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

"I don't care about Kennedy"

Honestly could not be better, in narration or content. Bill O'Reilly does an exceptional job of letting you get to know Kennedy in a personal way while guiding you through the issues of his presidency and personal maturity as a man.

Good book

Good book. It’s good to have the opportunity to learn more details about history. Kennedy was assassinated a couple of years before I was born. I had never heard many of the details brought out in this book.

Excellent story telling

The authors did an amazing job detailing one of the most dramatic and tragic lives of our time.

Well written and Bill O’Reilly does a great job narrating

Informative book that doesn’t get into the conspiracy theories, covers the facts of what happened leading up to JFKs assassination and minor details post JFK.

The killing series is addictive

I liked the way the historical facts were written into story form. Killing Kennedy was my favorite. I’m reading them all and I can’t stop.
There is nothing to dislike in this book.

A concise read of JFK as president

A learning experience for sure. I learned much and was surprised by much. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent book.

Would you listen to Killing Kennedy again? Why?

Yes. If I didn't have a lot of other books that I want to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

The objective nature of the story was refreshing. There are a lot of conspiracy theories and I felt he just told the facts.

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

I enjoy his narration style. I have listen to his other books and he just makes you want to continue to listen.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

Keep them coming Bill. I enjoy listening to your books.

Set the conspiracies aside, O'Reilly captures all.

Just like my review of Killing Lincoln, my biggest criticism is for O'Reilly as the narrator. However, I didn't mind as much with this reading... He must have read my review and worked on his harsh presentation.

This book is simply amazing. Again, as with Killing Lincoln, I'm amazed at all the false information taught in public education and all that wasn't taught. True to his word, Bill and Martin, present a historical account in a literary setting. Allowing the reader/listener to easily follow the story, the players, and the plethora of information. Encomiums are high for this celebrated leader of the US, but there's no paucity of negative information either.

Starting with his arriviste in his first election and culminating as the most popular president in modern history. Bill reveals JFK's gallantry in WWII, licentious behavior with the ladies, relationships with LBJ, MLK, RFK, role as warm devoted father yet dispassionate husband, equanimity during crisis and acumen as a leader of men.

However interesting, the book also delivers a munificent portrait of Jacqueline, the civil rights movement, and politicking. While these are significant to JFK, they aren't necessarily related to his death. I know it's a catchy title Bill, but if you want to write a biography on his life vice his death, choose a different title. This is not to say I didn't enjoy and learn from these aspects, but deflects from the integrity of the title.

The description and accounts of Lee Harvey Oswald intrigued me, almost more than JFK's infidelities which were probably the most memorable thing in the book (next to the actual assassination)

Thanks Bill and Martin, looking forward to... Killing MLK? Killing Regan (attempt)?

Killing Kennedy - Riveting!

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

This was another excellent reading by Bill O. Wow. the level of detail was fantastic, and I felt as though I was there with Jackie...

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

The details of the Kennedy men and their dedication to each other's success.

Have you listened to any of Bill O'Reilly’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I read this one prior to Killing Lincoln. I liked them both, but Killing Kennedy occurred during my lifetime, so I enjoyed the details even more.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Killing Kennedy - the story behind the grassy knoll

Great Read!

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Kennedy to be better than the print version?

I am a history buff and have previously read books on the subject. Mr. O'Reilly did a good job of entertaining and there were some new insights thrown out as well. I would, and in fact have, recommended the book to friends and family.

What other book might you compare Killing Kennedy to and why?

Killing Lincoln. The book has the same entertaining style and also give information that I hadn't heard before.

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

He gives more focus on the personalities involved than do some authors.

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

I actually did listen to it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

It was well worth ready.