20th Anniversary -- THE KENNEDYS: America's Emerald Kings by Thomas Maier

The Kennedy saga begins with Patrick Kennedy’s arrival in the Brahmin world of Boston in 1848, a journey emblematic of the Irish immigrant experience. Patrick’s determination and resilience laid the foundation for a family that would come to symbolize both the triumphs and tribulations of the American Dream. His descendants, particularly Joe Kennedy, would navigate the complex social and political landscapes of their time, shedding the brogues of their heritage to ascend the echelons of American society. Joe’s ambition and strategic acumen transformed the Kennedys into a political dynasty, yet their Irish Catholic roots remained a defining, if often understated, influence on their public and private lives. John F. Kennedy’s presidency marked the zenith of the family’s political influence, a period when the Kennedys’ blend of charisma, intellect, and idealism captivated the nation. JFK’s pioneering campaign as the first Roman Catholic president was not just a political milestone but a cultural one, reflecting the broader narrative of Irish Catholic integration into American society. His administration’s support for civil rights and social justice echoed the values instilled by his immigrant forebears, even as the family grappled with the personal and public pressures of their elevated status. The Kennedy legacy is also a story of profound personal loss and resilience. From Joe Kennedy’s heartbreak over the deaths of his sons, Joe Jr. and JFK, to the tragic assassinations of Robert and John F. Kennedy, the family’s narrative is interwoven with themes of sacrifice and endurance. Despite these tragedies, the Kennedys’ commitment to public service and their ability to inspire successive generations remain undiminished. Their story, as Thomas Maier illustrates, is not just one of political ambition but of a family’s enduring quest to reconcile their immigrant past with their American present.