JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir

I've just finished 3 Jackie/JFK Jr./Carolyn memoirs and I'm pretty maxed out on the genre because they are all the same. The theme: people who felt like they were nothing before they lucked into rubbing elbows with fame, became "everything" while devoting their lives to a Kennedy, and again felt like nothing upon the Kennedy deaths. I guess it's not fair to lump them all into this review, but I actually liked Berman's the best because it also gave quite a bit of insight into the workings of George (at least the covers) and that was interesting. And Berman seemed to recover on his own accord better than some of the others. It's almost unbelievable how many Kennedy sycophant memoirs exist. It's as if every servant, work colleague and acquaintance has cashed in. So far I haven't seen anything written by anyone who wasn't a jilted lover or a paid employee.

As a once subscriber of George Magazine, I loved reading about the trials and tribulations of getting it off the ground. Matt Berman did a fine job of making this reader feel like "I was there too". I loved his analogy of the parallels in his life and JKF, Jr. Almost everything I have ever read about JFK, Jr. is positive. His friends seem very loyal, and after reading this book I can see why. We all like to have a friend who brings out the best in us, and everybody, as Berman claims JFK, Jr. did. My first thoughts on reading this was the sheer amount of money that must have been spent for all those celebrity covers. The financial problems of the magazine were only alluded to, but never expounded on. As a subscriber, the best thing about "George" was all the celebrity invterviews. I enjoyed reading all the accounts of shooting some of the most popular covers with well known celebs like Demi Moore, etc. It was obvious JFK, Jr. could land any interview due to his own celebrity. Although Kennedy's excellent people skills seemed numerous, his lack of judgement on other matters was never mentioned. All in all, this is well worth reading for its insight into many people, including Berman.

I realize I may be blaspheming, but I don't care that much about JFK, Jr. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (CBK) on the other hand, is a true style icon!

A really fine book about a friendship. But so much more than that. I remember the morning JFK Jr., his wife and her twin sister disappeared. For those of us who cared about the Kennedy family, this was just the worst news imaginable. Reading about the magazine and the life he shared with his friends brings it back but not in a morbid way. If you live long enough you too will have many memories. And many of them will carry you through the sad times. Matt Berman was a lucky guy. And he knows it. I thank him for sharing with us.

A huge shout out to Matt Berman!! If only we could all have a friendship like he did with John. I'm sad by his loss no matter how many of these books I read, but one true theme remains the same... John was larger than life and the most down to earth human being on the planet. Thanks Matt for sharing your friendship and reaffirming the funny, kind and genuine person JFK Jr. was. I miss him and I didn't even know him, but certainly feel like I did.

I really got a sense of the people in Matt's writing. He is able to convey their personalities as if you are right there with them. Engaging book.

I haven't read a lot of things on the Kennedy's but for some reason John Jr. fascinates me. Berman made John a real person, not just a Kennedy. The story of how they had breakfast together and John waited patiently for his friend while he attended to business showed what a gentleman John was and in the telling, how special their friendship was. Berman was even kind in his telling of Carolyn and John's relationship, again, just like regular people. Berman obviously misses his friend and probably has told the story through the eyes of that loving friendship, but I enjoyed it anyway. Good read.

Wonderful addition to my growing collection of Kennedy Memorabilia. I've always been a JFK reader and have the majority books written about him, before and after the assignation. I have followed both children over the years, keeping track of their successes, as well as the lesser accomplishments. John John died well too young. That's one reason I continue to research his death, along with other family tragedies. I'm happy to add this to my other books and paperwork. Note: References from the magazine GEORGE are also useful research materials. If you need a certain monthly copy, I have extras!

Matt give a great account of his time at George and of JFK Jr.

Very good I will keep to read over again Thank-you

Matt Berman wrote this book from his heart and it shows. A wonderful book of memories for all of us to share. Having lost many people in my own life (most were like John & Carolyn -- way too young)!!! I laughed through the book and cried at the end. After reading the book, I felt as if I had known John and grieved at the end for the loss of 3 wonderful, intelligent and charismatic people, gone way before their time. You did a great job MattThank You

Ich weiss nicht genau, was mir an diesem Buch nicht passt. Ich habe die Seiten nach 20 nur oberflächlich gelesen. Es interessierte mich nicht. Ich habe noch ein anderes Buch über JFK Junior, das mir sehr gut gefällt, aber dieses hier nervt mich. Das ist keine hilfreiche Rezension, aber es ist meine Meinung.

An excellent read and very inspirational!