This was a good read. Compares favorably to other books of this genre about other presidents like Merrill Peterson's on Lincoln and Jefferson. Books like this go a long way to improving the historical perspective on individuals who can sometimes get to enveloped in the historical miasma that they become subjected to.

This is a great book from a different perspective about JFK - well worth reading.

Thanks for the chance to read this

I collect Kennedy books, primarily those about Jacqueline Kennedy, but I'm also interested in well written books about John and Robert Kennedy. The Afterlife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy is a little different, dealing as it does with the phenomena that is the enduring Kennedy legend and how it was built. JKF's wife and family, without the benefit of the spin and PR industry that exists today, created a monument to the man who is probably the most famous (or infamous depending on your views) U.S. president in history. The author describes how, step by step, from the time he entered the White House and for years after his death, Kennedy's image, his public persona, was shaped and kept in the public's mind. Doubtless it may have been easier in the 60's, before the rise of the internet, social media and a press that has long since discarded any respect for boundaries. The public was perhaps more respectful too, without the current appetite for scandal. But even knowing what we do today about what really went on behind the Kennedy legend, it hasn't much tarnished the legend that was created. Really fascinating read.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of The Afterlife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: A Biography by Michael J Hogan that I read and reviewed.
I really had a problem with this book being called a biography. To me all it does is insults the Kennedy family and more or less calls his presidency a brand. The things that are stated in this are in a way trying to tarnish the Kennedy name and to me that sure is heck is not putting out a biography about him and his wife. I got so disgusted by what I was reading I put the book down and I am refusing to read anymore of this.
Needless to say I can only give this book two out of five stars.

As an avid fan of things written about John F. Kennedy, I truly wanted to enjoy reading this book and . I did enjoy this book from cover to cover. A wonderfully written book about JFK. It is a book that gives you a view of JFK, his home life, Jackie and his time during his presidency. There is a question in the book that asks: "What explains the long afterlife of John Fitzgerald Kennedy?'" Read this well written book to find out. Very well written book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.