Jfk, Mike Parson
Jfk, Mike Parson
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Jfk
Memoirs of a Man Through His Image, Cult And Myth

Author: Mike Parson

Narrator: Chloe Jacobson

Unabridged: 3 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/14/2022


Synopsis

Fifty years after the assassination, JFK continues to be the “most popular past president,” with nearly 85 percent of all Americans polled saying that they approved of Kennedy’s job performance. Kennedy, despite his quirks, remains one of America’s best-known and well-liked leaders.

Many Americans responded to Kennedy, whose idealized image seemed to reflect their hopes and dreams. He won the presidency by a narrow margin, showing that nearly half the voters were unmoved by Kennedy’s idealism, youth, and promise. Television accentuated Kennedy. His image was often exaggerated but was broadly representative of his many attributes.

Kennedy was the nation’s first president to understand the power of imagery. He harnessed the power of media and television to cultivate clear images and sustain popular appeal. Kennedy and others in the White House consciously worked to create positive ideas that portrayed the President’s youthful appearance and his wholesome appeal as a faithful husband and loving father. Many people identified with idealized images of Kennedy, who seemed like a picture of robust health and an ideal family man. Behind the scenes, though, a different idea has emerged over time of an enigmatic, complex man—a human capable of both selfless and selfish motives and actions. This book assesses both the positive and negative dimensions of the Kennedy legacy to provide a fresh perspective.

This book will survey John F. Kennedy’s life and highlight some images associated with his rise to the presidency. It will summarize Kennedy’s famous vision to understand why some Americans embraced or rejected the President’s idea. The final chapter will discuss the impact of the assassination and emergence of the Camelot myth and the legacy of the Kennedy presidency.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Alan on August 05, 2025

"the great enemy of truth, is not the lie, but the myth"-JKF. Author presents this as non-fiction book, but then rest of book succumbs to the myth, perpetuating the Camelot fairy tale, more like fiction. He lists JFK's women (1st book to dispute sex with Monroe?). He had many sources but makes up di......more

Goodreads review by KOMET on August 10, 2025

JFK: Public, Private, Secret is not so much a biography but rather a summation of a man with exceptional wit, intellect, grace, and charm, who - despite the advantages afforded him by wealth and privilege - suffered throughout his life from a host of ailments. Indeed, he had at least twice been admi......more

Goodreads review by Thomas on September 06, 2025

During the Kennedy years in office, 1961-1963, his popularity hovered around 76 percent. No president in American history has yet to reach that level; not even Ronald Reagan. Mr. Taraborrelli has written a well researched account of JFK, his life and his presidency.......more

Goodreads review by Kevin on July 28, 2025

A compelling case for genuine character growth at the end of JFK’s life, properly highlighting the POV of the women in his life. As a result, it is an insightful, moving biography. Unsparing and empathetic at once.......more

Goodreads review by David on October 09, 2025

I had a hard time getting into this book, which seemed to lack any kind of real substance within its 491-pages. Indeed, much of the book felt more like something out of a gossip magazine, with the writer gleefully cataloguing the numerous affairs of both Jack Kennedy and his father. In this regard,......more