Mrs. Kennedy and Me

For many of us boomers, the Kennedys were our country's royalty and the assassination of President Kennedy was a major milestone in our lives. Although we know more about their "feet of clay" than we did then, the Kennedys still shine brightly for so many of us, and not one of them shines brighter than does Jackie. Ten years old when the Kennedys came to the White House and 13 when President Kennedy was killed, those times left indeligble images and a huge tremendous impact on my life. The result is that this book should appeal to many. If you love and revere Mrs. Kennedy, this book will more than satisfy this interest - and not in a salacious, gossipy way. Her story is told by someone who knew her, but by the job description itself remained as objective as humanly possible. Mr. Hill's stories of the family bring depth and more color to these people whose images are so familiar. I particularly loved his descriptions and anecdotes about the children. And of course, I loved his observations about the relationship between Jackie and her husband. The book also appeals to those for whom the assassination of President Kennedy remains a watershed event. I've read the books, watched the movies and have bought scores of documentaries on this subject. I've watched the Zapruder footage and wondered how could it have happened and how did it happen? Mr. Hill describes something only less than a handful could know: what it was really like to be there. Sometimes it was very painful to read, but with Mr. Hill more than any other author on the subject/s, I trusted what I was reading. Last Sunday night, 4/14/2012, CBS did a retrospective on the late Mike Wallace and there near the end was a piece of an interview he did in the late 60's with Clint Hill. Those years later, Mr. Hill was still in intense pain and grief, and suffering from immeasurable guilt over the events on that November day in Dallas. I had just finished reading his book and seeing him so raw was quite powerful. I think time has brought him bit of relief, at least I hope it has. I am so grateful he wrote this book, to give his perspective and to tell us his truths about these people he knew and later, the events of THAT DAY. He relates these things true to the oath he took so many years ago. He tells them with clarity, with objectivity and honesty and most of all with with a great deal of heart. This is more than one man's memoir; this is our history.

Even as a fan of Hill's book on the Kennedy assassination, I delayed reading this book. Mrs. kennedy was an icon to many and I admired her, so wasn't sure if I really wanted to read a bit of an insiders look at her life, albeit from one taxed with guarding her. Hill's actions on that infamous day in Dallas as he scrambled to push Mrs. Kennedy back into the relative safety of the back seat of their limo after her husband's assassination is an image forever burned into our collective American memory. I guess, in all honesty, I didn't want to be let down, hence the delay until a friend told me to just read it, that I'd love it. Know what, that friend was right. Seeing not just Mrs. Kennedy but the entire Kennedy family through the eyes of one of their Secret Service agents was thought provoking. It also gave me an added appreciation for the job of the agents. Hill was away from his own growing family far more than with them, not to mention faced with finding ways to make things happen that he wasn't familiar with. His segments on learning to water ski because Mrs. Kennedy loved to water ski and wished he knew how, was both humorous and insightful. True, that willingness and ability to learn didn't extend as far as fox hunting, another passion of Mrs. Kennedy, but shows how adaptable and willing agents had to be to meet the needs of their charges. I won't reveal many details here, I'm sure their discussed elsewhere, but it was seeing those involved as humans, not the all-powerful President of the United States, but a young man with a wife and family that was the best aspect of this book for me. I do have to admit, that Hill's own rather stoic acceptance of the demands his job put on his personal life were revealing, too, making me ponder what today's agents have given up to guard the current president. These were all people and Hill captures that aspect. One of the memories that sticks with me is one that delves into the human aspect as Hill details a very special meal brought personally by the President to the agents on duty. Bottom line, if you have an interest in history, the Kennedy's, and how history impacted these very human souls, you should read this book. It's an easy read, told as if Clint Hill were sitting at your kitchen table telling it, and is nicely illustrated. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read his more recent book soon.

I watched a recent TV interview with Mr. Hill, and I was reading the book a matter of minutes later. Long live the Kindle! I found the book to be a very interesting look at the "inside" of the Kennedy Administration, and it was a lively and entertaining read. I honestly came away most impressed with Mr. Hill himself, whose dedication to his work, and his unfailing loyalty to his charge, the First Lady of the United States, was both touching and admirable. Around the middle of the book, I began to sense that there was one role that Mrs. Kennedy seemed almost instictively to resist during those nearly 4 years: a high-profile role as First Lady of the United State. Page after page, Mr. Hill seemed endlessly to be preparing for Mrs. Kennedy's next escape from the White House. Whether it was to ride in Virginia's horse country, or leave for the next family vacation or retreat, or to embark on her next solo foreign adventure, she appeared consumed with guarding her privacy, and pursuing more of her many personal pleasures and hobbies. It would be interesting for a historian to tally up what portion of the time she spent at the White House, versus her absences. Mr. Hill explained that the President and his wife maintained something like 6 or 7 different "homes" (some rented, some borrowed, some owned) in the US which they regularly frequented, in the Virginia countryside outside DC, in and around Hyannis Port, in and around Palm Beach Florida, and in New York City. The routine seemed to be for the President to pop in and out of these getaway locations, while Mrs. Kennedy spent far more extensive time there, then he did. Even in the months leading up the tragic events of November 1963, she'd turned her attention to building a brand new home on suitable equestrian lands in the Middleburg, Virginia area, and just an hour's drive from the White House. This came at a time when she and President Kennedy obviously aimed at being America's First Family for an additional 4 years to come. Another revelation to me was that she embarked on one of her private adventures just weeks after the Kennedy's had so sadly lost their infant son Patrick in August 1963. Not long after that trauma, she left with only her sister, and a few White House staffers (including Mr. Hill) to spend some weeks on vacation in Greece and Morocco. A striking aspect of that story is that much of her time on that trip was spent aboard the yacht of Aristotle Onassis, with Mr. Onassis joining that entourage. This was striking, to me, because it seems that one of the many "Camelot myths" long spun by Kennedy friends and allies related to this period of time. I read Mr. Manchester's "Death of a President" recently. He makes the point that it was highly unusual for Mrs. Kennedy to join the President on the November 1963 political trip to Texas. Manchester, and others, have painted a picture of a First Lady who made the trip to Dallas as her first real "coming out" after the devastating death of her son. In fact, she first vacationed abroad, and then returned to join her husband on the fateful Texas trip. I hastened to add that I don't find fault in any of Mrs. Kennedy's actions during her husband's presidency. After all, we assess and elect presidents (not potential First Ladies, or Gentlemen) and, once they take office, we expect full time work from those leaders, of course. But, the American people and history do judge First Ladies, as well. That's natural. The Kennedy Presidency, and the Camelot stories about the man, myths and realities, will forever be intertwined...both fact and fiction. And, it appears to me that the same goes for First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

I was five years old when President Kennedy was shot, so I never really understood the awe people had towards Jackie Kennedy. Now, I know. Reading "Mrs. Kennedy and Me" has taught me to respect this lovely woman. I cannot put the book down. Clint Hill, called Mr. Hill, by Jackie and the children, shares some wonderful memories. Jackie insisted that the children call him Mr. Hill as a sign of respect and, of course, good manners. This theme is played throughout the book. Jackie comes across as a shy, warm, loving woman. She had the ability to make others feel comfortable. She also couldn't understand why people were so interested in seeing her. For example, Mr. Hill tried to take her shopping in Palm Beach, but as soon as people recognized her, she felt awkward and ill-at-ease. This happened everywhere she went all over the world. This was a woman who was better at one-on-one conversations. She spoke fluent French, was a fashion icon, an accomplished rider, a devoted mother, and, extremely well read and intelligent. (But, of course, you knew that.) The 26 chapters are short and almost a little story of their own. Included are black and white photos that add so much to the book. The inside-the-Secret-Service insight is fascinating. They protected the children and family without cell phones and the Internet. Each of the Kennedy's had a code name that began with the letter "L." Secret Service agents had code names, too. I am amazed at their dedication to their job. Mr. Hill spent many long days away from his wife and children living in hotels and getting little sleep while on duty. This is not a smut, tell-all book. It is the story of Mrs. Kennedy and Mr. Hill. It is their story and what a wonderful opportunity for us! As an adult, I, too, am in love with Jackie. What a class act! Read this book.

This book is the memoir of Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent assigned to Jacqueline Kennedy during the Kennedy administration. He's never told about his experiences publicly until this book--and it was well worth the wait. This is a beautifully written book and a wonderful tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy. It's not surprising that Kennedy seemed to prefer Hill over the other agents assigned to her. His earnestness and kindness towards her is evident throughout the book. He was insistent on giving her as much privacy and personal space as possible, something it was obvious she cherished having been abruptly thrown into the international spotlight. What's remarkable about this book is that among all the other tell-all type memoirs that have been written about the Kennedys, this one feels more personal and more intimate than any other, but does the family no injustice. There's been a million articles and books written describing the Kennedy assassination, but no account can compare to Hill's. And yet, it's clear he did not want to exploit this event for his own personal gain or to provide lurid details for a curious public. He admits that the events of that day haunted him through his entire life and his descriptions of interactions alongside Mrs. Kennedy throughout the day and the following weeks makes for a truly heartbreaking account. (If you've ever wondered who the agent was that jumped onto the back of the Presidential convertible after the shots were fired, that was Hill.) I found this book so refreshing and honest. It's not sensational, it's not exploitative--it's just straightforward and honest and actually quite beautiful.

To my surprise this book is a love story. Not a salacious inappropriate smut filled account, but rather one with stories of growth, fun times, laughter, dedication, respect! A story of sorrow and sadness that is uplifting because of caring and friendship. This book is a warm modern portrait the Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kennedy and their children from someone who was close to them with no axe to grind. Even the sad events are presented with compassion. There's a lot of love in this book. Secret Service Agent Clint Hill begins his association in late 1960 with the Kennedy administration in a fearful place. Fearful that after a couple of years of what he believed was success on President Eisenhower's detail, he's suddenly removed from the "main action" of protecting the president. Is this a demotion he bemoans? Like any macho Secret Service dude seeking to advance, Mr. Hill naturally dreads moving to the First Ladies detail with its potential daily doses of "fashion shows and the ballet." Yet, both loving his job and having a young family to support, Mr. Hill accepts his fate and reports to 3307 N Street, Georgetown, to meet (be approved by??!!) the young First Lady-elect (she's already rejected one perspective agent!!). Disappoint quickly turns to beguilement, as Clint Hill is thoroughly charmed and enchanted by this beautiful, fun, witty, intelligent, adventurous, sporty, irreverent and yeah, a bit of a spoiled rich girl (who knows how to get her way). Heck, he even learns to not mind the occasional fashion show (so long as it features the First Lady!), ballet in New York and even personally shopping for ladies apparel in Ravello, Itally!!!! Who woulda thunk it. No, I've not overdone it on the adjectives and yeah, this isn't your typical "Kennedy" bio. Mr. Hill doesn't criticize or attack, but showers his subject with affection. He and all the agents, because of the nature of their jobs, seemingly abandon their own lives and families in their service to the first family and all who they protect. One can see how the close private contact and the enormous amount of time spent away from the agent's loved ones can lead to feelings that are deeper and more personal towards the subject of their protection. Mr. Hill (and she's "Mrs. Kennedy - she adheres to proper address at all times) not only loves the First Lady, but he also very much cares for her husband and their children too. He just plain loves the Kennedy first family period - and says that despite what's been written, they were a loving and playful family. He even is amused by the extended Kennedy clan and their friends!! Mr. Hill doesn't portend to sell more books by detailing alleged unsavory dalliances and missteps. You will find no recollections or opinions about the first couple's sex life (apart from a remembrance about some suggestive art that the First Lady picks up in India...humorous not amorous). While Mr. Hill does mention a certain controversial birthday featuring a drunken female movie star and her singing, and he does hint at a certain rat pack crooners' rather inappropriate interest in Mrs. Kennedy's personal activities (this was new to me - and I've read at least 50 bios on the K's), Mr. Hill doesn't go further than what he truly knows to be true - which is that Mrs. Kennedy never shared her feelings about either. I felt his writing in this way showed not only respect for his subjects, but a certain truth missing in most other biographies that serve rumor as fact, and seem to relish ripping their subjects apart. Well, there's no ripping here. If one reads between the lines, here is a portrait of a woman who undoubtedly loves her place in life with her powerful, public servant, handsome husband (whatever his warts), and yet thrives on the one thing that is the antithesis of his job (and perhaps his entire being) - privacy. A lady who is tough and yet wears her vulnerabilities in "her espresso-colored eyes." A lady who claims to dislike the "fish bowl" existence inherent in the White House, yet secretly enjoys reading the gossip magazines featuring herself. Topics that Mr. Hill offers an accounting: Why Mrs. Kennedy spent so much time away from the White House (Mr. Hill says she spent about eight percent of her time AWAY from the White House during one time period in 1961). Mrs. Kennedy's various vacations and partying amongst the creme de la creme of the European social set without her husband (according to Mr. Hill, usually with her SISTER - and nothing out of line - except for the time she jumps in the sports car of a very, very young Greek Count who engages Mr. Hill and his fellow agents on a high speed chase...but that was about fun - not illicit romance). Onassis! I didn't know that President Kennedy felt so strongly about Mrs. Kennedy having nothing to do with Onassis as early as her visit to Greece in 1961!!! Mr. Hill felt very uneasy about the Greek tycoon. Despite the fun and adventures, in the end, this is a story about great pain, loss and sorrow. Also, about one man's journey to learning to forgive himself. This book is a great success for no other reason than its finally allowed Mr. Hill peace of mind.

Mrs. Kennedy and Me recounts Clint Hill's Secret Service assignment to protect Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy from November 1960 until Lyndon Johnson was elected in 1964. Written with dignity and respect, the book describes the challenges and rewards attached to guarding Mrs. Kennedy. The detail about Mrs. Kennedy's daily activities and overseas trips is extensive. Photos of her public and private life abound. Mr. Hill and co-author Lisa McCubbin write of her indomitable spirit, her coy humor and her grace. Hill clearly adored the whole Kennedy family and guarded them with diligence. He generously chronicles his time with Mrs. Kennedy. She was an expert equestrian, which forced him to find creative ways to protect her while riding. At one point, she mischievously bummed a cigarette off him while they were in a car out of the public eye. A lover of ballet, she teased him about his reaction to a performance she thought particularly moving. He describes her beautiful outfits for various state functions. Clothing was an important part of her image. American's adored her sense of style. She wanted to purchase some outfits while in Italy. Advising her against it, Hill found himself dispatched to women's boutiques with Mrs. Kennedy's shopping list. A Secret Service agent must problem-solve in situations we can't fathom: * Determining on the spot whether or not it was safe for Mrs. Kennedy to touch a baby elephant during a trip to India. * Safely transporting a horse gifted to Mrs. Kennedy by Pakistani President Ayub back to the United States. * Keeping Presidential moments private while maintaining adequate protection for the family. Mrs. Kennedy valued her privacy and wanted her children to have a normal life. Much of her time was spent away from the White House. Although this meant Mr. Hill would see his wife and children less, he never complained. It was simply part of the job. If you are looking for rumors and bits of scandal supposedly tied to the Kennedy Administration, look elsewhere. Wanting to bring a balance to salacious gossip about that time and negative stories of the Secret Service's response to the President's assassination, Mr. Hill breaks his fifty-year silence. The memoir is a positive and honest assessment of the joys and tests he met as an agent. The memoir overflows with respect for the Kennedy family. Hill writes eloquently about the depression and guilt he suffered because he felt he didn't move quickly enough to take the bullets that struck President Kennedy on that fateful day in November of 1963. The author of this memoir is a consummate gentleman who humbly went about his duties. He was at that time, perhaps, Mrs. Kennedy's closest friend. In Mr. Hill's own words, "What started out as uncertainty for both Mrs. Kennedy and me, had turned into a comfortable and enjoyable working relationship based on mutual trust and respect." Readers, you will be moved by this personal tribute to an unforgettable First Lady. I highly recommend Mrs. Kennedy and Me. Article first published as Book Review: Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin on Blogcritics.

Excellent writing, compelling and fascinating story. The Kennedy history for the most part has been the story of how a culture deals with an overwhelming tragedy - by diverting historicity into the hysterical/nonsensical and ridiculous, by people with no credibility other than their self-evident participation in this cultural tide. Mr Hill, by his own story and the story told in this book and 'the Kennedy Detail' reveals history in its original form, told by someone who was there. His long silence poignantly underscores his integrity. Nearly 50 years on; America, and the world, is lucky - the man who has carried the burden of the indiscriminate hand of history more than anyone else, has opened up. While reading this I realised I am the same age (28) as Mr Hill when he first met Mrs Kennedy in November 1960. Born long after the events of that time. I have yet to meet anyone who is specifically interested in this period of American history who does not assert to me the vast and intricate web of 'conspiracy' that exist/s/(ed). It is embarrassing to have to listen to these things. Further, any output I find online by Mr Hill & Lisa McCubbin is hounded by some verbose and annoying individual proclaiming to be the 'leading expert on JFK', Mr 'Palaver' - go away. You are as stupid as you look, stop trying to associate your name with those who's worth history will recall. You lower the tone of this review, and I don't appreciate it. With that said. Thank-you, Mr Hill. I understand you wanted to be a history teacher before you became a Secret service agent, that you undoubtedly are. ******