Author Guest Post
Why We Love Jackie Kennedy
By Mercedes King
It’s been fifty years since Jackie Kennedy graced the White House (and edging close to twenty years since her passing), yet adoration for the former first lady endures. Why? Many of the presidents’ wives have done their duty--respectfully so--and moved on to quiet lives after their husband’s time in office, and let’s face it, many are forgettable. But not Jackie. Aside from her controversial and puzzling marriage to Aristotle Onassis, what was it about Jackie Kennedy that engraved her on so many hearts? I think I know.
Her style. Comparisons come and go, but we all know that no first lady before or since was as elegant as Jackie. For instance, do we swoon at the remembrance of Nancy Reagan’s inaugural gown? Probably not. Even though the events of 1961 were well before my time, I’m familiar with the gowns Jackie wore to the inaugural gala and to the inaugural balls, as are many Kennedy admirers. After all, they’ve been on display, featured in magazines, immortalized in museums. When we think of Jackie’s style though, we may also recall Jackie, a refined equestrienne, in jodhpurs--and looking equally stunning. How many women could pull that off?
Her grace. Jackie’s poise and manners are legendary. She charmed world leaders and always had a smile ready for the cameras--even when the cameras and reporters became too invasive for Jackie’s taste. Even more remarkable? That public persona of hers never cracked, regardless of rumors of her husband’s naughty activities.
Her love of family. First and foremost, Jackie Kennedy was a wife and mother. Despite JFK’s dalliances, Jackie’s devotion never wavered. Pictures of her on the floor or at the beach with a young Caroline and an even younger John Jr. make Jackie relatable. She loved being a mother, and unfortunately, her journey toward motherhood was one of tragedy. She knew the pain of miscarriage, the devastation of having a stillborn (Arabella), and the deep, grievous loss of her newborn, Patrick. Our hearts break over such trials, and as parents ourselves, we rejoice in her happiness.
Her strength. After JFK’s assassination, Jackie Kennedy showed more dignity than anyone would have imagined possible. She not only planned the funeral with history in mind, but she also saw to it that the country--and her children--gave her husband a meaningful, respectful send off. Although the grief was evident on her face, and she was entitled to a breakdown after what she had been through, Jackie did not let her bereavement take over. She made our nation proud at a most difficult time.
Fine women will continue to come and go and fulfill their first lady duties, but it is doubtful that any will be as admired, talked about, and remembered as fondly as Jackie Kennedy.
About The Author
AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Mercedes King ~ O! Jackie ~ Virtual Book Tour Page ~ Reading Addiction Blog Tours
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Contest Dates: Feb 4 - March 1
Book Review
Publisher: Triumph Productions
Publication Date: December 29, 2012
Format: Paperback - 442 pages / Kindle - 648 KB
ISBN: 1481153455
ASIN: B00AW1KBHE
Genre: Historical Fiction / Literary Fiction
BUY THE BOOK: O! Jackie
AMAZON
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
Book Description:
Despite her poise and graceful smile, Jackie Kennedy’s life was far from perfect. Behind closed doors, Jackie struggled with bouts of depression, endured a heartbreaking road to motherhood, and had difficult relationships with those closest to her. Ravaged by insecurities and humiliation, she even wrestled her own temptations for both other men and divorce. But Jackie clung to the belief that she could make JFK abandon his wandering ways. Through the years, though, Jack Kennedy’s lustful escapades grew in carelessness and frequency, and most needling for Jackie were his trysts with Marilyn Monroe. When Marilyn becomes erratic and unstable, Jackie must decide how far she will go to protect the presidency and to save her marriage.
Book Excerpt:
My husband’s faithfulness to being unfaithful tortured our marriage. The relationship never seemed about just the two of us. I suffered a great deal, both publicly and privately, but few people knew. Those who did know could not comfort me.
Ours was a complicated history. We were both so complex, so set in our ways, and worst of all, we were the product of our parents, though we vowed not to resemble them. And when two strong and independent people are united - with domineering and opinionated parents behind them - such a couple may spend their lives trying not to tear each other apart.
Despite everything that’s happened, I feel no regrets. Yet there are times when the enormity of one’s choices is difficult to bear. You struggle to hold on to a shred of sanity. Sometimes you pacify yourself. Other times you live in delusion. Sometimes you simply fail to hold it all together.
-------------
Since becoming the senator’s wife, Jackie had faced a difficult adjustment. Jack traveled extensively, but the loneliness was tolerable. He regularly brought home a parade of friends and aides, unannounced, but she grew accustomed to the in-house crowd. Frequent moves were taxing but doable, the whirlwind lifestyle demanding but manageable. What drained and anguished her most was Jack’s family.
The Kennedy clan was loud, rambunctious and numerous. They preferred heated debates at the dinner table and rough games afterward. Jack thrived on his family’s presence and basked in their company.
Jackie’s quiet nature and polished manners made her transition into the family awkward. An introvert, she received lackluster attention from Jack’s sisters. Some Kennedy women interpreted her shyness as a snub.
Somehow, the couple would need to create a balance as they meshed their different worlds.
For now, she dismissed thoughts of her in-laws and picked up her pace. After all, she could be spontaneous. Jack would be pleased, she reminded herself. That made Jackie all the more eager to see her husband.
After working her way through the Senate Office Building toward Jack’s office, Jackie found that his secretary was away from her desk. As she glanced around, she suddenly heard giggles from behind office door No. 326. Puzzled, she decided to let herself in, with only a gentle knock to broadcast her entry.
“Surprise, darling…,” she began.
And was he ever.
Jack sat in his chair behind the desk. A beautiful young woman was between Jack and his desk, buttoning her blouse. Her cheeks flushed, and she fumbled as strands of her blond hair kept falling in her way.
Jack nearly sent sparks flying as he zipped his pants.
The young woman hopped off the desk and straightened her skirt. She avoided looking at Jackie as she made a beeline for the door. Then she paused, as if her escape was interrupted by programming, and asked Jack, “Is there anything I can get you?” An obnoxious wave of her perfume stung Jackie’s nose.
Jack shook his head and scowled at her. He stood and went to his wife, who had not taken her eyes off him since entering the room.
“Jackie. Wh-What are you doing here?” He forced a weak grin.
Jackie didn’t answer. Didn’t blink.
Jack’s smile widened and he reached to embrace her. He was stopped by a gloved but sharp slap on the cheek.
Jackie gasped, bewildered by her own action. Jack stared at her, his face awash with disbelief. As the shock slowly faded, he gave her a look that warned her not to do it again.
“Jackie, it’s not what you think,” he lied. His natural, winsome smile appeared and he batted those heavily-lidded eyes. “She’s just some intern or aide. Meaningless.”
“Meaningless to you, perhaps. But if you found me tangled in the arms of another man, would that be meaningless to you, Jack Kennedy?”
Jack sidestepped that verbal trap.
“Don’t be upset, Jackie. You should’ve telephoned and let me know you were coming.”
“Obviously.”
Jack held his wife in his gaze. He expected his charm to put her at ease. It was one of the best weapons in his manly arsenal, and it served him well with the ladies.
Shouldering the shame that should have been her husband’s, Jackie averted her eyes. She huffed and turned to leave.
Jack held the door shut as she grabbed for the handle.
“Don’t leave like this,” he said. “There’s no need for a scene. Just calm down a minute. Let me take you to lunch.”
Jackie flashed him a look of disgust. Would she ever be able to eat again?
He placed his hand on her arm, but Jackie swiped it away as if his palm was laced with disease. Surprised, Jack rocked back on his heels and lost his hold of the door.
“Don’t touch me!” Jackie snapped before darting out of the room. She fought back the tears swelling in her eyes.
Ours was a complicated history. We were both so complex, so set in our ways, and worst of all, we were the product of our parents, though we vowed not to resemble them. And when two strong and independent people are united - with domineering and opinionated parents behind them - such a couple may spend their lives trying not to tear each other apart.
Despite everything that’s happened, I feel no regrets. Yet there are times when the enormity of one’s choices is difficult to bear. You struggle to hold on to a shred of sanity. Sometimes you pacify yourself. Other times you live in delusion. Sometimes you simply fail to hold it all together.
-------------
Since becoming the senator’s wife, Jackie had faced a difficult adjustment. Jack traveled extensively, but the loneliness was tolerable. He regularly brought home a parade of friends and aides, unannounced, but she grew accustomed to the in-house crowd. Frequent moves were taxing but doable, the whirlwind lifestyle demanding but manageable. What drained and anguished her most was Jack’s family.
The Kennedy clan was loud, rambunctious and numerous. They preferred heated debates at the dinner table and rough games afterward. Jack thrived on his family’s presence and basked in their company.
Jackie’s quiet nature and polished manners made her transition into the family awkward. An introvert, she received lackluster attention from Jack’s sisters. Some Kennedy women interpreted her shyness as a snub.
Somehow, the couple would need to create a balance as they meshed their different worlds.
For now, she dismissed thoughts of her in-laws and picked up her pace. After all, she could be spontaneous. Jack would be pleased, she reminded herself. That made Jackie all the more eager to see her husband.
After working her way through the Senate Office Building toward Jack’s office, Jackie found that his secretary was away from her desk. As she glanced around, she suddenly heard giggles from behind office door No. 326. Puzzled, she decided to let herself in, with only a gentle knock to broadcast her entry.
“Surprise, darling…,” she began.
And was he ever.
Jack sat in his chair behind the desk. A beautiful young woman was between Jack and his desk, buttoning her blouse. Her cheeks flushed, and she fumbled as strands of her blond hair kept falling in her way.
Jack nearly sent sparks flying as he zipped his pants.
The young woman hopped off the desk and straightened her skirt. She avoided looking at Jackie as she made a beeline for the door. Then she paused, as if her escape was interrupted by programming, and asked Jack, “Is there anything I can get you?” An obnoxious wave of her perfume stung Jackie’s nose.
Jack shook his head and scowled at her. He stood and went to his wife, who had not taken her eyes off him since entering the room.
“Jackie. Wh-What are you doing here?” He forced a weak grin.
Jackie didn’t answer. Didn’t blink.
Jack’s smile widened and he reached to embrace her. He was stopped by a gloved but sharp slap on the cheek.
Jackie gasped, bewildered by her own action. Jack stared at her, his face awash with disbelief. As the shock slowly faded, he gave her a look that warned her not to do it again.
“Jackie, it’s not what you think,” he lied. His natural, winsome smile appeared and he batted those heavily-lidded eyes. “She’s just some intern or aide. Meaningless.”
“Meaningless to you, perhaps. But if you found me tangled in the arms of another man, would that be meaningless to you, Jack Kennedy?”
Jack sidestepped that verbal trap.
“Don’t be upset, Jackie. You should’ve telephoned and let me know you were coming.”
“Obviously.”
Jack held his wife in his gaze. He expected his charm to put her at ease. It was one of the best weapons in his manly arsenal, and it served him well with the ladies.
Shouldering the shame that should have been her husband’s, Jackie averted her eyes. She huffed and turned to leave.
Jack held the door shut as she grabbed for the handle.
“Don’t leave like this,” he said. “There’s no need for a scene. Just calm down a minute. Let me take you to lunch.”
Jackie flashed him a look of disgust. Would she ever be able to eat again?
He placed his hand on her arm, but Jackie swiped it away as if his palm was laced with disease. Surprised, Jack rocked back on his heels and lost his hold of the door.
“Don’t touch me!” Jackie snapped before darting out of the room. She fought back the tears swelling in her eyes.
My Book Review:
Who hasn't been captivated by the mystique that was Camelot, and by the U.S.'s own royal family that is the Kennedy clan? Who hasn't wondered about the reality of the widespread rumors and inner workings of this famous family?
In O! Jackie, author Mercedes King weaves a captivating tale where history meets fiction in a "what if / what may have occurred" memoir of Jackie and John F. Kennedy's marriage. Written in the third person narrative, the reader is treated to a fascinating story of what could have been a realistic unfolding of the dramatic trials and tribulations that Jackie endured in her marriage to the infamous, much beloved, but very randy U.S. President John F. Kennedy. With journal entries, historical figures, factual events, and media headlines, the author has created a spellbinding story that evokes a gamut of emotions as the reader steps into Jackie's mind for a behind the scenes in-depth look into the awe-inspiring dynamic of America's most beloved political families. You can't help but feel for this most elegant and famous first lady, her endearing style and grace captivated a nation, while the traumatic ups and downs of her private life was played out in a very public way.
Since I was born in 1964, I missed the mystical time period that was Camelot. Both of my parents were admirers of the Kennedy clan, and I can remember them telling me about this magical time in the U.S., and about the hopes and dreams that the nation had during the JFK administration, and how it came to an untimely and tragic end in Dallas on that unforgettable day in November 1963. As I grew older I became interested in the history and lore of the Kennedy clan, especially Jackie. I was fascinated by this very private and gentile lady's life until her death, so when I saw there was an opportunity to participate in a virtual book tour event for this fictionalized story of her life, I knew I just had to join in, and I am oh so glad that I did. Author Mercedes King has created a wonderful story that has satisfied my own questions into what may have occurred in the Kennedy marriage and administration in a very realistic way. While we will never really know what went on behind the closed door of their marriage, or really know the Kennedy family secrets, this intriguing story will definitely peak your interest and keep you wondering "what if," while still maintaining the mystique that was Camelot.
O! Jackie is a riveting fictionalized story about the magical time period and the powerful political family that made up Camelot. This story is simply a must read!
RATING: 5 STARS *****
Hi Kathleen. Thanks so much for letting me stop by and share O! Jackie with you and your readers and fans. I agree that the Kennedy mystique never grows old, never ages, which was one aspect that made writing this book a joy. Thank you for your review and enthusiasm. Can't wait to share this. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mercedes! Thank you for the opportunity to host your virtual book tour event. I loved O! Jackie, it is a phenomenal story, you really make the reader wonder "what if" ... :)
DeleteLoved O! Jackie. Made me rethink so much of her life. Not an easy one. She had grace and charm in difficult situations. Thanks for a great read. Looking forward to your next book.
ReplyDeleteHi Duffy! Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog! I loved O! Jackie too,she truly was a lady who had grace and charm and lived through a lot of traumatic and challenging situations in her life.
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