When We Were the Kennedys - 4 stars > Likes and Comments

I liked this short memoir, probably because the author is just about my age and I recognized much from her childhood, even if we lived in different circumstances. She came from Mexico, Maine, site of a now-defunct paper mill, where most the town’s men worked. She went to Catholic school, which I didn’t, but I certainly knew many neighbors who did. She lost her much beloved father unexpectedly at age 11 or 12, in 1963. This tragedy I didn’t experience but a friend did and I lived in great fear of it happening to me. She describes the year following the loss, as the whole family comes to terms with it. When JFK died, leaving his family bereft, she imagined how much her family had in common with the Kennedys, hence the book’s title. My affection for this book was mostly personal because of the era. It was easy to slip back into my own 11 year old self, reliving so many things from then. I knew my father didn’t like JFK but I remember exactly where I was and how I learned he’d been shot. I remember my teacher crying. It seems so long ago and just like yesterday, at the same time.

Susan, like you, I identified with the author. Our lives were different, but she is about my age too, and I could relate to her. This is a book that has grown on me since I read it. I'm glad it resonated with you.

Here is a link to the author discussing her book (in case you want to watch it). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQaaD...