Member Reviews

struggling a little to get into this book. It is hard to keep focus. I have read a lot of books on the Kennedy's but this one was just a bit difficult to absorb.

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Well above the typical biography-based historical fiction, "Jackie" is quite well researched and imagined. The author says the inspiration for this book came from the photo that is reproduced on the cover, of Jack and Jackie sharing a private moment. To Tripp, this photo says everything about their relationship, and her position is that Jackie knew about JFK's extramarital activities, but she also knew that he loved her more and that she could not help loving him. No one else can really know what goes on in a marriage, but this story gives as good a rendering as any I've read.

The prose style is lyrical and lovely, elevated and elegant like Jackie. It really is how I imagine her. I have read several of the books listed as source material, particularly Clint Hill's "Mrs. Kennedy and Me," and I can see how the author carefully and accurately conducted her research.

I also thought the tone toward Mr. Onassis was about right. I think it is clear that Jackie married him for security, believing, as she famously said, "It is open season on Kennedys in America." But her family disliked him, and his family seems to have disliked her. By the end of the book, toward the end of her life, she refers to him only as "the Greek."

Jackie's career as an editor is rendered well, as she continually says how much she enjoys the reading and the work, even up till she becomes too ill with cancer to do much. Her worldview, from a great height of privilege, is poetic and ladylike.

Caroline comes off best in the story. In some ways the novel is a love letter to sweet Caroline, cute as a child, cheerful and capable as an adult. That really was fine with me. I enjoyed this read. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review it.

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Jackie offers a captivating insight into the innermost thoughts and emotions of a remarkable woman who reluctantly embraced the limelight, only to be haunted by tragedy before ultimately finding her true self. From the gripping opening scene to the very last page, Tripp's eloquent prose had me utterly enthralled, evoking a myriad of emotions that I struggled to contain.

In this poignant narrative, Tripp skillfully delves into the heart and soul of Jackie, a woman of profound intellect and contemplation. Reluctantly thrust into the public eye, she grapples with the weight of her own personal struggles and the relentless pursuit of the media. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Jackie's resilience shines through, as she gradually discovers her own identity and purpose.

Tripp's writing style is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her words effortlessly transport the reader into Jackie's world, allowing us to experience her triumphs and tribulations with an intensity that is both captivating and deeply moving. Each sentence is meticulously crafted, painting vivid images and evoking a profound sense of empathy.

As I turned each page, I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster, unable to tear my eyes away from the profound journey unfolding before me. Tripp's ability to convey Jackie's complex emotions with such authenticity is truly remarkable. I was left in awe of the author's skill in capturing the essence of this extraordinary woman.

Jackie is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. It is a poignant exploration of a woman who, despite the tragedies that befell her, managed to rise above adversity and carve her own path. Dawn Tripp's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Prepare to be captivated, moved, and inspired by this remarkable tale.

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Jackie was an intriguing book from the first page. It took me a bit longer to get through this book because I kept putting it down to research some small aspect, event, or person mentioned in the novel. I learned that Dawn Tripp painted a pretty accurate picture of the former first lady and her life shortly before, during, and following JFK. After reading Jackie, I know I will go on to read more from Dawn Tripp. My interest is piqued and I will likely seek out more books, both historical fiction and nonfiction, about Jackie, the Kennedy Administration, and the 60's.

I wish the novel contained an afterward or even an Author's Note that went beyond the research sources. The ending felt abrupt. This book was a solid 4/5 stars for me and an enjoyable reading experience. Thanks to Random House and Net Galley for this ARC.

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A BIG thank you to Net Galley, Random House and Dawn Tripp for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Jackie.. Reading this story was like stepping back in time walking down memory lane. The writing is beautiful, descriptive, deep and emotional. This story does more than just tell about the life of Jackie-it shows her love, happiness, heartbreak and despair. All of these feelings humanized the Kennedy relationships. Books were an important part of the story which was very heart warming. Jack and Jackie truly loved each other but didn't always play by the rules. I especially enjoyed how Jackie communicated with Jack in her mind even after his death. She shared with him current events, memories they had together, her thoughts and her regrets about the past. They lived a roller coaster life and I more than enjoyed the ride.

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Enjoyable fictionalized biography of Jackie; I particularly liked the way it followed her before, during, and after the JFK years, as a person unto herself. The way Jack's thoughts were integrated (in italics) worked for me and provided a strong vision of his point of view. The final chapters where she is a grandmother shared relatively new information or at least new views on this aspect of her life with Caroline's children. This is a nice addition to a large body of similar work. It's style is unique enough that it was able to go over well-trod ground in a somewhat novel way.

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The best kind of historical fiction! Deeply moving as we get a glimpse into the personal life of Jack and Jackie through Jackie's eyes. Absolutely fascinating. A breathtaking love.stort based on politics.

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Wow. I wanted to broaden my genre horizon this year instead of just reading romance books & so I requested this book from NetGalley on a whim & I am SO glad I did. Growing up, I remember my mom always having a fascination with JFK & Jackie & the Kennedy family & I get why!

This novel is a retelling of Jackie Kennedy’s life through her point of view with a few short chapters that give you an insight into the internal thoughts of JFK. Obviously, nobody knows if certain thoughts & dialogue are accurate to what actually occurred. That being said, this novel felt so real, accurate, & insightful. I applaud the amount of time & research this book would have taken to write.

Of course, the plot of this book is already known by most. The fact that I knew what would happen yet was still unable to turn the page fast enough really cements the beauty captured by the writing.

The writing of this book was eloquent, artistic, emotional, heartbreaking, & descriptive. I highly recommend this book to anyone that has ever dealt with the pressures of being a woman, loss, or the pressure of being in a highly criticized position. I have a deep affection for Jackie after reading this book & although their relationship had its flaws, I truly feel as though Jackie & JFK’s relationship was based on a real love & admiration for one another.

I suggest everyone who isn’t afraid of shedding a tear or two while reading check this book out when it comes out on June 18.

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“Jackie” by Dawn Tripp was an exceptional book which had me engrossed from the very first paragraph. It’s the story of Jackie Kennedy’s life and although I have read many other books about her, this one was unique because it was written in both Jackie and Jack Kennedys voice. It was so real I had to keep reminding myself this was not an autobiography. The authors extensive research gives us a fascinating picture of this very complex and intelligent woman as well as insights into Jack and the strength of his family. We are part of their journey from their courtship, wedding, the high times of the White House years, the assassination, her disastrous marriage to Onassis and finally her personal success as an editor, mother and grandmother. I so enjoyed the writing style of this book and look forward to reading the next book by this author. I highly recommend this novel and would be giving it more than 5 stars if I could!

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Mesmerizing. As a longtime Jackie fan I’ve read most books based on her life—nothing could compare to this.
Even the author’s note was beautifully written & illuminating.
Now looking forward to reading her last book about Georgia O’Keefe.

Written in beautiful, sparse language imbued with such feeling & emotion and evocative of time & place.
Richly captures Jackie's voice, character and passions.

With great thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC!

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Jackie by Dawn Tripp is an entertaining historical fiction that I enjoyed.

This novel is slightly different from some of the other novels involving the former First Lady in that it puts the infamous historical figure into a more personal and first-person perspective.

Using true events and weaving those into what Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis may have thought, felt, and experienced instantly makes things more real, raw, and brings us closer to the real person.

Enjoyed.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Random House for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/18/24.

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I loved this book! I have always been intrigued by the Kennedy mystic, and this author did a fabulous job during her research to keep the events historically accurate. I was hooked from the beginning! This book travels down Jackieś courtship with Jack, their marriage, the birth and death of their children, Jackś campaighn, his presidency, his assassination, the aftermath, her marriage to Onassis, her children growing up, her going back to work, and her cancer diagnosis. I felt as if I were reading her journal because the words flowed that smoothly! I cried several times during my reading of this book because you would have to have a heart of stone not to cry! I will most definitely be recommending this book to my book club and my co-worker readers! This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time! Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!

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Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I was SO INTRIGUED by this book! I never knew any of these things about Jackie. I only learned she was married to Ari Onnassis from another book about his lover the opera singer. Such a sad story to have lost her husband so early. A must read.

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"Jackie" is an elegant and most beautiful book, written as if it was told by Jackie Kennedy Onassis and John F. Kennedy (Jack), from the time they met until JFK's untimely death, and then by Jackie as she went on with her life, raising her children, meeting and marrying Aristotle Onassis, and then to her cancer diagnosis.
Although this was a historical fiction title, as I read the story I felt as if I was inside Jackie's mind and observing her life as it unfolded.
Dawn Tripp's beautiful prose left me speechless in many spots throughout the book, almost as if it was infused with poetry, and was very thought-provoking and inspiring.
I do hope that she will write many more books in this style. There are so many other influential people whose lives would be so interesting to learn about in this fashion.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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The primary attribute of truly excellent historical fiction is making the reader believe in the reality of the person the author creates—whether or not that depiction truly captures their character. In wonderfully lyrical prose, Tripp does that with her subject, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. In her forward, Tripp details the extensive research upon which she bases her fictional portrayal, often weaving from letters, journals, or the recollection of others Jackie’s actual words. Her achievement is that, although we don’t know which words are Jackie’s, which Tripp produces, the whole she achieves creates an immensely interesting, complex and approachable picture of the woman behind the legend, along with a few glimpses of the equally elusive Jack. Her life after wedding Jack Kennedy played out in the headlines, from the Senate to the White House to the assassination to her escape with Aristotle Onassis and her eventual reclaiming of the self she’d always wanted to be, the private person who immerses herself in literature as an editor. Thoughout this journey, Tripp makes the reader privy to her private thoughts and reflections. If what emerges isn’t the essence of the real Jackie Kennedy, the reader wants it to be.

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“Culturally something happened between her and the decade she lived in.” - Doris Kearns Goodwin

When restoring the White House Jackie wanted to “express the past and future ideas of a nation, not its exact historical past,” and I can only assume that is what the author of this factionalized account of a portion of Jackie’s life was doing as there are parts of the story that are flat out false (Ari Onassis and Lee Radizwell were still together when he and Jackie got together, for example.) Also of note, the author states, “in the world’s eyes usually what happens to a woman is men,” but she saddles Jackie with the same fate, giving forty pages to her life post-Onassis. That said, I really enjoyed the book but those aspects leave me torn. Recommended with a great big star by it, I guess.

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Dawn Tripps novel bring Jackie Kennedy alive in the most real intimate way.We hear from her voice from also Jacks point of view.This was a fascinating read that I really enjoyed,#netgalley #randomhouse

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My thanks to Dawn Tripp and PenguinRandom House for the ARC of this book. I have long admired Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and this book does not disappoint. It takes you inside the mind and heart of one of the world’s most influential and fascinating women. She was a trailblazer in her own right making the office of First Lady important and influential. She was the wife and sister in law in one of the world’s most powerful families. But the feelings and emotions are captured here in great depth. Wonderful book!

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I've read many books about Jackie, but Dawn Tripp's histfic novel about her has become my favorite. We get to see facets of Jackie's life not revealed before in quite this way, with some of Jack's views on the same happenings. Just like that amazing cover shot, this story offers a unique look at the once most famous woman in the world. Highly, highly recommended!

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Thank you NetGalley, Dawn Tripp, and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Jackie in exchange for an honest review. I received an advanced reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What an absolutely beautiful novel. It is a fictional account of the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; however, it reads as though it were an autobiography written in Jackie's own hand. She comes off as a very strong, smart, witty woman. The media has always portrayed her as a meek individual, but this version is empowering and inspirational.

The chapters even had breaks written from Kennedy's point of view. When it got to that heartbreaking moment that ended his life, his version of events was like reading a dark poem. It was just stunning in every way. That part will stick with me now. I also loved how Jackie continued to talk to him through to the end of her life.

I cannot wait for this book to be released in June. If only it could be given more than five stars.

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