Jackie's Girl

My Life with the Kennedy Family

By: Kathy McKeon

Narrated by: Aedin Moloney

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

An endearing coming-of-age memoir by a young woman who spent 13 years as Jackie Kennedy's personal assistant and occasional nanny - and the lessons about life and love she learned from the glamorous first lady.

In 1964 Kathy McKeon was just 19 years old and newly arrived from Ireland when she was hired as the personal assistant to former first lady Jackie Kennedy. The next 13 years of her life were spent in Jackie's service, during which Kathy not only played a crucial role in raising young Caroline and John Jr. but also had a front-row seat to some of the 20th century's most significant events.

Because Kathy was always at Jackie's side, Rose Kennedy deemed her "Jackie's girl". And although Kathy called Jackie "Madam", she considered her employer more like a big sister who, in many ways, mentored her on how to be a lady. Kathy was there during Jackie and Aristotle Onassis' courtship and marriage and Robert Kennedy's assassination, dutifully supporting Jackie and the children during these tumultuous times in history.

A rare and engrossing look at the private life of one of the most famous women of the 20th century, Jackie's Girl is also a moving personal story of a young woman finding her identity and footing in a new country, with the help of the most elegant woman in America.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2017 Kathy McKeon (P)2017 S&S Audio

Jackie's Girl -- A refreshing inside perspective

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this book. It is an honest, touching & even humorous account of Jackie's personal assistant, a young Irish girl who steps into this role one year following the death of President Kennedy. She does not however, bash Jackie or the Kennedy family.

Which character – as performed by Aedin Moloney – was your favorite?

The narrator makes the story come to life with her own thick Irish accent.

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

The story takes you from the year following the death of Jackie's husband, President Kennedy, to the marriage then death of her second husband, Onasis, to the untimely death of Jackie, and then to the tragic death of John Kennedy, Jackie's son.

Very tastefully done.

If you are hoping to hear a dishing of dirt on the Kennedy family, you will be disappointed. Very tasteful and respectful recanting of a life lived in the inner circle of American royalty. I thoroughly enjoyed Every minute and I do recommend it highly. It's a glimpse of Jackie, John and Caroline from someone who knew the real them and their everyday life.

One of the best books I have read.

I liked everything about this book. Narrator was the perfect choice. The personal account of life lived with the Kennedys was remarkable. The reader will come away feeling a warm connection to a truly
American family icon.
Kudos to Kathy McKeon for sharing her story in such a loving respectful way.

Jo F Cordell

You must listen to this book!!

If you could sum up Jackie's Girl in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, Touching, Honest

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kathy- You got a strong sense of what her life was like. You wanted to see her be happy with her own family while being able to maintain her strong relationship with the Kennedy's.

What does Aedin Moloney bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She really brought authenticity to the story. I loved her accent I loved the way she tried to speak like Jackie. I think listening to the audio version with Aedin's narration make the whole experience more enjoyable.

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

An honest view of life with the Kennedy family as seen through an eye of someone who was not just an employee but a member of the family...

Any additional comments?

Loved, loved, loved this book. I listen to lots of audible books, but this so far has been my absolute favorite!!

A Window Into Everyday Life with Mrs. Onassis

This may be one of the best books written about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This is not a salacious tell-all, this is a glimpse into what normal everyday life was like with her. It really is a must read. After this, you realize just what a normal human being she was who had endured great tragedy and emerged with a kind yet guarded heart. Enjoyed this book so very much.

Sorry !

Not. a grown up story as it was told ... like talking to Grammar School children ..

An Honoring Perspective

I enjoyed the fullness of the scope from the author. The book wasn’t a “gossip rag” about the Kennedy’s. I found myself fully engaged in her story AND the other ones she was telling about.
I felt she handled all of the trauma, scandal, privacy matters, issues of privilege due to her position, with the utmost respect and honor.
It would appear she betrayed no ones trust.
I am no fan of the moral compasses of most of the
Kennedy men. But; this is NOT about that, at all. Because she can so skillfully circumvent all judgement of that, and she concentrates on the good she sees, you will find yourself doing the same.
Delightful...sad...inspiring...stunning...hopeful.

narrator has a beautiful voice

Loving and intimate portrait of a family. the story feels real and honest, but definitely told from a place of great respect and love.

Master storytelling

What made the experience of listening to Jackie's Girl the most enjoyable?

The storytelling

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jackie's Girl?

The powder in the shoes.

What does Aedin Moloney bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lovely narration.

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

Just a beautiful tale.

Any additional comments?

A gifted storyteller. Leaves you wanting more.

Jackie Girl

Well written insight to the Kennedy family after the assassination of President Kennedy. I enjoyed the Irish accent of the narrator.