Thirteeen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis (G K Hall Large Print American History Series)

Rating:
Summary: First Draft History
Review: Bobby's first hand account of the Cuban missile crisis was obviously written with an eye toward his 1968 presidential bid. In fact he was assassinated before compelling it, although the complete story is told. Not surprisingly he pays tribute to his mattered brother and if anything downplays his own role. Quite an interesting device, presenting the author as humble as well as battle hardened. The interpretation it presents, with both Khrushchev and JFK portrayed as being eager for a face saving piece is quite familiar (an easy position to take since Khrushchev was out of power and thus not a potential threat). It is other unnamed powers in Russia that are blamed for the hard line position of the USSR. Interesting to note the demand of the Russians that the US remove the missiles in Turkey and Kennedy's claim that his brother had already ordered it and the order was not carried out to a bureaucratic snafu Well written and easy reading, 13 Days is a quickie, a bit of historical candy for junkies. Highly recommended for its insight into the events, as well as the intentions of one of America's best-loved martyrs.

Rating:
Summary: Thirteen Days: A Memoir Of The Cuban Missile Crisis
Review: During the thirteen days in October 1962 when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over its installation of missiles in Cuba, few people shared the behind - the - scenes story as it is told here by the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In this unique account, he describes each of the participants during the sometimes hour - to - hour negotiations, with particular attention to the actions and views of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.

In a new foreword for this edition, the distinguished historian and Kennedy adviser Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., discusses the book's enduring importance and the significance of new information about the crisis that has come to light, especially from the Soviet Union.

As a principle figure in resolving the crisis Robert Kennedy brings to it extraordinary authority, with his own insights, perspectives and very important revelations of the decision - making process at the highest level, on the brink of nuclear holocaust.

Rating:
Summary: Critical moment in history
Review: I was surprised at how simply this book was written, and it was not bogged down at all by political mumbo-jumbo that most politicians write with. This becomes a compelling read, because it is accesible to everyone, and the account is obviously first-person, the only book of this nature. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the most important two weeks in our history, and it is the closest the world has come to nuclear war, and inevitable destruction. It seems that many people are forgetting how close the US and USSR came to pushing the button here.

I like the way RFK writes, and it is unfortunate that this book is unfinished, but this is an interesting read for anybody who is interested in the magnetic Kennedy family and the history of the Cold War.

I will also reccomend the movie entitled "Thirteen Days", which is a great adaptation of this book and is gripping from beginning to end, Kevin Costner's laughable New England accent aside.

Rating:
Summary: More Detail Please
Review: Maybe I missed something in my copy of this book, but I was disappointed in the level of detail. I was expecting a blow by blow account Bob Woodward style and I got what I viewed as almost a campaign "get to know the candidate" piece. I wanted more details about how the other people involved in the issue were acting and thinking. I also wanted more detail on JFK and the overall military activity. I come away from this book still looking for more information.

Rating:
Summary: Comforting in days of danger!
Review: RFK tells the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis in clear concise language. He honestly relates the events of those tense thirteen days as he remembers them. This book brings a vital part of American history to life, and belongs on the reading list of every American.

Rating:
Summary: very interessing!
Review: rfk tells us about how jfk and him rescued the world, it's exciting.
this is the best book of the cuban missile crisis.
i advise you to read it.
people who don't like it are odd.
Bobby and Jack Kennedy are two of the greatest men in American history.
Highly recommended for them who are ineressing for history, as well as the intentions of one of America's best-loved martyrs.

Rating:
Summary: It is only because of great and humble men we are here today
Review: While I was not yet born when RFK and JFK were alive, I would have to say they are two of the greatest men in American history. Robert Kennedy brings his readers closer to a situtation that is almost beyond the scope of the human mind. His account of the Cuban Missile Crisis makes us realize how close we have come to the end and absolutely shows us that it is only because of great men we are here. This book reminds us how close we came to the end and the critical role Jack and Bobby played in bringing us back. I only hope that current and future leaders of the world read this account and understand what they understood...we are all mortal and we all love our children. Those are the things that will save us, Jack and Bobby knew that and it is obvious in this extrodrinary book.

Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile purchase
Review: While this brief account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, written by Robert Kennedy in 1967, can not be called the most thorough recounting of events between October 16 and October 29, 1962, it has two major selling points:

1.) It is a first person account of a critical moment in American foreign relations, told simply yet compellingly by a key participant.
2.) Personal asides, which could only come from the President's brother, add a dimension to the narrative that can not be found even in Schlesinger's "1000 Days."

Something to keep in mind if you buy this book: it's one of the many things Bob Kennedy left unfinished in his life, and it shows. It is an obvious first draft meant to put the highlights of the Crisis on paper. The last two chapters of commentary are a wonderful preview of the backward glance Kennedy intended, but was never allowed, to apply to one of the most dangerous fortnights in world history.