The Nine of Us

Growing Up Kennedy

By: Jean Kennedy Smith

Narrated by: Lorna Raver

In this evocative and affectionate memoir, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving child of Joe and Rose Kennedy, offers an intimate and illuminating look at a time long ago when she and her siblings, guided by their parents, laughed and learned a great deal under one roof.

Prompted by interesting tidbits in the newspaper, Rose and Joe Kennedy would pose questions to their nine children at the dinner table. ""Where could Amelia Earhart have gone?"" ""How would you address this horrible drought?"" ""What would you do about the troop movements in Europe?"" It was a nightly custom that helped shape the Kennedys into who they would become.

Before Joe and Rose’s children emerged as leaders on the world stage, they were a loving circle of brothers and sisters who played football, swam, read, and pursued their interests. They were children inspired by parents who instilled in them a strong work ethic, deep love of country, and intense appreciation for the sacrifices their ancestors made to come to America.""No whining in this house!"" was their father’s regular refrain. It was his way of reminding them not to complain, to be grateful for what they had, and to give back.

In her remarkable memoir, Kennedy Smith—the last surviving sibling—revisits this singular time in their lives. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and vignettes, The Nine of Us vividly depicts this large, close-knit family during a different time in American history. Kennedy Smith offers indelible, elegantly rendered portraits of her larger-than-life siblings and her parents. ""They knew how to cure our hurts, bind our wounds, listen to our woes, and help us enjoy life,"" she writes. ""We were lucky children indeed.""

A little sugar coated prospective

This is a nice book that does not mention any of the negative stories of the Kennedys we are used to hearing. A bit of a fairy tale about America's royal family.

Loved it!!

Such a fun audio book to listen to all her stories and memories of her life.

The Nine of Us

Nice book about the family life of the Kennedy's. Gentle and sentimental. Light reading for summer.

easy educational

gave great personal insight . improves undeestanding of people and their times. performed beautifully with heart.

Some New Stories

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

The part of the book that moved me the most was when Jean described how her parents always had a way of lifting the children up and never raised their voices. Other moving moments were Jean described the loss of her siblings. Very touching.

Any additional comments?

Too short.