America's Reluctant Prince

The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr.

By: Steven M. Gillon

Narrated by: Tim Andrés Pabon

*A New York Times Bestseller*

A major new biography of John F. Kennedy Jr. from a leading historian who was also a close friend, America’s Reluctant Prince is a deeply researched, personal, surprising, and revealing portrait of the Kennedy heir the world lost too soon.

Through the lens of their decades-long friendship and including exclusive interviews and details from previously classified documents, noted historian and New York Times bestselling author Steven M. Gillon examines John F. Kennedy Jr.’s life and legacy from before his birth to the day he died. Gillon covers the highs, the lows, and the surprising incidents, viewpoints, and relationships that John never discussed publicly, revealing the full story behind JFK Jr.’s complicated and rich life. In the end, Gillon proves that John’s life was far more than another tragedy—rather, it’s the true key to understanding both the Kennedy legacy and how America’s first family continues to shape the world we live in today.

Critic reviews

“[Gillon] reveals a JFK Jr. more complex, more introspective, and more human than the world ever knew.”—People

“A brisk and engaging read . . . A fond and admiring adieu to a friend.”—The Boston Globe

“This deeply researched biography from the History Channel scholar in residence flows like a novel. . . . Readers fascinated by the Kennedys will be delighted by this captivating biography.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“I read this one for work and didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. . . . It provided a lot of insight into the dawn of celebrity culture and the rise of People magazine.”—Jezebel

Honoring a Good Friend

Gillon gives us a rare glimpse into the life of an American icon that was just as human as rest of us. JFK Jr wanted to leave his mark through genuine accomplishment rather than just being remembered for his last name and in many respects he did. Gillon doesn’t set out to paint the rosy picture of the unfulfilled dreams of the Kennedy era but by the end you can’t help but think of what could have been for this promising young man that seemed to have so much life in front him. The book does an excellent job at taking this larger than life figure and humanizing him for the audience. We get a glimpse into John’s love life, his family, his friends, and the burdens of being a Kennedy.

Fascinating.

Anyone that is interested in JFK Jr. will find this book fascinating, well - researched and intriguing. There were aspects that felt overly wrought with unnecessary information especially the chapters focused on George. Overall, it was heartbreaking, entertaining, and an easy listen.

A touching and honest tribute

The author writes honestly about JFK Jr while the love of his friend shines through every word.
Like many people in this country and around the world, I remember where I was on the day John Kennedy’s plane went missing. Now I understand more about what that meant to his close friends, family and our country.

Why do we care?

The author expressed my most salient reasons in his Epilogue. Memory influences our every living moment.

Thorough and Touching

I found myself listening to this book, every chance I got. I, like many Americans, was devastated when John Junior died. Hearing and learning about his life to this degree was really profound. My only criticism would be that the book jumped all over the place timewise and sometimes it was hard to follow what period of time we were in in any given moment. But I really enjoyed it overall.

Astounding Account of a Kind Dutiful Excellent Man

I just read that this book is/was a bestseller but I never heard of it until I happened upon it here! I certainly had a sketchy frame of what transpired in JFK’s busy life but this book included many human-interest stories of events in his packed life. For instance, he asked about a White House employee (Mrs. Lincoln) half a year after the assassination and when he spoke to her on the phone, I was SHOCKED to hear what he had to say! Likewise, on the eve of John’s speech to introduce and help elect his uncle Teddy, John arrived in Boston with 2 university pals but without a hotel reservation. Finally they located a vacant room at the Plaza but were refused a room though the 3 teens had enough cash to cover the cost: would you like to know what happened next? BUY this super book crammed full of many, many events in this extraordinary life of what turns out to have been a truly wonderful human worthy of being adulated as much as he was (though I previously always thought he was lightheaded fluff resting on his parents’ laurels. Well, NO longer do I believe that after reading this thorough book.) He had so many responsibilities to attend to and people he tried hard to please while still attempting to carve out a life which included his own needs ... and moving towards becoming his actual desired goal to “be a good man rather than a great man”. Well he certainly succeeded at that and displayed much of what was amazing in his celebrated parents. This is a terrific book brimming with fascinating information (including some of what took place during the Onassis years in Greece). Kudos to the author, Steven Gillon, well done!

Biography that reads like fiction

Biography that reads like fiction. The personal touch of such a gut wrenching life story was heartwarming and necessary.

Mixed bag but good

There are times when it's hard to follow the events. The narration jumps around and there definitely too many names coming in too fast, but the overall content is more then interesting. I'm glad the bulk of it is about George and creation of it, always wanted a deeper insight into the magazine's background, so I'm happy to have it here.
Never knew that Carolyn was so unsufferable, but putting all the details beside this book together it's quite believable.
And I don't understand the naggers about how could a friend air all this: well it's a biography. And it's not about a saint. He was very much human with all the flaws one can imagine and the troubles in his private life everyone can know.
He does seem more naive then one would guess, but the playboy lifestyle and easy street does that to you. There were clear glimpses of potential and dedication in his thirtees, I'm sure he would've matured into a serious politician with the years.
It's a loss.

Too short a life

John's life was much too short. He had so much to offer. Another good guy gone much too soon.

A friends perspective

I enjoyed hearing about JFK Jr. from a friends perspective. It’s honest and at times unflattering. It allows us to feel the human side of who seemed to be a god like figure. It was a good read.