“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
John F. Kennedy holds a special place as one of the most significant and influential figures in the history of the world. Growing up in the esteemed Kennedy family, he emerged as a war hero in the Pacific Theatre of World War 2, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and, at a young age, became the youngest President in American history, symbolizing a new era not just for the United States but for the world.
From the Civil Rights movement to the Cuban Missile Crisis, and from his extramarital affairs to the classified information on his failing health, JFK’s life was an embodiment of a unique era. Explore the best JFK books at What We Reading! and delve into the enigmatic figure that left an indelible mark on history.
An Unfinished Life – Robert Dallek
In 2003, Robert Dallek’s An Unfinished Life emerged as a groundbreaking and insightful work on America’s 35th President, John F. Kennedy. Even today, this biography is a valuable resource for learning more about JFK as a person.
With striking insights and assessments, Dallek provides readers with a comprehensive account of Kennedy’s family, love affairs, and explores some of the most significant what-ifs that have surfaced since his assassination. For those seeking a captivating and illuminating read on the untimely end of Kennedy’s life, An Unfinished Life remains one of the best options available.
JFK: Coming Of Age In The American Century – Fredrik Logevall
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall’s JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956 is a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on the meteoric rise of John F. Kennedy. Through this seven-year-long project, Logevall aims to dispel the mythology that has surrounded JFK in the years following his death.
In Coming of Age, readers are taken on a journey through the Kennedy family’s rise from working-class Irish immigrants. By contextualising his heritage, Logevall offers one of the most eye-opening JFK books into how the future President found the drive to transform from a sickly second son to a war hero and ultimately to contemplate running for the most powerful position on the planet.
JFK And The Unspeakable – James W. Douglass
John F. Kennedy’s death is as notorious as his life. In JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died & Why It Matters, James Douglass offers readers a comprehensive walkthrough of the circumstances surrounding Kennedy’s assassination, while also shedding light on the forces that led to the President’s untimely death.
Drawing upon numerous high-profile sources that were only recently released on the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination, the book delves into how Kennedy’s vision for a more peaceful future garnered him a host of powerful enemies with their backs against the wall. Douglass paints a profound picture of the events leading up to the assassination, making JFK and the Unspeakable an essential read for anyone seeking to understand this pivotal moment in history.
Incomparable Grace – Mark K. Updegrove
In Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Presidency, acclaimed author Mark Updegrove delves into the remarkable qualities that made John F. Kennedy one of the most enduring and captivating figures in American history. Despite his relative inexperience, Kennedy’s allure and charm propelled him to the highest office in the land. Updegrove’s book offers a compelling narrative of JFK’s brief but transformative tenure as President, as he navigated missteps and adversity while facing some of the biggest challenges in Oval Office history.
Through a nuanced exploration of Kennedy’s human characteristics, including his willingness to admit blame and learn from mistakes, Incomparable Grace provides a poignant and insightful perspective on why there is so much more to Kennedy as a leader than the myth of Camelot suggests.
JFK’s Last Hundred Days – Thurston Clarke
The enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy is fueled in part by the sense of unfulfilled potential and “what if” scenarios left behind by his untimely death. In JFK’s Last Hundred Days, esteemed author Thurston Clarke presents a gripping account of the final days of Kennedy’s presidency, providing meticulous insights into both his professional and private life in the White House.
Through thorough research and captivating storytelling, Clarke delves into how Kennedy’s image as a tough “Cold Warrior” was beginning to evolve, and how his presidency could have shaped history if he had continued in office. JFK’s Last Hundred Days paints a vivid picture of a leader on the brink of change and is a captivating read for those intrigued by the possibilities of what could have been.
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The Road To Camelot – Thomas Oliphant And Curtis Wilkie
The Road to Camelot: Inside JFK’s Five-Year Campaign, written by Thomas Oliphant and Curtis Wilkie, provides readers with a thrilling and well-researched account of John F. Kennedy’s rise to power in America. The book delves into Kennedy’s journey from his failed attempt to secure the vice presidential nomination in 1956 to his eventual victory in the presidential race.
Oliphant and Wilkie offer insights into Kennedy’s shrewd and determined political strategy, including his groundbreaking use of professional polling and his charismatic performance in the first televised presidential debate against Richard Nixon. The Road to Camelot sheds light on Kennedy’s unwavering determination and provides readers with a deeper understanding of how he navigated the political landscape to become one of America’s most iconic leaders.
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The Brilliant Disaster – Jim Rasenberger
The Brilliant Disaster by Jim Rasenberger provides readers with a masterful reconstruction of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion, which is widely regarded as one of the most embarrassing blunders in American history. Drawing on recently declassified CIA materials, Rasenberger delves into the events of those fateful five days, shedding light on who knew what and how the operation went so disastrously wrong.
The book also delves into JFK’s own involvement in the operation, exploring his attitudes and actions that may have contributed to the failure of the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Rasenberger’s meticulous research and analysis offer readers a deeper understanding of the consequences of the failed invasion, which not only impacted Kennedy’s remaining presidential tenure but also had long-term repercussions for his successors. The Brilliant Disaster is one of the most compelling and illuminating JFK books on this pivotal event in American history and its potential connection to Kennedy’s eventual assassination just two years later.
1960 – LBJ Vs. JFK Vs. Nixon – David Pietrusza
The 1960 Presidential Election stands out as a defining moment in American history, closely contested and with far-reaching impacts that shaped the country for years to come.
In his captivating book, 1960 LBJ vs. JFK vs. Nixon: The Epic Campaign That Forged Three Presidencies, David Pietrusza delves into how this election forged the destinies of three Presidents. Brimming with thousands of intriguing anecdotes and stories, Pietrusza’s work not only illuminates one of JFK’s most triumphant days but also underscores how elections can hinge on a single moment.
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Forty Ways To Look At JFK – Gretchen Rubin
John F. Kennedy remains a compelling figure in history, with his shrewdness and sex appeal among the many contradictions that continue to captivate us. In her acclaimed biography, Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchill, Gretchen Rubin examines JFK from various angles, putting his many fascinations under the microscope.
With crisp and vivid prose, Rubin masterfully brings to life Kennedy’s high ideals, glamorous family life, undeniable charm, and the press-driven exploitation of his looks. She also delves into how Kennedy crafted an image of a President who lived and breathed life in the public eye, with a mix of charm, charisma, and outright lies for one of the most balanced JFK books available.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
