A Question of Character : A Life of John F Kennedy Hardcover – May 1, 1991

This book tells the life story of John F. Kennedy (JFK) in a no-holds-barred yet highly readable style. In doing so, it presents a man that many readers may find difficult to like. For, there appear to be two JFKs: the ‘public’ man --- the wounded war hero; strong, well-read and far-seeing intellectual; Pulitzer Prize winning author; caring husband and gifted orator --- and the ‘private’ JFK --- the sickly man who lied about his war service and his supposed wounds; who had no political philosophy and cared only about his own hedonistic sexual pleasures; who shared a mistress and consorted with the head of Chicago’s underworld syndicate, and who used lies, distortions, duplicity, dishonesty, and ruthless power, all wrapped up in a sham marriage, to create the political image which propelled him to the presidency. It’s not a pretty story but it is one well worth reading, especially if you fell for the ‘Camelot’ myth.I bought this book largely because of its intriguing title. For I’d never seen or heard the word ‘Character’ used in association with the Kennedys. So, I simply had to know what this book’s author was implying. I must say, however, that my view of the Kennedys, at the time, was somewhat jaded. For, back in 2006 I’d read a biography of JFK’s father --- ‘Joseph P. Kennedy: The Mogul, the Mob, the Statesman, and the Making of an American Myth’ --- after which I concluded that Joe Kennedy had to be the poorest excuse for a human being I’d ever read about. Unfortunately, the low esteem with which I held Joe Kennedy, the Kennedys in general, and JFK in particular, was only reinforced by this book.For, Joe Kennedy raised his sons in his own image. And as a result, just like their father, the sons all proved to be amoral, lecherous, ruthless, and driven to ‘win’ no matter how or what it took to do so. And, as you will discover in this book, Joe’s ultimate goal was for his eldest son to be president of the United States no matter what the cost (and, of course, for that son to be just like him). And, as we all know, he succeeded swimmingly.One last note: In the book’s final chapter, the author makes a startling observation. He states that so many people, both in and out of the media, had been covering up for JFK for so long that there is a high probability that if JFK hadn’t been assassinated and had been re-elected; his reckless, lecherous, and nefarious behavior very-well might have come to light, causing him to be impeached.Bottom line: This is a great book. I hope you read and enjoy it. For the myth of Camelot has gone on long enough.

this topic is hot in 2025 - excellent author, expert researcher, a great professional to learn from - Professor Reeves is a jewel

Wow, heavy allegations that go straight to the core character of the man like nothing I ever heard before. There's been so much written and said about him, but very little of this book made the rounds - not the rounds I'm privy to anyway. The sources seem reliable - I'm familiar with stories of his Superman-like libido - but there were other unusual stories too

Written by a one-time believer in the Kennedy "Camelot" myth, this book explodes the legend of JFK as a great man and great president. The author had heard the rumors of Kennedy's "womanizinng" and as a historian undertook to learn the truth, and the truth of the extent of the lechery that went on in the Kennedy White House astonished him. The facts he shares in his book raise important questions about the way we select our leaders, and the role of the media in covering those they want to choose for us.

Due the tragic end of his presidency, it is difficult to find a bio that attempts to address President Kennedy objectively. This book does. The author praises and criticizes based on facts. Well written.

Finally an objective look at the conflicted, overrated, misunderstood life and times of one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. Thank you Mr. Reeves for setting the record straight and doing away with the foolish "Camelot" hype.

Good book: important points for an over-rated president who disrepected the presidency, like several since...

the dust cover was yellowing at the edges & 3/4ths of the way through the book the color of the pages changed from white pages to entirely grayish colored pages. Very strange. Otherwise, it looked like a new book.