It’s my first book review of the year! I’ve mentioned before that the Kennedy family (and most political families) fascinate me, so this selection shouldn’t come as a surprise. This Elizabeth Beller work is not a book club pick. My sister gave it to me for my birthday and I finally had the time to devote to it over winter break.

If you’re unfamiliar with this bestseller, here’s a summary from Amazon:

A quarter of a century after the plane crash that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren, the magnitude of this tragedy remains fresh. Yet, Carolyn is still an enigmatic figure, a woman whose short life in the spotlight was besieged with misogyny and cruelty.

Amidst today’s cultural reckoning about the way our media treats women, Elizabeth Beller “reveals the true woman behind the mystery, and what a woman she turns out to be: fabulous, fierce, fashionable, flawed…formidable” (J. Randy Taraborrelli, New York Times bestselling author). When she began dating America’s prince, Carolyn was thrust into an overwhelming spotlight filled with cruelly relentless paparazzi who reacted to her reserve with a campaign of harassment and vilification.

To this day, she is still depicted as a privileged princess—icy, vapid, and drug-addicted. She has even been accused of being responsible for their untimely death, allegedly delaying take-off until she finished her pedicure. But now, the truth is finally unveiled.

A fiercely independent woman devoted to her adopted city and career, Carolyn relied on her impeccable eye and drive to fly up the ranks at Calvin Klein in the glossy, high-stakes fashion world of the 1990s. When Carolyn met her future husband, John was immediately drawn to her strong-willed personality, effortless charm, and high intelligence. Their relationship would change her life and catapult her to dizzying fame, but it was her vibrant life before their marriage and then hidden afterwards, that is truly fascinating.

Based on in-depth research and exclusive interviews with friends, family members, teachers, roommates, and colleagues, and featuring never-before-seen family photos, this comprehensive biography reveals a multifaceted woman worthy of our attention regardless of her husband and untimely death.

I have thoughts.

Let me start by saying that I could not put this down. However….

First of all, I am not sure what I expected. Maybe I’m used to exact documentation in this day and age through texts and emails, but the book is very speculative. Many encounters were described as, “John likely said…” or “Caroyln probably felt…” which seems presumptuous.

Secondly, I discovered two glaring date inaccuracies, which makes me question credibility.

Thirdly, Carolyn doesn’t come across as overly likeable. More than once, if these accounts are accurate, she stabbed a friend in the back by going after their significant other. That being said, I do believe she truly loved John and married him for the right reasons and not because his last name is Kennedy. I loved learning about her education and career prior to becoming Mrs. Kennedy. She was extremely bright and talented, with a strong work ethic. Her sense of style was extraordinary.

Carolyn was harassed by paparazzi to the point of becoming reclusive at times. She struggled with anxiety due to the treatment by the media. John could do no wrong whereas she was targeted, criticized and insulted. Journalists were often cruel because that is what sells, sadly.

I can’t believe more than twenty five years have passed since John, Carolyn and Lauren’s tragic passing. I cannot imagine the pain their families still endure. If you are a fan of pop culture and political dynasties, grab the book. Almost all of my reading is on my Kindle these days, but I am so glad I had a hard copy of this particular book. I must have looked at the photos a dozen times. I will keep it forever. It’s available here: https://amzn.to/4j5VfSh

ALSO???? Carolyn’s mother’s “toast” at their wedding!!!!! Can we please discuss?