Edward M. Kennedy (1932–2009)

Senator Ted Kennedy never reached the heights of the presidency, but reading through this wonderful memoir, is like doing a Forrest Gump through modern American history. It touches on McCarthy’s witch-hunts, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Watergate, Reaganomics, the Iraq war, to the 2008 Democratic convention and those are just some of the attractions along his long, eventful life. Shortly after his death, in August of 2009, some of my friends, who are firmly on the right, called this show more man a scumbag, who had done nothing in his nearly 47 year senate run, of course I beg to differ. He was not perfect and had flaws like everyone else, but I think he served his country well and tagging along with him on memory row, was an absolute pleasure. show less

True Compass did not feel like a recitation of historical facts. Unlike other political memoirs, it did not feel like a feast of ego. Reading this book was inspiring. It reminded me that there are (or at least there were) still good people out there fighting the good fight. It's the life story of a man who was born into privilege, but never forgot the old adage "to who much is given, much will be expected".

I have always been a fan of the entire Kennedy clan, so it is hard for me to be objective when 'reviewing' this book. It is well written with typical Kennedy lyric prose; it is well-organized into sections that are somewhat different from a typical lineal time-line autobiography; it contains dozens of photographs that are not the standards we're used to seeing; and most important, it gives us an insight into a man who may be the least known of the famous family.

When I say least known, I show more don't mean not famous or well-known, but more private in terms of sharing his thoughts and inner motivations. The influence of his father, and his older brothers is beautifully explained, as well as his love of sailing and the sea (hence the title.)

We are treated to stories about his relations with his parents, all his siblings and their spouses, his children and grandchildren, both his wives, his dozens of nieces and nephews, and his close friends. In these, his introspection shines, as he opens the door to his feelings and emotions which have often been tucked away from private view.

His respect for the Senate, and his pride in having served there for so long and so well are quite evident, and provide us with some of the most eloquent prose in the book, although here the book could have done with a bit of editing down...there was lots of detailed information about meetings, and phone calls and bargains struck that probably could have been pared a bit.

His love for his family is especially evident, in the chapter where he speaks of being buffeted by the deaths of his mother at age 104, his nephew Michael in a skiing accident, Jackie Onnasis, and his nephew John Kennedy Jr in a plane crash -- all within five years. As the surviving patriarch, he is called upon to eulogize all of them, a feat that requires him to keep his own grief somewhat tucked in.

In the end of this he quotes his father in a letter Joe Kennedy Sr wrote to a grieving friend on the loss of his son:

"There are no words to dispel your feelings at this time, and there is no time that will ever dispel them...I cannot share your grief, because no one could share mine. When one of your children goes out of your life, you think of what he might have done with a few more years, and you wonder what you are going to do with the rest of yours. Then one day, because there is a world to be lived in, you find yourself a part of it again, trying to accomplish something--something that he did not have time enough to do. And, perhaps, that is the reason for it all. I hope so."

Ted Kennedy continues: "I wish that life were simpler. I wish that loved ones didn't have to die too young. I wish that tragedy never haunted a single soul. But to wish all that is to ask for an end to our humanity. God, family, and country sustain us all."

His indomitable spirit, inherited from parents, and nourished by his experiences in this incredible family, have left us all enriched. His memoir provides us with the inspiration to continue his work. show less

This autobiography written by Ted Kennedy shortly before his death is an interesting read for those interested in the Kennedy clan. Fun stories about his childhood along with tales of his wives and children accompany many political antidotes. Glossed over are some topics that I wished would have been more forthcoming (Chappaquiddick) Many of his tales seemed filled with much bravado as if he was patting himself on the back for a job well done. Good read, but suggest to read with open eyes.