This book is a riveting tale of the sixties, a period that is so difficult to adequately describe due to the intense passions and conflict that made it so meaningful. When we were in it, it seemed truly magical and it was but suddenly it was done. The author is a master storyteller who captures the events and their momentous impact on history and the individual living through this. It brought back to my heart and to my mind the greatness of those times. I for one am thankful that there is a written memoir that describes all of this so magnificently.

The book is wonderful. It gave me a much better view of the domestic achievements of President Johnson, but, at the same time, the thoughts and actions of Robert Kennedy and President John Kennedy. I found it interesting and was caught a little off guard on how things in 60s have affected us today and yet how some things remain the same as they were in 60s. Throughout the book, a little more in the audible version, you can see the love Doris Kearns Goodwin had for husband and what a remarkable man he was. It unfortunate but I do hear speeches that center on the middle class like they did in the 60s.

This is an exceptional book written by a gifted writer about her and her husband’s lives and experiences during the 1960’s. Both were at the very center of our government during the Kennedy and Johnson years and they offer an intimate and first hand look at what transpired during those extraordinary times. I found the book to be absolutely fascinating especially as one views it in the context of what our country is going through now politically.

The historian Doris Kearns Goodwin has offered up both an individual memoir and testimonial to her late husband Richard (Dick) Goodwin. They were married for over 40 years. Dick was instrumental as an adviser and speechwriter for Presidents Kennedy and LBJ… and friends with Bobby Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy. The couple over their life together amassed many boxes (over 300) of letters, speeches, and memorabilia mostly from their 1960 experiences and relationships. They both had special access to two Presidents and a third possible one was denied. In preparation for this book, they decided to go through all of this material using it as a springboard to tell the 1960s from their perspectives. There is nothing new in the way of undiscovered history in the book, although it offers unique insight into the major moments of the 1960s. It made me regret that Richard Goodwin did not write his biography. Yet he has found a loving and understanding communicator in Doris's good hands. This reads as a living contemporaneous document. It feels as if you are with Doris and Dick as they sift through boxes full of memories and truths, like your with old friends who wish to reconnect with their past. Dick Goodwin died May 20, 2018 age 86. Doris is now 81.

This is a truly terrific book about Doris Kearns Goodwin and Richard Goodwin, the 1960s, and their work with political leaders from that time. It was fascinating to read and though much of the general information was known, the behind the scenes details were wonderful. I also did not know how influential each was to leaders at that time as well as afterwards. A powerful story. Highly recommended.

Reading this book is an inspiring experience in reliving the beginning of the civil rights movement. It also brought to light on how our country was divided and continues to be divided in bringing democratic ideals together. Doris Kearns Godwin is an excellent writer and historian. Richard Godwin is a force to be reckoned with in his writings and the ability to capture the essence of the moment.

The author is a skilled story teller and gives fascinating, insider views of Presidential politics in the 1960's. She is a wonderful writer and if you like historical biographies of United States history you will love this. Highly recommended!

Inspiring, moving, educational, everything great a book can be.