The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Written by Caroline Kennedy

Narrated by Caroline Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy, Viola Davis and 6 more

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis loved literature, especially poetry. "Once you can express yourself," she wrote, "you can tell the world what you want from it...All the changes in the world, for good or evil, were first brought about by words". Now, Caroline Kennedy shares her mother's favorite poems and the inspiration behind her strong belief in the power of literature.
The poems presented span centuries and include works by such renowned authors as Langston Hughes, William Shakespeare, Homer, W.B. Yeats, Emily Dickinson, E.E. Cummings, and Robert Frost. This volume also includes poems by Jacqueline Kennedy. Illustrated with photographs of the Kennedy family, and illuminated by Caroline's reflections on her mother's life and work. A wonderful volume for reading aloud or by yourself, a meaningful gift or keepsake, this book offers an intimate view of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' world, and a poignant glimpse into her heart.
This audiobook includes a special reading by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Robert Frost reading "The Gift Outright" at the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Feb 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781478905295

Reviews for The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

[bcrowl399 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love the poems that were selected. I thought so highly of Jackie Kennedy and her daughter Caroline.

[sallylou61 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This poetry anthology was disappointing since Ms. Kennedy did not identify any of the authors, provide any biographical information about them or the dates of the poems. Moreover, poems by many poets were included in different sections, and since there is no index, there is no easy way to find all the poems of a particular poet. Ms. Kennedy did write short introductions to each section, including information about her family and the value of poetry to them. Although I enjoyed some of the poems, as a whole I found Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's favorite poems not very inspiring.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Collected and Introduced by Caroline Kennedy, this is a lovely collection of poetry. What makes the collection even more enjoyable to read are the tidbits of insight shared by Caroline about life with her oh so literate mother and father, from memorizing poems for their Daddy to Jacqueline's excitement in organizing an evening of poetry at the White House to the family tradition of writing or selecting a poem for their mother's birthday, Mother's Day, etc. Some classics, some sonnets, some historic moments. Very nice!

[marliesd_4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really lovely book to give as a gift to a child or poetry lover and nice to dip into again and again.

[madamepince · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The introduction by Caroline Kennedy, describing the importance of poetry to her mother and the role literature played in their lives, is worth the price of the book. She describes being taught to recite poems at a young age as gifts to her father, as my father did when I was a child, too. Something magical happens when parents and children share books together. It creates a bond of memories and affection that lasts a lifetime.

[texicanwife_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thoughtful compilation of the best-loved poems of the woman who will always be remembered as America's First Lady. Setting a precedence that none have matched since, Jackie Kennedy Onassis was well-known for her love of literature and poetry.
Loving tributes by her daughter are set before seven dinstinct sections of poetry: America; FirstPoems; Adventure; Escape; Romance and Love; Reflection; and In Her Own Words, poems written by Jackie O. herself.
This a truly a work of art that you will read, re-read, and read yet again. Destined to become a book well-worn.

[realbigcat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Caroline Kennedy plays great tribute to her mother by putting together a collection of the greatest poems ever written. Jackie O's love of literature shines through. I very much enjoyed reading and rereading many of these classics. The book stresses throughout how much Jackie exposed her children to poetry from their youngest ages developing in them a love for poetry as well. This is a great book to read or give as a gift.

[lehack · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite poetry books. Caroline Kennedy has included some poems written by her mother.

[wanderingwatki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I grew up fascinated with the Kennedy family, so I was thrilled when my mother-in-law gave Emma a copy of Jackie O's favorite poems on her first day of pre-K. Compiled by her daughter, Caroline the poems are housed in sections: America, First Poems, Adventure, Escape, Romance and Love, Reflection, and In Her Own Words (poems written by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis). Each section is introduced by Caroline.