The Kennedy Heirs

The Kennedy Heirs

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes The Kennedy Heirs , his most revealing Kennedy book yet. A unique burden was inherited by the children of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his celebrated siblings, Senators Robert and Ted Kennedy. Raised in a world of enormous privilege against the backdrop of American history, the lives of this third generation of Kennedys often veered between towering accomplishment and devastating defeat. In his revelatory new book, acclaimed Kennedy historian J. Randy Taraborrelli draws back the curtain on the next generation of America’s most famous family. John Kennedy, Jr.’s life in the public eye is explored, following the Kennedy scion as he faced the challenges posed by marrying his great love, Carolyn Bessette. Riveting new details are shared about the couple’s tragic demise—and why Ethel Kennedy advised Carolyn not to take the trip that would ultimately end her life. John’s sister, Caroline Kennedy, had her own complicated relationships, including a marriage to Ed Schlossberg that surprised her mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and an unexpected bond with her mother-in-law, Mae Schlossberg. Additional stories, many shared here for the first time, illuminate the rest of the Kennedy dynasty: Kara Kennedy, Ted’s daughter, and her valiant battle against lung cancer; how Ted’s wife, Vicki, introduced a new era of feminism to the Kennedy family; the lifelong struggles with addiction faced by Bobby Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Kennedy; the unexpected way pop star Taylor Swift helped Conor Kennedy heal after the death of his mother, Bobby’s wife Mary; and Congressman Joe Kennedy III’s rise to prominence. At the center of it all is the family’s indomitable matriarch, Ethel Kennedy—a formidable presence with her maddening eccentricities and inspiring courage. Based on hundreds of exclusive first-hand interviews and cultivated over twenty years of research—including numerous Oral Histories from the JFK Library and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute— The Kennedy Heirs is an epic drama of ambition, scandal, pride and power. **ReviewPraise for *The Kennedy Heirs:* *"A dishy group portrait...Kennedy worshippers―and haters―will feast on the juicy details in Taraborrelli’s soap opera." ―Publishers Weekly * Praise for Jackie, Janet, and Lee* (currently being developed for TV by Tomorrow Studios) * “Riveting...Taraborrelli presents a woman of passion, both sexual and emotional, whose facade somehow always remains in place...the magic of Jackie's aura is imperishable to this day...deliciously readable.” *― * New York Times Book Review “In this revealing biography, Taraborrelli explores the complicated relationship between Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, her mother Janet Lee Auchincloss, and her sister, Princess Lee Radziwill. Though the two sisters became two of the most idolized women of the 20th century, they struggled with sibling jealousy and constantly sought 'money and power' *― which their mother told them was 'the secret to happily-ever-after.'” ― People magazine, "Best Books About the Kennedy Family" * "Taraborrelli takes an intimate look at the sisters’ complicated relationship with [Aristotle Onassis], and reveals for the first time what really happened when Lee learned her sister was marrying Onassis five years after John F. Kennedy’s death." ― Harper's Bazaar* "Veteran Hollywood biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, drawing on interviews with family members, reveals how their formidable and hard-nosed mother, Janet Bouvier Auchincloss, sought to mould her daughters in her own ruthlessly mercenary and social-climbing image." ― Daily Mail "Meticulously researched...fascinating and absorbing...Taraborrelli captures the glamorous, tragic, seductive and completely absorbing world of the Kennedys and those who married them. With his bite-size chapters, insightful writing and impeccable research, Taraborrelli's Jackie, Janet & Lee* is irresistible, intimate and revealing." ― Shelf Awareness “Taraborrelli’s gossipy narrative revels in luxurious decor, stunning outfits, and soap-operatic fights in this entertaining saga of how wealthy, fashionable women got that way.” *― * Publishers Weekly * “A narrative about money and the seemingly unlimited power that goes with it...The aura of Camelot lives on in a book for Kennedy completists and those who enjoy tales of the rich and powerful.” ― *Kirkus Reviews * “Engrossing...An intimate look into the intertwined lives of the Bouvier, Auchincloss, Kennedy, and Radziwill families. Taraborrelli creates a tabloid-style story of money, power, politics, and family―a voyeuristic look into a world of patrician privilege.” ― * Library JournalAbout the Author J. RANDY TARABORRELLI is the author of 20 biographies, most of which have become New York Times bestsellers, including: Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot ; After Camelot: A Personal History of the Kennedy Family 1968 to the Present , which was adapted as a mini-series for Reelz; and Jackie, Janet & Lee: The Secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill, currently being adapted as a television series by Tomorrow Studios. Visit the author’s Web site to learn more.
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Grace & Steel

Grace & Steel

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

From New York Times bestselling celebrity biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli comes Grace & Steel, the epic, hidden history of the exceptional women behind the greatest political dynasty of all time—the Bush family.Bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli reveals the unsung heroines of the inimitable Bush family dynasty: not only First Ladies Barbara and Laura, but other colorful women whose stories have been left out of history for far too long, including Barbara's mother-in-law, the formidable Dorothy Bush; the enigmatic Columba and the controversial Sharon; and Laura's twins, Jenna and Barbara.No matter the challenges related to power and politics, the women of the Bush dynasty always fought for equality in their marriages as they raised their children to be true to American values. In doing so, they inspired everyday Americans to do the same. Or, as Barbara Bush put it, "The future of this nation does not depend on what happens in the White...
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The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation

The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes The Kennedy Heirs, his most revealing Kennedy book yet.A unique burden was inherited by the children of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and his celebrated siblings, Senators Robert and Ted Kennedy. Raised in a world of enormous privilege against the backdrop of American history, the lives of this third generation of Kennedys often veered between towering accomplishment and devastating defeat. In his revelatory new book, acclaimed Kennedy historian J. Randy Taraborrelli draws back the curtain on the next generation of America's most famous family. John Kennedy, Jr.'s life in the public eye is explored, following the Kennedy scion as he faced the challenges posed by marrying his great love, Carolyn Bessette. Riveting new details are shared about the couple's tragic demise—and why Ethel Kennedy advised Carolyn not to take the trip that would ultimately end her life. John's...
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Jackie, Janet & Lee

Jackie, Janet & Lee

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

A dazzling biography of three of the most glamorous women of the 20th Century: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, her mother Janet Lee Auchincloss, and her sister, Princess Lee Radziwill."Do you know what the secret to happily-ever-after is?" Janet Bouvier Auchincloss would ask her daughters Jackie and Lee during their tea time. "Money and Power," she would say. It was a lesson neither would ever forget. They followed in their mother's footsteps after her marriages to the philandering socialite "Black Jack" Bouvier and the fabulously rich Standard Oil heir Hugh D. Auchincloss. Jacqueline Bouvier would marry John F. Kennedy and the story of their marriage is legendary, as is the story of her second marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Less well known is the story of her love affair with a world renowned architect and a British peer. Her sister, Lee, had liaisons with one and possibly both of Jackie's husbands, in addition to her own three...
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Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

After hundreds of interviews, celebrity biography J. Randy Taraborrelli tackes the rujors andinnendo that hover over the extraordinarily popular and talented family from Gary, Indiana. He traces the real story behind Michael's extensive plastic surgery; his bizarre publicity stunts; the mini-Disneyland built for his private use; the exciting Motown days of chart-busting records and tours; the henomenal solo success that has brought Michael undreamed-of wealth and also great personal pain, and much more. It's the whole Jackson Family saga, and it's all in here
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Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot

Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

Over the years there have been many books published about the Kennedy family, individually and collectively. But only this audio book provides a powerful and detailed look at the complex relationships shared between the three women who were not born Kennedy but who married into the family: Jackie Bouvier, Ethel Skakel, and Joan Bennett. For each of the Kennedy wives, the Camelot years provided an entirely different experience of life lessons. These were the years when Jackie's dreams became reality, but at a hefty price. For Ethel, these were years of frustration where her dreams of being First Lady were dashed and she sank into a deep depression. For Joan, her years as a Kennedy wife were the most confusing of her life, and she is now a recovering alcoholic. This fascinating story is set against a panorama of explosive American history, as the women cope with Jack's and Bobby's alleged affairs with Marilyn Monroe, their tragic assassinations, and other tragedies and scandals. Whether dealing with their husbands' blatant infidelities, stumping for their many political campaigns, touring the world to promote their family's legacy or raising their children, the Kennedy wives did it all with grace, style, and dignity. In the end, JACKIE, ETHEL, JOAN is a story of redemption and great courage.About the AuthorJ. Randy Taraborrelli is a respected journalist, a recognizable entertainment personality, and in-demand guest on many television programs. He is the bestselling author of eight books. Taraborrelli is a reporter for the Times (London), Paris Match, and The Daily Mail (UK) and a contributor to Redbook, McCall's, and Good Housekeeping.
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The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

Synopsis From New York Times bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture. When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now. In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's-Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford. Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th Century.
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Madonna

Madonna

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

Madonna!Megastar. Lover. Mother. Opportunist. Chameleon. Role model.She's all of these things...and more.Yet, who is she, really?In Madonna: An Intimate Biography, author J. Randy Taraborrelli's scrupulously researched and completely balanced unauthorized biography of one of the world's most celebrated entertainers, the reader is allowed to draw his or her own conclusions. Indeed, the portrait bestselling author Taraborrelli paints here is of a truly complex woman, one who is driven and determined to succeed at any cost, yet who displays remarkable vulnerability when it comes to matters of the heart.It is significant that Madonna: An Intimate Biography is the first such book written about the star in over a decade, because in the past ten years the ever-changing Madonna has gone through her biggest transformation yet -- from tempestuous sex goddess to happily married mother. Amazingly, as she launches her first ...
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Sinatra

Sinatra

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

Frank Sinatra was one of the most influential entertainers the world had ever seen. He was also one of the most complex - generous, a loyal friend, a champion of causes, a devoted son and father, unpredictable, a loud-mouthed tough guy and a womaniser. What drove the skinny kid with a voice and a dream from an Italian neighbourhood in New Jersey to become an international superstar and one of the most important cultural figures of the twentieth century?Written by acclaimed biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, Sinatra is based on in-depth research, including hundreds of interviews. From the women he loved, including Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to his ties to the Rat Pack, from his mob connections to his friendship with the Kennedys, Frank's life was full of excitement, danger and passion. This is a compelling and honest tribute to a man whose songs touched a chord in all of us.
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Elizabeth

Elizabeth

J. Randy Taraborrelli

J. Randy Taraborrelli

From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Ordinarily, readers might question the logic of a new tome on a celebrity who already has at least six full-length biographies (and four self-penned books) devoted to her life, but Elizabeth Taylor has never been ordinary. Readers will easily understand why tabloids have chronicled her escapades for six decades: her roller-coaster life could easily read like a high-sheen soap opera (the eight marriages, two Oscars, suicide attempts and innumerable life-threatening illnesses that led to years of alcohol and prescription drug addiction before she became the first celebrity to check into the Betty Ford Clinic). But Taraborrelli, a sympathetic biographer, rescues the subject by looking for psychological and emotional motives behind her actions. Taraborrelli can be overprotective of Taylor (he notes her reviews for Cleopatra were "so vicious that they are not even worth memorializing here") but more often, he's a superb storyteller who is also an enthusiastic fan. The book is a fitting tribute to a woman who has lived and loved with abandon but who found real passion and purpose when she embraced AIDS activism in 1985, helping to destigmatize the disease and creating her own AIDS foundation. Taraborrelli's chatty prose (and bite-size chapters) perfectly complement Taylor's glamorous life of highs and lows to create an irresistible and inspiring tale.
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