Killing Kennedy

The End of Camelot

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Bill O'Reilly

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A riveting historical narrative of the shocking events surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the follow-up to mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly's Killing Lincoln More than a million listeners have thrilled to Bill O'Reilly's Killing Lincoln, the can't-stop-listening work of nonfiction about the shocking assassination that changed the course of American history. Now the anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts in gripping detail the brutal murder of John Fitzgerald Kennedy—and how a sequence of gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president but also sent the nation into the cataclysmic division of the Vietnam War and its culture-changing aftermath.

In January 1961, as the Cold War escalates, John F. Kennedy struggles to contain the growth of Communism while he learns the hardships, solitude, and temptations of what it means to be president of the United States. Along the way he acquires a number of formidable enemies, among them Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, and Alan Dulles, director of the Central Intelligence Agency. In addition, powerful elements of organized crime have begun to talk about targeting the president and his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. In the midst of a 1963 campaign trip to Texas, Kennedy is gunned down by an erratic young drifter named Lee Harvey Oswald. The former Marine Corps sharpshooter escapes the scene, only to be caught and shot dead while in police custody. The events leading up to the most notorious crime of the 20th century are almost as shocking as the assassination itself. Killing Kennedy chronicles both the heroism and deceit of Camelot, bringing history to life in ways that will profoundly move the listener. This may well be the most talked about book of the year.

©2012 Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Well worth the listen

Very well done. It hold your interest. Presents the J.F. Kennedy in a balanced light. It does not shy away from his faults, but presents his strengths and a leader, husband, and father. It also provide details in the lives of those surrounding JFK including Oswald.

Interesting info delivered well

Where does Killing Kennedy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top few of the non-fiction listens.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Killing Kennedy?

The agent's understanding that Jackie didn't want the public to see Jack with his face blown up so he put his own jacket over the face and chest, which allowed Jackie to let them take Jack into the hospital.

What about Bill O'Reilly’s performance did you like?

O'Reilly was concise, not overdramatic, and coherent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Details about Jackie at the hospital.

Any additional comments?

O'Reilly brings in issues relating to the mob, Sinatra, Cuba, Russia and others. Were any of them involved with Lee Harvey? No way to know...the Russian connection is the only one with any real proximity. He doesn't flatly state that there were no other possibilities than Lee Harvey but the evidence for a one man operation is compelling. Excellent book, good follow up to "Killing Lincoln."

Nothing too very new

What made the experience of listening to Killing Kennedy the most enjoyable?

Learning of exactly how the "Bay of Pigs" fiasco went together.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bobby Kennedy. He took no guff from anyone, even the director of the FBI and for sure was always watching his brother's back.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes, but not really very exciting for someone of O'Reilly's capability

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but couldn't do it due to time constraints.

Any additional comments?

Bill should consider doing other biographies, but not necessarily of assasinated people.

I learned a lot, O'Rielly isn't a bad narrator

Would you listen to Killing Kennedy again? Why?

Yes, to make sure what I learned sticks and to hear O'Rielly say nice things about a democrat.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bill O'Rielly, Jackie and even JFK. I'm 25, I didn't really know much about any of them. Jackie is enchanting, her character is so perfect it seems like she's made up. As O'Rielly tells it JFK goes from cheating husband and cowardly president to a wonderful father, husband and strong leader.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

85% of communication is nonverbal. His tone, the inflections in his voice add to the mystique of the Kenndys. I could hear the admiration in his voice for JFK and Jackie. When JFK failed O'Rielly was matter-of-fact but when JFK succeeded, again, O'Rielly's admiration shown through.

Any additional comments?

All the fun of Bill O'Rielly without most of his opinions.

very enjoyable

I would recommend this book and I would read another in this series. give it a try

Amazing

Extremely interesting, very entertaining. I was instantly enthralled. This story is a touching, poignant and at times very sad recounting of an extremely important time in our nations past.

Fantastic.

This was a great read. There are many interesting connections that I didn't know surrounding the assassination and those involved.

Kept me interested until the end

Excellent narrative. Simply put, this a very good book. Everyone should read this to understand history.

You'll Love the Camelot

I love it! After the read, I felt I am a member of Kennedy Family. Its a history lesson on iMax! Now i'll be waiting for Killing Bobby or Killing JFK Jr..."Victory has a hundred fathers and defeat is an orphan."

Very good listen, exciting interesting.

O’Reilly doesn’t spend all the book focusing on JFK’s assassination. I enjoy The format of O’Reilly’s books. It makes if easier to read.