A profoundly humanized portrait ... Taraborrelli’s powerfully resourced biography offers incomparable observations from those who knew him well and saw him at his best and worst. Access to such personal source material allows Taraborrelli to chart JFK’s metamorphosis from callous youth to compassionate leader ... A welcome addition to the ever-fascinating Kennedy canon.
Nuanced ... Skillfully weaves together stories of JFK’s relationships and family dynamics, providing a rich tapestry of his life ... The writing is clear and accessible, making it suitable for casual readers as well as those deeply interested in the Kennedy family. The book is engaging and well-researched, but Taraborrelli tells readers upfront that it’s not meant to be a comprehensive political analysis. Overall, it is a compelling read with standout quality and originality ... A unique perspective ... Riveting.
Excellent ... Taraborrelli gives priority to his personal life, a disturbing experience for most readers ... Other biographers, led by Robert Dallek, delve more deeply into politics, but Taraborrelli nonetheless has written a commendable history.
