True Compass

A Memoir

By: Edward M. Kennedy

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The youngest of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, he came of age among siblings from whom much was expected. As a young man, he played a key role in the presidential campaign of his brother John F. Kennedy, recounted here in loving detail. In 1962 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he began a fascinating political education and became a legislator.

In this historic memoir, the late Ted Kennedy takes us inside his family, re-creating life with his parents and brothers and explaining their profound impact on him. For the first time, he describes his heartbreak and years of struggle in the wake of their deaths. Through it all, he describes his work in the Senate on the major issues of our time - civil rights, Vietnam, Watergate, the quest for peace in Northern Ireland - and the cause of his life: improved health care for all Americans, a fight influenced by his own experiences in hospitals.

His life was marked by tragedy and perseverance, a love of family, and an abiding faith. There have been controversies, too, and Kennedy addresses them with unprecedented candor.

At midlife, embattled and uncertain if he would ever fall in love again, he met the woman who changed his life, Victoria Reggie Kennedy. Facing a tough reelection campaign against an aggressive challenger named Mitt Romney, Kennedy found a new voice and began one of the great third acts in American politics, sponsoring major legislation, standing up for liberal principles, and making the pivotal endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

Hundreds of books have been written about the Kennedys. True Compass will endure as the definitive account from a member of America's most heralded family, an inspiring legacy to listeners and to history, and a deeply moving story of a life like no other.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2009 Edward M. Kennedy (P)2009 Hachette Audio

Best Autobiography

I see Ted Kennedy in a totally different light. He was a generous, thoughtful man who never made an excuse for his actions. I am grateful he told his story - I wish he had given this book to us earlier in his life. You will laugh cry. It is a must read!

The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

What did you love best about True Compass?

Ted Kennedy gives us his recollections as best he can, striving to report his own failings while refusing to indulge in gossip. This is a hard line for a public figure to hew to and occasionally Kennedy tells us about his own decision-making process. He takes us into his life and into history. The result, to my thinking, is the revelation of a human being striving to be good. Ted Kennedy grows throughout his life. I'm the better for reading about his struggles and accomplishments.

Incredible Book

Enjoyed the family dedication and love Senator Kennedy wrote about as well as the honesty in discussing his life. I grew up with the Kennedy name in America and loved the human aspect this book gives to the family.

Outstanding and Informative

I've always been fascinated with the Kennedy family. I wasn't born when Jack or Bobby were still alive, so "Tedward", as my young self used to call him, held a special place in my heart. This book brought back those memories of sitting down and looking through a Kennedy photo book that I'd gotten for Christmas. It reminded me of why Ted was my favorite. Strong-willed and determined, he was a flawed man but didn't shy away from it. He was a lion of the Senate. The book had interesting factoids that I either didn't know or didn't remember, and I enjoyed learning more about him. (I also liked the tidbits about the Senate desks.) I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone interested in how the Senate works, the lives of the Kennedys or American politics/history will get something out of it. I definitely recommend it.

Grateful to hear his story on his own words

I have a much greater appreciation of Ted Kennedy having listened to this memoir. I was 9 years old when JFK was assassinated and 13 when RFK was assassinated. I had always sort of thought of Teddy as "the spare". This book has certainly made his life's work and the reasons for it clear in their own right. i now have a great appreciation for his moniker. The Lion of the Senate.

Very Interesting

First let me say, I am a Republican. I was interested to hear Kennedy's views of historical events in which he was so closely involved. This book did not disappoint, even as his political views were quite irritating to me. I found his inside "scoop" on the different presidents enlightening, although they are quite liberally skewed (as you might expect). The narrator was wonderful. He spoke so naturally, I kept thinking it was Kennedy speaking, then I would realize it was not.

Mo reads Ted.

A timely look into the life of a devoted, respected and often misunderstood Senator, politician, Father, Husband, Uncle, Brother and Son. I was engrossed through the entire listen. This book serves as a terrific study in modern American politics from 1930 to the present. His final chapters on his feelings about the Senate are thoughtful and engaging.

I can't believe I listened to the whole thing!

You have to be a true history fan to listen to nearly 19 hours of facts and stories about Ted Kennedy. He was definitely NOT my favorite Kennedy but his life did encompass the rest of the clan and some experiences with other politicians were eye openers for sure. I guess I recommend it. I'm big into biographies and you have to take the so-so with the very good.

History that is interesting

I don't often listen to autobiographies, but this had such historical significance for most of us. Kennedy walks through each of the presidential administrations with grace and at times remarkable diplomacy.
The influence of his family is unmistakable as is his loyalty.
Very interesting, entertaining and easy to read (listen to.)

Famous

Audible put in odd bits every now and then which had no relevance to this man. I read the hard cover.