Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History by Ted Sorensen
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Book Reviews of Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History
Book Review: Parts worth reading
Summary: 2 Stars
By and large, this book was honestly a disappointment. There are some redeeming qualities to the book: Sorenson is undoubtedly a very intelligent man, he provides excellent insight into JFK's decision-making (equipped with interesting anecdotes) and, as another reader mentioned, offers an interesting commentary in part 3 of the book. However, this book can be discredited on the premise that it is overwrought with self-serving, egotistical drivel.
I am already wary of books of this nature that claim 'fame by association.' The first 100 pages are entirely autobiographical and frankly not worth the read as they simply serve to depict Sorensen as a liberal. Additionally, too much of the book is overly-pedantic including a holier-than-thou quasi-condemnation of Kennedy's extramarital affairs and a truly unreal series of self-aggrandizing comparisons on page 136 that assert Sorensen's role as a speech-writer amongst the likes of Seward, Twain and even Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln!
While the notes on the Kennedy years are poignant and Sorensen is a gifted speechwriter and intellectual, I feel that this book overstates his importance. Furthermore, I am constantly reminded of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" throughout the entire book with regards to Sorensen's infatuation with, and sometimes exclusion from, Kennedy's life.
Bottom Line: Skip the first 100 pages and take the rest with a grain of salt.
Book Review: On the 8th Day Sorensen Created God
Summary: 2 Stars
What a disappointment. There is lots of interesting material here but it is so saturated with Sorenson's towering ego that I found it hard to finish. He takes credit for nearly everything and blame for very little.
At one point he describes one of his adversaries as not liking him much - and I remember thinking at the time it's because you're an arrogant, self centered person and I wouldn't want to work with you either.
Surprisingly - he takes on a new skin at the end of the book when he discusses his personal health issues and his aspirations and expectations for America as a country. That part was a good read.