The Day John Died

Christopher Andersen has written a book that is symbolic of taking a walk down memory lane. The title is misleading, as this writing is a recount highlighting the Kennedy family history. Andersen paints a believable story of John, and one that sees him in a much more human light than in most writings. It is refreshing to note that as a child, John did get into his fair share of mischievous adventures. As a young man, these adventures became more daring and life threatening. Andersen writes of accounts of John experimenting with drugs, and makes it clear that John did not have a drug problem. However, Andersen sketches Jack as one that became hungry for speed. Strangely, John is described here as scatterbrained, and unstudious, yet rather smart. John seemed to have the knack of keeping friends and family happy, and also maintaining happiness for him at the same time. For Jackie, John's escapades had to be unnerving and her power over her son wavered. Andersen's writing of Jackie, depicts a much stronger woman than the media portrayed in the 60's. Jackie protected John from the worst Kennedy family influences; squashed John's ideas of an acting career and was most powerful in decisions John had in the romance arena. Jackie and Caroline were opposed to relationships he had with several women, and John seemed to abide by his mother's and sister's wishes, to end less-than-suitable relationships. Even though John may have broken the hearts of many young women, his classy reputation stands untarnished, as all of his ex's still maintained friendships with America's son. John's marriage to Carolyn Bessette , and their happiness will always remain a mystery for us. We can speculate, but John tried to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, as he demonstrated with their secret wedding. Uncanny as it may seem, Jackie had premonitions of John's plane-crash death. She begged her son not to pursue his love of flying. But this time, John only postponed his lessons for a short while, then continued the lessons without Jackie's stamp of approval. At the end of this book, John is viewed as less of a celebrity figure and more of a friend, who touched the hearts of so many. He will be sorely missed.

I just finished The Day John Died and I could not put it down. It is so compelling and very moving. The first chapter, which chronicles John's last day of life, gave me chills. I highly recommend it.

This book is a terrific read. "The Day John Died" sheds new light on an American tragedy that touched all our lives. It clears up much of the tabloid claptrap about John's marriage and counters the gossip that ensued after the plane crashed. It's sad that JFK Jr. had to die before we learned that he wasn't a playboy, that he wasn't a lightweight. He was a person of substance. Another plus: The touching photos in the book of John as a child. If you liked "The Day Diana Died," or would enjoy knowing more about the Camelot mystique, you'll probably be happy with "The Day John Died." It's well-researched, elegantly written and beautifully illustrated.

I was so amazed with Andersen's interviews on TV: his explanation that there is just no "dirt" there, that I bought the book! I am old enough to remember the great positive influence of John Kennedy Sr., and have always been unhappy that there has been a barrage of mud-slinging on the Kennedy family. So I actually haven't followed all the stories about JFK Jr, as set out by the gossip-mongers, and found Andersen's account of the young Kennedy a positive and charming read. Thank you, Christopher!

I was greatly impressed with the research and poignant account of not only John's last day but of his short life. I am not ashamed to say it made me cry more than once and I was relieved that it debunks all the trash out there. John was a good man on his way to being great, and this is a great book.