What sets author Bill O'Reilly's recount in Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot apart from the immense, and growing, body of work on Kennedy's assassination? For me it is the author's tone and ability to bring the events focused in reality. The sad truth of JFK's short life. The human story in a Camelot world. A reminder of his charisma felt by many around the world. Such a tragedy.
I'm also made aware that across all the years since this tragedy, politics has not changed. No decision is made simply on it's own merit. Personal and global events always play a role - for good or evil. Politicians are always strategizing their next move, next decision, next choice, against the background of their past and future hopes. It's part of politics that so frustrates us who simply wish for a clean answer, the right decision.
I'm also impressed by another aspect of Bill O'Reilly's work - his bibliography. Mind you, this is no research paper, teacher expected, perfectly formatted MLA or APA bib! It, too, is a narrative and that makes it very readable and so much a continuation of the book. I immediately placed holds at my public library on other titles the authors found most helpful in their research. I found online videos of important speeches and coverage described as insightful. By the way, I also did that while reading the book... when Mr. O'Reilly mentioned an important figure in the Kennedy circle, I searched online for a photo or an updated biography of the person. One in particular was Marina Oswald, the widow of Kennedy's assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, who lives a private life and works as a pharmacist.
Keep your online device at hand while you enjoy Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm
