John F. Kennedy is without doubt one of the most famous people in US history. His charisma and strong leadership, as well as his tragic death by assassination has spawned countless books and biographies.
Of course, as is the case with many famous people, we can’t always be sure everything we read about them is true, especially with the information explosion on the Internet. So we hope that this booklist can help you separate fact from fiction.
Books About JFK to Know Him Better
If you want to learn more about this enigmatic character, take a look at some of these books we’ve curated for you.
1. Dallas ’63 by Peter Dale Scott
November 1963 in Dallas was a momentous time in history, when Lee Harvey Oswald shot down President John F. Kennedy. But somebody killed Oswald himself a short time later, stirring up speculation about more powerful men working behind the scenes. This book takes a look at these possible linkages behind the darkness in America.
2. Case Closed by Gerald Posner
This Pulitzer Price Finalist was hailed by the New York Times Book Review as the most compelling account of what transpired in Dallas, while also drawing a line between fact and fiction. The author draws from firsthand sources and plenty of interviews to build a powerful historical retelling, becoming one of the most trusted sources on that tragic assassination.
3. Assignment: Oswald by James P. Hosty and Thomas Hosty
Author James Hosty was a special agent who was already investigating Lee Harvey Oswald a full month before the November 1963 assassination. When the unthinkable happened, everyone else reacted and conjured up stories surrounding the president’s death, even pinning Hosty himself in several conspiracy stories.
4. CIA Rogues and the Killing of the Kennedys by Patrick Nolan and Henry Lee
In the midst of corruption allegations, Patrick Nolan investigated the potential involvement of the CIA in the assassination of the Kennedy brothers, President John and Senator Robert. He draws on the research of the top forensic scientists, scholars, and historians, and revisits the information circulating about Lee Harvey Oswald.
5. “Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye” by Kenneth P. O’Donnell and David F. Powers
Many of us only know John F. Kennedy for his political career. But who really knew the private life of this man? Thankfully, authors Kenneth O’Donnell and David Powers, both insiders in the White House, were considered JFK’s closest friends, part of the inner circle dubbed the “Irish Mafia.” In this book, the two men share memories of JFK, giving us an intimate glimpse into the man that he was.
6. John F. Kennedy and PT-109 by Richard Tregaskis
Instead of focusing on his 1963 assassination, this book takes a look at Lt. John F. Kennedy’s failure as first command of the US Navy PT-109 torpedo boat during World War II. Yet, after the disaster at the hands of the Japanese in the waters near the Solomon Islands, the privileged son of Boston tycoon Kennedy showed unusual stamina, leadership, and courage in leading his crew to safety.
7. Bulletins from Dallas: Reporting the JFK Assassination by Bill Sanderson
Bill Sanderson is a veteran news reporter. Drawing from the Pulitzer Prize scoop written by Merriman Smith, who told the first and clearest account of the assassination when it happened, Sanderson takes a look at how Smith beat the competition for the story, but how his biggest news story actually foreshadowed his later downfall.
8. Conversations with Kennedy by Benjamin C. Bradlee
In this book, legendary reporter Benjamin Bradlee shares his own account of intimate conversations he had with JFK, as his friend and confidante. Bradlee’s close friendship and professional relationship with the president gives us a unique look at JFK as an idealist, an American leader, and a values-driven man.
9. Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy
What better way to get to know a person but to read his own writing? This classic shares JFK’s timeless lessons on the virtues we most value as a nation, patriotism and courage, and inspires us to live up to the standards of the American spirit.
10. JFK: A Vision for America by Stephen Kennedy Smith and Douglas Brinkley
Here is another book where you can look at JFK’s own words: his speeches. This book compiles his most brilliant and important public addresses, with reflections and commentary by famous figures in America and around the world, including the likes of David McCullough, and even the Dalai Lama.
Discerning Fact from Fiction About JFK
In the midst of all the conspiracy theories and speculations, it’s always best to use critical thinking in discerning fact from fiction. This is especially important when reading about famous figures like John F. Kennedy.
However, if you like conspiracy theories or alternate histories, we also have book lists for those kinds of stories. To each his own, I suppose?
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
