Rating: 
Summary: Sons of Camelot Even Better than The Kennedy Women
Review: One would think that by getting to this "Sons of Camelot" bunch of Kennedys after what, 10 years of Kennedy writing, that the only thing left for Lawrence Leamer to write about would be the shell-shocked surviving generation. But the read was not like that, although he did not skirt the sad and sometimes ridiculous issues. It was tremendously well balanced and rang of a deep truth; makes you want to know Leamer just so you could learn his take on you.It was not only up to his usual historian-level standards, but exceeded it in that there was so much more for the reader in this third book in what has become Leamer's cottage industry of Kennedy family writing. So Leamer's third trip to the Kennedy well still yielded a bucket of the finest wine. His access to Kennedy friends and associates, especially those of John Jr., appear unprecedented. It's as if all these people knew, either intrinsically or from his other two books, that Leamer was the one who would get it all down correctly. I apprecaited the fact that there were only a couple of "anonymous" interviews, that most of the people were known, so that added to the keen veracity of this book. Leamer has never been afraid to point out the scuffs in the Kennedy facade. In The Kennedy Men, I recall, I had never in my life seen such honesty, even when the Kennedys did not come off well, such as when Rosemary was given the shock treatments and the shame of that procedure, ordered by patriarch Joseph Kennedy, appears to haunt this family to this day and the shame is included in this book, too, through the eyes of this present generation. In Sons of Camelot, Leamer again comes through with the essentials. But he at the same time, ever so carefully, he also documents their accomplishments -- and who would have thought there were so many? What I particularly like about Leamer is that he isn't afraid to take on the dark side, which is all that is shown in some of the poseur books of recent genre -- such as the recent book with the fellow who claims to have had the on-going affair with Carolyn Bissette Kennedy. (Side note: that recent bio on A&E with the underwear model was a horribly mismanaged bait-and switch event and it reached an all-time low in cheesy television viewing, even though I must admit I watched it, but only as one views a car wreck after having sat in a traffic jam for a long time.) Leamer's enormous access to these Kennedy family sources was a magnificent achievement in itself. And the only way he could have had these multitude of interviews was that he was riding on the same train of truth from his other two books and the subjects knew it. The anecdotal material, even, on actor Tom Hanks was obviously puerile but Leamer doesn't shy away from his subjects' antics, even if they do not come off well. Leamer isn't afraid of anyone, it seems, but especially, and most importantly, he is not afraid to tell the truth. And the fact that he ends the book with a personal interview with Ted Kennedy is very telling. When Sen. Kennedy quotes his father, saying he had said, "'Home holds no fear for me,'" it was a heartbreaking moment and I felt I was in that senate office right there with Leamer and Kennedy. Ted Kennedy reminisced with Leamer over the "extraordinary losses" experienced by his family but he also was quick to point out the blessings, and that could also sum up this fine book: Life is filled with tragedies and blessings for us all. I did not want this book to end, although I guess all good things must come to an end.
Rating: 
Summary: Spreading lies about JFK Jr. and his wife using anonymous so
Review: Spreading lies about JFK Jr. and his wife using anonymous sources.
People that think that this was for selling better are in denial.
The reason is much more sinister. For some reason the goal of the book is to cover-up the circumstances of his death.
The other reason is to diffamate his memory. Does November 2, 2004 ring a bell ?
Rating:
Summary: You just can't trust it
Review: The author is clearly peddling the idea that the Kennedys and their close friends cooperated with this book, but after reading Sons of Camelot, I can't find any evidence of that. It feels instead like a bunch of wannabes who dream of being close with the Kennedys talked about things they don't really know. The material on JFK Jr. is particularly dubious. It's either borrowed from previously reported material or simply unsourced entirely. Leamer presents things as "fact" but doesn't bother to give any evidence. You can tell that he kisses up to whoever cooperated with him and trashes anyone who didn't. There have now been several books written about JFK Jr., which means the ground is pretty well covered. Sons of Camelot feels like it's trying desperately to dredge up new material--and for sales purposes, it's more important that the material be different than that it be accurate. The stuff that's true in this book, you've already read. The stuff that's new in this book--well, you just can't trust it.
Rating:
Summary: Journalist or flack?
Review: this book grabs at the spirit of all of us who hope to fulfill our destiny.mr. leamer consistently and thoroughly raises the following question... have we done enough?he manages to pose this question, most remarkably without sounding self righteous or smug.rather then judge his status as a washington insider, i suggest we all take a moment to consider our own possiblities to enrich this world. the kennedy's have lived it... leamer has captured it with spirit, grace and honesty.beverly hills, ca.
Rating:
Summary: sons of camelot
Review: this book grabs at the spirit of all of us who hope to fulfill our destiny.mr. leamer consistently and thoroughly raises the following question... have we done enough?he manages to pose this question, most remarkably without sounding self righteous or smug.rather then judge his status as a washington insider, i suggest we all take a moment to consider our own possiblities to enrich this world. the kennedy's have lived it... leamer has captured it with spirit, grace and honesty.beverly hills, ca.
Rating:
Summary: Leamer Is the REAL Kennedy Expert
Review: This book totally suprised me. First of all, Leamer uses real, not anonymous sources, many from within the Kennedy family, to disclose previously unknown facts about all of the Kennedys. Secondly, having read the earlier "Kennedy Men" and "Kennedy Women", I didn't think there was much more to learn. Was I suprised! And this is no "Kennedy Cover-Up", nor is it a hatchet job. For those who crave authentic, objective understanding of this complex and fascinating family, Leamer is the undisputed Kennedy expert. Having worked in Washington, DC for nearly 30 years, I have a passing acquaintance with several of the events and people described in this book...and I doubted it would disclose all of the good and not-so-good facts that many in DC and Massachusetts know about several of the Kennedys. Leamer is critical yet compassionate and clear-eyed in disclosing the Kennedy weaknesses and failings...and he documents superbly their many accomplishments,public and private contributions, and the powerful potential the younger generation brings. This book totally suprised me with its insight, fairness..and bare-knuckle blunt truths. Leamer is fair...and accurate and complete, especially on those things I have some familiarity with. The interview with Ted Kennedy in the last chapter "Ripples on the Pond" is one of the most authentic and moving glimpses into the heart and mind of this last surviving brother. The younger generation of Kennedys share a difficult and rewarding legacy that Leamer brilliantly portrays. This book, "Sons of Camelot", completes the Kennedy triology Leamer has skillfully created, and is essential reading for anyone who appreciates and seeks to understand more fully our contemporary American political life, and the dominating and future influences of the Kennedy family.
Rating:
Summary: a good read
Review: This is a comprehensive, non sensationalized account of the lives of the younger Kennedys. The book manages to be interesting without becoming tabloidish in tone (as some of the other books have). The author appears to have made an effort to be thorough and fair in his reporting of events.
Rating:
Summary: Journalist or flack?
Review: Well, I've read the other reviews and I have to come out on the side of the critical ones. There is an awful lot of anonymous sourcing in this book, and it does feel like Leamer trades accuracy for access--he's so anxious to be able to claim that he interviewed Kennedy family "intimates" that he allows them to dictate his story. And even then, you have to wonder: Were these sources really close friends or family members? Since so many of them are anonymous, it's hard to say. And you just know that a lot of people hang out around the Kennedys and pretend that they're closer than they really are. Reading the book, you get the impression that Leamer either doesn't know or doesn't care about the difference.
But the fact is that this generation of Kennedys just isn't that interesting. Probably only John merits a book, and maybe not even. But there have been a bunch of books written about JKF Jr., and if you're interested in the subject, there's nothing in Sons of Camelot that you haven't already read. I understand that Leamer is now writing a biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger. You know that he couldn't have written anything critical of the Kennedys--even if it were true-- and now be doing a biography of Arnold and expect any cooperation. So he's journalistically compromised with this book. I'd stay away.
Rating:
Summary: The most insightful book on this family yet
Review: With this book, Mr. Leamer may have outdone himself. His previous efforts have established his rare combination of talents for both investigation and literary eloquence. But I believe with The Sons of Camelot he has reached the top of his game. How many other Kennedy biographies can one think of written by someone outside the inner circle that the family itself has cooperated with. The answer is none. This speaks to Leamer's acknowledged reputation for fairness and his talent for the great "get." And the number of Kennedys who trusted him is even more astounding. The result is a rich and nuanced portrait of this complex brood. I recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the true, and perhaps most valuable, legacy of Old Joe Kennedy.
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