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What Jackie Taught Us: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
She was a woman of confidence, focus, and passion, and it made her one of the world's greatest sources of inspiration and influence. She drew on a remarkable wealth of self-knowledge and a sense of purpose to cope with extraordinary public demands and overwhelming private needs. How can anyone emulate Jackie?
What Jackie Taught Us offers Jackie's own personal lessons about how best to live one's life with poise, grace, and zest, including wisdom about image and style, courage and vision, men, marriage, motherhood, and motivation, and how best to apply those lessons to everyday life. With the shining example of this American icon, we can illuminate who we are, what we want—and what we truly need from ourselves and each other.
What Jackie Taught Us offers Jackie's own personal lessons about how best to live one's life with poise, grace, and zest, including wisdom about image and style, courage and vision, men, marriage, motherhood, and motivation, and how best to apply those lessons to everyday life. With the shining example of this American icon, we can illuminate who we are, what we want—and what we truly need from ourselves and each other.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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647 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 11, 2017
I really enjoyed learning more about Jackie Kennedy. However, the writing style in this book reminded me of something a middle schooler would write. The author used very little information to draw huge conclusions. It was repetitive in some places and there was quotes from random people tucked in, which was odd.
May 8, 2014
What Jackie Taught Us: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Tina Santi Flaherty is a wonderful tribute to Jackie. Though she was a character with a flawed personality as we all are, she was a wonderful human-being, who added much charm, aura and glamor to the Kennedy family. Most often, what we read about Jackie used to come from the rumor-mill but reading this book without that chirpy and gossipy feeling is a nice change.
Tina Santi Flaherty has done a commendable job in bringing out a revised and expanded edition of this wonderful book which offers an insightful look into Jackie's life with quotes and anecdotes from those who knew her best. There are chapters which highlight Jackie’s sense of self-awareness, style, vision, courage, and motherhood. The book takes a look at both her personal and public life to give us a glimpse of who she was and help us understand her better. It was her personal traits and how she carried herself in public that made her the cynosure of all eyes. To her credit, one must admit that Jackie has in more than one way helped in defining and shaping the destiny of many Americans.
The arrangement of chapter is especially significant as it is not organized in chronological order but by the well-thought out personal traits of Jackie which she is known to possess. With stories, quotes and anecdotes which tell and reveal various facets, this biography is not only informative but entertaining and enjoyable. If you read this biography with sense of openness, you’ll be inspired by a life that was lived to the hilt.
Tina Santi Flaherty has done a commendable job in bringing out a revised and expanded edition of this wonderful book which offers an insightful look into Jackie's life with quotes and anecdotes from those who knew her best. There are chapters which highlight Jackie’s sense of self-awareness, style, vision, courage, and motherhood. The book takes a look at both her personal and public life to give us a glimpse of who she was and help us understand her better. It was her personal traits and how she carried herself in public that made her the cynosure of all eyes. To her credit, one must admit that Jackie has in more than one way helped in defining and shaping the destiny of many Americans.
The arrangement of chapter is especially significant as it is not organized in chronological order but by the well-thought out personal traits of Jackie which she is known to possess. With stories, quotes and anecdotes which tell and reveal various facets, this biography is not only informative but entertaining and enjoyable. If you read this biography with sense of openness, you’ll be inspired by a life that was lived to the hilt.
May 25, 2012
This book was a nice insight into the life of Jackie O. It was a very fast and easy read. I am a big fan and I'd like to think we are "kindred spirits" in our quests for knowledge. To be honest though, I thought that I would learn more about her life in general, that you couldn't just get from Wikipedia or somewhere. Although, I do think this book looks at her as an inspiration and would be a great self-help book for any young lady that picked it up.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "When we take personal responsibility for learning, we open our lives to boundless opportunities."
Although I did get the sense that a very prominent message of this book was kind of, "Work what you got, and material possessions mean a lot when it comes to moving up in the world and getting married. No matter if you have to sacrifice what you really want. Appearances are everything." That is all a matter of opinion, but that's kind of the message I took from some of the chapters.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "When we take personal responsibility for learning, we open our lives to boundless opportunities."
Although I did get the sense that a very prominent message of this book was kind of, "Work what you got, and material possessions mean a lot when it comes to moving up in the world and getting married. No matter if you have to sacrifice what you really want. Appearances are everything." That is all a matter of opinion, but that's kind of the message I took from some of the chapters.
December 29, 2013
I have been a fan of Jackie Kennedy Onassis for years and really wanted to dive into her story a little deeper. Of the many books written about Jackie I chose this one because it juxtaposed her story with some very valuable lesssons. It certainly shows how her character, courage and strength came about throughout her life. Her relationship with her parents and upbringing seemed to really be her foundation for the milestones and events that were to later mark her life.
She did leave behind many lessons that working professionals, mothers, daughters and sisters can learn from her. I do recommend this book but the one minus was that the author did jump around a lot as far events and it almost seemed a bit repetitive in some chapters. Otherwise, it did provide great insights to a story of an American icon who is until this day is a beacon of hope, intelligence and strength.
She did leave behind many lessons that working professionals, mothers, daughters and sisters can learn from her. I do recommend this book but the one minus was that the author did jump around a lot as far events and it almost seemed a bit repetitive in some chapters. Otherwise, it did provide great insights to a story of an American icon who is until this day is a beacon of hope, intelligence and strength.
January 5, 2008
Disappointed because it did not meet my expectations. It could have been written by someone who has read press releases. No new or personal information. Did not even seem to be that "educational".
February 6, 2011
Give this to your
daughters! nieces! granddaughters! any young lady that you know!
daughters! nieces! granddaughters! any young lady that you know!
November 12, 2011
I'n all fairness I love most books on Jackie. This book highlights her grace under fire and how she "dealt" with being "Jackie! The book is a light & fluffy but still a good read.
July 25, 2015
The premise of this book is interesting. However the book is not well written. The book was repetitive, choppy and even confusing at times.
November 7, 2017
Former Colgate-Palmolive VP Flaherty (Talk Your Way to the Top) fairly idolizes Camelot’s First Lady. In chapters padded with cursory biographical snippets, she purports to explore what Jackie “taught” the world. Take, for instance, the chapter “Men and Marriage,” wherein readers learn that Jackie made herself attractive and “followed her heart.” Much is made of the “beautiful, cultured, and intelligent” icon of our collective (and idealized) cultural memory. Instead of wasting money on this hardcover trifle, commemorate Jackie’s death by dusting off some respectable biographies, e.g., Sarah Bradford’s America's Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis or Pamela Clarke Keogh’s photographic Jackie Style.
Copyright Library Journal. Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal.
Copyright Library Journal. Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal.
June 22, 2022
I wanted to give this book a higher rating- maybe 3.5? It just didn’t make it to 4 stars for me. And I’m an avowed Jackie-O-phile. I read nearly everything about her that I can get my hands on.
I loved the chapters written by different people, both those close to her and those who admired her. They all seemed united in detailing the strength of her intellect and resolve.
The repetitive factor that detracted significantly from the book for me was the simple repetition of the same quotes over and over. Writers cited oft-used and well-known statements attributed to Jackie whether they heard her utter them or not. I would have rather learned of something different she said or wrote, things more personal to each of the writers included in the book.
Because I am such a fan of her life, I still liked the book quite a lot. I did learn a few new things about her and loved that her intelligence, courage, and determination were affirmed by many.
I loved the chapters written by different people, both those close to her and those who admired her. They all seemed united in detailing the strength of her intellect and resolve.
The repetitive factor that detracted significantly from the book for me was the simple repetition of the same quotes over and over. Writers cited oft-used and well-known statements attributed to Jackie whether they heard her utter them or not. I would have rather learned of something different she said or wrote, things more personal to each of the writers included in the book.
Because I am such a fan of her life, I still liked the book quite a lot. I did learn a few new things about her and loved that her intelligence, courage, and determination were affirmed by many.
September 17, 2020
Compared to other Jackie books I’ve read, I just didn’t love this one. The author’s own opinions and biases showed through. It kind of felt like reading a college paper. Every chapter was like, “see, because Jackie did this, we know we can be brave too!” It was just kind of lame and messy. I mean, I love anything Jackie related automatically, but I wasn’t liking having the author’s own input in it.
June 11, 2023
My mom and grandma have always talked so highly about Jackie Kennedy and her life. I watched a documentary and loved it. My mom surprised me with this book and I could not put it down. I read it every time I had free time. It was so good and so well written. It helps to prove that Jaqueline Kennedy is one of the best woman in history.
March 6, 2024
If you have read about Jackie Kennedy before, you likely will not find much here you don't already know. It's a small book so it won't come as a surprise that the biographical information is greatly condensed. This is mostly about her strength during adversity. I wish we could have had more years to find out what a strong woman she was.
December 13, 2018
Some interesting and new information about Jackie O that I had not read previously. Very interesting set of essays, nicely put together for the most part. Some repeated information as the book is a set of essays but very readable and information.
March 17, 2020
Short book with everything that is important to know about Jackie Kennedy. And what such an inspirational person.
It is only 4 starts because there were some parts that were told more than once and in my opinion it was not necessary.
It is only 4 starts because there were some parts that were told more than once and in my opinion it was not necessary.
July 1, 2017
Wished I could have read more insights to her life but enjoyed the tidbits they this book did share.
May 7, 2020
The book interested me as Jackie in her era was such a powerful woman. The book is very repitious and most likely could have been written in 50 pages.
February 28, 2021
Not what I was expecting but still decent. Good book to get your feet wet on all things Jackie related.
March 19, 2022
Inspiring! I'm a Jackie nerd and I loved this book. I wish young girls today had a role model like Jackie.
July 17, 2022
it was set up really interestingly with it split into different topics and was fascinating at the beginning, but got very, very repetitive
January 23, 2025
This easy to read reminds us of Jackie Kennedy's grace, poise, style, intelligence while also adding her love of family
October 10, 2022
I’d describe this book as a really good, easy read. The book isn’t challenging per say, but does a great job of sharing things about the Kennedy’s most aren’t familiar with.
Some of the essays are a bit repetitive with facts. I found that the repetition only helped me to remember the key points in Kennedy’s life.
I would highly recommend this book for history lovers.
Some of the essays are a bit repetitive with facts. I found that the repetition only helped me to remember the key points in Kennedy’s life.
I would highly recommend this book for history lovers.
May 31, 2021
Examples from Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ life of her classy and effective behaviour - I was a little irritated in parts and there is some repetition but I liked the celebration of Ms. Onassis whom I admire without too much reservation - if you’re a Jackie fan, you’ll enjoy this quick read and may even learn some effective ways to be.
April 3, 2011
Type: {Commuter Read: format lends easily to starting/ stopping.}
Rating: {Me Likey: Enjoyable! Particularly for fans of this genre.}
Why You’re Reading It:
- You are a Kennedy fan who want another insight into Camelot
- You want to know more about Jackie O.
What I Thought:
Though not a biography, this book has plenty of information about Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s life. In fact, the subtitle to the book is: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Split up into easily readable chapters such as, Image and Style, The Quest for Knowledge, and Men and Marriage, the reader is treated to insights into how Jackie became Jackie. Ultimately, it seems, she created herself — and carefully at that. Jackie had a vision of who she wanted to be, and her determination, focus, and intellect brought her to that place.
While interesting and easy to read, much of the information is common knowledge for anyone who knows anything about Jackie O. The forward is written by Susan Lucci, whose connection with Jackie I’m still trying to figure out. And whether the information in this book is original, or if the author just used others’ work to base her work off of, I can’t tell. However, it is still entertaining and inspiring for admirers of Jackie.
Rating: {Me Likey: Enjoyable! Particularly for fans of this genre.}
Why You’re Reading It:
- You are a Kennedy fan who want another insight into Camelot
- You want to know more about Jackie O.
What I Thought:
Though not a biography, this book has plenty of information about Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s life. In fact, the subtitle to the book is: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Split up into easily readable chapters such as, Image and Style, The Quest for Knowledge, and Men and Marriage, the reader is treated to insights into how Jackie became Jackie. Ultimately, it seems, she created herself — and carefully at that. Jackie had a vision of who she wanted to be, and her determination, focus, and intellect brought her to that place.
While interesting and easy to read, much of the information is common knowledge for anyone who knows anything about Jackie O. The forward is written by Susan Lucci, whose connection with Jackie I’m still trying to figure out. And whether the information in this book is original, or if the author just used others’ work to base her work off of, I can’t tell. However, it is still entertaining and inspiring for admirers of Jackie.
July 16, 2015
I really would like to give this 3.5 stars. I was quite young during the Kennedy era, and fashion and politics were not in my interest circles yet. However it was impossible not to be touched by America's royal family.
Reading this as an adult I am fascinated by details and influences that had touched me even while I did not notice them as a child. Of course the older women in my life did notice Jackie's style and poise.
She was an example to women all over the world, and of all ages and income levels.
Tina Santi Flaherty did a wonderful job in revising and expanding the original book.
This edition offers quotes and insights from those who knew Jackie personally.
The chapters are arranged according to subject rather than chronologically.
It focuses on Jackie's personal traits, how she carried herself in public, and how her parents formed Jackie's self image and carriage. It tells behind the scenes stories about how politics and concerns over public perception influenced choices in clothing designers and style.
This is an interesting look at history and one of the characters that will remain in American consciousness forver.
I won a copy of this book and the opinions are my own.
Reading this as an adult I am fascinated by details and influences that had touched me even while I did not notice them as a child. Of course the older women in my life did notice Jackie's style and poise.
She was an example to women all over the world, and of all ages and income levels.
Tina Santi Flaherty did a wonderful job in revising and expanding the original book.
This edition offers quotes and insights from those who knew Jackie personally.
The chapters are arranged according to subject rather than chronologically.
It focuses on Jackie's personal traits, how she carried herself in public, and how her parents formed Jackie's self image and carriage. It tells behind the scenes stories about how politics and concerns over public perception influenced choices in clothing designers and style.
This is an interesting look at history and one of the characters that will remain in American consciousness forver.
I won a copy of this book and the opinions are my own.
February 5, 2016
While I felt like the "what Jackie taught us" moments at each chapter's end were somewhat sweeping generalizations or opinions of the author, I enjoyed this book. But after all, maybe those "generalizations" really were true according to the American public! I should ask my parents what they thought of Jackie. :) I was very impressed with her smarts (fluent and self-taught in 3 languages!), her drive, her self-discipline, her understated yet classic fashion style, and the way she approached motherhood and raising her children. I also admire her for having no qualms about saying no to things that weren't important to her - she was not a people-pleaser, run ragged feeling obligated to do everything that everyone asked of her. I do believe we can learn much from her soft-spoken, yet firm way of accomplishing things (like renovating and curating the previously shabby White House in just a year!?).
December 7, 2011
Not only was this a short and fast read this book did a excellent job of showing the person that Jackie was and still touches the lives of so many people when she was alive and even in death. This book also truly reflects her personalty by sharing some details of her life that I never knew. The pictures of Jackie at the start of each Chapter just add to the kind of person she was from fun and very determined lady, To a person who embraces culture and shared with others to a fun loving mother and wife.
I think any guy or gal that reads this can draw can learn a lot of life lessons thru it.
I think any guy or gal that reads this can draw can learn a lot of life lessons thru it.
November 18, 2015
I really went back and forth between 3 or 4 stars but decided on a 4 because Jackie Kennedy is just a fascinating person. I didn't know too much about her besides the obvious big things. But this book isn't a chronological order of her life. It is separated into characteristics Jackie Kennedy had that we can learn from. Some characteristics I skimmed through because I wasn't as interested in them but some I really enjoyed. So if you are looking for a chronological biography of Jackie this isn't the one but I was able to learn more about Jackie's personality.
January 4, 2009
I loved this book. It was fascinating to read about Jacqueline Kennedy's life. The author's organization of the book made it more enjoyable than a chronological biography - each chapter is categorized by a trait that Jackie possessed that we can learn from (style, vision, courage, motherhood, etc.) then the chapter is full of stories & quotes from throughout her life. I learned so much & I am really inspired by her life. I highly recommend this book.
April 21, 2012
I started this book, excited to read more about Jackie and her life and things to be learned from her. The author, however, jumps from one topic to another, and makes sweeping conclusions without any specific evidence or clear indication of why those conclusions are made. It felt more like a series of comments by a casual observer rather than any true glimpse into Jackie's life or what made her tick.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews