True Compass: A Memoir

The story of Ted Kennedy's life is, in so many ways, the story of us all. Not in the details and personal reflections but in the ways in which his family and his personality shaped and was shaped by the critical events of the last century.

When I began "True Compass" I knew I would enjoy it but I had no idea how compelling a story it would be. At nineteen hours the unabridged version still seems short!

Kennedy told his story in a simple, accessible style that was clearly from his heart. He didn't try to psychoanalyze himself or his family, it's wasn't his style. Instead he simply related the amazing accounts of his life in a way that invites the reader to listen and understand. His story allows us to not only understand more fully the makeup of the Kennedy Clan and the dynamics which shaped their activities in both the civic arena and their private lives, we see through his own eyes the struggles that came with the Kennedy legacy.

Reading Ted Kennedy's story provides a new layer of understanding about many of the critical events of the 20th century. It is a story that reveals the way human agency is always at work to shape the world around us. Ultimately, then, with this new understanding, the astute reader should be inspired with a deeper understanding of the difference each of us can make in our world today.

Of course this is an audiobook and regardless of the quality of the story, the reader must communicate with humanity and clarity, and in this task John Lloyd excels. There are times when I had to remind myself that this wasn't HIS story, the expressiveness of his narration was so powerful.

This is a story that definitely deserves the time to be read, cover to cover. But it is also a story that takes on a new life when you HEAR it read and experience the richness of who Ted Kennedy was in this intimate, personal way.

A wonderful book about a life full of the wonders of our history; a life that was fully dedicated to the most wonderful country God could imagine. I had the privilege of working with him and Ted Jr. as we sought to secure equal access to the American dream or all Americans. Then and now and always, I will count him amongst the greatest of America's sons.

I found this audio book truly engaging. It is narrated beautifully with humor and warmth throughout. I recommend this book, not only as a good, entertaining read, but also as an entertaining perspective and glimpse into US politics.

I wasn`t planning to but bought this book based on an earlier review in Audio. What I found satisfying was Kennedy`s focus on family and faith in dealing with grief and loss. This reoccuring theme can`t help but resonate with any reader`s issues as well as the question of the afterlife - Kennedy convincingly affirms his belief in eternal life and this was very reassuring and surprisingly moving. Whatever our views about him personally and/or as a politician/public figure - thought the book did a good job in hitting some of messy parts about being human and imperfection. His interactions with his siblings and parents and the family culture with regard to what is open for discussion what isn`t aren`t particularly unique but insightful and can cause reflection in readers. In a weird way it makes the reader more forgiving of the failings of others. I enjoyed the book and others who are NOT looking for gossip and scandal will too. Lastly Kennedy`s frequent focus on sailing struck a chord with regard to how important it is to have a place to go so to speak when things get tough - a good reminder to all.

Starts off really good, but loses steam. The first section of the book sounds a lot like your grandfather telling you stories of his life that carry lifelong lessons.

Much of the rest of the book is about his political career. While I understand that he was a politician and thus politics played a large role in his life, it read more like an encyclopedic recounting of his career and lacked much of the insight to his inner struggles and family life that I was expecting to find.

Also, the latter chapters of the book suffer because he rushed to complete the book as his health declined, so everything from 1998 onward is set in a rough sketch (he covered the death of 4 important people, including Jackie O, in about 3 pages). All in all, I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars but would still give it a spot on my "recommended" list.

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.

This book reveals the Kennedy family as an all-American "family" involved in the political history of the world for once, and not as they have always been portrayed, "politicians" that happened to be family. Incredible story that will make you laugh and cry, feel proud and angry, sad and inspired, all at the same time. All Americans should be proud of having such a family as part of our culture and their legacy as part of our history.

It gives you insight into the Kennedy family and why there was such a drive for success. A very good, easy read.

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.

An interesting historical read. Starting from the late 30's to just this last Spring. Kennedy covers events from WWII to the Presidential elections of 1960, 1968, Chappaquiddick, 1972, 1976, Carter, 1980, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004. A good insight. My only cautionary comment is that the book is exactly what it is, it is a story as told by Kennedy himself, it is quite skewed (as expected) to his view on things.

Overall an interesting read.