Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye: Memories of John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Kenny O'Donnell and Dave Powers have written a nice portrait of JFK (that also serves as a useful research tool). Although they are obviously biased in favor of Kennedy, they present a good picture of their time with JFK. Get this! [...]

A touching and sometimes hilarious memoir from two members of JFK's "Irish Mafia". The book covers JFK's politcal career from beginning to end, as well as a chapter about their brief stay with LBJ administration. This book is a must read for JFK afficianados and is filled with inside stories and a behind the scenes look at one of the most compelling political figures of the last century.

Someone was lamenting about the loss of open conventions and in a roundabout way I picked up The Making of the President 1960. It was great. I've always felt that 1968 was the greatest year in US History so I next grabbed The Making of the President 1968, even better. I had seen Kevin Costner in "13 Days" so by this time I had come across the names of Ken O'Donnell and Dave Powers so often I was like Butch and Sundance wondering "who are these guys". This book answers that question and so much more. It's an insiders view of the JFK from the non-political perspective and a fascinating read although the first chapter will, once again, crush your heart.

The book "Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye" by Kenneth O'Donnell and David Powers offers a wide variety of information about the life of John F. Kennedy. Focusing on his political life, with which they were deeply involved, the authors give a perspective on the life of President Kennedy that can't be matched by many others, for not many others knew him as well as they did. Unlike a normal, relatively boring biography, this collection of memories about their friend and president contains stories, personality, and detailed information as seen through the eyes of white house aides and friends. I highly recommend this book to learn more about Kennedy and to have a great time in the process.I am fifteen years old. The reason that I read this book is because I hope one day to be involved in public life. I began this book knowing relatively nothing about Kennedy, except his assination and his line, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This book gives me information to quench my thirst for knowledge as well as inspire and provide me with information that I will be able to use in the future, which I am only aboe to dream of now.I love this book and feel that it is a shame that this is out of print. I feel that it is atrocious to think of a person not even attempting to find a copy of this book or not reading it if they have it. To conclude, I feel that this book is well worth the read, and so much more.