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A review by x0pherl
An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek
5.0
Dallek takes an unapologetic look at the good and bad of Kennedy's life. I found the book thoroughly engaging, entertaining, and informative.
Going into the book, I was mostly familiar with the myth of Kennedy, influenced heavily by my mother's admiration for him. I didn't actually know very much about his life or presidency: I could have named the Bay of Pigs as associated with him, as well as the Cuban missile crisis. But I couldn't have told you anything substantial about those events. I knew nothing about his personal life or his service in WWII or House and Senate.
My impression having finished the book is that Kennedy was a decidedly mediocre president. The credit he deserves for successfully navigating the Cuban missile crisis has to be considered in the context of his foolish decision to back an invasion of another country. His reluctant and lackluster support of the civil rights movement certainly doesn't hold up as a "Profile in Courage" by today's lights.
He was an eloquent speaker, and the country was charmed with having a young family in the White House. It's hard to say how his presidency would have been viewed by history if he hadn't been assassinated. But after reading this book, I can't say I think he would be considered to be one of the great presidents if he had completed his term.
Going into the book, I was mostly familiar with the myth of Kennedy, influenced heavily by my mother's admiration for him. I didn't actually know very much about his life or presidency: I could have named the Bay of Pigs as associated with him, as well as the Cuban missile crisis. But I couldn't have told you anything substantial about those events. I knew nothing about his personal life or his service in WWII or House and Senate.
My impression having finished the book is that Kennedy was a decidedly mediocre president. The credit he deserves for successfully navigating the Cuban missile crisis has to be considered in the context of his foolish decision to back an invasion of another country. His reluctant and lackluster support of the civil rights movement certainly doesn't hold up as a "Profile in Courage" by today's lights.
He was an eloquent speaker, and the country was charmed with having a young family in the White House. It's hard to say how his presidency would have been viewed by history if he hadn't been assassinated. But after reading this book, I can't say I think he would be considered to be one of the great presidents if he had completed his term.