Janet and Jackie: The Story of a Mother and Her Daughter, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

by Jan Pottker

Despite hundreds of books and thousands of articles on Jackie Kennedy, surprisingly little is known about her mother's role in her life and achievements. Often dismissed as a social climber who faded into the woodwork after she divorced Jackie's father-the dashing, disreputable "Black Jack" Bouvier-and married the rich Hugh D. Auchincloss, Janet not only played a pivotal part in Jackie's own wedding to JFK, but often served as a stand-in for Jackie during the White House years, and helped her cope with John and Caroline after the assassination.

The only book to explore this fascinating mother-daughter relationship, Janet & Jackie is filled with stories that shed new light on the personal life of an American icon.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

381 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2001

About the author

Janice Pottker is a Potomac, Maryland, author. She has a Ph.D. in sociology from Columbia University. She has lectured for the Smithsonian Institution, for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum and for the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Reviews

[Dale Stonehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

People who think Jackie Kennedy Onassis had an easy life may be surprised to know that life can be difficult even for those in the higher circles. She learned not only that you need money to live without much effort but also what it is like to lose it all. This book details the interconnected relationships among several families that at times may be hard to track. If you have an interest not just in the Kennedys but also the Bouviers and Auchinclosses, this is the book for you.

[Nancyjd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so interesting. I did not know a lot about Jackie Bouvier Kennedy's family beyond the basics beforehand despite having read dozens of "Kennedy Books." Jackie's mother Janet Lee was a fascinating woman. She was from a very wealthy family in NYC. Her father was a prominent lawyer and real estate developer. However, they were Irish and not WASPs. Janet's first husband, Black Jack Bouvier, was also from a prominent and wealthy family. They had a French name but also were mostly Irish. Black Jack was well liked and handsome but an alcoholic. Janet eventually married Hugh D. Auchincloss, who was a supremely wealthy WASP and very kindhearted if boring man. Janet raised seven children (her own four plus three step children) and served on endless charity boards. She also hosted many events at the White House as a substitute for Jackie who was often away. Everyone would look to Janet to run things as she was extremely knowledgeable and efficient about basically everything. She helped found the Kennedy Center. The large blended Auchincloss-Bouvier family was very close. In fact, Jack and Jackie Kennedy spent more time with the Auchincloss family than with the Kennedys. Jack Kennedy was very close to his in-laws, Janet and Hugh Auchincloss, and spent lots of time at their two estates - Merrywood in Wash, DC and Hammersmith Farm in Newport, R.I. He loved Hammersmith Farm and spent most summer weekends there - often without Jackie. This book was extremely well researched. The author (who has a Phd from Yale) interviewed dozens and dozens of friends and relatives of Janet and Jackie for the book.

[Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been many bios written about Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her husband John F. Kennedy but few that are just about Jackie and fewer yet (this may be the only one) that focus on her mother and their relationship. The book was interesting because Jackie and her family did not always have the best relationship. If you have watched the Gilmore Girls, Janet reminded me a lot of Emily, the mother on that show. Their relationship had many ups and downs and things were not always easy. I think you will learn some things you didn't know about Jackied's life.

[Ursa Mahan-Worlds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I found the book interesting but all the talk of slave ownersdhip and the such I found shocking. I believe Janet Lee was racist and I am sure black people would not have voted for JFK if the knew of this.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly about Janet Auchinsloss & her impact on Jacqueline Kennedy's life - substantial, of course, since a mother's influence is always felt in some ways. Semi-interesting.

[Mckenna Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read lots of books about Jackie Kennedy and this is the first that gave any insight into her relationship with her mother. It was a good read but not a great one. The writers style is a bit bland. If you can get past the less than inspiring written delivery, the book gives a glimpse into her family relationships.

[Cherisse]

Provides great inside into the world of America's wealthy elite. I Pottker's book grounded Janet, Jackie and their family by revealing that despite their relations which reach back to early America and Europe, they suffered joys and tragedies as regular, everyday working folks.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting look at the strained relationship of mother and daughter, and a unique take on how Janet's MO shaped Jackie's, as well as the competitiveness between sisters Jackie and Lee.

[Catherine Hines · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always feel ashamed after reading a book like this, however well researched. A rehash of every dirty little secret.

[Christopher Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Provides an in depth perspective of a very complex mother-daughter relationship. Even more interesting is the fact that it's Jacqueline Kennedy and her mother. A good bio, nonetheless

[Karolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as interesting as I had hoped

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gossipy at times, but overall a great read!

[Phyllis Fredericksen]

A different take on the "Jackie" story. Her childhood was very interesting and it was fascinating to read about her relationship with her mother. A good read.

[Lorene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book to get the backstory of two incredible women.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. I came away with a better understanding of both women.