JFK: Public, Private, Secret

De: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Narrado por: J. Randy Taraborrelli, Robert Petkoff

NAMED ONE OF AMAZON EDITORS' BEST BOOKS OF JULY!

From the New York Times bestselling Kennedy historian and author of Jackie: Public, Private, Secret comes the other side of the story—her husband’s: JFK: Public, Private, Secret.

In this definitive portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy—one of America’s most consequential and enigmatic presidents—J. Randy Taraborrelli delivers a deeply researched and authoritative biography. More than the story of a presidency, this is an intimate study of a man whose public triumphs were shaped—and at times overshadowed—by the complex realities of his private life, from his legendary family to his marriage to Jacqueline Kennedy.

Drawing from hundreds of interviews conducted over twenty-five years—as well as candid, firsthand oral histories from the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Presidential Library, rare internal reports from the Secret Service, detailed files from the National Archives, and intelligence documents from both the CIA and FBI. This is JFK as never before captured by history: brilliant yet fallible, revered yet human—a figure whose legacy continues to shape America and the world.

Groundbreaking Revelations Include:

• A marriage defined by both devotion and distance—and Jackie’s quiet but firm rules regarding her husband’s infidelities.
• The romance that posed a potential national security risk—JFK’s deep connection with Inga Arvad, a woman he considered his great love, brought to an abrupt end due to FBI concerns over her ties to Nazi intelligence.
• The long-awaited truth about Marilyn Monroe—uncovered at last through the firsthand account of one of her closest confidantes, shattering decades of speculation and exposing the reality of her deeply complicated connection to JFK.
• The woman who might have changed history—Joan Lundberg, the mistress JFK turned to during the darkest time in his marriage, whose clandestine relationship with him threatened to derail his entire political career.
• The Mafia’s role in his rise to power—a definitive account that separates fact from fiction and lays bare the extent of organized crime’s involvement in JFK’s election.
• A presidency tested by betrayal and crisis—why JFK felt undermined by his own cabinet during the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and how he ultimately seized control of his administration during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The JFK presented in Taraborrelli’s definitive biography is a complex and endlessly fascinating historical figure—despite, and perhaps even because of, his many flaws.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2025 J. Randy Taraborrelli (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A profoundly humanized portrait ... With more than 25 years of historical research on which to draw, Taraborrelli’s powerfully resourced biography offers incomparable observations ... Decades later, as the U.S. and the world again finds itself teetering on the brink of existential crisis, the ethos demonstrated through Kennedy’s public speeches and private musings resonates even more deeply."—Booklist, starred review

“A compelling read with standout quality and originality that reveals the much-discussed personal side of JFK’s life via Taraborrelli’s … impeccable research … A riveting exploration for the millions of readers still fascinated by the Kennedy family’s dynamics and legacy.”—Library Journal, starred review

“Taraborrelli eschews sensationalism, casting doubt on several lurid Kennedy legends … [an] entertaining take on a great American soap opera.”—Publishers Weekly

Riveting & Remarkable

So exquisitely written, this story is a lesson in history, humanity, the power of family and the inevitable complications of both love & life.

excellent narrator

fascinating details that sometimes contradict accepted information. interesting character studies of Kennedy family. Great narrator.

Perfect and non Perfect

Complete description of many great plans but with obvious character flaws, very perplexing family life

Insightful

I have read several books about JFK and this is by far and away the most extensive and insightful and I trust, honest book I have read.

Interesting

It seemed a bit embellished but good overall in the end. Much accurate, and new, information given

learned so much about the Kennedy family

enjoyed listening to the authors explanation about the history about all of the family

Excellent book deserves a better narrator

Fascinating and informative. Lots of new insights into JFK, Jackie and the events before and during his presidency. The narrator doesn’t quite rise to the occasion, unfortunately: what could be a great audiobook is instead a very good one.

I understood because I lived it.

it was a real encounter of the rich and famous who had hearts for humanity.

The facts

Sad to go through the History of our President. I remember that day as it was yesterday. I was 13.

Deeply Moving

Very good read. It was interesting to read of the evolution of his marriage, from beginning to his passing. If you appreciate books on the Kennedy family, this is a must for your library.