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My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy
The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of Mrs. Kennedy and Me reveal never-before-told stories of Secret Service Agent Clint Hill's travels with Jacqueline Kennedy through Europe, Asia, and South America. Featuring more than two hundred rare and never-before-published photographs. Sparked by long-forgotten gifts and memorabilia discovered in an old trunk, the now ninety-year-old Hill reminisces about private moments, shared laughs, and crazy adventures with one of the world's most iconic women during her time as First Lady and the excruciating year following the assassination of her husband. After all, he notes that "when you travel with someone...you experience things that can't be fully appreciated by anyone who wasn't there."
419 pages, Library Binding
Published November 30, 2022
308 people are currently reading
12253 people want to read
About the author
Clint Hill
17 books464 followersClinton J. Hill was a U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five United States presidents, from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford. Hill was best known for his act of bravery on November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
During the assassination, Hill ran into the line of fire from the Secret Service followup car, leaped onto the back of the presidential car, and shielded the stricken president and the First Lady with his own body as the car raced to Parkland Memorial Hospital. His act was documented in film footage by Abraham Zapruder. Following the death of Nellie Connally in 2006, Hill was the last surviving person who was inside the presidential limousine that day.
During the assassination, Hill ran into the line of fire from the Secret Service followup car, leaped onto the back of the presidential car, and shielded the stricken president and the First Lady with his own body as the car raced to Parkland Memorial Hospital. His act was documented in film footage by Abraham Zapruder. Following the death of Nellie Connally in 2006, Hill was the last surviving person who was inside the presidential limousine that day.
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December 30, 2022
the setup…
Retired Secret Service Agent Clint Hill served under several presidents from Eisenhower to Ford but his most notable time was when he was part of the protection detail for the Kennedy family. He was assigned specifically to Mrs. Kennedy and was there in Dallas. He’s the agent in that iconic photo climbing across the rear of the car carrying the Kennedys, with Jacqueline Kennedy reaching in his direction. Some nearly sixty years later, Hill comes across a steamer trunk when he’s preparing to sell his Alexandria, Virginia home. In it are a treasure trove of photos and other mementos from his years of travel with Mrs. Kennedy, unleashing long forgotten memories of a very special time in his life and career.
the heart of the story…
I’m old enough to remember that time when the Kennedys were in the White House. Though I was very young, even I was enamored of Jacqueline Kennedy. I didn’t know how Hill would characterize her and was thoroughly surprised that he provided great insights into a woman I thought I already knew. She was known for her grace and style but Hill emphasizes her tremendous value as a diplomatic asset not only for the administration abroad but her influence on domestic policy. There are golden nuggets of history here that amazed me. But equally importantly was the obvious affection and respect between Mrs. Kennedy and Hill. This isn’t an expose, more an honorable tribute to a woman of substance.
the narration…
Hill narrates his own story and you can hear the emotion behind each passage. I found it important to get these memories in his voice. It makes a difference.
the bottom line…
I was unprepared to learn anything of importance about Jacqueline Kennedy so this turned out to be an extremely wonderful listening experience. I didn’t know about her travels to India, Morroco and Pakistan, nor was I aware of what she accomplished on behalf of the United States during those trips abroad. Hill also shares a unique perspective about her life following the President’s assassination, offering a view into the decisions she later made for her family. I’m glad I ignored my initial feeling that there wasn’t much more I could learn about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and gave this book a try. Many thanks to Clint Hill for not only his service but for his tender memories about the woman he always called Mrs. Kennedy and his impact on her legacy. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Retired Secret Service Agent Clint Hill served under several presidents from Eisenhower to Ford but his most notable time was when he was part of the protection detail for the Kennedy family. He was assigned specifically to Mrs. Kennedy and was there in Dallas. He’s the agent in that iconic photo climbing across the rear of the car carrying the Kennedys, with Jacqueline Kennedy reaching in his direction. Some nearly sixty years later, Hill comes across a steamer trunk when he’s preparing to sell his Alexandria, Virginia home. In it are a treasure trove of photos and other mementos from his years of travel with Mrs. Kennedy, unleashing long forgotten memories of a very special time in his life and career.
the heart of the story…
I’m old enough to remember that time when the Kennedys were in the White House. Though I was very young, even I was enamored of Jacqueline Kennedy. I didn’t know how Hill would characterize her and was thoroughly surprised that he provided great insights into a woman I thought I already knew. She was known for her grace and style but Hill emphasizes her tremendous value as a diplomatic asset not only for the administration abroad but her influence on domestic policy. There are golden nuggets of history here that amazed me. But equally importantly was the obvious affection and respect between Mrs. Kennedy and Hill. This isn’t an expose, more an honorable tribute to a woman of substance.
the narration…
Hill narrates his own story and you can hear the emotion behind each passage. I found it important to get these memories in his voice. It makes a difference.
the bottom line…
I was unprepared to learn anything of importance about Jacqueline Kennedy so this turned out to be an extremely wonderful listening experience. I didn’t know about her travels to India, Morroco and Pakistan, nor was I aware of what she accomplished on behalf of the United States during those trips abroad. Hill also shares a unique perspective about her life following the President’s assassination, offering a view into the decisions she later made for her family. I’m glad I ignored my initial feeling that there wasn’t much more I could learn about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and gave this book a try. Many thanks to Clint Hill for not only his service but for his tender memories about the woman he always called Mrs. Kennedy and his impact on her legacy. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 30, 2022
Audiobook….read by Clint Hill
…5 hours and 11 minutes
“Whatever you wanna do Mrs. Kennedy, that’s what we’re gonna do”.
Personal history - warmth - enjoyment- dignity!
…5 hours and 11 minutes
“Whatever you wanna do Mrs. Kennedy, that’s what we’re gonna do”.
Personal history - warmth - enjoyment- dignity!
February 19, 2023
"These images and memories are the epitome of who [first lady Jackie Kennedy] was. Fun-loving. Adventurous. Spontaneous. Down-to-earth and elegant at the same time . . . She knew that anything I requested of her was for her own well-being. All I wanted was for her to be happy and safe." -- retired U.S. Secret Service agent-turned-author Clint Hill, on pages 103 and 171
Author Hill - who previously co-wrote the very good memoirs Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford and also Mrs. Kennedy and Me with his journalist wife Lisa McCubbin - has now graced us with likely his final work (given that he just turned 91 years old) with the photo-essay recollection My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy. He was assigned to the Kennedy family during those 'Camelot' years of 1960-1964 - and if you're not familiar with him by name, he is best known at the courageous Secret Service operative who ran and jumped onto the speeding presidential limousine after the shots rang out during that horrible afternoon in Dallas on November 22, 1963 - and with his latest work he recalls his time being the first lady's primary agent and their several trips abroad in 1962-1963 as well as the adjustment months immediately after JFK's assassination. This was a charming and informative work from a modest man, and also it reflects well on his former protectee. The classy and glamorous Mrs. Kennedy is always depicted as polite and inquisitive, and I enjoyed the little character moments such as when she made sure her agent ("Oh, Mr. Hill . . . " is often the way she captivatingly addressed / started conversations with him) had a gift for his wife after being away for an extended amount of time on an international trip. This book also provided me with my first near-tearful reading moment of this calendar year when he was unexpectedly invited to Mrs. Kennedy's 1994 funeral service by her grown children John Jr. and Caroline and was told "[Mom] always spoke highly of Mr. Hill". A wonderfully candid photo on page 43 - of a smiling Agent Hill holding a laughing two-year-old John Jr. at the beach in 1963 - seems to indicate that he, in a gentlemanly manner, blurred the line between employee and confidante.
Author Hill - who previously co-wrote the very good memoirs Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford and also Mrs. Kennedy and Me with his journalist wife Lisa McCubbin - has now graced us with likely his final work (given that he just turned 91 years old) with the photo-essay recollection My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy. He was assigned to the Kennedy family during those 'Camelot' years of 1960-1964 - and if you're not familiar with him by name, he is best known at the courageous Secret Service operative who ran and jumped onto the speeding presidential limousine after the shots rang out during that horrible afternoon in Dallas on November 22, 1963 - and with his latest work he recalls his time being the first lady's primary agent and their several trips abroad in 1962-1963 as well as the adjustment months immediately after JFK's assassination. This was a charming and informative work from a modest man, and also it reflects well on his former protectee. The classy and glamorous Mrs. Kennedy is always depicted as polite and inquisitive, and I enjoyed the little character moments such as when she made sure her agent ("Oh, Mr. Hill . . . " is often the way she captivatingly addressed / started conversations with him) had a gift for his wife after being away for an extended amount of time on an international trip. This book also provided me with my first near-tearful reading moment of this calendar year when he was unexpectedly invited to Mrs. Kennedy's 1994 funeral service by her grown children John Jr. and Caroline and was told "[Mom] always spoke highly of Mr. Hill". A wonderfully candid photo on page 43 - of a smiling Agent Hill holding a laughing two-year-old John Jr. at the beach in 1963 - seems to indicate that he, in a gentlemanly manner, blurred the line between employee and confidante.
February 1, 2023
My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy by Clint Hill. Mr Hill was a secret service agent for Mrs Kennedy. He went through everything with her from the beginning of the presidency until he was no longer needed. He had wonderful things to say and memories they shared. He was once asked “Are you in love with her?” He replied no, but he has great feeling of friendship. I didn’t pay attention this book is NF. I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy it was written and the information so lovingly written.
February 25, 2023
Clint Hill served as Jackie Kennedy's Secret Service Agent from 1960-1964. This is his third book written by him about Mrs. Kennedy. This book, however, is far different from the others. This is Mr. Hill's memories of his many travels abroad with this nation's most glamourous first lady.
Included in this book are the countless photos of Jackie Kennedy, her family, and all the many foreign dignitaries she met throughout her three years in the White House. Many of these photos I have never seen before. Being a long time admirer of her and JFK they were a considerable joy for me to see.
Also of note it was Clint Hill who jumped on the back of the car that tragic day in Dallas; he pushed Mrs. Kennedy back in the car after she had climbed on the back to retrieve parts of her husband's brains.
Included in this book are the countless photos of Jackie Kennedy, her family, and all the many foreign dignitaries she met throughout her three years in the White House. Many of these photos I have never seen before. Being a long time admirer of her and JFK they were a considerable joy for me to see.
Also of note it was Clint Hill who jumped on the back of the car that tragic day in Dallas; he pushed Mrs. Kennedy back in the car after she had climbed on the back to retrieve parts of her husband's brains.
May 15, 2024
Secret Service Agent Clint Hill shares insight during the years he was assigned to protect and travel with Jacqueline Kennedy. His recollections and unique relationship with Mrs. Kennedy allowed me to see her as a United States royalty, international ambassador, private citizen, wife, mother, sister and friend.
January 13, 2023
A man in his eighties has decided to sell his house. He knows it will be a huge, time-consuming, grungy task, because the house hasn’t been lived in for over a decade.He enlists some assistance, and together they begin sorting through eighty-seven years worth of possessions. Upon unearthing and opening a musty, mildewed trunk, a flood of memories comes with looking at the contents. Some are precious to remember. Others are of a certain long-ago day in November, and painful to recall…
The trunk has the name “Clint Hill” embossed in white lettering. Clint Hill was one of two Secret Service agents assigned to guard the Presidential motorcade on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
Not just to guard, but to be human shields for the First Couple…
“Mr. Hill” and “Mrs. Kennedy”, (their names for each other), developed a deep bond as they traveled around the globe in the early sixties. He has written previous books about that time, but in no other has Clint Hill discussed the depth of the relationship he had with the First Lady. Through forgotten photos, handwritten notes, saved gifts and mementos, Hill shares his memories of that bittersweet time. Many of the photographs he includes have never been published before.
This was a stunningly beautiful book. I smiled as I read about the happy, sometimes crazy, times that Hill fondly recalled. The candid photos of Jackie with Jack and the kids at their Wentworth home were
so lovely; the soundtrack to the movie “Camelot” kept running through my head. There were many passages of narration that made me misty-eyed, particularly the ones where Hill declares that he never felt like a hero, that he was doing his job on that fateful November day, and that he felt he had failed at his duty. What a burden for a person to have to carry for so many years…
Memorable Quotes:
“When you travel with someone, particularly in foreign countries, you experience things that can’t be fully appreciated by anyone who wasn’t there.”
( Pg. 292)-“As he (“John-John”) read from the page in front of him, speaking with ease and eloquence, I felt like a proud uncle. I’d been there when he was born…Now here he was a handsome, articulate young man, standing with great poise in this most difficult of circumstances.”
(Pg.3)-“On Dec. 3, 1963, I had been honored with the U.S. Treasury department’s highest civilian award for bravery…I never wanted it, never thought I deserved it. I didn’t see myself as brave. I was just doing my job.
I would never get over the feeling that if I’d only reacted a little bit quicker-one second, or maybe half a second-I wouldn’t be here, and there’d be no damned medal.”
The trunk has the name “Clint Hill” embossed in white lettering. Clint Hill was one of two Secret Service agents assigned to guard the Presidential motorcade on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.
Not just to guard, but to be human shields for the First Couple…
“Mr. Hill” and “Mrs. Kennedy”, (their names for each other), developed a deep bond as they traveled around the globe in the early sixties. He has written previous books about that time, but in no other has Clint Hill discussed the depth of the relationship he had with the First Lady. Through forgotten photos, handwritten notes, saved gifts and mementos, Hill shares his memories of that bittersweet time. Many of the photographs he includes have never been published before.
This was a stunningly beautiful book. I smiled as I read about the happy, sometimes crazy, times that Hill fondly recalled. The candid photos of Jackie with Jack and the kids at their Wentworth home were
so lovely; the soundtrack to the movie “Camelot” kept running through my head. There were many passages of narration that made me misty-eyed, particularly the ones where Hill declares that he never felt like a hero, that he was doing his job on that fateful November day, and that he felt he had failed at his duty. What a burden for a person to have to carry for so many years…
Memorable Quotes:
“When you travel with someone, particularly in foreign countries, you experience things that can’t be fully appreciated by anyone who wasn’t there.”
( Pg. 292)-“As he (“John-John”) read from the page in front of him, speaking with ease and eloquence, I felt like a proud uncle. I’d been there when he was born…Now here he was a handsome, articulate young man, standing with great poise in this most difficult of circumstances.”
(Pg.3)-“On Dec. 3, 1963, I had been honored with the U.S. Treasury department’s highest civilian award for bravery…I never wanted it, never thought I deserved it. I didn’t see myself as brave. I was just doing my job.
I would never get over the feeling that if I’d only reacted a little bit quicker-one second, or maybe half a second-I wouldn’t be here, and there’d be no damned medal.”
January 2, 2023
If you love the 1960s and all the iconic history of those years, this is a very special book. Clint Hill is 90 years old now and no one will ever know what it was to walk in his shoes those awful November days.
This is a really great scrapbook type of book with photos that had never been published that shows the more personal side of Jackie. And even more endearing is Clint’s very honest narrative throughout the photo album.
I’m very happy to have stumbled on it. I will pass this to my husband next. Even though Jackie probably doesn’t hold the same endearing meaning for him as she does for me, he values this era in history.
I think there is cross-appeal simply because although Jackie means something more to me as a symbol of motherhood, Clint Hill brings a bit of a masculine perspective.
This is a really great scrapbook type of book with photos that had never been published that shows the more personal side of Jackie. And even more endearing is Clint’s very honest narrative throughout the photo album.
I’m very happy to have stumbled on it. I will pass this to my husband next. Even though Jackie probably doesn’t hold the same endearing meaning for him as she does for me, he values this era in history.
I think there is cross-appeal simply because although Jackie means something more to me as a symbol of motherhood, Clint Hill brings a bit of a masculine perspective.
May 26, 2022
I received this book from Edelweiss. It was a touching memoir of a secret service agent's time with Jackie Kennedy. The pictures that were included were a special touch.
April 3, 2024
What a very pleasant book to read. Like Mr. Hill’s other book, Five Days in November, it was fill with rare historical photos & fascinating tidbits of stories regarding JBK (Jacquline Kennedy). The author’s role as the Secret Service agent in charge of protecting JBK & her children gives him intimate access to the family life of the Kennedys. Mr. Hill frequently mentioned the guilt he felt for not being able to save JFK’s life & how that had affected his life. However, he also mentioned what he has done to lessen the grief of JBK & her children after the presidential assassination. Overall, I felt the book was presented in a very readable manner & I won’t hesitate to put it on my coffee table.
September 9, 2022
I loved this new book from Clint HIll. I have enjoyed his inside, firsthand look at the White House and it's residents in the past and this new one did not disappoint. His stories are so descriptive you feel like you are there with them when they are traveling to India or spending time on the Amalfi Coast.
In this book Clint is cleaning out his house in Alexandria and the things he finds brings back so many memories of his time as a Secret Service Agent covering Mrs Kennedy. Many of the memories are happy, pleasant memories but the imagines of that fateful day in Dallas seem to override all of his other memories. He takes us on a behind the scenes of the travels with pictures and stories of the people and places they saw. He and Mrs Kennedy had a very special bond because of that day and that relationship lasted until her passing.
Mr Hill is a masterful storyteller and I can't wait for his next story. Even in his 80's his memory is still very sharp. I hope he shares many more stories with us in the future.
In this book Clint is cleaning out his house in Alexandria and the things he finds brings back so many memories of his time as a Secret Service Agent covering Mrs Kennedy. Many of the memories are happy, pleasant memories but the imagines of that fateful day in Dallas seem to override all of his other memories. He takes us on a behind the scenes of the travels with pictures and stories of the people and places they saw. He and Mrs Kennedy had a very special bond because of that day and that relationship lasted until her passing.
Mr Hill is a masterful storyteller and I can't wait for his next story. Even in his 80's his memory is still very sharp. I hope he shares many more stories with us in the future.
May 11, 2023
Omgosh !!!
Yes, I’m an oldie and remember JFK assassination in Nover of 1963. I was in 2nd grad at my Catholic school and my teacher Sister Marie Concilia ran from the room weeping. There a some things you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing, this is just one of mine. But I digress this book is written by Jacquelyn Bouvier Kennedy Onassis personal bodyguard. He doesn’t divulge anything Uber private and barely touches on November 22, 1963. He talks about his whole time as her private Secret Service man before and after. Chock full of memories, laughs, surprises. So entertaining. Thank you Clint Hill, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Yes, I’m an oldie and remember JFK assassination in Nover of 1963. I was in 2nd grad at my Catholic school and my teacher Sister Marie Concilia ran from the room weeping. There a some things you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing, this is just one of mine. But I digress this book is written by Jacquelyn Bouvier Kennedy Onassis personal bodyguard. He doesn’t divulge anything Uber private and barely touches on November 22, 1963. He talks about his whole time as her private Secret Service man before and after. Chock full of memories, laughs, surprises. So entertaining. Thank you Clint Hill, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 31, 2024
If you like history, especially the time of the Kennedys then this is your book! This was a 4.5 for me for sure. Clint Hill tells of his time with Mrs. Kennedy while on her detail as her Secret Service agent. He was there that day when JFK was assassinated. Fascinating read of her personality and how enamored world leaders and citizens of other countries were with her and at a time when the world was vastly different. Lots of amazing photos to look at in the book.
October 23, 2022
An indescribable bond. That's how Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, now 90, describes his relationship with Jackie Kennedy. While cleaning out his home of more than 50 years, Clint Hill and his co-author Lisa discovered a long forgotten steamer trunk under a bunch of junk in his garage. The story unfolds as they pull out a treasure trove of photos, gifts, and letters that bring back memories of Clint's adventures with First Lady Jackie Kennedy and her children whom he was assigned to provide Secret Service protection from 1961 through 1964.
An abundance of never before seen photos are intertwined with this fascinating and personal narrative which goes back and forth between 2019 and the 1960's. It is a fresh and revealing perspective of Jackie Kennedy as Clint remembers their times together away from the White House. From trips to Italy, France, the UK, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Latin and South America, his assignment ended with Mrs. Kennedy's move to New York City in 1964 as she tried to grapple with the grief and get her life back on track after the trauma of JFK's death.
The photos add incredible depth to Clint's experience. My favorite is a candid shot of Jackie feeding spaghetti to Caroline in Ravello, Italy. Another great photo is Jackie and her group in an overloaded row boat with Clint trying to balance it out. The expression on his face is priceless as he tries to stabilize the boat as Jackie laughs it all off. Miraculously the boat made it out. You can see how close it came to disaster. Clint did not have an easy job!
The bond forged by Clint and Jackie was one of both love and respect. This is evidenced by the fact that she made it a point to attend a ceremony at the Department of Treasury just 10 days after the assassination to award Clint a medal for his heroism on November 22, 1963. In 1994 when Jackie passed away her children invited Clint to the interment ceremony at Arlington cemetery. They stated that their mother had always spoken of Clint with admiration and gratitude for his dedication to their welfare. They had invited Clint to stand in the front row but ever the humble person Clint stood to the side in the back.
Deftly told, the book's narrative reveals a wealth of remembrances of Clint's and Jackie's remarkable relationship. Without question a page turner, this book will put a smile on your faced reinforce the values that are sorely lacking in today's times. Bravo Clint!
An abundance of never before seen photos are intertwined with this fascinating and personal narrative which goes back and forth between 2019 and the 1960's. It is a fresh and revealing perspective of Jackie Kennedy as Clint remembers their times together away from the White House. From trips to Italy, France, the UK, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Latin and South America, his assignment ended with Mrs. Kennedy's move to New York City in 1964 as she tried to grapple with the grief and get her life back on track after the trauma of JFK's death.
The photos add incredible depth to Clint's experience. My favorite is a candid shot of Jackie feeding spaghetti to Caroline in Ravello, Italy. Another great photo is Jackie and her group in an overloaded row boat with Clint trying to balance it out. The expression on his face is priceless as he tries to stabilize the boat as Jackie laughs it all off. Miraculously the boat made it out. You can see how close it came to disaster. Clint did not have an easy job!
The bond forged by Clint and Jackie was one of both love and respect. This is evidenced by the fact that she made it a point to attend a ceremony at the Department of Treasury just 10 days after the assassination to award Clint a medal for his heroism on November 22, 1963. In 1994 when Jackie passed away her children invited Clint to the interment ceremony at Arlington cemetery. They stated that their mother had always spoken of Clint with admiration and gratitude for his dedication to their welfare. They had invited Clint to stand in the front row but ever the humble person Clint stood to the side in the back.
Deftly told, the book's narrative reveals a wealth of remembrances of Clint's and Jackie's remarkable relationship. Without question a page turner, this book will put a smile on your faced reinforce the values that are sorely lacking in today's times. Bravo Clint!
January 18, 2023
A captivating story of his close relationship with Jackie Kennedy, as told by Clint Hill, Mrs. Kennedy’s Secret Service agent during the Kennedy presidency and for a short time after. During his years of service to Mrs. Kennedy, Hill traveled the world with her and got to know her in a unique way. The stories he tells and the many photographs contained in the book make this a must-read for anyone interested in Kennedy history.
November 1, 2022
What a lovely book. Heart-rending to read at times, brought back a lot of memories of childhood, both happy and sad. There were lots of photos I had never seen and stories I had never read. Often when I read books about famous people there isn't a lot of new info that I haven't read elsewhere but that was not the case here. It was an enjoyable read and I loved seeing and reading about the treasures that they found in the trunk and elsewhere. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed reading all of Clint Hill's books. This memoir was a wonderful book. I loved the pictures. Thank you for sharing your life.
October 26, 2023
My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy is a life affirming, informative, and photo-rich book in which Clint Hill, a former Secret Service Agent who was in charge of the security detail for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from 1961 to 1964.
Hill shares with the reader his impressions of Mrs. Kennedy and the people in her circle whom he encountered during the travels she took to France (with President Kennedy), India, Pakistan, the UK, Latin America (state visits to Venezuela and Mexico with President Kennedy), Italy, Morocco, Middleburg VA where Mrs. Kennedy could indulge her love for horses and horseback riding, to the home in Wexford VA which the Kennedys had rented as a weekend getaway from the White House, as well as the various places where Mrs. Kennedy travelled or spent time within the year following the assassination of President Kennedy.
Many of the photos in this book come from Hill's personal files (which he had not looked upon for decades) and had never before been published.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, which I found deeply moving. In reading My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, I felt myself a part of these travels and what I have learned about Mrs. Kennedy and the way she carried herself and related to people, has deepened my respect and admiration for this woman who had to weather a lot of personal tragedy while in the public eye.
Hill shares with the reader his impressions of Mrs. Kennedy and the people in her circle whom he encountered during the travels she took to France (with President Kennedy), India, Pakistan, the UK, Latin America (state visits to Venezuela and Mexico with President Kennedy), Italy, Morocco, Middleburg VA where Mrs. Kennedy could indulge her love for horses and horseback riding, to the home in Wexford VA which the Kennedys had rented as a weekend getaway from the White House, as well as the various places where Mrs. Kennedy travelled or spent time within the year following the assassination of President Kennedy.
Many of the photos in this book come from Hill's personal files (which he had not looked upon for decades) and had never before been published.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, which I found deeply moving. In reading My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, I felt myself a part of these travels and what I have learned about Mrs. Kennedy and the way she carried herself and related to people, has deepened my respect and admiration for this woman who had to weather a lot of personal tragedy while in the public eye.
June 7, 2024
What an extraordinary book. I feel compelled to thank Mr Hill for his service. In this book Mr. Clinton Hill gives insight into his position as a Secret Service Agent to First Lady Jackie Kennedy. He had a very intense and somewhat intimate relationship as her friend and protectorate. Spending almost every moment with her and the children insuring their safety. He served in the good, happy days and even after that fateful date when her husband, the president JFK was assassinated. Mr. Hill devoted his life to his job protecting the First Lady and even spent more time with the First family than with his own wife and children.
Mr Hill spoke very candidly about his experiences. I learned so much about what his job entailed. Listening to him speak about Mrs Kennedy, I wasn’t sure if he was in love with her or if it was more of a worship he had for her as a goddess. Whatever the feeling it was definitely intense. Listening to him share, you could hear how the memories flooded back to him. Especially sharing his feelings of what we now know is PTSD, having been present during the assassination. It seems as though he still holds onto so much guilt and grief even to this day. It was astounding listening to someone who has lived so much history. At the end of the audiobook, I learned that there are other books by Mr. Clint Hill. I would definitely like to read them.
5 stars ⭐️
Mr Hill spoke very candidly about his experiences. I learned so much about what his job entailed. Listening to him speak about Mrs Kennedy, I wasn’t sure if he was in love with her or if it was more of a worship he had for her as a goddess. Whatever the feeling it was definitely intense. Listening to him share, you could hear how the memories flooded back to him. Especially sharing his feelings of what we now know is PTSD, having been present during the assassination. It seems as though he still holds onto so much guilt and grief even to this day. It was astounding listening to someone who has lived so much history. At the end of the audiobook, I learned that there are other books by Mr. Clint Hill. I would definitely like to read them.
5 stars ⭐️
February 14, 2024
I love reading about history. I especially love learning about Jackie Kennedy. When I was recommended this book I couldn’t wait to read it. I enjoyed the perspective of her loyal secret service agent and sharing all their adventures together. It was interesting to learn how valuable she was to the country and that she was an incredible ambassador to many countries. She seemed like she entranced everyone wherever she went. It was hard to read the parts after JFK was assassinated, learning about the grief that was carried by all that were there that day. I loved all the photos that were included throughout the book! It was a wonderful read!
March 15, 2025
4.5🌟
Such a fascinating book! I learned so much more about Mrs. Kennedy and the pictures especially brought everything to life for me☺️
Such a fascinating book! I learned so much more about Mrs. Kennedy and the pictures especially brought everything to life for me☺️
September 16, 2022
Clint Hill’s books are a joy to read. He writes in a conversational manner, as if he’s sitting right next to you and telling stories from his time in the Secret Service.
From his previous books, I know that he served on the details of 4 presidents and 1 first lady (Jacqueline Kennedy). At first, he was loathe to be assigned to the “boring” job of first lady detail, yet quickly discovered Jackie lived had a vivid life. This book details the numerous trips she took during and just after JFK’s presidency. This is a firsthand look inside the life of a brilliant woman who held her own under intense scrutiny and tragedy. It’s clear that the author found her spectacular. I found her even more likable than I had imagined as I flew through the pages.
Excellent photos are included. I particularly enjoyed the thoughtful scrapbook Jackie made for Mr. Hill upon his eventual reassignment to President Johnson’s detail.
A delight!!! Make sure to pick up copies of Mr. Hill’s other books while you’re at it. You won’t be disappointed.
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing access to a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From his previous books, I know that he served on the details of 4 presidents and 1 first lady (Jacqueline Kennedy). At first, he was loathe to be assigned to the “boring” job of first lady detail, yet quickly discovered Jackie lived had a vivid life. This book details the numerous trips she took during and just after JFK’s presidency. This is a firsthand look inside the life of a brilliant woman who held her own under intense scrutiny and tragedy. It’s clear that the author found her spectacular. I found her even more likable than I had imagined as I flew through the pages.
Excellent photos are included. I particularly enjoyed the thoughtful scrapbook Jackie made for Mr. Hill upon his eventual reassignment to President Johnson’s detail.
A delight!!! Make sure to pick up copies of Mr. Hill’s other books while you’re at it. You won’t be disappointed.
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing access to a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2022
Why are we so interested in Mrs. Kennedy. Clint is a humble man. I have enjoyed his books that I have read. This is no exception. Again, I feel that my life is so vastly different then hers is what draws me to her time and time. She was an incredible woman.
April 11, 2023
BOOK REVIEW 🇺🇸
"My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy"
by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clint and Lisa are definitely auto-buy authors for me. Clint, with his unbelievable experience as a secret service agent and Lisa, with her impeccable voice in storytelling of US presidential history. If you like Presidential/US history, definitely check out their books!
This book details Clint's experiences traveling with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as her lead secretary service agent. I read his other book on this topic last year, 'Mrs. Kennedy and Me'. This book builds on those stories but focusing on their travels and includes many fascinating behind the scenes photos of their travels to places like Paris, India, Pakistan, Greece, Latin America, and more.
I have read many books on tbe Kennedy's, but Clint's are the best. Not only does he have details that other authors might not have, but he also treats his inside information with great respect. He said he never aimed to write a book. It was only after enough people told him that his view of history would be interesting to the masses that he considered it. He definitely doesn't treat his stories like salacious gossip. Instead, he protects their privacy, much like he protected them.
@book_friends_with_kristin
"My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy"
by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clint and Lisa are definitely auto-buy authors for me. Clint, with his unbelievable experience as a secret service agent and Lisa, with her impeccable voice in storytelling of US presidential history. If you like Presidential/US history, definitely check out their books!
This book details Clint's experiences traveling with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy as her lead secretary service agent. I read his other book on this topic last year, 'Mrs. Kennedy and Me'. This book builds on those stories but focusing on their travels and includes many fascinating behind the scenes photos of their travels to places like Paris, India, Pakistan, Greece, Latin America, and more.
I have read many books on tbe Kennedy's, but Clint's are the best. Not only does he have details that other authors might not have, but he also treats his inside information with great respect. He said he never aimed to write a book. It was only after enough people told him that his view of history would be interesting to the masses that he considered it. He definitely doesn't treat his stories like salacious gossip. Instead, he protects their privacy, much like he protected them.
@book_friends_with_kristin
February 9, 2023
There's no question about it that Jackie Kennedy lived an astounding life. Her education, relationships, politics, style and grace have all been hot topics of news and the everyman for decades.
Don't let the politics throw you off of this memoir. It's about Mr. Hill discussing Jackie as she was, just a person. It was fascinating to learn about bits and pieces that I hadn't known before and to see more of her personality shine through the stories.
It's a quick book and the audio is fantastic; Clint Hill narrates it himself. I've already downloaded another of his memoirs and looking forward to diving in.
Don't let the politics throw you off of this memoir. It's about Mr. Hill discussing Jackie as she was, just a person. It was fascinating to learn about bits and pieces that I hadn't known before and to see more of her personality shine through the stories.
It's a quick book and the audio is fantastic; Clint Hill narrates it himself. I've already downloaded another of his memoirs and looking forward to diving in.
January 24, 2024
A fast read because at least half of the book is pictures. My favorite picture was of Jackie and Queen Elizabeth in 1963. I liked this book because it is about her travels around the world, and how she was admired wherever she went. The fact that she spoke French and Spanish fluently made her especially successful as an ambassador from the U.S., even though that was never her official title. Also helped me like her better, because I used to teach Spanish and French, and also loved to travel around the world. However, the captions for the pictures are also repeated in the text, and Hill included too many pictures of himself.
November 20, 2025
god i love the lore of the Kennedys*
*this statement does not include RFK jr
*this statement does not include RFK jr
November 16, 2022
My travels with Mrs Kennedy was a good book. I was looking forward to reading what he had to say. But once I picked it up I realized I had seen many of the pictures and people before.
March 24, 2023
ONLY if you are hypnotized by any and all things Kennedy. Personal, intimate, up-close.
January 2, 2024
A well-written book-I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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