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Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World
A Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist examines the life and times of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, arguing she left behind the Kennedy family’s most profound political legacy.
While Joe Kennedy was grooming his sons for the White House and the Senate, his Stanford-educated daughter Eunice was tapping her father’s fortune and her brothers’ political power to engineer one of the great civil rights movements of our time on behalf of millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Now, in Eunice , Pulitzer Prize winner Eileen McNamara finally brings Eunice Kennedy Shriver out from her brothers’ shadow to show an officious, cigar-smoking, indefatigable woman of unladylike determination and deep compassion born of at the medical establishment that had no answers for her sister Rosemary; at the revered but dismissive father whose vision for his family did not extend beyond his sons; and at the government that failed to deliver on America’s promise of equality.
Granted access to never-before-seen private papers—from the scrapbooks Eunice kept as a schoolgirl in prewar London to her thoughts on motherhood and feminism—McNamara paints a vivid portrait of a woman both ahead of her time and out of step with the visionary founder of the Special Olympics, a devout Catholic in a secular age, and a formidable woman whose impact on American society was longer lasting than that of any of the Kennedy men.
While Joe Kennedy was grooming his sons for the White House and the Senate, his Stanford-educated daughter Eunice was tapping her father’s fortune and her brothers’ political power to engineer one of the great civil rights movements of our time on behalf of millions of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Now, in Eunice , Pulitzer Prize winner Eileen McNamara finally brings Eunice Kennedy Shriver out from her brothers’ shadow to show an officious, cigar-smoking, indefatigable woman of unladylike determination and deep compassion born of at the medical establishment that had no answers for her sister Rosemary; at the revered but dismissive father whose vision for his family did not extend beyond his sons; and at the government that failed to deliver on America’s promise of equality.
Granted access to never-before-seen private papers—from the scrapbooks Eunice kept as a schoolgirl in prewar London to her thoughts on motherhood and feminism—McNamara paints a vivid portrait of a woman both ahead of her time and out of step with the visionary founder of the Special Olympics, a devout Catholic in a secular age, and a formidable woman whose impact on American society was longer lasting than that of any of the Kennedy men.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2018
274 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
May 6, 2018
5 empowered, emboldened stars to Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Prior to reading this book, I familiar with Eunice Shriver’s enormous contributions to society on behalf of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, creating the Special Olympics, among many others, but this book quickly illuminated all of Eunice’s accomplishments, her strength of character, her passion in advocating for individuals with disabilities, and her love and devotion for her family.
I read a nonfiction book a couple months ago about Rosemary, Eunice’s sister, who had an intellectual disability and had a very difficult time obtaining schooling tailored to her needs, and Eunice’s book had some overlap with family backstory, while clearly focusing on Eunice’s perspective.
Eunice grew up in a male-dominated family, and she was often limited by her father (and society) in what she had access to as a female, but she forged ahead, accepted challenges, and made her own destiny based on her strong faith and family values.
Bottom line, Eunice’s life was fascinating, empowering, inspiring, and I can’t imagine living in a world where her contributions had not laid the foundation for a more accepting society for individuals with disabilities.
Thank you to Eileen McNamara, Simon Schuster, and Netgalley for the ARC. Eunice is available now!
This review and others can also be found on my shiny new book blog! www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Prior to reading this book, I familiar with Eunice Shriver’s enormous contributions to society on behalf of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, creating the Special Olympics, among many others, but this book quickly illuminated all of Eunice’s accomplishments, her strength of character, her passion in advocating for individuals with disabilities, and her love and devotion for her family.
I read a nonfiction book a couple months ago about Rosemary, Eunice’s sister, who had an intellectual disability and had a very difficult time obtaining schooling tailored to her needs, and Eunice’s book had some overlap with family backstory, while clearly focusing on Eunice’s perspective.
Eunice grew up in a male-dominated family, and she was often limited by her father (and society) in what she had access to as a female, but she forged ahead, accepted challenges, and made her own destiny based on her strong faith and family values.
Bottom line, Eunice’s life was fascinating, empowering, inspiring, and I can’t imagine living in a world where her contributions had not laid the foundation for a more accepting society for individuals with disabilities.
Thank you to Eileen McNamara, Simon Schuster, and Netgalley for the ARC. Eunice is available now!
This review and others can also be found on my shiny new book blog! www.jennifertarheelreader.com
March 4, 2019
4.5 Stars
The Shriver branch of the Kennedy family is my favorite. They don't get enough attention but they probably have done more for the world then the other branches combined.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the runt of the litter, she was a sickly child who despite having the best political mind in the family was constantly over looked because she was a woman. In the Kennedy family women were wives and mothers and nothing more. Had Eunice been born 20 years later she may have become President. The fact that she accomplished as much as she did is a testament to her strength and hard headedness.
Eunice came of age in a time when people with disabilities were put away in nightmarish institutions. People with disabilities weren't even considered people legally. People with disabilities had ZERO rights and very few people in public life cared about their cause.
Eunice didn't come up with a lot of the ideas she has been credited with like The Special Olympics but she did use her famous name and money to get it the attention it deserved. Without Eunice pestering her brothers and other politicians it would have taken a much longer time to get things like The Maternal and Child Health Amendment to the Social Security Act, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act passed.
Eunice leveraged her family's name and fame to strip the shame away from people with disabilities. And I don't think its a crazy to say that Eunice left the most monumental and lasting legacy.
The Shriver branch of the Kennedy family is my favorite. They don't get enough attention but they probably have done more for the world then the other branches combined.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the runt of the litter, she was a sickly child who despite having the best political mind in the family was constantly over looked because she was a woman. In the Kennedy family women were wives and mothers and nothing more. Had Eunice been born 20 years later she may have become President. The fact that she accomplished as much as she did is a testament to her strength and hard headedness.
Eunice came of age in a time when people with disabilities were put away in nightmarish institutions. People with disabilities weren't even considered people legally. People with disabilities had ZERO rights and very few people in public life cared about their cause.
Eunice didn't come up with a lot of the ideas she has been credited with like The Special Olympics but she did use her famous name and money to get it the attention it deserved. Without Eunice pestering her brothers and other politicians it would have taken a much longer time to get things like The Maternal and Child Health Amendment to the Social Security Act, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act passed.
Eunice leveraged her family's name and fame to strip the shame away from people with disabilities. And I don't think its a crazy to say that Eunice left the most monumental and lasting legacy.
March 30, 2018
Eunice
The Kennedy Who Changed The World
Eileen McNamara
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PUBLISHER Simon and Schuster
PUBLISHED April 3, 2018
Eunice is an incredibly informative and spellbinding biography about a woman who would not be written off, not by her father, not by her family nor by anyone who stood in her way.
SUMMARY
While Joe Kennedy was grooming his sons for careers in politics, his daughters were largely invisible to him. They were not his priority. Eunice would allow her brothers to have the spotlight, but she would use her name, her intelligence, her father’s money and her brothers’ position to make her own mark. Her mark was advancing the rights of people across the world with intellectual disabilities. Using her family’s charitable foundation for this purpose, she funded scientific research across the nation, and developed the Special Olympics into a program of international prominence. She fought to empty mental institutions, and garnered a national commitment to community-based group homes, educational inclusion and job training. For four decades, she intimidated lawmakers and influenced public policy on a variety of social justice issues. Very few lawmakers could ever say no to Eunice Kennedy. And yet, until now, little has been written about this tireless, formidable and complicated woman.
REVIEW
This compelling biography sheds light on the significant societal contributions made by the fifth child of Joe and Rose Kennedy. With access to Eunice Kennedy’s personal papers, family and friends, Eileen McNamara has written a intimate portrait of a woman who overcomes numerous personal obstacles to accomplish tremendous social change for the intellectually challenged. This immensely satisfying account of Eunice Kennedy will leave you both inspired and amazed. McNamara’s chapters are smartly structured and beautifully written to highlight accomplishments, but weighted with brutally honest descriptions of Eunice’s brazen, insistent and impatient personality. She was a woman who had little time for idle chatter about things she could not change. EUNICE is chocked full of memorable stories about the Kennedy family exploits and will be most appreciated by Kennedy fans and those interested in the social justice issues she pursued. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchanged for an honest review.
The Kennedy Who Changed The World
Eileen McNamara
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PUBLISHER Simon and Schuster
PUBLISHED April 3, 2018
Eunice is an incredibly informative and spellbinding biography about a woman who would not be written off, not by her father, not by her family nor by anyone who stood in her way.
SUMMARY
While Joe Kennedy was grooming his sons for careers in politics, his daughters were largely invisible to him. They were not his priority. Eunice would allow her brothers to have the spotlight, but she would use her name, her intelligence, her father’s money and her brothers’ position to make her own mark. Her mark was advancing the rights of people across the world with intellectual disabilities. Using her family’s charitable foundation for this purpose, she funded scientific research across the nation, and developed the Special Olympics into a program of international prominence. She fought to empty mental institutions, and garnered a national commitment to community-based group homes, educational inclusion and job training. For four decades, she intimidated lawmakers and influenced public policy on a variety of social justice issues. Very few lawmakers could ever say no to Eunice Kennedy. And yet, until now, little has been written about this tireless, formidable and complicated woman.
REVIEW
This compelling biography sheds light on the significant societal contributions made by the fifth child of Joe and Rose Kennedy. With access to Eunice Kennedy’s personal papers, family and friends, Eileen McNamara has written a intimate portrait of a woman who overcomes numerous personal obstacles to accomplish tremendous social change for the intellectually challenged. This immensely satisfying account of Eunice Kennedy will leave you both inspired and amazed. McNamara’s chapters are smartly structured and beautifully written to highlight accomplishments, but weighted with brutally honest descriptions of Eunice’s brazen, insistent and impatient personality. She was a woman who had little time for idle chatter about things she could not change. EUNICE is chocked full of memorable stories about the Kennedy family exploits and will be most appreciated by Kennedy fans and those interested in the social justice issues she pursued. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchanged for an honest review.
February 9, 2019
This is a nonfiction biography of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. I loved the title by the time I finished this book because it rang so very true. She did so much good and truly made the world a better place to live. She experienced much tragedy in her life and she weathered it by not talking about it. Her whole family also took that same approach. That was sad.
Eunice accomplished so much in her life time. She really did shine. I liked that this book highlighted her strengths and how it showed her weaknesses. She was definitely her own person and went after (with such determination), all that moved her. So 4 stars.
Eunice accomplished so much in her life time. She really did shine. I liked that this book highlighted her strengths and how it showed her weaknesses. She was definitely her own person and went after (with such determination), all that moved her. So 4 stars.
May 26, 2018
This was one of the best biographies I’ve ever read and while part is due to the subject of Eunice K Shriver, a larger part is due to the immense talent of writer Eileen McNamara. It felt balanced and factual, yet narrative and sympathetic. The access McNamara had to Eunice’s children and sister-in-Law lent a personal quality that many biographies lack, while her deep public record spoke for itself.
In the end, I find myself motivated by Eunice’s life. Her commitment to her work makes me want to work harder for the things I believe in, and it makes me cherish my family even more.
In the end, I find myself motivated by Eunice’s life. Her commitment to her work makes me want to work harder for the things I believe in, and it makes me cherish my family even more.
February 26, 2021
An extremely well researched, well written book. Eileen McNamara brings alive Eunice Kennedy, with all her amazing drive and passion and flaws. She was a woman who I think never took no for an answer. She fought for the injustice she saw about her. She worked politically and hands on with those especially with intellectual disabilities and really did change the way these people were treated and seen. She was just so herself. A marriage that seems to have been successful on many plains and children who have travelled on in her spirit with today's insights incorporated. While I am not sure I would have liked her, I certainly applaud her for all that she achieved. The book itself is so well written, it just draws a reader in.
July 17, 2018
This woman was amazing. Although her work went largely unrecognized, Eunice’s activism helped shift the paradigm for people with disabilities. This well researched biography was filled with information, but was impartial so we truly got to see all parts of this charismatic woman’s personality. A little flat in the middle, but overall a good read
August 7, 2022
I'd been wanting to read this book for ages. I finally picked it up from the library, and I wasn't disappointed- at least not in the writing. Eileen McNamara, a former Boston Globe columnist, did a great job of telling Eunice's story. McNamara spent many hours researching, interviewing and it shows.
What struck me in a negative way wasn't the writing so much as it was Eunice herself- and the whole Kennedy clan. From the beginning, it was clear how incredibly privileged they all were. Patriarch Joseph Sr. was a rich, powerful man who basically bought his children's way into private schools, clubs, and politics. The Kennedys didn't have to ever budget money, or think twice about any activity involving spending money. Their lives centered around extravagant trips to Europe, boating in Hyannisport, parties and galas and fundraisers and the like. In comes Eunice, with NO experience with lower income families, poverty or crime, - and she wants to spearhead programs to minimize juvenile delinquency. Yes. That was what she started with. Eunice, who spent her time 'messing about in boats'. It was rather extraordinary, really. 24- 25 years old and next thing you know she's in Washington, trying to network, come up with programs and plans to deal with delinquency. It was so ironic it was almost laughable.
Much later she starts Special Olympics. That seemed much more of a genuine cause for her, largely because of her sister Rosemary. Eunice was driven, smart and ambitious. She was great at enlisting celebrities, college student volunteers, reluctant politicians and wealthy benefactors to fund and run Special Olympics. It was remarkable to read how it started out small- in her own yard and pool. She and her children ran summer camps. Taught kids how to swim, how to ride a horse. And Eunice would get right in the pool herself.
She was also very active in her brothers' political campaigns. Constant travel, meetings, parties. And all during these years she is physically unhealthy. I never knew how sick she and JFK were. In and out of hospitals. Mysterious stomach problems, headaches, weakness. Eunice was constantly battling her weight. She was underweight most of her life. It never stopped her. McNamara describes how Eunice would work from her bed. She'd make calls, write letters, make demands.
Oh, and her personality!! That was interesting to read about. Eunice was a very devout Catholic and at one point had wanted to become a nun. She was fiercely competitive, and was described as the best athlete among her siblings. They'd had sailing races and she was clearly the best of them.
Eunice was also very demanding, impatient, brusque and apparently a real pill to work for. She went through multiple assistants and staff throughout the years. People found her to be difficult to please. And as a mother, she was distant and unsympathetic. There was no crying in the house. No discussion of grief or sadness. Her brothers' assassinations were never discussed. Her way of dealing with it all was to work. And travel. And that's what she did.
Sarge, her husband, was the most understanding of the couple, according to Maria. From my reading of this book, it sure seems like Eunice was the dominant force and Sarge just went along. He didn't pursue his own political aspirations- to make room for Eunice's brothers. It was bothersome to see him play second fiddle.
I did enjoy reading about Eunice's growing up years, her schooling and her relationships.. And I admire her tenaciousness. She was a hard worker and a caring, strong and effective advocate for the developmentally disabled. But I couldn't get over my feeling of disgust with the whole privilege and money and power thing. It's sad to see just how all of these things make life so much easier for a select few.
Overall, I did like this book. And I recommend it to anyone who's interested in Eunice Kennedy. The book is full of *lots* of details, many which I can't get into here. So if you're a reader who enjoys details, you'll like this biography.
What struck me in a negative way wasn't the writing so much as it was Eunice herself- and the whole Kennedy clan. From the beginning, it was clear how incredibly privileged they all were. Patriarch Joseph Sr. was a rich, powerful man who basically bought his children's way into private schools, clubs, and politics. The Kennedys didn't have to ever budget money, or think twice about any activity involving spending money. Their lives centered around extravagant trips to Europe, boating in Hyannisport, parties and galas and fundraisers and the like. In comes Eunice, with NO experience with lower income families, poverty or crime, - and she wants to spearhead programs to minimize juvenile delinquency. Yes. That was what she started with. Eunice, who spent her time 'messing about in boats'. It was rather extraordinary, really. 24- 25 years old and next thing you know she's in Washington, trying to network, come up with programs and plans to deal with delinquency. It was so ironic it was almost laughable.
Much later she starts Special Olympics. That seemed much more of a genuine cause for her, largely because of her sister Rosemary. Eunice was driven, smart and ambitious. She was great at enlisting celebrities, college student volunteers, reluctant politicians and wealthy benefactors to fund and run Special Olympics. It was remarkable to read how it started out small- in her own yard and pool. She and her children ran summer camps. Taught kids how to swim, how to ride a horse. And Eunice would get right in the pool herself.
She was also very active in her brothers' political campaigns. Constant travel, meetings, parties. And all during these years she is physically unhealthy. I never knew how sick she and JFK were. In and out of hospitals. Mysterious stomach problems, headaches, weakness. Eunice was constantly battling her weight. She was underweight most of her life. It never stopped her. McNamara describes how Eunice would work from her bed. She'd make calls, write letters, make demands.
Oh, and her personality!! That was interesting to read about. Eunice was a very devout Catholic and at one point had wanted to become a nun. She was fiercely competitive, and was described as the best athlete among her siblings. They'd had sailing races and she was clearly the best of them.
Eunice was also very demanding, impatient, brusque and apparently a real pill to work for. She went through multiple assistants and staff throughout the years. People found her to be difficult to please. And as a mother, she was distant and unsympathetic. There was no crying in the house. No discussion of grief or sadness. Her brothers' assassinations were never discussed. Her way of dealing with it all was to work. And travel. And that's what she did.
Sarge, her husband, was the most understanding of the couple, according to Maria. From my reading of this book, it sure seems like Eunice was the dominant force and Sarge just went along. He didn't pursue his own political aspirations- to make room for Eunice's brothers. It was bothersome to see him play second fiddle.
I did enjoy reading about Eunice's growing up years, her schooling and her relationships.. And I admire her tenaciousness. She was a hard worker and a caring, strong and effective advocate for the developmentally disabled. But I couldn't get over my feeling of disgust with the whole privilege and money and power thing. It's sad to see just how all of these things make life so much easier for a select few.
Overall, I did like this book. And I recommend it to anyone who's interested in Eunice Kennedy. The book is full of *lots* of details, many which I can't get into here. So if you're a reader who enjoys details, you'll like this biography.
March 10, 2018
When I started reading this book, I basically knew two things about Eunice Kennedy Shriver: she started the Special Olympics and she was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s mother-in-law. I have read many books on the Kennedys over the years, but information on Eunice is usually scant. The focus is on the Kennedy men most of the time, just as the focus of the Kennedy family - and especially the family patriarch Joseph Kennedy - was always on the men. This book does a tremendous job of showing what a force Eunice was in her own right, and her accomplishments definitely put her on equal footing with her more famous brothers.
Despite the many pages filled with policy regarding abortio and mental retardation (Eunice’s two main areas of interest), the book reads like a train. It provides the perfect balance between public policy and politics, and the private life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The book includes many anecdotes from friends and family, and excerpts from Eunice’s private diary, which makes it all the more interesting. The book progresses at just the right pace as Eunice grows into her own right, taking over the running of the family foundation with her husband Sargent Shriver, growing the Special Olympics into an international organization and using her influence on Capital Hill to influence policy with regards to issues that matter to her most.
Despite the many pages filled with policy regarding abortio and mental retardation (Eunice’s two main areas of interest), the book reads like a train. It provides the perfect balance between public policy and politics, and the private life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The book includes many anecdotes from friends and family, and excerpts from Eunice’s private diary, which makes it all the more interesting. The book progresses at just the right pace as Eunice grows into her own right, taking over the running of the family foundation with her husband Sargent Shriver, growing the Special Olympics into an international organization and using her influence on Capital Hill to influence policy with regards to issues that matter to her most.
April 16, 2018
I am not a Kennedy buff but I am one who is interested in strong women's stories. This is certainly one.
Eunice was a force to be reckoned with and sounds like being around her sometimes could have been challenging, particularly if you worked for her. Because of her gender she was often sidelined by her family compared with her brothers but she was a powerful person behind them all. I was particularly interested in how the author would handle the subject of Rosemary, their sister who had intellectual disabilities and mental illness. She used to political influence to get things done and often seemed it was best to just get out of her way!
This book is well-researched and well-written. Certainly, if you want to know about the other people in her life there are plenty of books to read, but this is one of the first thorough look at Eunice, who is best known for her advocacy for those with special needs and the many losses her family endured. I was not aware of all her health challenges but I knew that being athletic and driven was a prerequisite for their clan.
A great addition to understanding the Kennedy family that has oft been referred to as the closest thing America has to a royal family, one cursed with tragedy and heartaches.
Eunice was a force to be reckoned with and sounds like being around her sometimes could have been challenging, particularly if you worked for her. Because of her gender she was often sidelined by her family compared with her brothers but she was a powerful person behind them all. I was particularly interested in how the author would handle the subject of Rosemary, their sister who had intellectual disabilities and mental illness. She used to political influence to get things done and often seemed it was best to just get out of her way!
This book is well-researched and well-written. Certainly, if you want to know about the other people in her life there are plenty of books to read, but this is one of the first thorough look at Eunice, who is best known for her advocacy for those with special needs and the many losses her family endured. I was not aware of all her health challenges but I knew that being athletic and driven was a prerequisite for their clan.
A great addition to understanding the Kennedy family that has oft been referred to as the closest thing America has to a royal family, one cursed with tragedy and heartaches.
June 5, 2024
The Kennedy women (both biological & in-law) (bar Jackie) were always second tier to their male counterparts. And although each of them carved their own path, albeit with a lot of help and influence from their father Joe and their social status, their stories are rarely told. Eunice was the middle of 9 Kennedy children - the most famous cohort of Kennedy’s in contemporary history. She found her calling in social justice and in equality for the intellectually disabled. It was often remarked by people, her and her family included, that had she been a man in her era she’d have been unstoppable. But she was that nonetheless. She was persistent, hard working (often demanding the same energy from others), intelligent, driven with staunch morals in family and equality.
Although I don’t agree with her politics on abortion I applaud her trying to get the federal government to provide more support & assistance to mothers, especially young ones, who wanted to keep their babies. Her greatest achievement was the founding of the Special Olympics. From its humble beginnings in her back yard to soldier field in Chicago in 1968 to where it is today - supporting millions of families through sports. She helped bring people with disabilities out of the dark in all corners of the world and gave them a spotlight to thrive. There is no doubt that because of her brothers’ high status in politics (president Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy & Ted Kennedy) she was able to help get Acts & Laws and funding passed for the betterment of people with intellectual disabilities. But I believe she’d have managed it either way! She was a force to be reckoned with!
Her children went on to do wonderful things for people with disabilities and the underprivileged. All because of the morals and drive she instilled in them. A fascinating family, a fascinating woman. A powerhouse. And although I don’t agree with some of he stances on certain issues I respect all she accomplished and her tenacity to get the job done.
More needs to be written about the other Kennedy woman and their accomplishments (not just about their personal life). A complex woman who was privileged but saw adversity everywhere, a woman who knew her status in life and used it to her advantage which resulted in an advantage for millions of people. A woman who refused to sit back and just be the rich housewife she was expected to be in 20thC high society.
Although I don’t agree with her politics on abortion I applaud her trying to get the federal government to provide more support & assistance to mothers, especially young ones, who wanted to keep their babies. Her greatest achievement was the founding of the Special Olympics. From its humble beginnings in her back yard to soldier field in Chicago in 1968 to where it is today - supporting millions of families through sports. She helped bring people with disabilities out of the dark in all corners of the world and gave them a spotlight to thrive. There is no doubt that because of her brothers’ high status in politics (president Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy & Ted Kennedy) she was able to help get Acts & Laws and funding passed for the betterment of people with intellectual disabilities. But I believe she’d have managed it either way! She was a force to be reckoned with!
Her children went on to do wonderful things for people with disabilities and the underprivileged. All because of the morals and drive she instilled in them. A fascinating family, a fascinating woman. A powerhouse. And although I don’t agree with some of he stances on certain issues I respect all she accomplished and her tenacity to get the job done.
More needs to be written about the other Kennedy woman and their accomplishments (not just about their personal life). A complex woman who was privileged but saw adversity everywhere, a woman who knew her status in life and used it to her advantage which resulted in an advantage for millions of people. A woman who refused to sit back and just be the rich housewife she was expected to be in 20thC high society.
August 1, 2018
I've had a "thing" for the Kennedys since I was in grade school, when I first found out about them. I've read about Papa Joe, Rose, JFK, RFK, and Teddy, but, until this year, never about any of the girls. This was very interesting to learn about this woman ahead of her time. She was a powerhouse, not very organized, but someone with fantastic ideas who would plant the seeds and then let others do the work to make things happen. She probably would not have accomplished as much as she did if her brother hadn't been president or her husband hadn't been who he was. That does not diminish who she was or what she did. One can only imagine if she had been born just 20-25 years later, she might have been our first female president.
The most shocking fact (to me) in this book: She and Sarge RENTED a house for 18 years!
The most shocking fact (to me) in this book: She and Sarge RENTED a house for 18 years!
August 22, 2018
What an inspiring woman. I was born in the late 60's. I had no idea how many ways she changed social injustices and openned doors for the physical and mentally challenged. I know that I was a benefit of her hard work and dedication. The book was interesting and great tour of Kennedy history.
July 31, 2021
Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an amazing woman. I had no idea she was so sickly throughout her life, with many hospitalizations. This makes it even more surprising that she was such a powerhouse in the fight for rights for the mentally and physically disabled. Eunice never sat still, she was always charging onward in the fight. She would pester, nag, call people at all hours of the day and night (she was an insomniac) and they would usually do her bidding. One thing that always astounds me in reading Kennedy biographies is that they never talk about the tragedies in their lives. For the most part, once someone dies or is killed they are never spoken of again. Foundations may be made in their names but they are never discussed among family. I think this silence was especially hard on the next generation of kids.
I found this a very illuminating biography.
I found this a very illuminating biography.
July 3, 2018
Excellent biography of an amazing woman who was the catalyst for the launch of the Special Olympics...Eunice Shriver made a difference in our world
October 15, 2018
Eunice Kennedy is a true hero. This book tells her story from her privileged childhood as a daughter of a Millionaire US Ambassador through her illustrious career as the director of the Kennedy Foundation where she established the Special Olympics to her life as a mother of five and wife for 50 years. Sister to a US President and 2 Sentors. Wife to an accomplished man responsible for the success of the Peace Corps and Head Start. "Eunice- The Kennedy that Changed the World" captures the complexity of this amazing women who worked her damnedest to make the world a better place and succeeded. Her story is shaped by her Catholic faith, family tragedies and unique opportunists. Formidable and compassionate. Eunice comes to life in these pages along with a history lesson in women's issues and the struggles women faced in trying to be leaders in our country. Eunice was a feminist who believed in the importance of family and sanctity of all lives regardless of mental ability. Her legacy is immense.
In a world filled with Kardashians she inspires us to be a Kennedy.
In a world filled with Kardashians she inspires us to be a Kennedy.
July 12, 2018
I’m glad I read this book, having a vicarious connection to Eunice via my friend Loretta Claiborne. It gave me some insight as to the reasons why Eunice treated people the way she did. Many thought her abrasive and short tempered but the author who was given access to the family’s vast array of letters to and from Eunice allowed me, the reader, to surmise what propelled Eunice to act as she did. Now when Loretta relates a “Eunice story”, I’m able to receive it with some foreknowledge of the woman’s history and I’ll be less likely to be offended by Eunice’s words and actions.
September 18, 2018
Such an interesting woman. There are so many things she did that I am in awe of. Much of what she did in advocating for people with disabilities has shaped my own life's work without even realizing it. She was inspiring in how she never stopped advocating for the people she cared about. Eunice was also a bit frustrating in that she didn't recognize when to slow down or rest. What a well written book that showed all sides to this very interesting woman.
January 2, 2020
I really enjoyed reading about Eunice. I really had know idea about her huge influence on policy for people with disabilities. It was remarkable. I found her views on abortion thought provoking. The details into her personality and driven nature shard by her family were fascinating. The beginning chapters were a little slow to get through but did provide an important framework for understanding her personal and professional development.
April 21, 2020
Raised by a Kennedy-ophile, there have always been books about the Kennedy family on my bookshelves. Still, this book told me things I did not know before. This is a thoroughly researched, well-written account of arguably the most influential and politically savvy Kennedy of them all.
As one suspects was true of spending time with her in real life, there are moments where she was brash, unrelenting, dismissive, cold, followed by stories of her plopping down in a sandbox with her children and their friends. Clear, though, is that whatever she did, she did at full speed and with total commitment.
As one suspects was true of spending time with her in real life, there are moments where she was brash, unrelenting, dismissive, cold, followed by stories of her plopping down in a sandbox with her children and their friends. Clear, though, is that whatever she did, she did at full speed and with total commitment.
January 22, 2019
I was very impressed by this fascinating woman and her story. I have always been a fan of the Kennedy family and Eunice's story puts her right on top with her brothers. She was amazing, inspiring, strong and passionate in spite of growing up in her brother's shadow. Her life and her accomplishments were eye-opening and impressive.
June 10, 2018
Boston Globe journalist, Pulitzer Prize winner and Director of journalism at Brandeis University Eileen McNamara has written an excellent, comprehensive, fascinating and relevant biography on the 5th child born to Joseph and Rose Kennedy. Eunice was one of 3 daughters in a family which has often been portrayed as royalty in the United States. For those of us who have read extensively about the family we've come to realize their flaws were like any other family but because this family had the nation's spotlight due to politics, power and money those flaws were always concealed and not discussed. Eunice shined despite her father's ignorance and attitude regarding women. Her intelligence, moxy and determination to use her family's wealth and power to speak loudly and get things accomplished regarding civil rights especially for vulnerable adults and children is monumental. As with all inspiring personalities Eunice was not without her own faults but clearly beloved by her 5 children who have carried on her legacy as the founder of Special Olympics. This will shine on endlessly and is far more significant than anything her brothers ever did. Complete with pictures, acknowledgments, bibliography, notes and index.
June 13, 2018
Eileen McNamara presents Eunice Kennedy Shriver as the compassionate woman who championed those with mental disabilities.
April 1, 2019
What an amazing woman! And at a time when women were taught and expected to be ONLY supportive and follow the rules, Eunice found a way leave an incredible legacy and be an inspiration to everyone.
September 16, 2021
Dry and long. Not a necessary read.
July 21, 2018
This book was poorly written, very scattered and difficult to read. This was a book club read and only 3 of us actually got through it. Sone even tried it on audio after giving up on the book and still couldn’t get into it. It was not what I thought it would be. It was not what I would consider to be a biography of Eunice but more of a very light touch on the Kennedy clan. It did however intrigue me to do research as I was reading as there was very little detail and a whole lot of name dropping. Eunice was a powerhouse but I think if your interested in Kennedy history just do some internet searches and save the money on buying the book.
May 17, 2019
It was an long painful drawn out story.
September 27, 2021
Had it not been a book club read, I may not have picked up this biography. Turns out it is very well researched, presented in an interesting manner and includes photos. Thankfully, Ms McNamara did levee her content mainly to Eunice, yet included other Kennedy clan members as part of Eunice's story.
A devout Roman Catholic, raised in wealth by a family that advocated patriotism, a superior work ethic, volunteerism as well as male chauvinism, Eunice, always frail and sickly, was intelligent, and driven. She was able to run beside as well as lead her brothers on the sports field and political arena. In a different era, she may well have been her father's choice for the US presidency.
A devout Roman Catholic, raised in wealth by a family that advocated patriotism, a superior work ethic, volunteerism as well as male chauvinism, Eunice, always frail and sickly, was intelligent, and driven. She was able to run beside as well as lead her brothers on the sports field and political arena. In a different era, she may well have been her father's choice for the US presidency.
November 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and I learned so much.
December 22, 2018
This was a very thorough and balanced biography of the Kennedy daughter who many argue would have been the best President of any of the Kennedy children if she had been born in a different time or a different gender.
The book first details what it was like to grow up as Kennedy. While Joe loved all his children, he treated the boys differently, nurturing their ambition and career. Rose comes off poorly, a distant mother who seems to appear when it is time for judgmental nags. Eunice was as competitive as any of her brothers, her strong Catholic faith contrasted with some of her siblings whose faith was that of going through the motions. It was a child that Eunice bonded with Rosemary who eventually became the inspiration for her leadership of the Special Olympics, her relationship with Rosemary is detailed throughout her life including Rosemary's banishment by Joe Sr after an operation that backfired to Eunice bringing Rosemary back into the family after Joe Sr suffered a stroke.
Eunice went to England when her father was appointed Ambassador to England, she loved both the social life of an Ambassador's daughter and her time in a Catholic school. Upon returning to America she finished college and started working at various jobs. Her work as an advocate for juvenile justice, prison reform and mental disability issues is balanced by the author, sometimes Eunice could be tone deaf, she was sometimes patronized by the true professionals but her passion and family connections also allowed her to accomplish much. Her life reflected her commitment to these social issues, she often brought juveniles, paroled inmates, mentally challenged people to her home to participate in her family life, one fascinating tidbit was that she invited many of them, including "Axis Sally" to her wedding to Sargent Shriver.
When her brother John was elected President she used that relationship to push legislation for the mentally challenged. When he was killed, she continued her work in Chicago. An example of the thoroughness and nuance of McNamara's research is how Eunice supplied much passion, money and connections to further the athletic competitions for mentally challenged, but many of those there at the beginning chafe at the perception that Eunice and not the Chicago Park and Rec department was responsible for the start of Special Olympics.
McNamara also addresses the strain between the Kennedys and Shrivers, the resentment by Kennedys in Shriver agreeing to be Johnson's Ambassador to France to Kennedys refusing to help Shriver when he ran for President to differences in approach to life. This is livened up by antecdotes such as when a Shriver got hurt playing football and started crying. Bobby Kennedy told him that Kennedys don't cry, Sargent Shriver then picked him to comfort and said " It's okay to cry, you're a Shriver, not a Kennedy"
The biography includes fascinating discussions on abortion and the Kennedys. Eunice's faith caused her to be pro life, she disagreed with Ted on the issue even as she campaigned for him, and she never hid her views. However, she chafed at those who called themselves Pro Life when she thought they were simply anti-abortion, she believed that Pro-Life meant that you helped babies and children after they were born not simply after the decision not to have an abortion. Which is why she worked so hard for government and business funding for prenatal care as well as early childhood education and services
In sum, this is a book I recommend for its balance and thoroughness in chronicling the life of a compelling women who lived in fascinating times.
The book first details what it was like to grow up as Kennedy. While Joe loved all his children, he treated the boys differently, nurturing their ambition and career. Rose comes off poorly, a distant mother who seems to appear when it is time for judgmental nags. Eunice was as competitive as any of her brothers, her strong Catholic faith contrasted with some of her siblings whose faith was that of going through the motions. It was a child that Eunice bonded with Rosemary who eventually became the inspiration for her leadership of the Special Olympics, her relationship with Rosemary is detailed throughout her life including Rosemary's banishment by Joe Sr after an operation that backfired to Eunice bringing Rosemary back into the family after Joe Sr suffered a stroke.
Eunice went to England when her father was appointed Ambassador to England, she loved both the social life of an Ambassador's daughter and her time in a Catholic school. Upon returning to America she finished college and started working at various jobs. Her work as an advocate for juvenile justice, prison reform and mental disability issues is balanced by the author, sometimes Eunice could be tone deaf, she was sometimes patronized by the true professionals but her passion and family connections also allowed her to accomplish much. Her life reflected her commitment to these social issues, she often brought juveniles, paroled inmates, mentally challenged people to her home to participate in her family life, one fascinating tidbit was that she invited many of them, including "Axis Sally" to her wedding to Sargent Shriver.
When her brother John was elected President she used that relationship to push legislation for the mentally challenged. When he was killed, she continued her work in Chicago. An example of the thoroughness and nuance of McNamara's research is how Eunice supplied much passion, money and connections to further the athletic competitions for mentally challenged, but many of those there at the beginning chafe at the perception that Eunice and not the Chicago Park and Rec department was responsible for the start of Special Olympics.
McNamara also addresses the strain between the Kennedys and Shrivers, the resentment by Kennedys in Shriver agreeing to be Johnson's Ambassador to France to Kennedys refusing to help Shriver when he ran for President to differences in approach to life. This is livened up by antecdotes such as when a Shriver got hurt playing football and started crying. Bobby Kennedy told him that Kennedys don't cry, Sargent Shriver then picked him to comfort and said " It's okay to cry, you're a Shriver, not a Kennedy"
The biography includes fascinating discussions on abortion and the Kennedys. Eunice's faith caused her to be pro life, she disagreed with Ted on the issue even as she campaigned for him, and she never hid her views. However, she chafed at those who called themselves Pro Life when she thought they were simply anti-abortion, she believed that Pro-Life meant that you helped babies and children after they were born not simply after the decision not to have an abortion. Which is why she worked so hard for government and business funding for prenatal care as well as early childhood education and services
In sum, this is a book I recommend for its balance and thoroughness in chronicling the life of a compelling women who lived in fascinating times.
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