The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy

The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy is a memoir by Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy. As the eighth of nine children in America's most famous political dynasty, Smith provides a firsthand account of daily life in the Kennedy household during the 1920s and 1930s. Through personal stories and family memories, Smith reconstructs the dynamics of growing up in a large Irish Catholic family guided by ambitious parents Rose and Joseph Kennedy Sr. The book focuses on the siblings' early years in Brookline and Bronxville, their education, family vacations, and the values instilled by their parents. This intimate portrait reveals how competition, public service, and unwavering family loyalty shaped the Kennedy children who would later dominate American politics and society. Smith's perspective as both participant and observer offers insights into the foundation of the Kennedy legacy and the forces that propelled her siblings to positions of power and influence. The narrative demonstrates how childhood experiences and family traditions can shape both individual destiny and national history. Smith's account highlights the universal themes of sibling relationships and parental influence while documenting a unique chapter in American political heritage.

Readers found this memoir provided a light, nostalgic glimpse into Kennedy family life but lacked depth and new insights. Many appreciated the focus on the children's upbringing and family dynamics rather than politics or tragedies. Liked: - Personal family photos and memories - Focus on parents' influence and values - Behind-the-scenes look at family traditions - Warm portrayals of siblings' relationships Disliked: - Surface-level treatment of events - Too brief at 262 pages - Avoids controversial topics - Limited new information for Kennedy history buffs One reader noted: "More like a series of pleasant reminiscences than a detailed memoir." Another wrote: "The book reads like sitting with your grandmother as she shows you old photos." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (380+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (40+ ratings) Several reviewers mentioned buying this as a companion to other Kennedy books rather than a standalone read.

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★ Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy, served as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland from 1993-1998, playing a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process. ★ The "Nine of Us" refers to all the Kennedy children: Joseph Jr., John, Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, and Ted - making it the first memoir written by one of the siblings about their shared childhood. ★ The Kennedy family dinner table was famous for its lively debates, where father Joe Kennedy Sr. would deliberately provoke discussions about current events and challenge his children to defend their positions. ★ Despite their wealth, the Kennedy children were required to earn their allowances through chores and were taught the value of money - receiving just pennies for tasks like making their beds or setting the table. ★ The book reveals how their mother Rose kept detailed note cards on each child, tracking their medical histories, educational progress, and personal development - a practice unusual for mothers of that era.