Mrs. Kennedy and Me

An Intimate Memoir

De: Clint Hill, Lisa McCubbin Hill

Narrado por: Jeremy Bobb

The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir by Clint Hill that Kirkus Reviews called “clear and honest prose free from salaciousness and gossip,” Jackie Kennedy’s personal Secret Service agent details his very close relationship with the First Lady during the four years leading up to and following President John F. Kennedy’s tragic assassination.

In those four years, Hill was by Mrs. Kennedy’s side for some of the happiest moments as well as the darkest. He was there for the birth of John, Jr. on November 25, 1960, as well as for the birth and sudden death of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy on August 8, 1963. Three and a half months later, the unthinkable happened.

Forty-seven years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the one vivid image that never leaves Clint Hill’s mind is that of President Kennedy’s head lying on Mrs. Kennedy’s lap in the back seat of the limousine, his eyes fixed, blood splattered all over the back of the car, Mrs. Kennedy, and Hill as well. Sprawled on the trunk of the car as it sped away from Dealey Plaza, Hill clung to the sides of the car, his feet wedged in so his body was as high as possible.

Clint Hill jumped on the car too late to save the president, but all he knew after that first shot was that if more shots were coming, the bullets had to hit him instead of the First Lady.

Mrs. Kennedy’s strength, class, and dignity over those tragic four days in November 1963 held the country together.

This is the story, told for the first time, of the man who perhaps held her together.

A Reluctant Participant in History

We've all heard about Secret Service Agent Clint Hill's regret and shame over the failure of his team to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, but we’ve never seen the events through his own eyes.

“Mrs. Kennedy and Me: An Intimate Memoir” is Mr. Hill’s first person account of life inside the Kennedy White House, from the point of view of a man who had more access than almost anyone outside of the immediate family. It’s not just a little eye-opening to realize Mr. Hill had access to Jackie Kennedy’s hotel room – while she was dressing.

The responsibilities of Mr. Hill’s job, and the manner in which he apparently bore them, are quite impressive. For instance, many believe Mr. Hill led President Kennedy’s protection team in Dallas on November 21, 1963; but in fact he was never on the president’s detail.

Rather, he led the first lady’s protection detail during the Kennedy Administration. I also expected the second half of the book to explore what happened to Mr. Hill after the assassination, including his reported depression, alcoholism and deep personal pain. The book touches only briefly on this, but it leaves the astute reader with a clear picture of the agony he apparently continues to endure.

The tragic scene in Dealey Plaza is obviously the climax of the story, but this book is really about Mr. Hill's personal and professional experiences with Mrs. Kennedy. The two traveled the world together, often without the president, and at times the affection (bordering on sexual tension) between them is palpable. However, in Mr. Hill’s telling, he was the consummate professional, dutifully serving his client in the chivalrous spirit of Camelot, upholding the oath he swore when he received his Treasury Department commission.

I was previously unaware of this extremely close relationship between the two, so sooner or later I half expected to come upon a chapter detailing some late night rendezvous on a yacht in the Mediterranean – or at least a stolen, lingering kiss.

But this is no Harlequin Romance novel. While Hill’s strong feelings for Mrs. Kennedy are clear, this is the story of a dedicated public servant, the personal impact his actions had on the Kennedy family, and the high price he paid for his efforts.

“Mrs. Kennedy and Me” doesn't seek to shock, nor does it bother with conspiracy theories or scandalous behavior. However, what it does do is place you alongside Jackie Kennedy, giving you a glimpse behind those big dark sunglasses. It also places you on the rear bumper of President Kennedy's limousine in Dallas.

Personally, I hope this book and the reaction Mr. Hill will undoubtedly receive from the public can give him some measure of the emotional closure he so deserves. It's hard to imagine anyone outside of the Kennedy family suffering more from the assassination of President Kennedy than Mr. Hill.

The Kennedys received an outpouring of love and support from the world following the loss of the 38th president. But in an age long before post-traumatic stress was understood or therapy was realistic, Mr. Hill was left only with his deep personal grief, shame and guilt, which he has borne for almost 50 years.

Clint Hill shows us the best we can be as Americans. Professional, considerate, dedicated and classy.

NOTE: Narrator Jeremy Bobb performed the story exceptionally well. He speaks in Hill's voice with appropriate emotion and professionalism, and it's easy to listen to him.

A true First Lady

This is a truly wonderful book. The story is well told an Jeremy Bobbs narration was excellent.
This peek into the personal life of an amazing First Lady leaves you wanting more. This must have been very difficult for Mr Hill simply knowing how the story ends. I am now searching the Internet of the photos mentioned. I want to place them in my mind as told in the story . Thank you Mr Hill for sharing the magic.

Excellent

I was a very young girl when this horrible assassination happened. This book brought all the emotions to the surface in a very real way. I think Mr Hill loved Mrs. in the best kind of way....they had a divine relationship of admiration that could be felt through his own words in his own voice. This is one I will read and enjoy again.

Getting to know all about you

What did you love best about Mrs. Kennedy and Me?

Their relationship and what drove her to do certain things when President Kennedy was shot in the head.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mrs. Kennedy and Me?

How she handled her children and her husband

Have you listened to any of Jeremy Bobb’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

neither

Any additional comments?

Mrs. Kennedy was a wonderful person and I am glad to have found this book to read. Clint Hill is a remarkable man.

Thank you, Mr. Hill

I was in the 9th grade when JFK was assassinated and watched every second of tv coverage. Still the Jackie we saw was one-dimensional. Thanks to this book I now have a much greater appreciation of this amazing woman. Talented, smart, funny, and strong. Thanks Mr. Hill for giving me a greater appreciation of who she was.