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Forever Young: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr.
An intimate portrait of the late son of President Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, told by his closest friend, describes the shared loss that bonded their childhoods, the author's witness to John Jr.'s marriage to Carolyn Bessette, and the heartbreaking aftermath of the plane crash that ended their lives. 175,000 first printing.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2006
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285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 18, 2011
Wanted to like this one, as I have a hereditary interest in the Kennedy's (my mother having been a huge fan) and share the author's college graduation year (1983), disease (testicular cancer), heritage (Irish American), and preferred restaurant in Cambridge, MA (Charlie's Kitchen).
However, it's not well written and not especially interesting. If you are a longtime reader of gossip columns, you already know that JFK Jr. had a relationship with Madonna and one with Daryl Hannah, who was also seeing Jackson Browne at the time, that his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy couldn't stand paparazzi, that they died in a plane crash about which next to nothing is known, and so on.
The more personal character sketches (Uncle Teddy drinks too much but gives fine heartfelt toasts on important family occasions involving his late brothers' kids; Jackie Onassis was sophisticated and gracious and knew a lot about art; JFK Jr. regretted missing out on knowing his Dad) are also mostly predictable.
I guess the content is limited to what it is -- the author is trapped in somewhat of a meta position since his claim to fame is being lifelong close friend of someone whose claim to fame in turn was that his Dad was President and who isn't around to add his own take on their hijinx. But particularly in view of his having had a professional writer as co-author it's hard to forgive the awful, seemingly unedited writing.
Author's besetting vices are:
(a) repetition -- there are 228 pages but only about a half dozen points he wanted to make (JFK Jr. liked to argue politics, was physically active and restless, played the field extensively before marriage, was generous with friends but guarded with the wider public, didn't drink much, and was disorganized) and
(b) unwillingness to trust the reader to draw the apt conclusion from described action. So one passage after another after another consists of something like "John was always pretty disorganized, but he could use his charm to get him out of a jam. [then long blow-by-blow of JFK losing his wallet or failing to make a hotel reservation or what not, then using help from his "mummy" or some family aide or his own bluster or money to achieve what he wanted anyway].....Yes, John wasn't good at remembering the keys, but he sure was a loyal friend" And so on, x 500
However, it's not well written and not especially interesting. If you are a longtime reader of gossip columns, you already know that JFK Jr. had a relationship with Madonna and one with Daryl Hannah, who was also seeing Jackson Browne at the time, that his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy couldn't stand paparazzi, that they died in a plane crash about which next to nothing is known, and so on.
The more personal character sketches (Uncle Teddy drinks too much but gives fine heartfelt toasts on important family occasions involving his late brothers' kids; Jackie Onassis was sophisticated and gracious and knew a lot about art; JFK Jr. regretted missing out on knowing his Dad) are also mostly predictable.
I guess the content is limited to what it is -- the author is trapped in somewhat of a meta position since his claim to fame is being lifelong close friend of someone whose claim to fame in turn was that his Dad was President and who isn't around to add his own take on their hijinx. But particularly in view of his having had a professional writer as co-author it's hard to forgive the awful, seemingly unedited writing.
Author's besetting vices are:
(a) repetition -- there are 228 pages but only about a half dozen points he wanted to make (JFK Jr. liked to argue politics, was physically active and restless, played the field extensively before marriage, was generous with friends but guarded with the wider public, didn't drink much, and was disorganized) and
(b) unwillingness to trust the reader to draw the apt conclusion from described action. So one passage after another after another consists of something like "John was always pretty disorganized, but he could use his charm to get him out of a jam. [then long blow-by-blow of JFK losing his wallet or failing to make a hotel reservation or what not, then using help from his "mummy" or some family aide or his own bluster or money to achieve what he wanted anyway].....Yes, John wasn't good at remembering the keys, but he sure was a loyal friend" And so on, x 500
October 20, 2010
What would it be like, to be the good friend of a super famous American? Interesting topic, but jeesh, Bill Noonan is way to impressed with his relationship and his insider point-of-view, that he answers the question by basically being that boring guy that goes on and on about how perfect a friend he was and professes to know the true feelings of JFK Jr. This might have been a better written book had it been penned by a third person. So many of the people in the book are dead, one hopes that his reflections are accurate, but who is to know.
December 5, 2019
There was nothing new or interesting. I did not care for the author or appreciate his perspective.
May 7, 2014
I thought it was unnecessary for writer to write about how John cheated so many times on girlfriend, Christina Haag, and acting like he did not care about it. That is how the writer came across in this book.
Hurtful and unnecessary. I read Christina 's book, Come to the Edge, and it was a beautiful, and sad book about their love story. Highly recommend it. I also Robert Littrell's book, The Men We Became, and it was a great book. He was more careful about writing about John's challenge with being faithful to his earlier relationships....I would imagine John would prefer it to be not written about in such detail in Forever Young book. Imagine Christina knows the truth about their struggles in their relationship, which she talked about in her book.....
John will certainly be missed, as well as his wife and sister in law. So sad about the accident. Life just isn't fair at times.
Hurtful and unnecessary. I read Christina 's book, Come to the Edge, and it was a beautiful, and sad book about their love story. Highly recommend it. I also Robert Littrell's book, The Men We Became, and it was a great book. He was more careful about writing about John's challenge with being faithful to his earlier relationships....I would imagine John would prefer it to be not written about in such detail in Forever Young book. Imagine Christina knows the truth about their struggles in their relationship, which she talked about in her book.....
John will certainly be missed, as well as his wife and sister in law. So sad about the accident. Life just isn't fair at times.
August 25, 2012
I'm not sure I believe Billy Noonan's description of his importance to JFK, Jr. A quick read.
June 26, 2011
Already I am disappointed by the book and embarrassed that I will probably keep reading it. I am one of those people who can't look away from a train wreck, which I have a feeling this book is going to be. The real friends are the ones who don't tell their story and the author is already coming off sounding arrogant and self-serving all the while trying desperately to get across that he's not.
Finished. The only good thing about this book is that it was under 300 pages. For some reason lately I have this need to finish any book I start regardless of how bad it is. Groans. My initial reaction to the author of being arrogant and self-serving held true throughout the book. We don't learn anything new about JKF Jr. The excuse of the author for writing it was to set the record straight. Not quite sure what records he was trying to set straight. All I read was bragging about how close he was to JFK Jr. The book was filled with hypocrisy too... how he looked down on people "tourists" who were curious about the Kennedy's yet who does he think is going to buy his book? Thankfully this was a library book and nothing I actually spent money on. Also how he lambasted another of JKF Jr.'s friends for talking to the press yet HE writes a book and the most funny is how he, a grown man, threw apples at reporters outside the Kennedy compound where they gathered while JFK Jr.'s plane was missing but actually found out that the bodies of John and Carolyn were recovered from news reporters.
It's not even worth going into the horrid way he treated his mother over Caroline Kennedy's wedding... my advice, don't even start this book.
Finished. The only good thing about this book is that it was under 300 pages. For some reason lately I have this need to finish any book I start regardless of how bad it is. Groans. My initial reaction to the author of being arrogant and self-serving held true throughout the book. We don't learn anything new about JKF Jr. The excuse of the author for writing it was to set the record straight. Not quite sure what records he was trying to set straight. All I read was bragging about how close he was to JFK Jr. The book was filled with hypocrisy too... how he looked down on people "tourists" who were curious about the Kennedy's yet who does he think is going to buy his book? Thankfully this was a library book and nothing I actually spent money on. Also how he lambasted another of JKF Jr.'s friends for talking to the press yet HE writes a book and the most funny is how he, a grown man, threw apples at reporters outside the Kennedy compound where they gathered while JFK Jr.'s plane was missing but actually found out that the bodies of John and Carolyn were recovered from news reporters.
It's not even worth going into the horrid way he treated his mother over Caroline Kennedy's wedding... my advice, don't even start this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
A very simple and quick read. Not especially informative, needs some decent editing. A glimpse into the high-jinx of slightly bored, over-privileged, males. I didn't see much in the way of insight on the part of Mr. Noonan, or an especially close bond of friendship with JFK, Jr., other than what he repeats paragraph after paragraph. Let's face it, most parties in the book are dead and cannot confirm one way or the other what Mr. Noonan meant to them, much less defend themselves. If you are bored and sitting on the beach, an okay read.
April 10, 2021
Entirely disappointing. It's hard to see the author as anything more than a self-aggrandizing sycophant who manages to get in digs about every single person in JFK Jr's life. I really wanted to like this book, and the two stars are simply for subject matter, but I feel like I need a shower after reading.
This book is full of bitterness and snobbery and it doesn't seem like the author even liked his "best friend" all that much. I am skeptical that they were really that close, and his detailed conversations with Carolyn are simply not believable. At one point he recounts an episode where he blew up at John for some small slight telling him "You made me yell at my wife!" and when John protests, follows it up with "Don't try to shirk responsibility!" The author is wholly unlikeable, and what a disservice to John and Carolyn that this book was even written. I hope they had better, and more honorable friends in their short lives.
This book is full of bitterness and snobbery and it doesn't seem like the author even liked his "best friend" all that much. I am skeptical that they were really that close, and his detailed conversations with Carolyn are simply not believable. At one point he recounts an episode where he blew up at John for some small slight telling him "You made me yell at my wife!" and when John protests, follows it up with "Don't try to shirk responsibility!" The author is wholly unlikeable, and what a disservice to John and Carolyn that this book was even written. I hope they had better, and more honorable friends in their short lives.
July 13, 2020
Between 3.5 - 4 stars
I stumbled upon this book when trying to find an audio book from library that I could immediately check out (while I waited for my other holds to become available). I'd never really had much interest in the Kennedys, but now I understand why there is so much fascination with them. (And now I just want to keep reading more about them.) This particular book was interesting. I hope that its an accurate portrayal of their actual friendship, although I question how the author can remember conversations so vividly so many years later. But the tale of friendship and the ups and downs that long term friendships go through was compelling and entertaining.
I stumbled upon this book when trying to find an audio book from library that I could immediately check out (while I waited for my other holds to become available). I'd never really had much interest in the Kennedys, but now I understand why there is so much fascination with them. (And now I just want to keep reading more about them.) This particular book was interesting. I hope that its an accurate portrayal of their actual friendship, although I question how the author can remember conversations so vividly so many years later. But the tale of friendship and the ups and downs that long term friendships go through was compelling and entertaining.
February 1, 2019
It's one of my favorite books and I also recommend a similar title written by another close friend to John JR., Robert Little called the men we became. Reading both of the books will give you a sort of bio of john's life from more than just one perspective. in addition to that I read RFK JR by Jeffery Oppenhemier and want to move on to many other books on the kennedys such as Ted's auto bio True Compass...its all very interesting stuff. this book by Billy noonan was great to read. I learned many things I didn't know such as about John's friendship with his cousin Anthony who had a polish background like myself which I found interesting as well as the fact that he was John Jrs best man at his wedding...there are difficulties and hardships talked about in the book that many people would not necesarily know about so it gives you a different type of appreciation for peoples lives involved and gives you a chance to really reflect on your own life.
June 17, 2015
My most notable quotes:
"John was lively and assuredly real. He could not sit still. He smoked grass. He loved the blues, he could eat more than anyone I've ever known, he had a cavalier attitude toward danger, and he had a thing for hardheaded-and beautiful-women."
"America is a country where you could be born poor and die rich."
"'We have to soldier on' - that was a special phrase to Jackie and her children."
"In Washington, like New York, power is omnipresent and control an attribute"
"She has the most unusual upwards glance, really seductive."
"She had given him the toolbox; now it was time to create something with it."
"Jackie was nothing if not her own woman"
"Cynicism can be fatal"
"It is never, after all, the sibling that ruins family relationships; it's always the nagging spouse."
"How you live is how you die."
"John was lively and assuredly real. He could not sit still. He smoked grass. He loved the blues, he could eat more than anyone I've ever known, he had a cavalier attitude toward danger, and he had a thing for hardheaded-and beautiful-women."
"America is a country where you could be born poor and die rich."
"'We have to soldier on' - that was a special phrase to Jackie and her children."
"In Washington, like New York, power is omnipresent and control an attribute"
"She has the most unusual upwards glance, really seductive."
"She had given him the toolbox; now it was time to create something with it."
"Jackie was nothing if not her own woman"
"Cynicism can be fatal"
"It is never, after all, the sibling that ruins family relationships; it's always the nagging spouse."
"How you live is how you die."
February 19, 2008
Pluta - this ones for you. I am in a Kennedy phase, interested in them as people rather than the lies so many books have told.
This book is great, I have a bit more to go. The author, Billy Noonan is a a childhood friend of JFK Jr. The TRUTH about his death is revealed as opposed to the "myth" that so many professional Kennedy biographers claim. Noonan allows you to take a closer look at the life of a young boy as he grows into an adult. Book also touches on Jackie, Caroline, the Shrivers, and other cousins, family members.
This book is great, I have a bit more to go. The author, Billy Noonan is a a childhood friend of JFK Jr. The TRUTH about his death is revealed as opposed to the "myth" that so many professional Kennedy biographers claim. Noonan allows you to take a closer look at the life of a young boy as he grows into an adult. Book also touches on Jackie, Caroline, the Shrivers, and other cousins, family members.
July 5, 2015
I am a huge Kennedy buff and love learning more and more about the family, especially JFK Jr. who I can admit I do not know that much about. The beginning of the book was very bland, but Billy went into describing JFK post marriage and focusing more of the story on JFK, it became a real page turner.
We all know the incredibly sad ending, but I appreciated how even though Billy was one of his best friends, he was honest in his portrayal of JFK Jr. Overall, I walked away feeling like i knew who the man of JFK Jr. was a little better.
We all know the incredibly sad ending, but I appreciated how even though Billy was one of his best friends, he was honest in his portrayal of JFK Jr. Overall, I walked away feeling like i knew who the man of JFK Jr. was a little better.
July 10, 2012
Well written, honest recollection of time spent with his best friend, JFK Jr. I appreciated the fact that he shared stories of their growing up, minus any scandalous tales. He clearly loved his friend and memorialized him in a way that anyone would hope that their best buddy would do. For those who might be hoping for a juicy tell-all, you will not find this here. A true friend tells a deeply personal story of losing his best friend, who just happened to be an American icon.
February 14, 2022
The author made himself sound like a more important person than JFK Jr. Did not like some of the things he said about John and Carolyn, which were the only things in the book we haven’t read or heard a thousand times. I have serious doubts he was as good a friend as he try’s to make readers believe. Funny that I have read many other books by other friends of Johns and this one’s name was never mentioned.
September 25, 2008
Very interesting - what insight provided by close friend Bill Noonan about growing up with JFK.
Some of the political history is at times a little dry, but overall a good read! (I found it interesting, as a Prince fan, that John & Carolyn played a funky but obscure Prince song at their wedding!)
Some of the political history is at times a little dry, but overall a good read! (I found it interesting, as a Prince fan, that John & Carolyn played a funky but obscure Prince song at their wedding!)
March 4, 2013
I read this a year ago. Felt like I was one of the paparazzis chasing JFK everywhere. I can't blame people if they wanted to have a glimpse of lives of Kennedys. Theirs were really interesting. This book will answer questions on what JFK does during occassions. Plus you'll get to know the number of girlfriend he had.
November 27, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. The Kennedy Family has always been a mystery. The tragedy that this family has lived through is heart-breaking. This book made me both and smile and weep.. I loved this beautiful young man...
February 17, 2009
I like this book is not for its writing, nor its intended purpose of friendship, but it’s honesty. It’s a great caricature of American culture. Sad but true!
It’s the “American Graffiti” of the ruling class.
It’s the “American Graffiti” of the ruling class.
August 9, 2009
This was an interesting read. A behind the scenes glimpse of the life of JFK jr. The author was obviously a good friend, but seemed to spend more time with the Kennedys than he did with his own family!
April 27, 2010
A beautiful book about a beautiful man. Billy Noonan did an excellent job of showing how real JFK Jr. was. He was lost too early, and I think it's a great gift to give-the insight of a great friendship.
August 1, 2010
This is the story of John F. Kennedy Jr. narrated by his best friend since he was 12 years old until his death. It is a very insightful narrative not only on John but on Jackie Kennedy also. I highly recommend it.
March 10, 2011
This book by JFK, Jr.'s best friend was quite interesting...an insider view of the Kennedy clan. The author's views about his pal, his wife, and his mother, Jackie O. and other famous Camelot characters seemed unvarnished and clear-eyed. Of course, the book has a sad ending...
March 23, 2019
Having grown up in boston in the kenedy era ,I have read many books about the elders.
It was refreshing to learn about a younger Kenedy that wasn't sensational.
A dear friendship between friends who despite wealth were there for each other.
It was refreshing to learn about a younger Kenedy that wasn't sensational.
A dear friendship between friends who despite wealth were there for each other.
January 12, 2008
Dealing with one of my favorite subjects [John Jr.], this book was very enjoyable. It was good to read what someone who actually knew him well wrote.
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February 23, 2008Look forward to reading the book.
July 19, 2008
An inside look at John and family by his best friend. Great pictures of a very handsome young man.
August 30, 2008
In this memoir, Bill Noonan, discusses his friendship with JFK, jr. After reading this book, I feel like I know John-John a little better.
August 29, 2015
I took a break from reading for a while......I read a lot of books on The Kennedy's but this was my all time favorite. There were some really sweet LOL moments.
April 29, 2017
Interesting details about a true, loyal, and lasting friendship between a very famous person and someone I had never heard of.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews