In Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, MSNBC Hardball host Chris Matthews attempts to answer the question, “What was Jack Kennedy like?” Matthews crafts this extremely enjoyable bio from past interviews with Kennedy’s top advisors, along with documents and firsthand stories. What emerges is an extraordinary and likable look at Kennedy, who, despite sickness, near-constant pain and the most difficult odds, wills himself into becoming one of the most powerful men in the world; a man who successfully averted nuclear Armageddon.
The book covers familiar terrain from JFK’s sickly childhood to his various political campaigns, but, to his credit, Matthews never hides his admiration for the man and, in the end, we see Kennedy as a complex person who, in Matthews’ opinion, was “a far greater hero than he ever wanted us to know.” Grade: A
So many books on JFK as it should be. Good job, John. I see nothing wrong with showing admiration for him. In spite of his foibles, he still captures my love.