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America's Reluctant Prince
*A New York Times Bestseller*
A major new biography of John F. Kennedy Jr. from a leading historian who was also a close friend, America's Reluctant Prince is a deeply researched, personal, surprising, and revealing portrait of the Kennedy heir the world lost too soon.
Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.'s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.'s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John's life was far more than another tragedy--rather, it's the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America's First Family continues to shape the world we live in today.
A major new biography of John F. Kennedy Jr. from a leading historian who was also a close friend, America's Reluctant Prince is a deeply researched, personal, surprising, and revealing portrait of the Kennedy heir the world lost too soon.
Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.'s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.'s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John's life was far more than another tragedy--rather, it's the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America's First Family continues to shape the world we live in today.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2019
949 people are currently reading
2731 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
July 31, 2019
This felt to me like a 500 page Vanity Fair article. I’ve always been fascinated with the Kennedy family and JFK jr, so I was eager to read this new biography. This book did give me sense of who he was, what he was like, his feelings about his father and mother and Caroline, the pressures he was under — real and imagined. But, you know what? He didn’t really do anything to merit a biography. And died too young to become what he was meant to be. Besides offering an inside look at the heated launching of George magazine, this biography lists endless repetitions of John running from the paparazzi, John meeting and dating famous people, all doors opening for John, everybody wanting to meet John, John exercising in Central Park, John being reckless, John running from his legacy while earnestly protecting it while trying to figure out what to do with his life. John was mesmerizing and dazzling on the outside but inside was a lost little boy who never became the man he yearned to be. Which makes for an elusive biography.
July 16, 2019
This is a thoroughly researched and honest account of a man who was victimized by a society that forced him to live up to their images of him, unwilling to let him be a human being. Gillon had a unique perspective of being a teacher and friend to John and saw the conflict of his life throughout. It is a true biography, not a salicious attempt at cashing in on his relationship with a "celebrity."
I highly recommend this book. I was born the same year as John, so it was also a great history lesson and gave insight into the headlines of the day when politics started to mix with pop culture.
I highly recommend this book. I was born the same year as John, so it was also a great history lesson and gave insight into the headlines of the day when politics started to mix with pop culture.
September 11, 2019
Steven Gillon’s meticulously researched and well written biography of his friend, John F. Kennedy Jr., is an unbiased, personal, and comprehensive account of John Kennedy’s life.
As a graduate student and teaching assistant at Brown University, Mr.Gillon first met John Kennedy, Jr. when John was a student in one of his classes. During that time, they formed a lifelong friendship. After graduating from Brown, Gillon became a noted scholar and historian at Yale, Oxford, and the University of Oklahoma as well as a scholar in residence at the History Channel. Not wanting to capitalize on his relationship with Kennedy, Gillon declined to write about John Kennedy Jr. until Kennedy’s personal assistant encouraged him. She approached him and said, “If John knew he would be dead at the age of thirty eight, he would want someone to write a book about him, and he would want you to write it”.
Gillon reveals the challenges and burdens John faced throughout his life as the son of a beloved, dynamic President who inspired the nation with hope for a better future. It seemed that millions of people expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in politics and eventually run for the office of President himself. John felt that the public’s fascination with him stemmed not from what he accomplished but from what he represented. Despite the constant attention of the paparazzi, he handled himself with grace, dignity, and oftentimes humor.
John longed to be recognized for his own accomplishments and hoped to make a difference in people’s lives. John tried to keep his public and private lives separate. His close knit group of friends gave him encouragement and support and a chance to have a normal life outside the glare of the media.
Steven Gillon’s decades long friendship, extensive research, and interviews with John Kennedy’s closest friends and colleagues gave him a unique perspective and insight into John’s life, relationships, and legacy. This is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose life and promise was tragically cut short.
As a graduate student and teaching assistant at Brown University, Mr.Gillon first met John Kennedy, Jr. when John was a student in one of his classes. During that time, they formed a lifelong friendship. After graduating from Brown, Gillon became a noted scholar and historian at Yale, Oxford, and the University of Oklahoma as well as a scholar in residence at the History Channel. Not wanting to capitalize on his relationship with Kennedy, Gillon declined to write about John Kennedy Jr. until Kennedy’s personal assistant encouraged him. She approached him and said, “If John knew he would be dead at the age of thirty eight, he would want someone to write a book about him, and he would want you to write it”.
Gillon reveals the challenges and burdens John faced throughout his life as the son of a beloved, dynamic President who inspired the nation with hope for a better future. It seemed that millions of people expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in politics and eventually run for the office of President himself. John felt that the public’s fascination with him stemmed not from what he accomplished but from what he represented. Despite the constant attention of the paparazzi, he handled himself with grace, dignity, and oftentimes humor.
John longed to be recognized for his own accomplishments and hoped to make a difference in people’s lives. John tried to keep his public and private lives separate. His close knit group of friends gave him encouragement and support and a chance to have a normal life outside the glare of the media.
Steven Gillon’s decades long friendship, extensive research, and interviews with John Kennedy’s closest friends and colleagues gave him a unique perspective and insight into John’s life, relationships, and legacy. This is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose life and promise was tragically cut short.
September 6, 2019
If you’ve read the other books about John John, which the author cites, then there really isn’t anything new here. Soon after his death, a bunch of people, mostly his business colleagues, wrote books. Even Carolyn’s ex (who claims they were still intimate after she was married) wrote a book. Maybe 2. It seems the author read all those and combined them together into this book.
I guess they all wanted notoriety for being friends or related to him. Unsure why this is being published now.
The book is overly long. NOT because it’s all about John, but a lot of background information, especially everything you did or didn’t want to know about Brown.
I also don’t like it when the author involves himself into the story. This author REALLY inserts himself and wish this was edited out. I guess he wants to feel Special.
I guess they all wanted notoriety for being friends or related to him. Unsure why this is being published now.
The book is overly long. NOT because it’s all about John, but a lot of background information, especially everything you did or didn’t want to know about Brown.
I also don’t like it when the author involves himself into the story. This author REALLY inserts himself and wish this was edited out. I guess he wants to feel Special.
July 13, 2019
This book provides a good insight into a person whose life was basically lived out in the media— I feel so much more empathy for him that I did before. Crazily, I had never realized that he really didn’t even remember his father, and wouldn’t really have an understanding as to why he was famous until he was older. But, I wonder where the author got his intimate details (quoting conversations he wasn’t part of) if he wasn’t that good of a friend? It’s hard to believe the info came from close friends— especially the awful portrayal of Carolyn. There was plenty of interesting information, even some unknown facts, but much detail could/should have been left out. The author states John was a private person, but shows no real respect for his privacy (or his wife’s).
February 4, 2020
DNF. Steven admits he wasn't that close to John Jr. Cash in much, Steven?
April 28, 2020
Overdrive audio book
Written from the point of view of being a friend of Kennedy Jr, this book is really about the author himself, Steven Gillon (who was acquainted with the son of assassinated US president John F Kennedy. The son, John Jr, didn't really accomplish much with his privileged life, but spent a number of years developing a poorly lead and ineffective pop-meets-politics magazine, and then killed himself and two others on a night of bad judgement.)
The story begins with the author talking about himself, then about President Kennedy and his wife, with some tedious details about their two children thrown in. A discussion about John Jr's teenage and college years are followed by chapter after chapter of monotonous details about the creation and slow demise of George magazine, peppered with tidbits of the author's friendship with Kennedy Jr. Finally, the story wraps up with the early death of Kennedy Jr and how his death affected the author.
Not only was the book hideously long for the actual informative subject matter given, it was repetitive. The same phrases kept popped up and I found myself thinking, "didn't he just say that exact thing a few pages back?"
Next on my complaint list: How badly narrated this book was. It was easy to determine each new reading session because the voice quality was so different from section to section. Edits also stuck out with obvious tonal changes for a sentence or two, then the original recording resumed. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough but it was not a professional reading.
Overall, not interesting, and I was disappointed.
2 stars for the title of the book - great choice!
Written from the point of view of being a friend of Kennedy Jr, this book is really about the author himself, Steven Gillon (who was acquainted with the son of assassinated US president John F Kennedy. The son, John Jr, didn't really accomplish much with his privileged life, but spent a number of years developing a poorly lead and ineffective pop-meets-politics magazine, and then killed himself and two others on a night of bad judgement.)
The story begins with the author talking about himself, then about President Kennedy and his wife, with some tedious details about their two children thrown in. A discussion about John Jr's teenage and college years are followed by chapter after chapter of monotonous details about the creation and slow demise of George magazine, peppered with tidbits of the author's friendship with Kennedy Jr. Finally, the story wraps up with the early death of Kennedy Jr and how his death affected the author.
Not only was the book hideously long for the actual informative subject matter given, it was repetitive. The same phrases kept popped up and I found myself thinking, "didn't he just say that exact thing a few pages back?"
Next on my complaint list: How badly narrated this book was. It was easy to determine each new reading session because the voice quality was so different from section to section. Edits also stuck out with obvious tonal changes for a sentence or two, then the original recording resumed. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough but it was not a professional reading.
Overall, not interesting, and I was disappointed.
2 stars for the title of the book - great choice!
December 1, 2019
This was an interesting, but sad, book.
I knew how it ended before I started it, because I remember when he died...but this book details how he got there, and it isn't always a pretty story.
The Kennedy family has certainly experienced their share of "tragedy", and John didn't always deal with the events or the media attention and scrutiny over the years.
Many of us can still remember his sad salute at his father's funeral after JFK was assassinated when John Jr was only 3 years old.
Losing his beloved uncle Bobby Kennedy by assassination only five years later in 1968 certainly was unimaginable for many of us :(
John Jr. seemed to deal well with it all...but appearances could be deceiving.
I actually had a subscription to his magazine, George, when he first started it. The stated goal of exploring the intersection of politics and popular culture was interesting to me, and it was sad to see the publication die after his death.
The magazine, as well as his "fairy tale" marriage, were in trouble before he died, however. I wish it had all turned out differently for him, but I'm not so sure that I really wanted to know the back story :(
The book tried to treat it's subject in an even-handed and factual manner, but it still came off as gossipy at times. Worth reading, but prepare to feel a bit sad reading it
I knew how it ended before I started it, because I remember when he died...but this book details how he got there, and it isn't always a pretty story.
The Kennedy family has certainly experienced their share of "tragedy", and John didn't always deal with the events or the media attention and scrutiny over the years.
Many of us can still remember his sad salute at his father's funeral after JFK was assassinated when John Jr was only 3 years old.
Losing his beloved uncle Bobby Kennedy by assassination only five years later in 1968 certainly was unimaginable for many of us :(
John Jr. seemed to deal well with it all...but appearances could be deceiving.
I actually had a subscription to his magazine, George, when he first started it. The stated goal of exploring the intersection of politics and popular culture was interesting to me, and it was sad to see the publication die after his death.
The magazine, as well as his "fairy tale" marriage, were in trouble before he died, however. I wish it had all turned out differently for him, but I'm not so sure that I really wanted to know the back story :(
The book tried to treat it's subject in an even-handed and factual manner, but it still came off as gossipy at times. Worth reading, but prepare to feel a bit sad reading it
June 25, 2020
One of the worst biographies I have ever read. Repetitive, superficial, poorly written. A large section of the book deals with the magazine George and goes into such detail you almost expect to hear what people were wearing at meetings. By contrast, John‘s relationships are skimmed over with the exception of his wife Carolyn who is painted as a foul-mouthed, cocaine-snorting psycho. This book is merely an endeavour by the author to insert himself into the life of JFK jr as a „friend“.
December 20, 2019
John deserves so much better than this. Leeches, all of you, making money off your relationship with him. I wouldn’t have read it had I realized ahead of time that he was a ”friend” of John’s. the final line is about how his heart ached when John died and, “It aches still.” Review to come. Maybe.
March 9, 2020
This had to be a difficult book to write since John F. Kennedy Jr. was most famous for his birth and for his salute to his father in his funeral cortege. Like his father's life, his was incomplete. Author Steven Gillon’s narrative is informed by his friendship with his subject. He opens with how they came to know each other followed by a chronology of JFK, Jr.’s life.
There is a lot on being a toddler in the White House and detail about the family Nov/Dec 1963. This is followed by a shorter treatment of JFK Jr.'s later childhood and teenage years. There are school changes, camping trips, time with stepdad Onassis and his mother's concern for a more normal childhood. He bonded with his non-Kennedy cousin, Anthony Radziwill. After college there is the problem of getting into a law school (finally NYU), then the problem of passing the bar (on the 3rd test). There is a bit on his time practicing law in the office of the US Attorney in the Southern District of NY.
Just short of half of the book is about “George”, his singular accomplishment. Gillion shows how he and Michael Berman extended their friendship to business and how they germinated the idea. They persist through a several years long process to attract investors. You get a feel for George’s corporate culture and how Carloyn Bassette’s (Mrs. Kennedy to be) insertion into the dynamic drew a wedge between the founders (among others).
There is a lot of detail on the events leading up to the fateful plane trip, what is known of the flight, those waiting for landing and how the bad news was spread. The search for bodies, the funeral and the aftermath are beautifully written.
A few take-aways:
• Jackie is not around much for John and Caroline’s childhood.
• John was adamant about not discussing his father in public. There are several times where he hurt his career over this.
- The one constant was living with paparazzi around every corner. Once free of secret service protection, it was easier for people to introduce themselves and try to set him up for later access. Women swoon.
• David Pecker, of recent National Inquirer (catch and kill) fame was assigned to “George” by its 50% owner, Hatchette, a French conglomerate.
• Carolyn Bessette was a difficult person. (Could John have misinterpreted what seems to be an argumentative style as being genuine and not intimidated by his status?) Coke (and likely infidelity) played a growing role in her life towards its end.
• My heart goes out to Rose Terenzio, John’s very loyal assistant at “George”, for encouraging Carolyn to go to the Hyannis Port wedding.
The author believes Oswald killed Kennedy and that JFK would have escalated in Vietnam. I suggest he read more widely on this topic and suggest JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters as a good place to start.
I don’t know of any other comprehensive biography of John F. Kennedy Jr., which adds to the importance of Steven Gillon's pulling all of this together before memories fade and the interviewees (on whom this depends) are still around. Some of it is wordy, but the (dramatic) ending is so well composed that all else is excused. The book is a significant contribution among the many words, works and volumes on the Kennedy family.
There is a lot on being a toddler in the White House and detail about the family Nov/Dec 1963. This is followed by a shorter treatment of JFK Jr.'s later childhood and teenage years. There are school changes, camping trips, time with stepdad Onassis and his mother's concern for a more normal childhood. He bonded with his non-Kennedy cousin, Anthony Radziwill. After college there is the problem of getting into a law school (finally NYU), then the problem of passing the bar (on the 3rd test). There is a bit on his time practicing law in the office of the US Attorney in the Southern District of NY.
Just short of half of the book is about “George”, his singular accomplishment. Gillion shows how he and Michael Berman extended their friendship to business and how they germinated the idea. They persist through a several years long process to attract investors. You get a feel for George’s corporate culture and how Carloyn Bassette’s (Mrs. Kennedy to be) insertion into the dynamic drew a wedge between the founders (among others).
There is a lot of detail on the events leading up to the fateful plane trip, what is known of the flight, those waiting for landing and how the bad news was spread. The search for bodies, the funeral and the aftermath are beautifully written.
A few take-aways:
• Jackie is not around much for John and Caroline’s childhood.
• John was adamant about not discussing his father in public. There are several times where he hurt his career over this.
- The one constant was living with paparazzi around every corner. Once free of secret service protection, it was easier for people to introduce themselves and try to set him up for later access. Women swoon.
• David Pecker, of recent National Inquirer (catch and kill) fame was assigned to “George” by its 50% owner, Hatchette, a French conglomerate.
• Carolyn Bessette was a difficult person. (Could John have misinterpreted what seems to be an argumentative style as being genuine and not intimidated by his status?) Coke (and likely infidelity) played a growing role in her life towards its end.
• My heart goes out to Rose Terenzio, John’s very loyal assistant at “George”, for encouraging Carolyn to go to the Hyannis Port wedding.
The author believes Oswald killed Kennedy and that JFK would have escalated in Vietnam. I suggest he read more widely on this topic and suggest JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters as a good place to start.
I don’t know of any other comprehensive biography of John F. Kennedy Jr., which adds to the importance of Steven Gillon's pulling all of this together before memories fade and the interviewees (on whom this depends) are still around. Some of it is wordy, but the (dramatic) ending is so well composed that all else is excused. The book is a significant contribution among the many words, works and volumes on the Kennedy family.
November 11, 2019
I rated this book a three star but feel a 3.75 to be more in league with how I feel.
Since this biography was not given approved authorization by his sister Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, I read this with a bit of skepticism. I'm glad that I had this thought in mind while reading.
I'm unsure what to think on many aspects of this book. Some really sound information that I never knew before and some that I felt was questionable. The author states he knew JFK, Jr. personally and he is a teaching historian that has held a position at Oxford. He should have come at this iconic subject from historical research standards, which I feel that he clouded. I'm unsure if he thought himself being Mr. Kennedy's friend gave him an edge. Some of his narratives in this book I found questionable and what the authors true motives were in writing the book. The author makes it a point to reveal that he is gay. I don't see how that was relevant to John F. Kennedy Jr's life and why as a reader I needed to know that. For someone who held a teaching position at Oxford I felt that was very unprofessional. After getting confirmation that the author was gay. I realized why every woman important to JFK, Jr's life was given a hack job in the book.
I guess as a baby boomer I wanted to revisit the nostalgia of camelot once more. I was slightly disappointed.
Since this biography was not given approved authorization by his sister Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, I read this with a bit of skepticism. I'm glad that I had this thought in mind while reading.
I'm unsure what to think on many aspects of this book. Some really sound information that I never knew before and some that I felt was questionable. The author states he knew JFK, Jr. personally and he is a teaching historian that has held a position at Oxford. He should have come at this iconic subject from historical research standards, which I feel that he clouded. I'm unsure if he thought himself being Mr. Kennedy's friend gave him an edge. Some of his narratives in this book I found questionable and what the authors true motives were in writing the book. The author makes it a point to reveal that he is gay. I don't see how that was relevant to John F. Kennedy Jr's life and why as a reader I needed to know that. For someone who held a teaching position at Oxford I felt that was very unprofessional. After getting confirmation that the author was gay. I realized why every woman important to JFK, Jr's life was given a hack job in the book.
I guess as a baby boomer I wanted to revisit the nostalgia of camelot once more. I was slightly disappointed.
April 4, 2020
This book is what happens when you try to write a biography about someone who hasn't done enough to have one written about them. JFK Jr. is almost a mythic figure in so many people's heads, including the author, who decided based on his few random hang-outs with JFK that he was entitled to write this.
It was jumbled, repetitive and made absolutely no sense. Random anecdotes were told multiple times and out of order, and a few stories and well-known facts were stretched to make up the entire biography.
I really didn't learn anything from this book that I couldn't have learned from JFK Jr's Wikipedia page.
It was jumbled, repetitive and made absolutely no sense. Random anecdotes were told multiple times and out of order, and a few stories and well-known facts were stretched to make up the entire biography.
I really didn't learn anything from this book that I couldn't have learned from JFK Jr's Wikipedia page.
October 28, 2019
Same old stuff. Slow, long and tedious. Nothing worth reading. The author inserts himself into the narrative as an old friend from Brown. This book should not have been written; it's a hurtful book.
July 16, 2019
Really slow and nothing new. Same story we’ve read before.
May 21, 2025
What a terrible book! The author spent too much time talking about himself and giving us a history lesson on previous presidents that he forgot the main subject. Mr. Gillon clearly hates Carolyn Bessette and almost all his information about her come from mysterious anonymous sources that can be traced back to tabloids like the Daily Mail, Globe magazine and the National Enquirer. So much for being a reputable historian!!
This so called reputable author and JFK Jr insider failed to check his sources. Quoting books written by Ed Klein and Michael Bergin, both of which were condemned by the people he interviewed. His timeline is off, and clearly is on a pity party for poor JFK Jr. The author sees no flaws in JFK Jr, and all he does is paint Carolyn Bessette as some sort of she-devil. Utterly disgusting!
Mr. Gillon seems to have been JFK Jr's ghost writer for George and despite meeting Carolyn only twice- has a lot of nasty things to say about her. It's almost sounds personal..
Don't bother with this book!
This so called reputable author and JFK Jr insider failed to check his sources. Quoting books written by Ed Klein and Michael Bergin, both of which were condemned by the people he interviewed. His timeline is off, and clearly is on a pity party for poor JFK Jr. The author sees no flaws in JFK Jr, and all he does is paint Carolyn Bessette as some sort of she-devil. Utterly disgusting!
Mr. Gillon seems to have been JFK Jr's ghost writer for George and despite meeting Carolyn only twice- has a lot of nasty things to say about her. It's almost sounds personal..
Don't bother with this book!
January 21, 2020
Having grown up in the 60s I'm always intrigued by the Kennedy family. I didn't really know much about JFK Jr. The day to day minutia was a little tiresome, but I found the context of a life in the spotlight compelling. Although the author was a friend, I did think he tried to be fair in his assessments of some of the troubling aspects of JFK Jr.'s personality. So, why only 2 stars? I felt like the book could have been half as long and still satisfied my curiosity and expanded my understanding of a complicated life. I thought the photo section could have been expanded. That being said, I still read it from cover to cover.
September 16, 2019
I wanted to like this book.... but found the author's veering between historian-like distance mixed with subjective personal opinion obstructing. Found myself thinking biographies ought not be written by personal 'friends,' although I'm not so sure they'd have stayed friends so much if JFK Jr. could have read some of this book's passages infused with the author's sometimes dismissive, sometimes envious, tone.
Clearly the author was no fan of Carolyn Bessette.
Disappointing read.
Clearly the author was no fan of Carolyn Bessette.
Disappointing read.
October 12, 2019
Interesting topic but the writing was repetitive and only marginally engaging.
July 15, 2019
Excellent informative book. Easy to read and well written. It corroborates stories with those books written by John's assistant RoseMarie Terenzio's "Fairytale Interrupted" and Carolyn's alleged paramour Michael Bergin who wrote "The Other Man". Finished the book two days shy of the 20th anniversary of his death. It brought back the feelings of devastation and grief I felt. I appreciated the author's attempt to explain why John meant so much to the world and readily agree with him. John was special..."son of a king" indeed.
March 14, 2021
This book was too long and full of information that was not relevant. I at first tried to read the book but could barely finish the first chapter. I got the audiobook from the library but this was also laborious and boring at times. This book is not worth reading.
September 18, 2019
At over 400 pages this book is a commitment, but it reads smoothly, and the subject matter is fascinating. Everyone of a certain age can likely remember where they were when the news of JFK Jr's plane crash broke, and I certainly can. I lived in New York during the same years JFK Jr. was getting George off the ground and living the life of a regular soul around the city, and for those of us who were young adults in the 90s this book is a treat, a trip down cultural and political memory lane. The book is thorough, beginning with his earliest days, and ends with a discussion of his legacy. He was a good person, if scattered, spoiled, and used to others picking up the pieces around him, a side effect of great wealth and privilege; his social consciousness and commitment to the Democratic party as it used to be, was really something. After reading this book, and learning so much about him, I am fully convinced that if he had not crashed into the ocean that night in 1999, if he had gotten the chance to run for political office, and if he were still around today, Trump would have something to reckon with. The political world needs Kennedys.
The author, a personal, longtime friend of John, did a good job with this book, staying mostly objective, if still affectionate, and including lots of detail. A great and thoughtful read.
The author, a personal, longtime friend of John, did a good job with this book, staying mostly objective, if still affectionate, and including lots of detail. A great and thoughtful read.
October 8, 2019
Wow. This book was incredibly insightful and well written. John F. Kennedy Jr. died when I was only a four years old and for some reason, I was captivated by him as a child. My mom and aunt recall me mesmerized by television coverage and not letting other children play on my swing set unless they were willing to discuss him with me. I can't tell you why I was so captivated, but now 20 years later I decided it was about time I learn more about his life. Gillon is a fantastic writer and historian and I was really impressed with this book. It seems as though he was the perfect person to write this, blending together personal stories of his time with John, stories he learned from other friends, and an incredible amount of research, to paint as full a picture as anyone could. Even those moments in which we know he wasn't in the room, Gillon writes with as much detail as if he was, and I could clearly picture every scene he described. There was so much covered in this book, which is why it took be a bit longer to get through, but I really enjoyed learning more about John-- the good, the bad, and the tragic.
July 14, 2020
This is not the first book I have read about the life of John F Kennedy JR but it is by far one of the better written ones. It also seems far more thoroughly researched than the others I have read.
July 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read new things and learn how much John carried inside his heart and head.
I am always skeptical when an actual acquaintance of John writes a book. So many scream Money Grab! (RoseMarie Terenzio). This book seemed genuine. Carole Radziwill’s book, What Remains, is excellent.
The only issue I had with it was the author jumped around so much and it was confusing to keep track of dates and years. One page you were in 1998 and the next you were back in 1997.
I feel like I found part of the Real JFK Jr. in this book. I never knew how much turmoil he had going on in his life because he always seemed so put together.
A lot of new facts came out that I didn’t know occurred. So many.... If Only Moments. If only this or that had not happened in the order they did then maybe all three would still be alive.
Carolyn did not want to go on that trip and had told John. RoseMarie Terenzio stuck her nose in and more or less bullied and guilted Carolyn into going so John would not look bad for going alone. Carolyn would still be alive if not for Terenzio butting in. Lauren may have not gone either.
I can’t help but wonder what their lives would be like today had they lived. I’m not sure that marriage would have lasted.... but we will never know.
I am always skeptical when an actual acquaintance of John writes a book. So many scream Money Grab! (RoseMarie Terenzio). This book seemed genuine. Carole Radziwill’s book, What Remains, is excellent.
The only issue I had with it was the author jumped around so much and it was confusing to keep track of dates and years. One page you were in 1998 and the next you were back in 1997.
I feel like I found part of the Real JFK Jr. in this book. I never knew how much turmoil he had going on in his life because he always seemed so put together.
A lot of new facts came out that I didn’t know occurred. So many.... If Only Moments. If only this or that had not happened in the order they did then maybe all three would still be alive.
Carolyn did not want to go on that trip and had told John. RoseMarie Terenzio stuck her nose in and more or less bullied and guilted Carolyn into going so John would not look bad for going alone. Carolyn would still be alive if not for Terenzio butting in. Lauren may have not gone either.
I can’t help but wonder what their lives would be like today had they lived. I’m not sure that marriage would have lasted.... but we will never know.
August 18, 2019
John John
Much of this information has been shared by many. What's new is a glimpse into a friendship born in a classroom.
Much of this information has been shared by many. What's new is a glimpse into a friendship born in a classroom.
September 16, 2019
This book is written by a History professor that was a good friend of John F Kennedy Jr. It is very detailed and well researched. If you are looking for a fluffy book, this is not it.
January 27, 2020
A major new biography of John F. Kennedy Jr. from a leading historian who was also a close friend, America’s Reluctant Prince is a deeply researched, personal, surprising, and revealing portrait of the Kennedy heir the world lost too soon.
Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.’s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.’s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John’s life was far more than another tragedy—rather, it’s the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America’s first family continues to shape the world we live in today.
My Thoughts: When I think of the Kennedys, I am caught up in the myth of Camelot, but also struck by the numerous tragedies of their lives.
John, Jr., was a bright legacy of that family, but after his father’s assassination, followed by his uncle Robert’s murder, he had a stronger desire to find his own place in the world: his privacy, and his chance to carve out a different future than the political one. His magazine George did veer in the direction of politics, but with a difference. The fact that the magazine eventually closed down after his death did not change the fact that he was daring to be unique in his goals.
Sadly, a life cut short is always a tragedy, but with John’s death, the rest of us also feel the loss of a dream and a mythological legacy that was due us. The author does list the various accomplishments John had brought to the world, allowing a sense of some completion.
A book that offered up many details of a life and a legacy, America’s Reluctant Prince kept me engaged throughout. There was a lot of detail that bogged me down at times, but the book earned 4.5 stars.
Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.’s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.’s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John’s life was far more than another tragedy—rather, it’s the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America’s first family continues to shape the world we live in today.
My Thoughts: When I think of the Kennedys, I am caught up in the myth of Camelot, but also struck by the numerous tragedies of their lives.
John, Jr., was a bright legacy of that family, but after his father’s assassination, followed by his uncle Robert’s murder, he had a stronger desire to find his own place in the world: his privacy, and his chance to carve out a different future than the political one. His magazine George did veer in the direction of politics, but with a difference. The fact that the magazine eventually closed down after his death did not change the fact that he was daring to be unique in his goals.
Sadly, a life cut short is always a tragedy, but with John’s death, the rest of us also feel the loss of a dream and a mythological legacy that was due us. The author does list the various accomplishments John had brought to the world, allowing a sense of some completion.
A book that offered up many details of a life and a legacy, America’s Reluctant Prince kept me engaged throughout. There was a lot of detail that bogged me down at times, but the book earned 4.5 stars.
September 22, 2019
I think my first image of JFK Jr is the same as that of so many others ....that tiny boy saluting his dad's casket and thus imprinting himself into the psyche of the american people...for ever.
If for no other reason than he was Jackie and JFK's son, he was guaranteed media scrutiny and little privacy...now put that together with JFK's death, Jackie's marriage to Onassis and..lets face it...the man was hot...it boils down to the fact that there was no chance in hell (or heaven) that he would any peace throughout his life.
Gillon does a really good job here, by smoothly running through JFK Jr's life with a book that reads very easily and delves into a period of modern history that saw the birth of many things we 21st century people now take for granted. True, like other reviews said, there's no linear progression in telling John's life story...we don't go through 1990,91,92 .....we jump back and forth...but isn't that what John's life was in essence? a constant back and forth between the real man and the charming son of late President Kennedy who just as easily charmed men and women alike and could, in a a testament to his mother's upbringing, always be a gentleman.
Would he have gone into politics like so many wished? Perhaps.....what if...what if...what if....
Gone too soon? of course!
Future President of the United States? .....who knows?
Did he deserve a full biography even without every being in public office? Yes, i think he did, for no other reason than explaining to people out there that the little boy in the blue coat grew up to be come a man full of potential, hopes and dreams...and also full of the wish for freedom...it was a heavy burden to bear being a Kennedy.....
If for no other reason than he was Jackie and JFK's son, he was guaranteed media scrutiny and little privacy...now put that together with JFK's death, Jackie's marriage to Onassis and..lets face it...the man was hot...it boils down to the fact that there was no chance in hell (or heaven) that he would any peace throughout his life.
Gillon does a really good job here, by smoothly running through JFK Jr's life with a book that reads very easily and delves into a period of modern history that saw the birth of many things we 21st century people now take for granted. True, like other reviews said, there's no linear progression in telling John's life story...we don't go through 1990,91,92 .....we jump back and forth...but isn't that what John's life was in essence? a constant back and forth between the real man and the charming son of late President Kennedy who just as easily charmed men and women alike and could, in a a testament to his mother's upbringing, always be a gentleman.
Would he have gone into politics like so many wished? Perhaps.....what if...what if...what if....
Gone too soon? of course!
Future President of the United States? .....who knows?
Did he deserve a full biography even without every being in public office? Yes, i think he did, for no other reason than explaining to people out there that the little boy in the blue coat grew up to be come a man full of potential, hopes and dreams...and also full of the wish for freedom...it was a heavy burden to bear being a Kennedy.....
July 30, 2019
3.5 rounded up for solid writing
The writing skill shown is professional, the research amazing, and it flows smoothly. I can appreciate how much time was spent on research, interviews, and drafting this journalistic biography. The author, a college mentor/business connection/friend of JFK Jr. had access to people who previously would not open up to others and I learned so much about the whole Kennedy clan that I hadn't known. I enjoyed the early part of the book concentrating on JFK and Jackie's meeting and their marriage, Caroline and John's bond, snippets about life in the White House, even the part about Onassis and how he doted on John on his private yacht and Greek island. Of course I had some interest in his own marriage and troubled relationship with Carolyn Bissette Kennedy. And then there is the accident that shocked so many in the world...
But the drawback for me (and this is my personal take on it, not a criticism of the work) is that it is 464 pages... just way too long for an average reader such as I, who has just a casual interest in the subject. We are given so many details, such minutiae about Kennedy the businessman and editor of the magazine 'George' than I could-- or wanted-- to handle.
For the reader who is deeply interested in the Kennedy family and bits of U.S. history spanning the late 50s to late 90s (or scholars, historians, & business people) this will be a good selection for you. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a case of "it's not you, it's me" for this book.
The writing skill shown is professional, the research amazing, and it flows smoothly. I can appreciate how much time was spent on research, interviews, and drafting this journalistic biography. The author, a college mentor/business connection/friend of JFK Jr. had access to people who previously would not open up to others and I learned so much about the whole Kennedy clan that I hadn't known. I enjoyed the early part of the book concentrating on JFK and Jackie's meeting and their marriage, Caroline and John's bond, snippets about life in the White House, even the part about Onassis and how he doted on John on his private yacht and Greek island. Of course I had some interest in his own marriage and troubled relationship with Carolyn Bissette Kennedy. And then there is the accident that shocked so many in the world...
But the drawback for me (and this is my personal take on it, not a criticism of the work) is that it is 464 pages... just way too long for an average reader such as I, who has just a casual interest in the subject. We are given so many details, such minutiae about Kennedy the businessman and editor of the magazine 'George' than I could-- or wanted-- to handle.
For the reader who is deeply interested in the Kennedy family and bits of U.S. history spanning the late 50s to late 90s (or scholars, historians, & business people) this will be a good selection for you. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a case of "it's not you, it's me" for this book.
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