Rate this book

The Kennedy Detail: JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence (2010)

by Gerald Blaine(Favorite Author)

4.13 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1439193045 (ISBN13: 9781439193044)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Gallery Books

review 1: Last year, one of my students asked me, "Why is history so depressing?" I was flummoxed and took a moment before I could answer. I make sure to always include cultural and technological accomplishments, things that are much more uplifting, but so much of history is sad. You can't dress up wars and tragedies with a pretty bow. So, despite demonstrating the pride and adoration for Camelot, it's impossible to teach about JFK without being depressing. It is simply heartbreaking to relive his assassination each year and especially while reading this book. After watching Parkland, I knew it was finally time to take the book off the shelf and read it. While watching the film, I was riveted by the heartbreaking depictions AFTER the assassination. So many of the films are a... morebout the events preceding it. Here, we saw the chaos in the operating room and the strength of the Secret Service agents. Interestingly enough, we also see the work of the Secret Service field agents as they investigate the Zapruder film. In a twist, we see more of Oswald's brother than himself, witnessing how the family of the assassin could be affected. The film had me questioning the actions of the secret service agents prior to the death and also revisiting all the conspiracy theories and videos I watch every year before I teach the JFK unit. This book answers so many questions. It may not be the definitive account, because we can't ever have one, but it is written in a third person narrative, based on many conversations between Gerald Blaine, himself not present that day, and the agents who were. There are many conspiracy theorists out there who will say this is the Secret Servicemen's attempt to support the Warren Commission and to rid themselves of blame. I've even seen videos calling Clint Hill, the man willing to risk his life for the first lady and president, a liar. But I, myself, believe it 100%. I can't fathom, nor do I want to, a world where the men, who sacrifice their personal lives and health to protect those in charge, would be complicit in JFK's murder. Instead, I believe every answer provided in the narrative. Want to know why the agents weren't on the back of the limo? JFK had point blank said he didn't want them on days before in Tampa and that directive carried forward. While it sounded a bit like victim blaming, it also sounded like an accurate characterization of Camelot's hero. Want to understand all those youtube videos that claim Emory called off a secret service agent from protecting JFK? Well, those people are using the video disingenuously. It's taken as JFK was leaving Love field and it shows Emory calling off Lawton BECAUSE HE'S NOT THE AGENT ON DUTY FOR THE MOTORCADE. They are laughing in the video because it was a joke amongst colleagues. How could you doubt these men? The heartbreak and guilt that these agents finally talk about, as written here in third person, is palpable and proof that these men took their job as an honorable duty. It is an amazing glimpse into the lives of the agents, into their job requirements, and into the sad chapter in history. It covers the short duration of JFK's administration, highlighting the tense moments within it. It details the close relationships between the agents and between the agents and the Kennedy's. And it answers some of the questions you might find yourself asking. I do wish it explained more about the evidence collection at Parkland, regarding JFK and the car, and more about the autopsy, since those are fodder for conspiracy theorists. But still, amazing read. P.S. If you're looking for any sordid details of JFK's alleged extramarital affairs, you won't find any here until the epilogue...literally the last page...in which Blaine emphatically denies the existence of JFK and Monroe's relationship. I will say this: I loved this book and appreciated the lack of any of this information since the book was about the Secret Service agent's job. I was actually thrown by the few paragraphs thrown in at the end and wish it hadn't been there. P.P.S LOVED the JFK quotes peppered throughout the book at the beginning of every chapter...very inspirational
review 2: This was a well-written book that takes you inside the minds of the Kennedy Secret Service detail. It was interesting to read about how these men were away from their families for weeks at a time, sometimes crammed two to a hotel, to protect a prominent family at their various homes. The personal sacrifice these men made was substantial, yet you could tell that each of them truly cared about the Kennedy family and wouldn't have had it any other way. The assassination portion of the book was very interesting, as when you watch all of the JFK specials few Secret Service professionals are included. And, the post-assassination coverage was so moving that I found myself almost drawn to tears. I could do without the last three chapters. The chapter where he attempts to debunk conspiracy theories was interesting, and at times I learned something new. However, there were other times that he attempts to brush aside questions that feel like a legitimate part of the discussion. It was also a stark change of tone and voice in the book, and I don't think it was necessary. Regardless of if you are a believer in a conspiracy or not, the story about the agents' protection of the family is good and an important voice to add to the discussion. This chapter will turn off many readers. The chapter about Clint Hill's decline was tough to read. While I know it was necessary to talk about the impact of that time on the agents, that chapter felt like a late addition to the end of the book and wasn't incorporated as well other agent stories. The Epilogue? It was not engaging and felt like a harried attempt to wrap up the book. I think the book could have ended stronger if the last three sections had been excluded. less

Download links for: The Kennedy Detail: JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence

Advertising