the setup… Retired Secret Service Agent Clint Hill served under several presidents from Eisenhower to Ford but his most notable time was when he was pathe setup… Retired Secret Service Agent Clint Hill served under several presidents from Eisenhower to Ford but his most notable time was when he was part of the protection detail for the Kennedy family. He was assigned specifically to Mrs. Kennedy and was there in Dallas. He’s the agent in that iconic photo climbing across the rear of the car carrying the Kennedys, with Jacqueline Kennedy reaching in his direction. Some nearly sixty years later, Hill comes across a steamer trunk when he’s preparing to sell his Alexandria, Virginia home. In it are a treasure trove of photos and other mementos from his years of travel with Mrs. Kennedy, unleashing long forgotten memories of a very special time in his life and career.
the heart of the story… I’m old enough to remember that time when the Kennedys were in the White House. Though I was very young, even I was enamored of Jacqueline Kennedy. I didn’t know how Hill would characterize her and was thoroughly surprised that he provided great insights into a woman I thought I already knew. She was known for her grace and style but Hill emphasizes her tremendous value as a diplomatic asset not only for the administration abroad but her influence on domestic policy. There are golden nuggets of history here that amazed me. But equally importantly was the obvious affection and respect between Mrs. Kennedy and Hill. This isn’t an expose, more an honorable tribute to a woman of substance.
the narration… Hill narrates his own story and you can hear the emotion behind each passage. I found it important to get these memories in his voice. It makes a difference.
the bottom line… I was unprepared to learn anything of importance about Jacqueline Kennedy so this turned out to be an extremely wonderful listening experience. I didn’t know about her travels to India, Morroco and Pakistan, nor was I aware of what she accomplished on behalf of the United States during those trips abroad. Hill also shares a unique perspective about her life following the President’s assassination, offering a view into the decisions she later made for her family. I’m glad I ignored my initial feeling that there wasn’t much more I could learn about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and gave this book a try. Many thanks to Clint Hill for not only his service but for his tender memories about the woman he always called Mrs. Kennedy and his impact on her legacy. 4.5 stars
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