Jean Kennedy Smith

Jean Kennedy Smith was an American diplomat, author and the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy. She served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 1993 to 1998, playing a significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process. As an author, Kennedy Smith wrote "The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy," a memoir published in 2016 that offered personal insights into one of America's most prominent political families. She also founded Very Special Arts (now known as VSA), an international organization providing arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities. During her diplomatic tenure, Kennedy Smith worked closely with Irish and British leaders, helping to broker discussions that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Her efforts in Ireland earned her several honors, including honorary Irish citizenship and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2011. Kennedy Smith's work reflected both her family's legacy of public service and her personal commitment to diplomatic and humanitarian causes. She died in 2020 at age 92, marking the end of an era for the Kennedy family's first generation of public servants.

Readers appreciate Jean Kennedy Smith's personal insights into the Kennedy family, particularly in her memoir "The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy." Many reviewers note her straightforward writing style and unique perspective as the last surviving Kennedy sibling. Common praise focuses on: - Behind-the-scenes family stories - Details about her diplomatic work in Ireland - Photos and personal anecdotes Main criticisms: - Surface-level treatment of major events - Avoidance of family controversies - Limited coverage of her adult life Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) "She shares sweet memories but skims over the hard parts," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads user writes, "The book feels sanitized, focusing only on happy childhood moments." Most readers seeking intimate Kennedy family history found value in Smith's perspective, while those wanting deeper political analysis or controversy were disappointed.

Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists (1993) A documentation of the history and impact of VSA (Very Special Arts), featuring stories of artists with disabilities and the organization's development across the United States and internationally.

The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy (2016) A memoir providing firsthand accounts of the Kennedy family dynamics, daily life, and values as experienced by Jean Kennedy Smith and her eight siblings during their childhood and young adult years.

David McCullough writes historical narratives focused on American leaders and pivotal moments in US history. His approach to biographical writing combines family dynamics with political history, similar to Kennedy Smith's personal perspective on her famous family.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend provides insight into the Kennedy family legacy from a personal perspective as RFK's daughter. Her writing explores themes of faith, public service, and family similar to Jean Kennedy Smith's memoir.

Doris Kearns Goodwin specializes in presidential history and family dynamics in American political circles. Her work examines the personal relationships and family connections that shape political legacies.

Caroline Kennedy writes about American history and the Kennedy family from an insider's perspective as JFK's daughter. Her books combine personal memories with historical context in a style that mirrors Kennedy Smith's approach.

Ted Sorensen served as JFK's speechwriter and wrote extensively about the Kennedy administration and family. His firsthand accounts of the Kennedy years provide context and depth to the family history Kennedy Smith describes in her work.