Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History by Ted Sorensen
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.99 You Save: $22.00 (79%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.14 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History
Book Review: Out of Nebraska
Summary: 5 Stars
The well-written memoirs of a man forever to be identified with John F. Kennedy's political career, especially the White House days. While not telling all, this book is the candid product of a bright, honest, but still politically driven man, a 1960s liberal, who writes in the twilight of his life.
Mr. Sorensen is one of the last living central participants of JFK's Administration and his story would have value for this fact alone. Readers wishing to learn about presidential political campaigning, the art of speech writing, and more on such important historical events as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the presidential transition from JFK to LBJ will profit from reading this book.
While material on his later private law practice is not as interesting as the rest of the text, this is only to be expected. In terms of his post White House career, I did find of value his description of his ill-fated nomination by President Carter as DCI and noted the fact there is little mention of President Clinton's years. (A prominent picture of Senator Obama and Ted Sorensen is in this book. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that the author sees the current junior senator from Illinois as his pick for this year's Democratic Party nominee for president--and the direct and true successor to JFK's legacy.)
Book Review: Extraordinary personal history
Summary: 5 Stars
I know Ted Sorensen well, so what I have to say about his extraordinary personal history is obviously being written as a friend and admirer. As a friend, I can say that Ted speaks truth to power; as an admirer, I can say that he speaks truth forcefully and candidly. He was arguably John Kennedy's alter ego. At the very least, Ted was the man who shaped JFK's lyrical, intellectually vigorous speeches. But Ted was also a canny adviser, the lawyer who marshaled his facts well, made the connections between random thoughts and workable ideas, and produced a consistent body of work for the president he loved and trusted. Ted once told me that not a day goes by without him thinking of JFK -- of the man JFK was, and about what might have been. Like his late friend Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., Ted occupied an honored place at the table in Camelot. What his memoir makes plain -- in his own special, witty way -- is how much Ted shaped JFK's Camelot itself.Book Review: Great Work by a true creator of history
Summary: 5 Stars
First let me say I am a conservative. That aside, this is a truly great book. His writing skills are obvious. For someone at his age to be as sharp and to produce a work of such value is amazing. I saw him on CSPAN Booktv in an interview and he was as sharp as anyone even at his age. The insights he gives are truly stunning. He is at his best up until the death of JFK where he makes you almost wonder if JFK's presidential election could have happened without Sorenson at his side. He deals openly with the Profiles In Courage Issue and settles that once and for all. That someone from such an obscure background could meld so wonderfully with a person who was virtually an American Prince says something great about America. The book is well written clear and sharp. You will have trouble putting it down and it seems as though your living history when reading this book as you are with someone who created the Camelot Era.Book Review: 82 & Counting
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most moving, realistic depiction of JFK I have ever seen. Many will forever rant and rave over his personal peccadillos, but this man was a leader. His speech at American University, which was his way of dealing with Soviet & American feelings about nuclear war included the following. "For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet; we all breathe the same air; we all cherish our children's future; and we are all mortal." I heard that speech as a young man. I am now 82 and it still rings in my ears. I was raised an avid republican, but I am proud to have helped vote him into office. His like hasn't been seen since.Book Review: This history was part of my life
Summary: 5 Stars
Ted Sorensen's narrative about his association with JFK , throughout his days as Senator, his run for the presidency and his short time as president, brought back many memories. This book changed my opinion of President Kennedy. I have a new found respect for JFK that hadn't existed before reading this.
Sorensen was on the scene when the Bay of Pigs happened. The Cuban missile crisis, and many other major crisies of the times. It was very interesting to relive these situations from the inside.