American Son: A Portrait of John F. Kennedy, Jr.

I basically picked up this book because I was looking for something "non-fiction" to read, and I wanted to learn more about the life of JFK, Jr. I was also a fan (I majored in Political Science in college) of George Magazine, and could never really understand why the magazine didn't catch on with the public better than it did. I was somewhat hesitant to pick up this book because of the bad press that some critics had given it when it first came out. What I found, was a non-sensatinalized account of what it was like to work with JFK, Jr. and to know him as a high level employee. When the author talks about his own personal life, it adds context to the story of Mr. Kennedy, rather than getting in the way, or distorting his role in his life. He does not try to portray himself as a confidente or best friend, but only as an employee, who shared a work bond. This gives the book a great deal of credibility. The author gives a good insight on what Mr. Kennedy was like, and what it must be to live the life of a celebrity and an historical icon. I think those individuals who have criticized this book in professional book reviews were either jealous, or in some misguided way trying to preserve their version of the Kennedy legend. There is no "dirt" dished in this book, but it does give a well rounded picture of the subject from one point of view. If anything, it is less critical of the subject than I would have expected. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about the latter part of Mr. Kennedy's life or an insider's look at some of the politics within George Magazine.

Finally, an insightful book on someone who actually knew and worked with JFK Jr. Anyone looking for a juicy, gossip filled book will be disappointed. Instead you'll get a thorough and true picture of what it was like for JFK Jr. to start up his political magazine and his struggle to make it successful. I never once felt the author was betraying his professional relationship with JFK in writing this book. The talk-show pundits who try and create controversy over the publication of Blow's book most likely haven't even read it. I came away with a whole new perspective on how JFK Jr. tried to make his own way in our world while having to live up to the impossible legacy America and past events had placed upon him. I found it particularly sad to discover that when JFK Jr. sought prominent writers to contribute to his magazine, many of them responded to his request for a meeting just so they could be seen having lunch with him when they had no intentions of ever writing a piece for George. "The View" should be ashamed of themselves for "ganging up" on Mr. Blow when he appeared on the show. I thought they were rather disrespectful to him, especially when "Ba Ba Wa Wa" said his book was "bland." Perhaps there just weren't enough juicy celebrity tidbits in this book to keep the celebrity obsessed Walters interested. I think JFK Jr. would be pleased and flattered by Blow's portrayal and first-hand account. The book reminds us once again of what we lost with the tragic death of our "American Son."

Finally a book that treats JFK Jr. or any Kennedy as a person, NOT as "American Royalty" or an icon. This book is honest and respectful. The author writes only what he knows. This is not a book filled with half-truths, innuendo & gossip. You can watch JFK Jr. grow along with his "George" magazine, as the author is one of the original editors/employees. If you are tired of the usual "Kennedy-worshipping" books, you'll relish this candid biography covering JFK Jr.'s four years with George.

After all the controversy, we finally get a chance to read the book which Blow has always had the right to publish, and it is engaging, insightful and honest. Blow never pretends to have been John Kennedy's best friend. He even admits that he often feared he'd be fired by his boss, whom he eventually comes to respect and admire. But as the reading public should know, "authorized" biographies by "approved" writers/friends are just as suspect as "unauthorized" quickies by writers who've never even spoken to their subject. Blow's book strikes a delicate balance between the two and offers readers the first genuine portrait of John Kennedy we've ever had access to.

This book is a wonderful insight not only into the person who was such an American icon, but also of the magazine world in which he was exploring his role for the future. I found it a page turner - I wanted to know what was going to happen next, I felt disappointed when John at times seemed to lose his way, I felt outraged at the way he was often treated by the press, and I was inexpressively sad when the promise of what he was trying to achieve was ended. The book is sympathetic without being syncophantic. Five stars.