Rating: 
Summary: The Best JFK Book
Review: This new JFK book, by renowned presidential historian Robert Dallek, is a must read. It is the best book I have ever read on President Kennedy. It has replaced any work before it as the authoritative book on Kennedy's life and presidency. All his life is covered, and much new light is shed on his health, his congressional years, and his relationships with his wife and family. Though this is not a tabloid biography, his various sexual escapades are recounted, though in the context of his life and presidency, not as gossipy asides.
The best parts of the book are the ones that deal with JFK's major policy decisions, particularly dealing with the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Southeast Asia. It is here that Dallek has the most to offer. Domestic situations are also discussed, including JFK's difficulties with the Civil Rights Movement, the South, and Congress. The book, like JFK's life, ends abruptly with gunshots fired in Dallas in November of 1963. Dallek provides analysis of JFK's legacy, and his importance to history. He also speculates on the policy decisions that he might have made, which is endlessly fascinating. He tackles the Kennedy enigma with both an admiring and critical eye, and the effort shows. Dallek's approach to JFK and his legacy make this a very entertaining and thought provoking book that anyone interested in John F. Kennedy should read.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fair and Balanced Bio of JFK
Review: There are many kinds of biographies of John F. Kennedy available. Many are fawning. Many are tawdry exposes. Few are serious efforts by legitimate historians to assess the life and times of the 35th president of the United States. Although there are excellent serious books on Kennedy's presidency such as Richard Reeves' President Kennedy-A Portrait of Power, the time is ripe, forty years after Kennedy's death, for a fresh historical look. Fortunately this lively new biography, by Robert Dallek, fits the bill nicely. The book is a fairly thorough examination of JFK's entire life with a special emphasis on the campaign of 1960 and his presidency. Although Dallek touches on Kennedy's womanizing, he does not dwell on it except to the extent it touches on issues of Kennedy's character and/or events of his life. Dallek's conclusion is that to Kennedy sex was a form of recreation, no different than golf was to Eisenhower. More important are issues of Kennedy's health. Dallek is the first historian to gain full access to Kennedy's medical records. They reveal that JFK was a very sick man, much sicker than is commonly known. Indeed, Kennedy seemed to live his life in constant, nearly debilitating pain. Dallek has great admiration for Kennedy's ability to overcome these disabilities and doesn't believe they affected his judgment or ability to carry out the duties of his office. Part of the reason Kennedy was able to function was the huge quantity of medications he took on a daily basis. Dallek describes these in detail and concludes that, contrary to the conclusions of some of the previously published hatchet jobs, did not adversely affect Kennedy's ability to do the job and in fact made it possible. Dallek's final conclusion on JFK's medical problems is that far from preventing him from doing his job effectively, they are an indication of President Kennedy's determination and strength of character. I agree with this assessment. It is ironic though, that a president with such an image of youth and vigor could be so sick. John F. Kennedy was really a very interesting and complex person, he lived in interesting times and he lived an interesting life. The image he cultivated was one that attached to him in life, not only after his death. By November 1963, he had won over a significant portion of the country (though not all) and his re-election likely would have been substantially easier than the 1960 election. The tragedy of his death simply adds pathos to his story. Dallek's overriding theme is one of promise unfulfilled. Kennedy was not a fraud. He was not a saint. He was a gifted politician and rhetorician. He came to show excellent qualities of leadership, including the capacity to grow and learn from mistakes and setbacks. His short administration showed promise but did not accomplish a great deal. In that sense his truly was an unfinished life. Although his successor, Lyndon Johnson, carried through a number of policies Kennedy only grappled with, such as civil rights legislation, there is no question that Johnson took the country in a different direction than Kennedy would have in a second term. Among the more controversial sections of the book are Dallek's speculations on what JFK might have done regarding certain issues, had he lived to serve a second term. In particular, a whole industry has arisen over what Kennedy would have done regarding Vietnam. As others as well as Dallek have demonstrated, Kennedy was well aware by his death that the policy of "Vietnamization" of the conflict was an utter failure and that the South Vietnamese State could never survive without American military support.. Nor did he have any intention of committing the huge number of American forces that his generals were calling for. From what I know of Kennedy's pragmatic and cautious character, I cannot believe he would have allowed things to unfold as they did for LBJ after 1964. Would he have abandoned Vietnam in 1965? It's impossible to ever know. But Dallek makes a strong case that a complete abandonment of the policy was something Kennedy was considering in 1963. But the truth will forever be lost in the mists of an alternate reality in which the events of November 22, 1963 did not take place. Nevertheless, as Dallek persuasively argues, the war that developed after 1965 under the administration of Johnson was not the policy of John F. Kennedy and such a deterioration was not inevitable. This is a well-written serious biography of a talented, tragic President whose life deserves serious scrutiny not the sort of pap, which has been written about him by friends and foes alike. History lovers and Kennedy aficionados will enjoy this book a great deal. Kennedy haters will not like it. The open minded will gain a window into a time that is rapidly retreating into the haze of history.
Rating:
Summary: A Long Read, But It Was Worth My Time
Review: It is hard to add anything to a review when there are 59 previous ones. This is the first biography I have read on the life of President Kennedy, so I am unable to compare it to any others. However, the observations that I am left with are that he enjoyed his job as President even though he was hampered by a myriad or physical problems that the public was largely unaware of. These problems apparently didn't affect the job he did as the nation's chief executive. There is speculation that his sexual affairs with other women may have proved costly to his presidency had he served a second term. Vietnam was just starting to heat up during his presidency, and judged by the information given in the book I believe he would have had the United States involved deeper with the war in Vietnam. Had he lived I'm sure his image would have been damaged by the Vietnam debacle. His greatest success was in staring down Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev during the Cuban missle crisis. He was lukewarm towards civil rights for all Americans, and it was left to successor President Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act. In regard to his assassination, I learned the brace he wore for back support helped to keep him in an upright position after the bullet initially hit him, and making it more possible for him to be hit with the fatal shot to the head. It took a while to pioneer my way through the book, but the time and effort was worth it.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent JFK Biography
Review: When I first picked up this book, I thought "not another JFK biography." However, Dallek makes an excellent case for a new book. Two factors contribute to the need for this book now: the perspective of time (many if not the majority of the working individuals in this country were born after his death) and the opening up of new papers, in particular critical documents on his health. This book is a straightforward biography: Dallek takes you from birth to death in chronological order. In many places in the book, he treads where so many others have gone: JFK's promiscuity from his early years on, his being overshadowed by his older brother, his father's pushing him into politics after his brother's death. However, Dallek does not dwell on the sensational-so many previous biographies focused on one area and dragged it out. Instead he is more concerned with JFK's development as a person and a future president. Everything in the book is viewed from this vantage point. For example, he spends little time on Jackie Kennedy: he explains how she fit into the picture of Jack Kennedy's life, why they married, how she helped him. And that's it-no extensive stories on spending sprees, White House decorating etc. Throughout the book, Dallek weaves the incredible stories and accounts of JFK's numerous medical problems. Some (though not all) of this information is new and all of it is fascinating. How he managed to run for President with all of these issues-well, it's quite a story.
I would recommend this book for individuals who like political biographies, history books, Kennedy stories. I also would recommend this book to younger readers who may not have read much on JFK. "An Unfinished Life" is a great place to start learning about this very interesting president. Finally,I would caution lovers of the more lavish Kennedy books: this book is not particularly sensational (other than the medical information, which is dry) or gossipy. If you're looking for extensive reports on his sexual exploits, you will want another book.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Thoughtful, Well-Written Bio of JFK
Review: I have not read all the bios of John Kennedy but I have read many. I find this one very comprehensive and objective. It treats JFK honestly and it does not limit itself to those things that make him look good but it offers his shortcomings and his missteps as well. Having said that, one senses that the author has a slight bias toward his subject. Not a worshipful feeling but a sense that Kennedy was right on more things than perhaps he was. For example, JFK pulled a bit of a bluff in the Cuban Missile Crisis that fortunately worked. However, had it gone the other way, history (if there was anyone to write it) would have been quite different. So his finest hour was, I think, somewhat of a bit of luck more than a really smart move based on the military thesis that Sun Tzu stresses, i.e. do not fight a war unless you know you can win. That aside, this is an excellent, well-written book and I highly recommend it. Susanna K. Hutcheson
Creative Director
Powerwriting.com LLC
Rating:
Summary: An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963
Review: The availability of new documents, oral histories, and telephone and Oval Office tapes prompted presidential historian Dallek (Boston Univ.) to revisit John F. Kennedy's personal and political life. Dallek's research in medical records demonstrates that Kennedy was sick throughout his life. Beyond back problems and Addison's disease, an adrenal insufficiency, Kennedy suffered from acute gastrointestinal illnesses. Dallek suggests that the medicines doctors administered to the young Kennedy for his colitis and digestive problems may have exacerbated his back problems and Addison's disease. The author also discovered that among President Kennedy's numerous mistresses was a White House intern of college age, but judges that neither Kennedy's health nor his womanizing impaired his presidential performance. Scholars will find, however, little that is new about Kennedy's presidential policies. Dallek's discussions of the Bay of Pigs, Berlin Crisis, nuclear arms race, and Cuban Missile Crisis are pedestrian and ordinary. He offers no new insights into covert interventions in areas such as Brazil and British Guiana. Dallek speculates that, during a second term, Kennedy would have limited US involvement in Vietnam, but President Johnson could reasonably conclude that he was continuing his predecessor's Vietnam policies.
Rating:
Summary: The best Political book that I have ever read.
Review: I was very very little when our nation lost John F. Kennedy. But Kennedy was my introduction into what the presidency stands for.
This book by Robert Dallek is excellent in that it is so balanced in the presentation of the subject, that if you loved John F Kennedy, you would probably still love him after reading the book. If you disliked presdident Kennedy, you would probably still dislike him. But quite possibly Kennedy lovers may realize more of his flaws and and Kennedy detractors may find some newfound respect.
The book starts with insight into young Jack's family, Father Joe Kennedy,Sr. felt left out of Boston culture because of his Irish Catholic heritage. I imagine that is one reason the Kennedys have been such notorious risk takers.
The book progresses into his schooling (he started as an average student) on into his military service and onto politics (He was a fairly average Senator, unlike his VP Lyndon Johnson). Also it sheds light on something I did not really know. Mr Kennedy's poor health. After reading the book, I had to wonder if Kennedy would still be alive now, had he escaped the assassination.
The book facuses on the early 60s and reiterates the threats of the cold war. Since we are just a couple of years removed now from 9/11, his first showdown with Kruchev in Vienna, the Bay Of Pigs fiasco, and the Cuban Misile Crisis were easy to understand as America felt the immediate danger. There are examples of his womanizing, but less information than what we may want to know about his affair with Marylyn Monroe and her subsequent death. There is also too little information on Bobby's stand off with Jimmy Hoffa.
I would recommend this book for anyone with an interest in history, politics or the American Presidency.
Rating:
Summary: What a life..
Review: This book, An Unfinished Life, was very well written, I am from the JFK Jr era, and this book was an awesome tribute to a truely great man!
Rating:
Summary: Very good, but not great book.
Review: Choosing not to delve into the politics behind the book, the one overwhelming aspect of this book I liked was its balance. Dallek didn't shy away from some of the negative issues surrounding JFK. He talked about his womanizing, his sometimes dirty political tricks, how he hid his poor health and his penchant for paying attention to public opinion at key times and on key issues. I liked the fact that Dallek looked at this presidency as it was... good but not great. Too many people are caught up in the myth that was JFK. Truth be told, he was an OK President who made some really bad decisions, especially on the domestic front. He also made some historical decisions such as his stance during the Cuban Missile Crisis and on the Berlin issue. He played a key role in the end of the Cold War IMO. I liked the lengthy discussion on JFK's place in history. Familiarity can sometimes create a skewed view of a person, but even after five years of close research Dallek was careful to say that many historians didn't think JFK's presidency was all that great despite the public's view that he was one of the all-time great Presidents. Other issues that stuck out to me in this book were the picture painted of Bobby Kennedy and the Kennedys as a whole. I don't respect what the Kennedys have done and to be honest I don't like the Kennedys. I didn't see any reason to change my mind in this book. Bobby comes off like a dirty crooked little man at times and it was funny that Dallek mentioned more than once that LBJ saw Bobby as just that. Ted came off as a little crooked himself and Joe Sr. really came off like a pretty bad guy. I think it was important for Dallek to include all of that because it does really provide some perspective on a family that in my opinion is overexposed and overrated in their importance to this country. My only complaint about this book would be its lack of depth into the Kennedy assasination. Dallek's research was so thorough I found myself wanting to know more about what the writer thought happened. He offered up a few theories that I had heard before and a few that I hadn't, but he didn't really delve into any of them on the scale I wanted him to. Maybe Dallek thought enough had been written on the subject so he stayed away, but a lot of the books that have been written on the assasination were money grabs in my opinion. I wanted Dallek to use his fair and balanced approach to break down the theories and he really didn't. All in all though, good book that I would really recommend to anyone looking for a fair representation of JFK's life and presidency.
Rating:
Summary: excellent fair biography of jfk
Review: I thought that Professor Dallek does an excellent job of writing a very fair and well researched account of JFK's life.
I think his analysis of JFK's achievements are balanced and right on most occasions.
JFK was an above average President who was right on tax cuts,right about increasing defense spending and not worrying about deficits so that we could win the cold war like Reagan, and he was right about the peace corps and the space program.
His greatest leadership test was the Cuban Missle crisis which he managed briliantly.
He did not do enough for civil rights and he did not manage the Bay of Pigs crisis well.
Also he did not go for total vicotry in Vietman and instead was hesitant about his commitment to Vietnam.
He did not handle the conference at Vienna with Krushchev well and his program to improve relations with Latin America did not succeed.
He was right to support Freedom Fighters in countries to try to turn the govt of countries away from communism and toward democracy. He was very hesitant in his dealings toward Castro and he should not have tried to look towards negotiating with Castro.
His health problems and his affairs with many women did not inhibit him from performing his duities as president. But his affairs with women certainly took away from his character as a leader and would have probably gotten him in trouble during his second term.
Jfk was a very decisive leader and a much better president than Eisenhower but not on the same level as Washington, Lincoln, Reagan, Truman, TR, or FDR.
This was an excellent biography of JFK and taught me alot about the man.
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