An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

A history lesson of the 1960s in American politics. Drawn from personal knowledge and experience, of both DKG and her late husband Richard (Dick) Goodwin. It was hard to put down.I learned a lot more about Presidents Kennedy and Johnson than I expected, all with writing style that keeps the story moving forward and entertaining.

An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin – 5 StarsAn Unfinished Love Story is an absolute masterpiece that blends history, personal reflection, and a deeply moving love story into a single compelling narrative. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite books of 2025!I’ve been an admirer of Doris Kearns Goodwin for years. I had the incredible privilege of meeting her at the Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois, during an event for her brilliant book Team of Rivals. That signed first edition has a special place in my library. But let’s get to the real magic of this latest work.I received a signed copy of An Unfinished Love Story from my wonderful wife for Christmas, and I’ll admit, it sat on my shelf for a while as I immersed myself in Roman history and philosophy texts. But when I finally started listening to the Audible version a few weeks ago, I was completely captivated. The addition of original recordings of speeches from JFK, Bobby Kennedy, and LBJ makes the book feel even more alive, especially since Doris’s husband, Dick Goodwin, was such a significant behind-the-scenes figure in those political circles. He crafted speeches for presidents, advised Bobby Kennedy, and even met with Che Guevara! There are so many historical gems scattered throughout this book—it’s a history lover’s dream.But what makes this book so special isn’t just the historical context; it’s the personal story of Doris and Dick’s life together. An Unfinished Love Story is a beautifully intimate account of their years spent sifting through old boxes of memories, trying to make sense of the love and legacy they built together. Doris Kearns Goodwin’s storytelling is nothing short of magical—her attention to detail, her ability to weave together significant historical events with personal anecdotes, and her emotional depth make this book unforgettable.I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The book covers everything from the civil rights movement to US relations with Latin America. It’s an inspiring and emotional journey, filled with beautiful stories of public service, personal sacrifice, and, of course, love.In the end, this is more than just a history book or a memoir. It’s a celebration of life, love, and history as seen through the eyes of two extraordinary people. If you’re a fan of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s work or simply someone who appreciates a well-told, heartfelt story, you need to read this book.

Do you love history? Have a fascination with the 60s? The Kennedys? LBJ? DKG's stories are remarkable, and this book is unlike any other because she’s combined her vast knowledge as an historian along with heaps of cool facts about her remarkable, brilliant husband Dick Goodwin’s illustrious career and pivotal role he played as a presidential speechwriter and political advisor as they unearthed hundreds of letters, journals, memos, (more than 300 boxes that had been in storage and they only started going through them before he died).A trusted member of JFK’s campaign as a speechwriter and later assistant special counsel on Latin American affairs under the president, a close friend of Jackie and Bobby’s too, to LBJ he became indispensable, once again an instrumental speechwriter and special assistant to the president and an integral part of the civil rights movement. The speeches Goodwin wrote for both presidents moved a nation, to belief, action, the creation of programs, that Kennedy dreamt of, and Johnson implemented. And all that doesn’t even include everything he did that led to his professional career. ​As the title says, it’s a love story rolled up in history, with some of the most interesting facts, intimate tales of relationships formed in his (and her) early days in D.C., what they witnessed up close and personal, the words he wrote, which had a profound impact on the American people from the evolution of the Peace Corps to the signing of the Voting Rights Act. To think, this was all tucked away in storage. Eloquently told with wit, charm, with the dazzle that only Ms. Kearns Goodwin can deliver.

Awesome Book!!! The history of the way things truly were in the 1960s. Great photos. Doris Kerns writes with passion and truth. If you love history and facts, she has it here.Sharing stories along with her husband as they saw things first-hand. Enjoyable, funny and heartbreaking at times. Takes you back in time with some of the greatest leaders this country has ever known. Some stories will bring back memories and others with tears. A must read!

The author, a historian, and her husband worked in the White House under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.I found it very interesting reading about those two Administrations.

Doris Kearns has always been a fantastic writer with a gifted pen. This book is the perfect subject, which is the history of the 1960s in America in which her beloved and slightly older husband Dick Goodwin played a Zelig-like part as speechwriter to JFK, LBJ and RFK. Goodwin’s words are stirring in many many speeches, as the book leaves you inspired by the words of true idealistic leaders, as well as saddened by tragic and early deaths and the loss of what might have been. A political tear-jerker!