Book Description:
O! Jackie explores the private life of Jackie Kennedy, her heartbreaking struggles, difficult relationships, and deep desire to end JFK’s wandering ways. As a faithful wife devoted to an unfaithful husband, Jackie knew humiliation well. Living in the public eye intensified her disgrace. Through the years, Jack Kennedy’s lustful escapades grew in carelessness and frquency. When his trysts with Marilyn Monroe threaten to become public, Jackie must decide how far she’ll go to save the presidency and her marriage.
O! Jackie by Mercedes King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good historical fiction book, and this indeed fits the bill in a big way. It is ironic–I started reading this about the same time my mom began reading O’Reilly’s “Killing Kennedy.” We continued to share stories back and forth, and even though this book is historical fiction, a good share of it can be supported factually or at least via the rumor mill. After reading this book, I believe that the Kennedy’s no longer seem like the absolute “perfect” family anymore. Don’t get me wrong–I have known about JFK’s affair with Marilyn Monroe and others for years. I have suspected for many years that Monroe was killed. But when it came to Jackie Kennedy, I really knew very little.
What I love about this book is that it is seen through the eyes of Mrs. Kennedy, and I believe that Mercedes King captured her personality, mannerisms, and the real “Jackie” in this fantastic book. It is hard to know what is real and what it merely rumor when it comes the Kennedys. So much has been covered up, and they are still the “favored” family of the U.S. They are probably the closest thing we have to royalty. This book caused to me to research a lot about this family, and I am beginning to realize just how complex everything is. The author herself calls the book fiction, and indeed it is. But it is rooted in a lot of historical fact.
Here’s one of the best things about this book. There is hardly any profanity, and there are no bedroom scenes! In fact, this is the “cleanest” book I have read in a while. I appreciate that the author merely says the character cursed or let out a string of expletives. But she doesn’t say what the words are! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. This doesn’t mean that the book should be read by those under 18. A mature 16-year-old probably could read it, but it does deal with adult issues. Most teens would probably not go for this book anyway. But if you want to read an incredibly readable book about America’s most enigmatic and endearing couple, this is the book for you!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
About The Author
A founding member of Buckeye Crime Writers, Mercedes King is a Columbus, Ohio, native. With a degree in Criminology from Capital University, she has a passion for crafting true crime into fiction and exploring the depths of deviant behavior. Since her stories often mix fact with fiction and are shaped by not-so-distant decades, she refers to many of her works as Modern Historicals. Every Little Secret, Columbus Noir, and A Dream Called Marilyn are among her growing body of titles. In 2016 and 2017, Mercedes was a finalist for the Claymore Award. A founding member of Buckeye Crime Writers, she’s an active part of the local writing community. When she’s not elbow-deep in research, reading, or enjoying the local bike path, she might be at Wrigley Field or sinking her toes into the sand somewhere along Florida’s coastline.
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