The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
mbesq's review against another edition
3.0
An early and incomplete draft of Robert Kennedy's memoir regarding the Cuban missile crisis. Historically interesting because it is written by the President's brother, and closeset advisor. But read 60 years after the event, the book provides no new insight or surprising information about the Cuban missile crisis.
spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
5.0
I'll admit, the movie "Thirteen Days" has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and a big reason why I picked up this book, was to see just how historically accurate the film really was. I was pleasantly surprised!
One reason why I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 stars is, when I was thinking of what to write in my review, I realized just how truly insightful the book was. If you've seen the film adaptation (or even, you know, LIVED through the Cuban Missile Crisis), then you know what happens in the book. What you don't get in the film is all of the in depth political theory and philosophy. Reading about the political process, public and private, as both cases were necessary during the Cuban Missile Crisis, compared to politics today... I'm amazed at what politicians were able to accomplish just a few decades ago, and am embarrassed by how blatantly partisan our politicians are today. Sure, there were disagreements with the blockade etc. but the book is clear that JFK and RFK welcomed and ENCOURAGED opposing viewpoints as checks against popular opinions that might lead them astray. They were so methodical about their decision making throughout the entire 13 days, and minds changed back and forth almost the whole time--but that didn't bring everything to a grinding halt. They still managed to put a stop to a very scary situation. I can't help but wonder how a situation like that would be handled today (the thought actually scares me)...
If you want to feel good about politics and have a renewed sense in the potential capabilities of politicians, then read this book. Good things can happen. People can work together.
One reason why I changed my review from 4 stars to 5 stars is, when I was thinking of what to write in my review, I realized just how truly insightful the book was. If you've seen the film adaptation (or even, you know, LIVED through the Cuban Missile Crisis), then you know what happens in the book. What you don't get in the film is all of the in depth political theory and philosophy. Reading about the political process, public and private, as both cases were necessary during the Cuban Missile Crisis, compared to politics today... I'm amazed at what politicians were able to accomplish just a few decades ago, and am embarrassed by how blatantly partisan our politicians are today. Sure, there were disagreements with the blockade etc. but the book is clear that JFK and RFK welcomed and ENCOURAGED opposing viewpoints as checks against popular opinions that might lead them astray. They were so methodical about their decision making throughout the entire 13 days, and minds changed back and forth almost the whole time--but that didn't bring everything to a grinding halt. They still managed to put a stop to a very scary situation. I can't help but wonder how a situation like that would be handled today (the thought actually scares me)...
If you want to feel good about politics and have a renewed sense in the potential capabilities of politicians, then read this book. Good things can happen. People can work together.
rcthomas's review against another edition
3.0
Extremely short account of RFK's experience during the Cuban Missile Crisis that sheds a good amount of insight into his thoughts and concerns during those tense weeks. The book also provides a number of documents that those interested in the subject would enjoy reading. Sadly, the second part of the book where RFK meant to expound upon some of the moral questions of the Crisis was unable to be realized due to his assassination in 1968. Instead the "afterword" is written by Richard E. Neustadt and Graham T. Allison and focuses on the way the crisis was influenced by various historical factors, personal beliefs and emotions, and also the constitutionality of "Excomm." Its an extremely short read for those interested in the subject and provides some insight into what went on.
aliibriz's review against another edition
4.0
Four stars for the memoire, but I didn’t care much for the afterword.
jwave08's review against another edition
5.0
What a great, fascinating read. Especially after watching world leadership over the last number of year. Truly giving insight on how best to lead when the world is literally falling apart. A great compliment to the film (I do love the film).
paigenetting's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.0
emmaasummerss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
(read this for my politics class) very interesting story I didn’t know much about