5 comments about Infinite Variety: The Life & Legend of the Marchesa Casati, The Definitive Edition.

1. "I loved 'Infinite Variety' for the way the authors brought the Marchesa Casati vividly to life."--Robert Fulford, author of 'The Triumph of Narrative: Storytelling in the Age of Mass Culture'



2. 'This book about the Marchesa Casati (1881-1957) is called "The Definitive Edition" about a lady of extravagant leisures. It is an excellent book reviving the roaring twenties in Europe and gives you a fairly good insight of the lifestyle of the truly rich and famous through to the 1940s. Part of this set was the Marchesa Casati, who is a source of inspiration to this very day for fashion designers, artists and wealthy heirs. So if you squander your vast inheritance, at least do it in style!' (review from Elegant Lifestyle)



3. "'Infinite Variety' is a thoroughly unbiased and well-researched biography. The 'Definitive Edition' includes a plethora of new information as well as artwork and photos. Thanks to the efforts of Ryersson and Yaccarino, the story of the Marchesa Casati, with all its splendor, will continue to astonish.--Jonathan Williams, Gothic Beauty Magazine



4. "Mesmerizing and revealing, 'Infinite Variety' is the definitive account of the Italian femme scandaleuse. A great glimpse, and more, into the life of a larger-than-life individual."-Mar Yvette (Clear Magazine)



5. "'Infinite Variety: The Definitive Edition' provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the bizarre and spectacular life that Casati led...All you fashion-conscious history buffs will love the in-depth exploration the authors take into Casati's stylish life."-Denise Dandeneau (Zink Magazine)

   "This meticulously researched and completely updated biography vividly details Luisa Casati's extravagant life...Fashionistas, art history buffs, aficionados of Belle Époque and Jazz Age culture-and general readers-will be pleased."-Lorraine Thompson (Primo Magazine)

5 comments about Leaves of Elvis' Garden: The Song of His Soul.

1. To me, a good Elvis book accomplishes two things: first, it at least attempts to describe the man behind the legend (I say "attempts" because after reading several books I come to the conclusion that no single person is able to describe Elvis Presley in an all-inclusive way; there is just too much to him) and secondly, it expresses the connection the writer has with Elvis in a sincere, respectful and caring way. If a story allows the reader's mind to easily paint mental pictures which give the illusion of real a life experience, then that's a bonus. Larry Geller's book achieved all of the above.
   
   It's almost impossible to "fall out of love" with Elvis Presley. Like his daughter said, he was "the real thing". "Leaves of Elvis' Garden" underlines just how unique this man was.
   
   With the help of friends like Larry Geller Elvis will live on for many years to come. A big Thank-You to him for sharing his memories!



2. I bought this book and also Larry Geller's previous book, "If I Can Dream." I thought Leaves of Elvis' Garden would give further insight into Elvis and his quest. But, alas, 85-90% of this book was already covered in his previous book. Buy the first book, it has more anecdotes and information.



3. As a life long fan I have read many fascinating books on Elvis, however, most just touch the surface of Elvis' spirtual side and inner thoughts, and to be honest, most cover Elvis' life as a history lesson or chronology of events without deep analysis or penetration into the mind and spirit and soul behind the icon. "Leaves of Elvis' Garden" takes the reader into the inner sanctum of Elvis' deepest feelings on topics such as religion, stardom, life and death, and it builds the backstory and sets the stage in a way that explains not only the "what", but the "Why" in Elvis' search for meaning and purpose and understanding of who he was.
   
   I think most of the passionate Elvis Fans know Elvis was fascinated with the study of different religions, numerology and a search for a deeper meaning of his life, but many cannot explain the "why". I think Larry does an excellent job in explaining the why...from his persective, and he really gets to the point in quick order in his writing style. This book covers much ground in a very clear, complete and concise manner and actually covers more material and insight into Elvis the person than other much longer books.
   
   One amazing thing I found about Larry Geller's book was his ability to step back and understand and relate not only his and Elvis' relationship, but the relationship with others toward him and his closeness with Elvis. Many Elvis books have been written in a style where the author obviously has an ax to grind toward someone else that knew Elvis and never goes out of the way to try and understand different viewpoints and feelings, however, Larry not only accepts different viewpoints by those that where around Elvis at the time, but he has the ability to step back and understand the perceptions and views of others. After reading 'Leaves of Elvis Garden' I don't have any lesser view of any of the other "guys" in Elvis entourage, or Priscilla, or anyone else that knew Elvis, and instead have a better understanding of their position on certain topics, especially relating to Elvis search for God and his own spirituality and close relationship with Larry. I think that in itself speaks volumes about Larry Geller and is very refreshing.
   
   Larry's love and reverence for Elvis Presley shines throughout this book, and have to say it has affected me on many levels. This book was an emotional roller coaster ride for me and don't mind admitting that when I read through the 'Unchained Melody' chapter near the end I was a pool of tears. This book drew me into the heart and soul of Elvis, the one person that has touched the lives of millions including myself, and I highly recommend this one for anyone that is ready to explore the human side of Elvis and understand the love and the passion of one of the most extraordinary men to walk the planet.



4. This beautifully written book introduced me to the Elvis I never knew. Larry Geller reveals a sensitive, inquisitive and deeply human side to his close friend and spiritual disciple. I couldn't put it down and neither could my Mother-in-law. I loved this book and I recomend it highly to everyone.
   
   david brandes writer/producer



5. Such a fascinating read that gave you such personal insights to the biggest star the world has ever known. You felt as if you were watching a movie while you were reading this book. Not only do you learn about Elvis' spiritual journey but this book helps you discover your own spiritual life. ...A must read!

5 comments about Jackie: A Life In Pictures.

1. I agree with the reviewer below whose expectations were raised by the excellent "John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life In Pictures," then somewhat disappointed by this book. It's well done but really doesn't evoke the era or the excitement of its subject beyond the level of a Biography Channel documentary. The photos are great but not especially arresting or telling. You actually get more of a feeling for JBK and the period from the book on her husband, which I strongly recommend. It should be noted that the JFK book was produced by Phaidon and this by another company, despite the title and dustjacket design similarities.



2. This book is sumptuous. The paper quality, the binding, the little touches that show it's a quality keepsake, not just another book thrown together to cash in on the Kennedys. I agree with previous reviewers who commented that many of the pix have appeared elsewhere. There are a few new shots and I would have enjoyed seeing more of them. That's why I subtracted a star. But still, I'm enjoying this book and recommend it.



3. A beautiful hardcover book with beautiful photos, which nicely compliments, 'John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Life in Pictures.'



4. I'm a big fan of any book on the Kennedy's but I found this book to be a let down. Other than a handful of photos of her as a child, there's nothing in this book that hasn't already been published. The only good thing about it is that all of the photos are in one book. I really liked JFK: A life in pictures, which is wonderful but I was disappointed by this book.



5. This is clearly the best photo book to ever be published about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, no other book so far, offers such an amazing collection of not so seen photographs of the former First Lady, later Mrs. Onassis and Jacqueline as a private person.I just love it, definitely worth buying.

5 comments about Last Man Down: A New York City Fire Chief and the Collapse of the World.

1. Number one fact: Picciotto probably sensed the opportunity to make a few extra bucks from his ordeal in September 11, and seized the opportunity.
   
   Number two fact: It's strange to NOT like a book about September 1, but I did not like this book at all. Not because of the selfish and auto-congrulatory mode, but due to the literally (or lack of) characteristcis of the book. I think it's badly written, even with Mr. Paisner at the helm.
   
   As for Picciotto actions those days, only people under that kind of stresssful situation could know how they would have acted... Generally, I think he did the best he could for his city and for his companions and for the civilians he encountered.
   
   For all his detractors, I put the question: if he had died along with the shocking number of victims, even with all his "faults" he would have benn considered a hero, ego or no ego involved. Am I right?



2. I had wanted to read this book for a while, so I purchased it. Richard Picciotto is not the best writer, but he does give you a sense of what it was like to be under pressure and trying to survive the tower collapse. He doesn't pull punches as to who he blames for the loss of firefighters that day. Lack of adequate equipment, department cuts, etc. I think to a certain extent he has a valid point, but I also know that there were many other factors involved as well. Mr. Picciotto's focus is understandably on his personal experience and his emotions around what happened that day. I am glad that I read it, but I have to be honest and say it is what it is. Mr. Picciotto will probably not win a Pulitzer, but he calls it as he sees it and he was there and I wasn't.



3. I just recently read the paperback version of this book. The first half of this book is pretty interesting and heart pounding in detailing what it was like to be in the World Trade Center while it collapsed. The second half was very disatisfying. It was very self-serving and is mostly about Mr. Picciotto praising himself and his actions and criticizing absolutely everyone else. I also find it interesting that Mr. Picciotto said how hard it was for him to return to the site and that it took him a very long time do this. However, in the acknowledgment at the end of the book, he returns barely a few weeks after the collapse and with his collaborator of this book. He had already found the time to get a book deal and co-author!



4. As a firfigther who understands chain of command and the need to work with in an Incident Command System, this book perfectly explains how one FDNY Battalion Chief breaks all the rules, chosing to respond to the World Trade Center Disaster rather than remain responsible for his own Battalion, risks the lives of members of 110Truck to "sprint" to the 35th floor of the North Tower, ABANDONING them on the way to freelance some more in the burning tower, only to ultimately become stuck in the collapse of the North Tower where he goes on to shout at and berade a PAPD Officer who's lost his partner, a K9, to the collapse of the bulidng. This book is a shameful and embarrasing for all American firefighters, those silent heros who risk their lives daily.



5. I have had this book for a few years but have not been able to read it till recently.The story is quite interesting and astonishing (especially as it is a true story) but the writing is somewhat repetetive - I think this is done to make the story longer - and the Firefighter seems to be too full of himself always going on how great he is and how well he did what a good leader he is ...... and so on.Entertaining and interesting but the way the story is written spoils it.

5 comments about Heaven: A Prison Diary Volume 3 (A Prison Diary).

1. Jeffrey Archer is one of my favourite authors and to read of his time behind bars has added a whole new dimension to his writing.He not only survived,but has gone on from where he left off,writing very readable books.
   Loryn Potroz



2. I haven't actually read Archer's first two prison diaries yet but have ordered them after stumbling across this fascinating insight into daily prison life. Volume III Heaven can definitely be read as a stand alone non fiction novel or before reading the other two as it doesn't really refer to anything before Archer's arrival at North Sea Camp. Arhcer's final stage of imprisonment is in one of Britain's cushy D-category prisons, the final chapter of prisoners' lives before they are released, where there are no fences keeping prisoners in, and they have a lot more freedom and luxuries than ever before.
   
   Archer tells the reader through his diary entries about the difference in the way he is treated at North Sea Camp in comparison to the places he was held previously. How he is being picked on by corrupt political opponents, how the media who are camped out on the doorstep for a photo of him is portraying a completely different scenario to what he endures daily. The drug problems of other prisoners and how the system works or doesn't for prisoners in North Sea Camp. Archer explains the different jobs within the prison and takes us through the daily tasks of his various job promotions including the one he refers to as heaven, hospital orderly. There are also a few pictures included in what is a fascinating insight into prison life. Obviously it is a diary by Archer so we have to assume he was well behaved inside or if he did anything wrong he certainly didn't include it. There are plenty of despicable or stupid actions from some other prisoners and the outcomes of those actions inside to keep the reader entertained though.



3. This is the final volume of three volumes about Jeffrey Archer's Prison experience following his conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice in 2001.
   
   Archer gives the reader an excellent picture of what it is like to be in prison in the United Kingdom. He writes pithy descriptions of some of his colleagues, including two of them who were model prisoners only to reoffend shortly after they were released. His comments on the drug problem in prisons are almost certainly applicable to prisons here in the United States as well.
   
   This book is easy to read, hard to put down, and does not waste words or descriptions. There is also plenty of Archer's good humor. He expresses his unhappiness at the people who turned on him and testified against him, but does not indulge in self-pity. This book is well worth reading.



4. This makes more sense if you read the first two prior books. Interesting and well written and an easy read, come to mind when describing the book. It is what it is - an on going diary of prison time. The tone of the book gets a bit darker as the reins are tightned and he is forced back into a more secure population. His depression is evident as he eventually trails off in his writing and picks it up the day of his discharge. None of the books were gritty in the sense of true prison drama, but it is an interesting prospective.
   
   It is almost comical in some aspects as I have worked in the prison system. He is gleeful at the prospect of getting his very own coffee cup when most men spend their days trying not to get stabbed. He rails at people called Lady this or Lord that and loves to name drop. It's difficult to imagine that in a prison system and therefore the unsual prospective. Interesting.



5. The final book of Archers tales in the Prison System.
   
   I read this in 1 day... just wanted to get through it and again could not put the book down. A lot of the material and experience is the same as book 1 and 2. Though now in a Cat D prison (an open prison) he has more freedom, it does still show the drugs and money.
   
   And of course, the press continue to try and get the scoop on him, paying other inmates to get "archer with his clothes off"
   
   All in all, a good book. I am glad he did not do a 4th.
   
   If you read book 1 and 2, get this to wrap up the set.

5 comments about Gordon Ramsay: The Biography.

1. I agree with previous reviewers. This is short attention span writing. It jumps from one topic to another topic without going into depth. It felt like reading People Magazine and not a book.



2. This was a great book. It really gives you insight to his behavior. (which is not bad) It was a page turner, and I finished it in a weekend.
   He really had alot of disappointments in life but turned it all around. It gives you inspiration.
   If you like Gordon,this is a must read.



3. I would consider myself a fan of Gordon Ramsey, I think his theories on management and what it takes to be a success could be a lesson to all. Also he has led what seems like a fascinating life, rising up from a rough part of Glasgow, dealing with the issues of a broken family and a promising football career ruined by injury. Sadly this book is written in little better than tabloid tidbits for those with a very short attention span. His childhood and motivations that led him to being a world class chef are glossed over and given about 30 pages. His troubled relationship with his father and its impact is mentioned several times in the book but never really elaborated on sufficiently. His early years as a chef are dealt with in about 15 pages and his years in Paris are given even less coverage despite Gordon's belief that they were absolutely central to him becoming the chef he is today. The author seems more interested in making constant references to Gordon's notorious foul mouth and his relationship with the tabloid press. What a shame there are so many more interesting facets to his life that could have been explored here.



4. Truly an excellent book. This book opens your eyes to the hard work it takes to become a great Chef.
   I recommend other Gordan Ramsay books.



5. i got the book really quick and it was in very nice shape i would buy from this person again. thank you. jan

5 comments about Lennon Legend.

1. I purchased this book for my mother. She has been a Beatles fan since she was a little girl. She loved it. There are so many cool things inside.



2. I WAS HOPPING TO SEE PIXS OF THE MEMORABILIA EXHIBITED ABOUT LENNON AT THE R AND R HALL OF FAME, AND IT FELL SHORT OF MY EXPECTATIONS.



3. I have almost every book on John Lennon and the Beatles, and I continue to collect them. This one is one gorgeous gift book. You won't regret!



4. I love this book! Like a reviewer had already stated, it's like a portable Lennon museum-a mini Lennon museum of your own with everything from pictures to John's report cards.
   
   This is also a more positive look at John Lennon - I'm sick of all the titillating tell all biographies on him that tend to be negative of his househusband years.



5. Lennon Legend is not just another Lennon biography. In fact, it's hardly a biography at all. There is a basic, short and to-the-point Lennon life story, but with nothing new or surprising.
   
   What Lennon Legend is, though, is a multi-media celebration. It comes with a CD of Lennon interviews, many of which were quite funny, with Lennon's personality seeping out of every one. Every page of the book is filled with photos, and though the majority of them are well known, it's still a great selection. But, the best part of the Lennon Legend is the removable Lennon memorabilia. On nearly every other page are reproductions of pieces of memorabilia from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (the author, James Henke is curently the curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). Childhood drawings, a report card, handwritten lyrics, Beatles paraphernalia, Bag One drawings, and more. This addition turned a coffee table book into a treasure. It is a bit pricey, but I felt it was fully worth it.

5 comments about Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness.

1. After watching the movie AVIATOR about Howard Hughes' life, I had to know more. This book is extremely detailed as it goes through his many business deals in his life to his ultimate tragic end. I am fascinated by Hughes and this book gave me more than I could have expected. I wanted to know more about his personal life than his business dealings and his financial status and so I bought another one. He certainly was a poor soul who was tortured by his mental illness and having so much money it allowed him to create his own mental hopsital where he could go deeper into maddness and this book shows you exactly how that happened.



2. This is the only Howard Hughes biography that I have read, so I can only discuss in it absolute terms.
   I thought it was facinating, and that the level of technical and business transaction detail was right on the mark. The author also did a great job of presenting information, rather than going off on his own interpretation of the greater meaning in it all.
   The only reason that I docked it a star is that it need to have an Update written that fills in some of the gaps of what transpired after the book was written. When the book ends, there are still open questions around several lawsuits, investigations, business transactions, and the inheritance. I would think most, if not all, of these issues have been resolved in the 25 years since the book was published, but we are left wondering what the resolutions were.
   All in all, a great and gripping read.



3. Great book. Get's a little technical when taling about aircraft. But I consider it a must read for fans of biographies.



4. Howard Hughes is hot right now. Just like John Nash of "A Beautiful Mind"-fame was a few years ago. The movie "The Aviator" has been nominated for more Oscars than any other. And, after seeing the movie everyone wants to know more about Howard Hughes and attempt to crack the mystery that was his life.
   
   There is no question Hughes' character was mythical. He was part Chuck Yeager, Donald Trump, Hugh Heffner, Steven Spielberg, and a genuine madman all combined in a strikingly handsome 6 foot 4 inches body frame. After reading this book, however, you may find that Hughes was ultimately more successful at creating a myth than anything else. Looking at his private life and business ventures, you will conclude that he was a tragic failure.
   
   This book has to be the most detailed biography on Hughes. The authors conducted a Herculean research effort that entailed the examination of a quarter million pages of records and documents, and reproducing over 50,000 pages of them. They traveled to numerous cities in the U.S. and Japan to conduct this research. As a result of this unparalleled research, the authors wrote a tightly written 600 page book in extremely small font. Thus, it is not a quick read. But, it is incredibly informative and fascinating.
   
   The scope and the details on Howard Hughes business and legal dealings is extremely thorough. And, you get a real sense of who he was, the way he thought, the way he mismanaged every business enterprises he engaged in. Hughes was obsessive about so many things. In business, he developed a weird set of obsessions that included not paying any taxes, becoming a major airline owner at all costs, becoming an aircraft manufacturer and also a defense contractor at all costs. For him, manufacturing an aircraft for the Department of Defense became a lifelong obsession. Contrary to what the outside World may believe, Hughes was not a brilliant businessman. Much to the contrary, he was really a madman. For every dollar he did not pay or save in taxes, he actually lost a dollar fifty or so. Thus, his various tax schemes were disasters from an after tax return standpoint. He also did not have the organizational, and managerial talent to pull off any of his grandiose obsessions to economic fruition. Hughes would certainly have become much richer being just a regular Trust baby supported by the extraordinary capital generated by the company created by his father, the Hughes Tool Company. The latter made a fortune by developing the most advanced oil drilling head. It became so successful as to become nearly a monopoly throughout the entire worldwide oil industry. This invention created the fortune that financed all of Howard Hughes business fantasies and fiascos. However, if he had done so [just become a Trust baby] he would not have become Howard Hughes and offer us the spectacle of one of the most grandiose, grotesque, and tragic life of modern times.
   
   The authors also covers in detail Hughes social life, movie producing years, and his long and irreversible descent into madness. This part is easier reading than the legal business disputes. The psychological profile that emerges is almost unbelievable.
   
   The book does an excellent job of debunking several myths about Hughes. One of them is Hughes the world class philanthropist. Indeed, he is known has having given during his lifetime a fortune to medical research. Well during his lifetime, his creation of The Howard Hughes Medical Institute was nothing more than a leveraged lease tax avoidance mechanism. Most of his donations funding this nonprofit entity went back to him in the form of lease payments on properties rented from various Hughes corporations at above market rents by this institute. Nowadays, the IRS never would grant such a research institute any tax-exempt status. In the Appendices, the authors do an excellent job of documenting the cash flows associated with this tax avoidance scheme. Almost, zero % of the donation to this institute went to medical research.
   
   At the end of the book, the "Chronology" is an excellent timeline map to get an overview of Hughes life. I found myself referring to it constantly to get my bearings of where was I in this convoluted story. Did he incur his first major mental breakdown before or after his spectacular Congressional hearings where he outwitted and demolished his Congressional nemesis? Amazingly enough, a quick reference to the Chronology confirms that he incurred his mental breakdown before the hearings.
   
   Also, the Epilogue is brilliant. It fully captures the essence and drama of this life and provides a coherent thematic summary of this 600 page book.
   
   In any case, if you really want to find out more about Hughes this is the book.



5. Great book, with many great details.
   This book will tell you all you really need to know about this great man.
   The latest movie about Howard Hughes is nothing compared to this book. What was Hollywood thinking when they decided to make this movie? It did not say anything about his Vegas ventures, which was a crucial time in his life. If one knew about his time in the Flamingo hotel, it would have been easy to relate to his crazyness, mentality and thinking. Nothing also was mentioned in the movie about his voyages around the world, which started it all, and his life after his aviation follies. I know the movie was called "The Aviator", but if you did not know anything about Howard before you saw the movie, then all you would think was that he was some crazy aviator who wasted his time building a giant aircraft that was never used for military or commercial purposes, dated a movie star and was always concerned that the US government was out to distroy him. (Well, the government tried really hard!!)
   Who knows, maybe Airbus engineers had Howard Hughes in mind when they build their latest aircraft, the giant A380.
   Mr. Hughes will be forever the pioneer who started it all.
   In this book though,his life and his legacy are well preserved.
   It is very well written, it tells use about his dramatic life, his eratic lifestyle and behavior, his connections to everything that was going on in the US at the time, and his constant drive for perfection. Hero or not, he was sometimes crazy but also brilliant.
   If one really wants to know who Howard Hughes really was, all questions will be answered here. This book will tell you everything.
   Very long but really good read.

No comments about Jackie Handbook.

5 comments about The Kennedy Women: The Saga of an American Family.

1. I did not want this book to end! It is a fascinating, fair, well-written book about all of the Kennedy women, their men, and the lives they led. I gained new insight, especially, into Kathleen Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, and matriarhc, Rose.



2. This book arrived in good condition and in a timely manner just like the seller promised! A++



3. I found this book about the Kennedy family women a very interesting read. The only problem with it is that it is so long. At over 900 pages Mr. Leamer could have written three books and had them in instalments about one pericular Kennedy family women instead of tying to write so much about so many interesting people.



4. This book relates details of the lives of the many Kennedy women, from Bridget Murphy Kennedy, born in Ireland, through Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's daughter. Leamer describes the rise of the Kennedy family from the hard luck tales of newly-arrived Irish immigrants through the dynasty years in Hyannisport. While the book presents many of the historical events of the lives of political Kennedys, the viewpoint is always that of the women, and how these events affected their lives. We hear about the Kennedy women's efforts in John's political campaigns, or how the stress of campaigning contributed to Jacqueline's miscarriages. Leamer includes both women born as Kennedys and women who became Kennedys by marriage. Much of the book, however, focuses on two women who married into the Kennedy family, Rose Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The book is also about the family structure of the Kennedy's and portrays some of the sinister aspects of Joseph Kennedy as well as the positive traits.
   
   Many times I've heard the Kennedy family referred to as a "dynasty". However, it has never been clear to me why an American family would be called a dynasty. In this book, Leamer describes why this group of people is more than simply a family. He describes the relations between Joseph Kennedy's children, and how Joseph and Rose's parenting style contributed both to their children's closeness and competitiveness, and how their own aspirations were realized in the accomplishments of their children. He also relates the difficulties that Jacqueline had as an outsider in establishing a position in the family. The book provides a unique viewpoint on the political events of the 1950s and 1960s whose legacy continues to permeate our society.



5. "For the most part Rose grandchildren observed and respected and obeyed her, tiptoeing around her life as if she were an exquisite piece of porcelain. She had led such a decorous life, blocking out the untoward, the ugly, and the unacceptable, that her eyes no longer saw the darker colours of the spectrum. "Pat drank a bottle of wine in the morning," Rose was told. "That's impossible" Rose replied, Pat doesn't drink"

   I was glad that I read this book because it has helped me to understand so much more about this so much talked about family. In Mr. Leaner's book we get to know about the Kennedy women's personal thoughts and the correct stories of the daughters and daughters-in-law. Mr.Leamer has given us indept portraits of these women and my favourite is Rose Kennedy the Matriarch of the family. For Rose was a woman so strong and who suffered great disloyalty by her husband which she took all gracefully all for the sake of her family and what she supposed the public expected of them. She was a stern Catholic and gain her strength through her prayer and trust in God.
   Also portrayed are Joan Kennedy; Ted wife who had a problem with alcohol. Jackie Kennedy Onnassis; the President's wife who remarried after the President's death to a Greek tycoon. Pat Lawford; married to a Hollywood star and spent most of her time in Los Angeles. Eunice Shriver, who was always working for the handicapped and underprivileged and was one of the Kennedys with great patience and common sense. Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy's widow and Jean Smith.
   The Kennedys pushed their tragedies to the inner recesses of their minds.They refused to let others see the negative side of their lives, and carried their problems and burdens inwardly taking pains not to show their broken hearts. To some this might seem pretentious, but they honestly had their reasons. After all they were special in the eyes of America.
   Whenever tragedy struck it was not unusual for them to suddenly get physical by taking walks, riding, swimming and any form of exercise. Rosemary the eldest daughter who was mentally retarded was isolated from the public eye and sent to Wisconsin where she was looked after by those of the Sacred Order. This book has helped me to understand so much more about the choices they made and the reason they made them, though tragedy seem to follow them everywhere.

   Mr. Leamer has pulled out all the stops in the brilliantly written book, and I would not hesitate to read anything by him in the future. Bravo! Bravo! Heather Marshall 04/04/04