed that what helped him with the drafting of such an important letter was what he learned on his high school debate team!
It was also intereesting to hear about the young Kennedy team and how they operated. Lastly, he gives some important speech-writing tips that I appreciated. I also loved reading about some of the morals of JFK. I know he was not a perfect president, but I learned some about him that inspired me.
It's an okay book, but all of the name-dropping and proving himself just left me a bit cold in the end, and lead to the decision to not finish it.
June 22, 2008
This book seemed a little disjointed, especially the section covering the post-JFK years. It seemed more like a mix of recollections with little connection between them. I wasn't sure why the author wrote it.
However, near the end I realized the impetus for this book: Sorensen's stroke six years ago put an end to his legal career and most of his normal actitivites. This book provided a useful focus for him as part of his rehabilitation.
There are some tidbits in this book that shed new light on various matters, such as:
1. Sorensen had a greater degree of involvement in writing Profiles in Courage than previously admitted (no real surprise there).
2. Kenny O'Donnell seemed to bear a personal grudge against him, to the point that Sorensen claims O'Donnell provided the coup de grace that ended his chances of becoming head of the CIA under Carter.
While well-written, this book is not riveting, perhaps because the author himself is so reserved. I would recommend over this another book by another of Kennedy's speechwriters, Dick Goodwin, "Remembering America." That does a better job of capturing the spirit of the times and the sense of loss.
All in all, Sorensen's class, intelligence and commitment to public service shine throughout this book. It's the story of a brilliant man who made a major contribution to his country, and probably one of the last memoirs we'll see from those who were active members of the Kennedy Administration. Thank you, Ted.
However, near the end I realized the impetus for this book: Sorensen's stroke six years ago put an end to his legal career and most of his normal actitivites. This book provided a useful focus for him as part of his rehabilitation.
There are some tidbits in this book that shed new light on various matters, such as:
1. Sorensen had a greater degree of involvement in writing Profiles in Courage than previously admitted (no real surprise there).
2. Kenny O'Donnell seemed to bear a personal grudge against him, to the point that Sorensen claims O'Donnell provided the coup de grace that ended his chances of becoming head of the CIA under Carter.
While well-written, this book is not riveting, perhaps because the author himself is so reserved. I would recommend over this another book by another of Kennedy's speechwriters, Dick Goodwin, "Remembering America." That does a better job of capturing the spirit of the times and the sense of loss.
All in all, Sorensen's class, intelligence and commitment to public service shine throughout this book. It's the story of a brilliant man who made a major contribution to his country, and probably one of the last memoirs we'll see from those who were active members of the Kennedy Administration. Thank you, Ted.
March 5, 2024
Really enjoyable. Sorensen is an interesting guy who I think played a larger role in our politics (largely through the Kennedy family, but not entirely) than his level of name recognition would suggest. Despite this, this autobiography isn’t ostentatious or self-congratulatory at all. Writing is nothing short of terrific. I totally understand why his speechwriting is legendary - his sentence composition stands out to me more than any other writer that comes to mind. You learn a lot about how Washington and politics more generally work through Sorensen’s insightful and deeply personal stories. You come to really like Sorensen by the end of it.
My one gripe is that it’s a bit heavy on the JFK deification - similar to how Obama walked on water in the all the memoirs of the former staffers of that era - but otherwise, great.
My one gripe is that it’s a bit heavy on the JFK deification - similar to how Obama walked on water in the all the memoirs of the former staffers of that era - but otherwise, great.
April 20, 2021
"Democracy by definition is self correcting". What a Brilliant book by a very brilliant man, the first part of the book covers the author's childhood and family and the third part contains his life after jfk assassination. The second part of the book is just perfect Sorensen relationship with jfk was close, his relationship with Jackie( the letters he shared in the book of grieving Jackie moved me to tears) his loyalty to rfk and to the entire Kennedy family, all the humorous anecdotes he gave about jfk were very amusing and interesting to read. I say this is one of the finest memoir I've ever read.
March 23, 2011
The one thing that comes across mostly clearly in this autobiography is Sorensen's deep and abiding love for John F. Kennedy. He describes him at numerous times as his mentor and best friend, and you really feel Sorensen's sense of loss on every page, even after nigh on fifty years. For a book about Sorensen himself, this is really about JFK and his impact and influence on Sorensen - and about Sorensen's influence on JFK.
As JFK's main policy adviser and the man who wrote many of JFK's most famous and memorable speeches, Sorensen had a hugely important role in the brief JFK administration, and it's fascinating to read about such momentous events from his perspective. He comes across as incredibly humble, even after so long not willing to take any credit away from his beloved President. His hero-worship of JFK shines from every page, but this is no hagiography - Sorensen doesn't excuse or erase JFK's flaws, and where he feels with hindsight JFK was wrong, he says so quite clearly.
My one criticism is that this book could have done with being edited a little better. It's quite disjointed - Sorensen opted for a thematic rather than chronological approach, which does mean that you end reading about events, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, broken up over several different sections, rather than as a linear narrative. But it's a fascinating read and well-worth the effort.
As JFK's main policy adviser and the man who wrote many of JFK's most famous and memorable speeches, Sorensen had a hugely important role in the brief JFK administration, and it's fascinating to read about such momentous events from his perspective. He comes across as incredibly humble, even after so long not willing to take any credit away from his beloved President. His hero-worship of JFK shines from every page, but this is no hagiography - Sorensen doesn't excuse or erase JFK's flaws, and where he feels with hindsight JFK was wrong, he says so quite clearly.
My one criticism is that this book could have done with being edited a little better. It's quite disjointed - Sorensen opted for a thematic rather than chronological approach, which does mean that you end reading about events, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, for example, broken up over several different sections, rather than as a linear narrative. But it's a fascinating read and well-worth the effort.
November 28, 2012
A memoir is usually written to serve its author's interest; but this one by Ted Sorensen is different because a great bulk of it is about another man, his hero, his President, JFK.
Ted Sorensen considered his eleven years with JFK his most fulfilling and most memorable. Their collaboration, effective and brought results.
JFK's untimely death devastated him, but the former's memory inspired him to go on with life and pursue the ideals that they shared.
In writing his book, despite a handicap caused by a stroke which cost him his vision, Ted Sorensen had fulfilled his last mission of sharing the "behind the scenes" of his life with JFK.
A book that depicts a man's respect, love, and loyalty to his hero, the only human being that mattered most to him, the President whom he served well, JFK!
A beautiful book indeed!
Ted Sorensen considered his eleven years with JFK his most fulfilling and most memorable. Their collaboration, effective and brought results.
JFK's untimely death devastated him, but the former's memory inspired him to go on with life and pursue the ideals that they shared.
In writing his book, despite a handicap caused by a stroke which cost him his vision, Ted Sorensen had fulfilled his last mission of sharing the "behind the scenes" of his life with JFK.
A book that depicts a man's respect, love, and loyalty to his hero, the only human being that mattered most to him, the President whom he served well, JFK!
A beautiful book indeed!
December 2, 2008
At over 500 pages this memoir was far too long by far and gave even a 60s democrat like me an opportunity to see Ted Sorensen, even tempered by age, as far too critical of anyone any everyone who was not John Kennedy. There's a mean-spirited undercurrent to much of what he writes here, though if you're looking for minuscule details that are probably not important to many others besides Sorensen, you'll find them here.
May 29, 2009
This is a warm book, a very human book. At turns it is amusing. It is frank. It seems important to say this because - decades gone by - JFK's "deputy president," TS,wrote,"Kennedy," which is factual and historically valuable but filled with two-dimensional characters (as with a host of histories and memoirs). I never have heard much talk of, "Counselor," but I can attest it is an enjoyable read and re-read. I know it will be a treasure for historians in times to come.
June 28, 2009
I walked in to The Bookworm for my Book Club and there was quite a commotion going on. The author is Ted Soresen who is from Lincoln, NE. Oh I said a local author and then realized how famous this person is for writing speeches for John Kennendy. Ted lives in NY now (I did previously) and now I live in his state where he was born. A brilliant man and I got to meet him personally, how lucky can one get.
February 22, 2024
Sorensen idolizes John Kennedy as a relic of an age of honest politicians who are loyal to their ideals, in contrast with the opportunistic capital-grubbers of today. I don't think anyone really gets ahead in American politics without grubbing, but maybe that's because I went sentient just as we went from Obama to Donald Trump. Anyway, that Sorensen wrote his autobiography for PR purposes as much as it was for his own personal closure is unescapable fact: from the issue of authorship of Profiles of Courage to his withdrawal from the Director of Central Intelligence nomination.
A feature of this book is its surprising lack of flourish for a renowned speechwriter. Sorensen's flair seems to appear only in the excerpts of his past works (mostly for Kennedy). More often, he's personally narrating the twists and turns of Kennedy's (and later his own) public service career, keenly summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the staffers and politicians he works with along the way. (I know this was back in 2007, but he does leave an unfortunate remark that changes my opinion of Joe Biden today.)
I'm impressed by his undying loyalty to John Kennedy as they navigated the worst crises and greatest celebrations of his career. Imagine someone willing to spend their whole life thinking your thoughts! After John Kennedy is murdered, Sorensen's career and character savor of anticlimax, going flat. Sorensen becomes something of a what-if-Kissinger-was-a-pacifist figure.
I think this book teaches a different kind of greatest akin to the likes of Sir Humphrey Appleby in Yes, Prime Minister. Sorensen for the most part was an unassuming man who dodged the public life. But doubtless he was on many occasions the pivot upon which policy leaders moved the world.
A feature of this book is its surprising lack of flourish for a renowned speechwriter. Sorensen's flair seems to appear only in the excerpts of his past works (mostly for Kennedy). More often, he's personally narrating the twists and turns of Kennedy's (and later his own) public service career, keenly summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the staffers and politicians he works with along the way. (I know this was back in 2007, but he does leave an unfortunate remark that changes my opinion of Joe Biden today.)
I'm impressed by his undying loyalty to John Kennedy as they navigated the worst crises and greatest celebrations of his career. Imagine someone willing to spend their whole life thinking your thoughts! After John Kennedy is murdered, Sorensen's career and character savor of anticlimax, going flat. Sorensen becomes something of a what-if-Kissinger-was-a-pacifist figure.
I think this book teaches a different kind of greatest akin to the likes of Sir Humphrey Appleby in Yes, Prime Minister. Sorensen for the most part was an unassuming man who dodged the public life. But doubtless he was on many occasions the pivot upon which policy leaders moved the world.
June 16, 2025
Ted Sorensen was a speech writer and advisor to JFK. His book begins with his childhood in Nebraska where he describes his family. He later meets JFK and becomes part of his staff in the Senate and becomes part of his cabinet during his presidency.
I enjoyed the book overall and it was interesting to read about JFKs presidency from an insider. The Cuban Missile Crisis was my favorite chapter. The portion about JFK's Assassination still hurts Sorensen and you could feel his pain losing a man he deeply admired.
My two criticisms are the following: too long and hagiography. I think the book went on longer than it should have. Sorensen also does not criticize JFK at all. In fact, he argues if JFK had lived our country would have been a better place and he cites Vietnam would not have happened, no racial unrest, etc. I am not a fan of what ifs, and we can speculate all we want, but it did not happen. I know he was close to the thirty-fifth President of the United States, but was there really nothing Sorensen could criticize JFK on? Despite these flaws, I thought it was captivating reading behind the scenes during critical moments of Kennedy's Presidency.
I enjoyed the book overall and it was interesting to read about JFKs presidency from an insider. The Cuban Missile Crisis was my favorite chapter. The portion about JFK's Assassination still hurts Sorensen and you could feel his pain losing a man he deeply admired.
My two criticisms are the following: too long and hagiography. I think the book went on longer than it should have. Sorensen also does not criticize JFK at all. In fact, he argues if JFK had lived our country would have been a better place and he cites Vietnam would not have happened, no racial unrest, etc. I am not a fan of what ifs, and we can speculate all we want, but it did not happen. I know he was close to the thirty-fifth President of the United States, but was there really nothing Sorensen could criticize JFK on? Despite these flaws, I thought it was captivating reading behind the scenes during critical moments of Kennedy's Presidency.
June 22, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It's a deeper read covering more topics than I expected, but that was good. He talks about his family a good bit. He grew up as a Unitarian. His family was involved in liberal politics. He talks about traveling to Washington after law school, not knowing where he would live or what he would do. He landed jobs working for the federal government for a couple different agencies, was not sure how long his federal job would last, so was exploring other opportunities including working as a staff attorney with Congress. That's how he eventually met Senator Kennedy and interviewed with him for a job on his staff. Kennedy told Ted he would ask him to meet with some sources and work up an economic recovery plan for New England. Ted was offered a job by another Senator, but Kennedy's offer sounded more interesting to him. Ted decided to take the job. What a wild ride that became. I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
A Life Well-Lived, Still Possible Today
I’m 73 and went to high school and college during a time when we believed that good will, knowledge and positive intent could lead to a more peaceful, better country and world. Apparently so did Theodore Sorensen, author of this book. He died in 2010. What would he believe today?
I found this book interesting and historically valuable, though the author’s reverence to both John and Robert Kennedy borders on the sycophantic. But he does fondly recall a more civil time where basic truths were agreed upon, nobody had invented “alternative facts,” and debate was vigorous but largely civil. Where did those days go?
Fascism depends on grievance, ignorance and ill-will. Books like this remind us that a more reasoned, less angry approach works better than hatred. If for no other reason, this book is a worthy read.
I’m 73 and went to high school and college during a time when we believed that good will, knowledge and positive intent could lead to a more peaceful, better country and world. Apparently so did Theodore Sorensen, author of this book. He died in 2010. What would he believe today?
I found this book interesting and historically valuable, though the author’s reverence to both John and Robert Kennedy borders on the sycophantic. But he does fondly recall a more civil time where basic truths were agreed upon, nobody had invented “alternative facts,” and debate was vigorous but largely civil. Where did those days go?
Fascism depends on grievance, ignorance and ill-will. Books like this remind us that a more reasoned, less angry approach works better than hatred. If for no other reason, this book is a worthy read.
May 20, 2025
I was an impressionable 10 year old when JFK was elected president. I remember the Cuban missile crisis and my parents being very worried. My friends and I all thought we would end up orphans, collecting pop bottles for the cause. And, of course, I remember learning from our teacher that the president was dead and spending days staring at the TV, unable to comprehend it all.
Reading this book was like going back in time and coloring all the pages I missed. Sorenson was an amazing writer, if long-winded at times. I didn’t read every word….there were just too many of them….but I’m so glad this book was recommended to me.
Reading this book was like going back in time and coloring all the pages I missed. Sorenson was an amazing writer, if long-winded at times. I didn’t read every word….there were just too many of them….but I’m so glad this book was recommended to me.
February 20, 2024
Sorensen was a Special Counselor to JFK during his Presidency but also had been with him in the Senate so this gives a first hand look into that relationship - as well as the rest of Sorensen's life in less detail before and after. A fascinating read in many places, and Sorensen is unapologetic in his love and admiration for Kennedy.
Some of the most meaningful passages for me came surprisingly at the end when the author discusses his stroke and how he copes with the continuing health issues in the years since. He shows a strength of character that I found admirable.
Some of the most meaningful passages for me came surprisingly at the end when the author discusses his stroke and how he copes with the continuing health issues in the years since. He shows a strength of character that I found admirable.
April 27, 2022
I listened to the audio book Counselor by Ted Sorensen, which was read by Ted Sorensen. This was a firsthand account of Ted Sorensen’s interactions with Senator and then President John F Kennedy. His personal account was interesting but perhaps a bit “long winded”. He related a lot of his own personal experiences, which was not all that interesting. Not a bad book, but I have read much better.
November 13, 2017
Loved this book mostly because I admired Ted Sorensen. I met him very briefly at a book signing years ago when this book came out. He could barely see at the time but it felt like meeting a living piece of history. He was a very interesting guy and I recommend this to anyone remotely interested in JFK.
November 4, 2019
You can skim. STart with JFK, end with JFK.
Of course he has some interesting stuff with RFK and later life, but, really, we're only reading it for JFK.
Ted seems like an odd duck. But JFK liked him, kept him on board. Confided in him. It's important to have people as advisors who are different than you.
Of course he has some interesting stuff with RFK and later life, but, really, we're only reading it for JFK.
Ted seems like an odd duck. But JFK liked him, kept him on board. Confided in him. It's important to have people as advisors who are different than you.
July 26, 2023
I wonder how he would feel about the world today, the over correctness and pathetic behaviours of an over entitled and pompous generation. His rendition of the life and times with Kennedy is inspiring. There is NO leader today or in the recent past that can claim they have been a President of Peace. Interesting read into the background of key events. Thoughtful and poignant.
October 23, 2024
At times I felt that Sorensen was overstating his importance (e.g., was it really true that Sorensen suggested landing a man on the moon and returning him to earth before the end of the 1960's?). But for the most part, I enjoyed reading this book, particularly his early life growing up in Nebraska and his years after leaving the White House and working as an attorney while living in NYC.
November 4, 2025
When Character Counted
A wonderful first hand account from one who was near and supported greatness in a time when cold warriors walked the earth and men with character and restraint met the challenges. How wonderful to read Mr. Sorensen’s book and be a fly on the wall to witness his time in the sun. Wonderful!
A wonderful first hand account from one who was near and supported greatness in a time when cold warriors walked the earth and men with character and restraint met the challenges. How wonderful to read Mr. Sorensen’s book and be a fly on the wall to witness his time in the sun. Wonderful!
September 28, 2025
Interesting read from JFKs primary speech writer and head of policy. I have not read his other books, but this one focuses on his life and career - starting as a kid in Nebraska. I enjoyed reading this after having read about Dick Goodwin, however, I found the pacing and story to be a bit slow.
February 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book to a point, but eventually became overwhelmed by Sorenson’s repeated defensiveness of Kennedy and hero worship.
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October 19, 2020I enjoyed this book! He is a good writer and is good at explaining things.
October 6, 2021
A very helpful view of the 60s from someone who sat at the center. Provides insights into the Kennedy-Johnson transition and the life of a Washington lawyer with one foot in politics.
April 28, 2023
Great, intimate portrait of the author’s relationship with JFK.
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