"The End of Camelot"

Killing Kennedy

            With the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy right around the corner it is only fitting to remember one of the nation's most revered leaders appropriately. Killing Kennedy is that fitting, appropriate way to tribute a man who opened so many doors for this country. Written by one of America's most famous cable news anchors, Bill O'Reilly teams up with New York Times bestselling author, Martin Dugard, and takes each reader literally back in time to the final months of JFK's life. Of all the history books out there that recall the days of Camelot or the assassination itself, this one stands alone illustrating Jackie's bravery and elegance along side John's style and boldness with great dignity. Killing Kennedy is a fact-based, incredibly researched, gripping and heartpounding account of one of the most painful moments in the history of the United States.

           Bill O'Reilly has built a reputation in the news world that will maintain his legacy forever but he also is known for his outlandish and up-front personality that can be intimidating as well. When I looked at the cover and saw his name in a font size larger than the title of itself it was no surprise that the words "Bill O'Reilly" paired with a complimenting picture of the 35th president would alone be a main selling point for this book.

          The way this book is set up is really simple and really perfect: 1. There's current events of the 1960s, 2. JFK's administration and their reaction to these current events, 3. What was happening inside the closed quarters of The White House simultaneously, and finally, 4. What in the world is Lee Harvey Oswald doing while all this is going on? Every chapter is pretty much outlined and laid out like this. Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard take you back to feel the physical and emotional stress Kennedy battles while in office. The reader is inside the Oval Office with Bobby and John, you are able to experience the First Family playing around in the mornings before they have to put on a suit and tie for the cameras.

          I love to read, those who know me can attest to this but when I say that this is a book far too difficult to put down, I am not speaking lightly. Everyone knows the ending, but that doesn't matter with Killing Kennedy. I found myself glued to each page wanting to know what happened next and "Okay, just one more chapter" became a phrase I said over again to myself while reading this. Even though we know how the Cuban Missile Crisis ended, O'Reilly and Dugard's style of writing and the way they piece together what went on behind the scenes is what keeps the pages turning. Killing Kennedy is not just about retelling a heartbreaking wrinkle in time, it is about giving connecting the audience with what needs to be said on a subject that keeps Americans coming back for more.