Kathy McKeonBesprekingen

In 1964 Kathy McKeon went to a job interview at a luxury apartment on 5th Avenue, New York. Instead of a difficult interview she spent some time time a young boy, John, and his dog. His mother was charmed by how well Kathy and John got on, and immediately hired Kathy to work to her. The mother was Jacqueline Kennedy. In Jackie’s Girl, Kathy writes about the years (1964 – 1976) that she spent with Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis and her children. They developed a close relationship and Kathy was there for the milestones that happened during these years.

Jacqueline Kennedy comes across as a caring mother and someone who was very good to work for. If you were let into her inner circle, her kindness and generosity ensured that you felt part of the “family”. This isn’t a tell-all book that exposes scandals and secrets but it is the story of a young Irish girl who is hired to clean, mend and look after Jackie’s clothes and to fill in for the governess yet finds herself establishing a friendship that would last a lifetime. You can still get a sense of how protective Ms. McKeon is toward the Kennedys but overall this is a pleasant memoir filled with interesting anecdotes.½

(30) Hmm. How did I get sucked into this? This was the type of book I used to avoid like the plague. I guess my new non-fiction kick has almost given me permission to read what I think would be interesting memoirs. Coupled with an enticing display at Barnes and Nobles with editor's picks, and here we are. Very simply written memoir of a governess/personal assistant to Jackie O. from shortly after JFK's assassination until after her marriage to Onassis. Kath cared for John and Caroline and took care of Jackie's wardrobe and personal errands. Jackie and the children went to Kath's wedding. The author was a dirt poor Irish girl who moved here to try to make a go of it with other emigre relatives and became 'the help' to the Kennedys based on a fortuitous connection.

Interesting that the author says she was hardly literate and ultimately became a housewife so it seems unbelievable to me that she wrote this - despite the straightforward, uninspiring story-telling. I have to believe there are better Kennedy memoirs out there than this - but, it was easy reading. Of course, I loved the middle with the lovely photographs and grieved again for John Kennedy, Jr as his was the only Kennedy death that I bore witness to in my lifetime.

The author did succeed in capturing the air of the elegant ideal woman of the time though. I caught glimpses of my paternal grandmother who I think must have meant to emulate Jackie O. I am left with a wistfulness and nostalgia for a time long gone. So a perfectly fine memoir, but certainly forgettable.

Jackie's Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family is a touching read. I admit I am a sucker for books about Jackie Kennedy but this book is from a different perspective than any of the others I have read and I have read many. The author, Kathy McKeon, was Jackie's personal assistant for many years and sometimes the governess for the children. Jackie's comes off very well. She is generous, caring and considerate of her staff, especially the personal intimate staff. Kathy was nineteen just in the U.S. from Ireland when Jackie hired her. Jackie became very close to her and generous with her. She gave her a round trip ticket to Ireland every year and gave her many things over the years. She furnished her apartment when Kathy and Seamus married. Jackie never stopped giving her and treated her like a friend which she was. If you are into Jackiemania then I urge you to read this book.

In 1964, Kathy McKeon was just twenty years old and newly arrived from Ireland when she was hired as former first lady Jackie Kennedy s personal assistant. The next thirteen years of her life were spent in her service. Known as "Jackie's girl", to the Kennedy family, she played a crucial role in raising young Caroline and John, Jr. although she was not their Nanny. Jackie Kennedy depended on and trusted Kathy with personal tasks, her children and her privacy. Being very loyal to the family this account is heartwarming and endearing but honest about the frustrations and problems of being the girl at Jackie's beck and call. McKeon always referred to Jackie as, Madam, but became a mentor to Kathy almost like her big sister even attending her wedding. McKeon's admiration for Jackie, her love for the children and enjoyment of the entire Kennedy family is a rare refreshing look inside the lives of this famous family without the gossip and scandal. Kathy McKeon waited 50 years to write her memoir and this is a book worth reading.

Jackie's Girl is a highly enjoyable memoir by the endearing and irreverent Kathy McKeon. Although the title might make it seem that it solely revolves around her life with Kennedy, it is actually an encompassing tale of the incredible life of an immigrant who achieved the American dream. Kathy's story is enthralling. and her journey is one that you would want to join through her words.

I received an advanced reading copy of Jackie's Girl in exchange of an honest review through Goodreads.

Kathy Mckeon has written an unusualy honest, and open book about her years as a member of the Kennedy household. Because of her unique position as the kids quasi-governess and Jackie's assistan,t she has an insight that others never had.....and if they did they were not willing to tell truths both good and not so good....
This is her memoir- starting with her life in Ireland, followed by immigration to the U.S. with her sister, and ultimately the many years spent as queen of camelots right hand girl!

Jackie’s Girl by Kathy McKeon is a 2017 Gallery Books publication.

Where were you when it happened?

This question lingered for five years, then ten, then fifty…

This is a memoir, so up front you should know this book is about Kathy McKeon’s life first and foremost, and what an interesting life it has been.

I usually approach books like this one with extreme caution. A famous person's name attached to a personal memoir could be nothing more than a way to quickly cash in, and those sorts of books are often shallow and poorly written.

However, I had a good feeling about this one, and of course, like many other people out there I loved and admired Jackie Kennedy, and was pulled in by the opportunity to witness a side of her few were privy to.

Kathy immigrated to the United States from Ireland and while still a very young woman, landed a job working for the former first lady of the United States.

I really enjoyed this insider look at Jackie's life behind closed doors, which only solidified her image of grace and dignity, but also shows her remarkable kindness and patience.

Kathy has a very funny, upbeat, and personable voice, often filled with wry wit and humor. Her personal life outside of work is detailed along with her working relationship with other members of Jackie’s staff, and Jackie’s children, with whom she kept a long running relationship.

There are hilarious anecdotes, poignant moments of tragedy, all told with heartfelt honesty. Kathy regales us with stories from her childhood, her adjustment to a new country, a few rare moments of rebelliousness and minor rule breaking, and how she juggled a home life with her very demanding occupation.

There is a tiny ‘upstairs/downstairs’ atmosphere present, but the lines are often blurred. I picked up on a real and honest admiration that Kathy had for Jackie and think Jackie felt the same way about Kathy. The pair had a bond that went beyond employer and employee that was truly special.

It was no wonder that friends and relatives of Jackie referred to her as ‘Jackie’s Girl”.

Kathy’s job was demanding and on occasion she complained or mentioned a few moments of personal sacrifice she had to endure because her duties to Jackie took precedence.

Just reading over the vast history Kathy witnessed up close and personal is fascinating, to see first hand the reactions and emotions to these events as experienced by the Kennedy family is enlightening.

Kathy lived through some amazing times, met some of the most powerful, wealthy, and influential people in the country, as well a few celebrities. She traveled, and experienced life from an incredible viewpoint.

But, what sticks out most in my mind were the light hearted moments where Kathy brings Jackie to life again and paints her in a whole new light. I wish I could have seen Jackie laughing out loud, letting her hair down, and enjoying a few moments of genuine pleasure, and I think Kathy played a big role in that.

By the same token, Jackie took Kathy under her wing, smoothing out her rougher edges, sharing and passing on her polish and grace to Kathy, who blossomed and matured into an incredibly loyal companion, confidante and close personal friend of the Kennedy family.

This is a very unique and interesting memoir, told with class, tinged with both sadness and humor, but mostly it’s wrapped in warm heartfelt memories.