Customer Reviews

Camp David Diaries Volume IV Jackie Kennedy 1961-1963

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I agree with the previous poster who is upset about purchasing these books thinking that they are authentic. As one who has been a student of the presidency since I was young, I believe that this is a terrible disservice for students of presidential history. I was stunned when I came across one volume of this book at a used bookstore today as I had never heard of this "secret" diary before and (attempting to be humble) I thought that I had an excellent working knowledge of presidents and their families. I am glad I bought this book used at a used bookstore and didn't order it through Amazon, or worse, the author's website. I am a reader of historical fiction, and I have no problem with that genre. What I do have a problem with is the author's slick way of couching these diary entries as authentic. There is no disclaimer in the introduction, no "historical fiction" wording anywhere on the book, and no statement that I could find (unless it is deeply buried in the text) stating that the book is a work of fiction. It wasn't until I visited the author's website and read very, very carefully, that I learned book was completely made up. I feel like a sucker and that I was duped. Thankfully, I only forked over a couple of bucks for this typographical error-filled, proofreader-needy "book." If the author wants to sell books, fine---just be honest with us readers.
Incidentally, Jackie Kennedy rarely visited Camp David, nor did Bess Truman---neither cared for the place very much. And Jackie was far too savvy, shrewd and not to mention private, to ever write her intimate thoughts down if she felt that it could ever be read by others, or worse, published for the masses. Same for Bess---she burned most of her old love letters from Harry. When he caught her systematically tossing these letters into the fireplace, he said "Bess, think of history!" Bess looked at him, pitched another stack of letters into the fire, and said, "I am."

I am a huge Jackie Kennedy book collector and have read almost all there is written on her. I can say that although this is a very short book that it has to be one of my absolute favorite books on Jackie. It does what all the other books only speculate on, which is: describe Jackie's feelings on her husband's infidelity. As this book is taken from the private journals of not only Jackie during her time at Camp David, but of other First Ladies and their thoughts on Jackie's entries, I have to say it is the most honest book I've read. The honesty factor does go both ways though. It also shows how catty and petty other First Ladies were in regards to Jackie. Nancy Reagan is especially foul and resentful of Jackie's stay in the White House, which is shown in this book. I almost cheered from joy though when reading Hillary Clinton's entry in response to Nancy's vile messages about Jackie: "Oh shrivel up you old prune!" Ha-ha. :) In fact, after reading this book I have found new respect for Hillary as she states that she can relate to Jackie in that her husband was also unfaithful while in office. And even shock of shocks, Barbara Bush has an entry that she feels her husband was also untrue to her with his own personal secretary. All in all, this book was just so good that I couldn't put it down. I encourage all Jackie fans, or even those interested in the lives of First Ladies, to consider this book. You'll be very happy you did.

Many people have purchased, read and provided reviews of this series "Camp David Diaries", with the belief that these are the actual diaries and the words written are that of the actual First Ladies. This series is not fact and these "diaries" where NOT written by the First Laides themselves, as many have been lead to believe. This is simply Pamela K Thorson's idea of what the First Ladies MAY have written. I am deeply disappointed as I purchased these books and read them believing they were written by the actual First Ladies. Upon reading an interview of Pamela K Thorson in 2004, Ms. Thorson states that she made up the diaries and she made up the entire concept of the diaries. I am angry as I feel as I have been duped into thinking this was the real thing. No where in the book is there a disclaimer that this is fiction. Many people are under the impression these are the words of the First Ladies and have developed opinions of these women (some negative which is unfair to the First Ladies since they did not write this), based on the idea that this is a factual account of their time in the White House. Pamela K Thorson and her publisher, Miller-Sterling, has done a disservice to the public and should be ashamed of themselves for not being honest with the public.

On publisher's information included on a different website, this series of books was identified as "historical fiction." Be advised these are not actual diaries kept by the first ladies. These are concepts developed by Pamela Kay Thorson who has further turned them into scripts for a one-woman show she performs around the nation. Readers are not getting an inside look at the private thoughts of legendary women. They are reading one dramatist's idea of what the first ladies thoughts might have been.

I give them one star for Ms. Thorson's dishonesty and blatant misleading of her readership.

Reading Mr. Russo's review had me ready to order this book - I too, am an admirer of Mrs. Kennedy's style and grace - until I read that he admired Hillary Clinton, and cheered her comment to Nancy Regan "Shrivel up you old prune". The image of one First Lady referring to another in that manner shows a sad lack of civility - not to mention a rather vicious, juvenile turn of phrase. (Which, now that I think about it, is not inconsistent with the "Ha-ha!" and smiley face Mr. Russo used in his review.)

Sorry, but I can't find value in this review. Perhaps someone more....discerning....has read this book and has an opinion? Is there something worthwhile apart from the Mrs. Clinton's petty sneers and self-aggrandizing comparisons of herself to Mrs. Kennedy? I cannot imagine two more disparate First Ladies than the private, composed, elegant Mrs. Kennedy and, um, well....Hillary. Can anyone?