5-stars – A historical fiction novel about Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onasis. With Jackie as the narrator. sharing her conversations and thoughts- it is incredibly intimate. I was transfixed and read the whole book in one sitting.

I have read many books about Jackie Kennedy. This book captures her charm, her intellect and her place in history perfectly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an early read. I loved it.

“𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘦.”

It took me way too long to choose a quote for this review because I highlighted so many in this powerful and intimate portrait of an American icon.

The novel with an author’s note that includes lines from E.L. Doctorow - “The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like.” Writing in the first person, Dawn Tripp does that for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in a profoundly moving way that almost feels like a memoir.

Reading 𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗘 is an immersive experience that gave new dimension to events I’ve heard about all my life. It’s the story of a young woman in search of meaning and adventure, of a flawed but passionate love story, of a nuanced and complicated marriage, of the pressure of politics and public image, of desperate and all-consuming grief, of a devoted mother trying her best, of necessary self-preservation, and finally of acceptance, reinvention and freedom. Despite the extraordinary life Jackie led, being inside her head made it so relatable. I was touched in ways I never expected and kept anxiously turning the pages even though I knew how the story would end.

“𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦?”

This book gets all the stars from me and gave #readspinrepeatbookclub so much to talk about! Read it with your book club or on the beach - just read it.

Thank you to Random House for the copy to review.

As someone born into an Irish Catholic family, it’s practically a requirement that I be intrigued by the Kennedys. Both my mother and grandmother have told me the stories multiple times of what they were doing when they heard JFK was shot; it’s ingrained in them the way I will always remember what I was doing when the first plane hit the twin towers.

All that to say, I am always excited to read a book about the Kennedys, although this is the first I’ve read that’s historical fiction versus a biography. I’ve read a few books on the Kennedy family as a whole, so I really enjoyed getting into the head of Jackie; immediately after finishing this book, I ordered a biography on her. I’d known she was an interesting and intelligent person, but this book really brought her to life to me as someone who was clever, whip-smart, and determined to do things her own way. I also mostly know her story through the lens of her connection to the Kennedy family, so some of the parts of the book that really stood out to me were the parts about her life pre- and post-Jack. For instance, I didn’t realize that people seemingly turned on her when she got remarried. I particularly loved reading about her life as a book editor, and that she started on the bottom rung and worked her way up.

I rarely cry when reading books, but I teared up reading about her thoughts and actions after Jack was shot. I’ve so often thought of it as such a big loss for the country that I feel like I lost sight of the fact that he had loved ones who were deeply affected by it in a completely different way.

Parts of the book that I really enjoyed were reading about Bobby Kennedy through her eyes (I also ordered a biography on him) and the discussion of the civil rights movement.

I’ve already recommended this book to my mom, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about Jackie, as well as anyone looking to see the Kennedys through a different perspective.

I have read many accounts of Jackie’s life - both factual and fictionalized. Overall, I thought this was a good portrait of Jackie but I did think it was a bit long and written in a rather odd manner. Not my favorite Jackie book, but I do think there will be a certain audience that really enjoys this book.

Jackie was a great piece of historical fiction that felt like it could be a memoir. I learned so much and I had no idea the type of strength this woman had. She went through so much yet persevered through all of it. I'll be honest that I had surface level knowledge of the Kennedys before reading this book. They are a fascinating family but I do think Jackie might have been the most interesting one. I had no idea what her life was like after JFK was shot and the latter half of this book was very insightful. My biggest take away was her love of reading and the impact that had on her life. It made me like her even more. Although I was not born during the majority of time that she was on this earth my parents were. It was interesting to read about marriages during this time and what people accepted. It made me understand my parents marriage a little better. This is a longer novel but the writing flowed so it read very quickly. I think anyone interested in historical fiction especially during the 1950-60s would enjoy this novel.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thanks for the review copy. This is an awesome story about love and power. I enjoyed reading about her reinvention.

This is such a beautifully written, totally immersive book! It is a well-researched, personal look at Jackie Kennedy Onasis and the events that shaped her life. Dawn Tripp has written a stunning portrait of Jackie, her strength, her capacity for love, her triumphs and the unimaginable tragedy and losses that shaped her life. Her description of the assassination through Jackie's eyes is chilling. I remember the devastation of that day and had tears in my eyes as I read it. She was a complex and courageous woman who loved her family and pursued a career in her later life. Although it is historical fiction, the author has woven actual events and quotes into an intimate portrait of Jackie that reflects her thoughts, hopes, and dreams throughout her life. I was totally captivated by the book! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of the book. The opinions of this review are my own.

I just finished reading this book by Dawn Tripp and can easily say that it is hands down one of my top favorite books of the year! I love reading stories about the Kennedy family and was really interested to see what this author's interpretation of Jackie's life would be in this novel, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. You can really feel Jackie come alive in this story and the author crafts the events of Jackie's life (including her life after the death of her first husband John F. Kennedy) in such a magnificent way. The way the author deals with the tragedies that occur throughout Jackie's life makes you feel as if you are really there and are a part of the story. I am looking forward to the next book by Dawn Tripp as I loved this one very much. You can tell the author did an amazing job researching Jackie and her life, and that she truly depicted the essence of Jackie in this novel. The cover is beautiful and eye catching and gives you a small glimpse into the complicated marriage between Jackie and John F. Kennedy, which is thoroughly explored in this magnificent novel. One of my favorite quotes from the story is one in which Jackie address John F. Kennedy by saying: "We are made of stars and I loved you from the first moment I saw you. I loved you even knowing it would break something in me.”

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I received this advanced reader copy from netgalley in exchange for a fair review. This novel was well written and fascinating, a real glimpse into Jackie and Jack Kennedy's romance and relationship in the early years. I appreciate the ability Dawn Tripp shows in her writing, to capture their intimacy and personal connection. Highly recommended for all readers!

This fictional novel, narrated by Jackie Kennedy, reads like a diary and delves into her life, covering several decades and significant events. While initially finding it challenging to get started, I soon appreciated the author's skill in portraying Jackie. Dawn Tripp's writing brings to life the Jackie we know from the media: a woman of strength, intelligence, wit, and worldly knowledge. The book is a testament to thorough research and skilled writing, offering a unique perspective on this enigmatic figure. Despite the well-known outcome of Jackie's love story, this narrative is a compelling read that is sure to captivate you.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Random House for allowing me to read and review this eARC.

I really wanted to love this book, but it fell short for me. The author clearly did a ton of research and I loved getting to know Jackie on an intimate level. You got to know her in er thoughts and her feelings and the things she had to endure. It’s very clear how loyal she was, but I felt like this book did an excellent job of really digging into some of the things that went on behind the scenes. With that said, I did feel that some parts were not necessary (like much of the political talk and intro of the political guys) and wish there was more of the story line.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing for an eARC ♥️

"A Life in Shattered Light"

Jackie's story is one of love, loss, and legacy. A tale of a woman who lived a life so radiant, it illuminated the world. She was a dreamer, a romantic, and a lover of beauty. Her heart beat for Jack, and their love was a force of nature. Together, they shone bright, their love a beacon of hope and happiness.

But life had other plans. In a split second, her world shattered like glass. The sound of gunfire, the scent of blood, and the sight of unimaginable horror - it was all too much to bear. Yet, even in the darkness, she found solace in the beauty that remained. The beauty of art, of literature, of nature, and of the human spirit.

This novel is a poignant tribute to Jackie's resilience, her strength, and her unwavering commitment to living a life of purpose. It's a reminder that even in the most shattered of moments, beauty can still be found. That even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the human spirit can still soar.

Prepare to be captivated by Jackie's story - a tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. A story that will leave you breathless, inspired, and reminded of the beauty that lies within us all.♥️

I didn’t go into this expecting a five-star read but that’s exactly what I got. Simply put, it is beautifully written.
I like the writing style - Maggie O’Farrell like - quick snippets that keep the story moving. Jackie is almost 500 pages but doesn’t feel that way, and I was immersed in the story from page one.

I’ve read several books based on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’s life and this one might be my favorite. Highly, highly recommend.

What a wonderful book about Jacqueline Kennedy! I really enjoyed the diary style of writing and also including some pov from JFK himself. I think this is a brilliant read for anyone wanting to learn more behind the scenes of Jackie Kennedy.

This book is the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as told by Jackie:
"The world has divided my life into three acts.
Life with Jack Kennedy
Life with the Greek.
Life as a woman who goes to work because she wants to."

This book was difficult to get into in the beginning, read a bit choppy. I also had a hard time reading in the first person. But about the halfway mark, things start flowing and you get into the mind of Jackie, and forget that this is fiction based on fact. There is a lot of history, a lot of name and associations pulled from the news and society pages. Jackie first is a people pleaser, and you have to say, she wound up with Jack because she thought it was the right thing to do, not because it was what she desired. These ten years is what define her in the public eye, however her last 30 years was what made her herself in her mind. The last quarter of the book was very introspective, which I enjoyed the most. You have sympathy for Jackie, feeling like she never does have a fulfilled life. Though she takes great joy in her children and those around her, she is still searching for something.

I was interested in this book to hear more about the internal workings of The Kennedys, "America's Royalty", but in the end it did not peak my interest or teach me what I was looking for. I have respect and sympathy for Jackie, but overall the book leaves me feeling sad. The first half I give 3 stars, the second half I give 3.5-4.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the digital copy of the book for preview.

Love love love the way this book was written, I couldn’t stop once I picked it up. Gives me the inside scoop of a well known family with similar vibes of The Crown. Would absolutely recommend!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This fiction novel is written from the point of view of Jackie Kennedy. Spanning several decades and several major events in her life.

If you are a fan of Jackie Kennedy like me, you will enjoy this very detailed novel. I learned a lot about her private life that I hadn’t read before.

I want to thank Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to read and
review an ARC of Jackie A Novel, written by Dawn Tripp.
“- and enter the current of a story that had not yet been told-“ This historical novel began with the photo on the cover of the book.
Ms Tripp brings Jackie Bouvier, Kennedy, Onassis to life. We learn her inner thoughts! Reliving that day in Dallas is so real. It was real! I watched it on my tv as it unfolded!
“I need to get out from under it, the weight of the shame and the rage-his casual ruinous lust.” But she always stood by him to the end and beyond.
Her romance (?) with Ari. “Away is what he gave me-“.
She was always devoted to her children and kept their lives as normal as possible.
I learned. a lot more about the woman she truly was.
Jackie A Novel publishes June 18,2024.

This was such a fascinating read. The story is broken into several eras of Jackie. Jackie before she met Jack, Jackie with Jack, Jackie with Onassis and Jackie on her own again. I found the read so interesting as the author I felt really captured the essence of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis in all her time periods. You could see the young Jackie trying not to fall in love with Jack Kennedy, the First Lady doing her duty while raising young children, the widow trying her best to shield and protect her children and herself and lastly, the woman herself trying to be more than just what the public wants her to be. Overall, this was a wonderful read, parts of it break your heart, parts of it make you smile and parts of it, as a woman, you understand her ups and downs, her passions and desires and mostly, you understand why she is more than what the public sees. Great read, don’t miss skip by this one.

Huge shoutout to @readingismycardiobookclub for putting Jackie by @dawn.tripp on my radar. Thank you @randomhouse for providing the #readspinrepeatbookclub with advanced e copies of this book!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I will always read anything about her.

I was so excited to learn that Dawn wrote a novel based on the life of Jackie Kennedy. This book is a fictional look at Jackie’s life. The prologue begins with the assassination of JFK and then goes back to before they met. Most of the book is written from the perspective of Jackie with a few chapters from Jack’s point of view. Reading this novel felt like an intimate look into the years known as Camelot. The details in this book were impeccable. It was a wonderfully written.