7 Kennedy Family Historical Fiction and Nonfiction Books to Read This Weekend
Sweeping history, captivating drama and decades of Kennedy family legacy combine in these must-reads!
“Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot—and it will never be that way again.” Following the devastation of John F. Kennedy’s (JFK) assassination, Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis told a journalist at LIFE magazine about this quote. It was from her husband’s favorite song from the Broadway musical Camelot, but somehow it captured everything she wanted to say. The phrase instantly caught the attention of the nation and represented the heartbreaking lost potential of the Kennedy era. For decades, the story of America’s most famous political dynasty has captivated the world. From the rise of JFK to the enduring mystique of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the many triumphs and tragedies that followed, it’s no surprise that the Kennedy family has also inspired countless books—both fact and fiction.
Now, renewed interest in the dynasty is surging, thanks to the steady buzz around Hulu and FX’s new limited series, Love Story. The Kennedy family’s blend of glamour, power, heartbreak and history has made them fascinating to viewers and readers alike.
If you’re looking to escape into the engrossing world of the Kennedys, we have you covered. Whether you’re drawn to the real-life history or fictionalized reimaginings of Camelot, there’s something here for everyone. Here, we gathered up the 7 best Kennedy family historical fiction books and nonfiction reads to dive into this weekend. Keep scrolling for all the must-reads.
Historical fiction books about the Kennedy family
‘And They Called It Camelot’ by Stephanie Marie Thornton
In her immersive and beautifully detailed account, Stephanie Marie Thornton brings Jacqueline (Jackie) Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’ story to vivid life. Told from Jackie’s point of view, the book covers her early life to her courtship with JFK and her transformation into an American legend after his assassination—including her days as an editor at Doubleday! Thornton paints a lovely portrait of a devoted mother, a resilient woman and an enduring American legend.
What readers are saying: “As a lover of biographies and historical fiction I was lured into reading this wonderful book about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. This offering was the perfect vehicle for me to get to “know” this iconic character in America’s history, because of the style in which it was written; for you see, Jackie narrates her life story. I was absolutely riveted by her vivid and detailed recounting of President Kennedy’s assassination, through the autopsy, swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson as President of the United States and her husband’s funeral. I am now inspired to read other biographies of this extraordinary woman.”
‘The Kennedy Debutante’ by Kerri Maher
Kerri Maher’s novel tells the story of Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, the witty, rebellious—and often forgotten—youngest daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. Sent to London in 1938 to navigate glittering debutante society, Kick charms, flirts and shakes up expectations at every turn. But as the threat of World War II looms, Kick risks scandal—and her family’s wrath—by unexpectedly falling for Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire.
The problem? Their love is forbidden. Kick’s devout Catholic family and Billy’s strict, Protestant one would never approve of their match. As the Kennedys return home to the States, Kick finds work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England. Full of glamour, romance and mischief, this historical saga captures a young Kennedy blazing her own bold, unforgettable path.
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved this book and plan to recommend it to everyone I know. The Kennedy Debutante tells the story of Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy, sister of John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. As I began reading the book, I realized how little I knew about her or any of the lesser known siblings of these two famous men.”
‘Jackie: A Novel’ by Dawn Tripp
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an icon. The woman lovingly referred to as Jackie, Jacks, Jacqueline, Miss Bouvier, Mrs. Kennedy and Jackie O, in many ways, lived many lives. And Dawn Tripp’s historical fiction novel paints an intimate portrait of love, loss, family and reinvention. At 21 years old, Jackie is dreaming of Paris and a career at Vogue when she meets the charming Congressman Jack Kennedy in Georgetown. He seems “too American, too good-looking, too boy,” yet she’s drawn to his wit and ambition. What follows is a sparkling yet heartwrenching story that follows Jackie’s years in the White House through the assasination in Dallas and beyond.
What readers are saying: “This is a captivating novel that delves into the life of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, an iconic figure. The story takes us through Jackie’s life—from her privileged upbringing to her role as the first lady and wife to John F. Kennedy—covering the turbulent years of his presidency and her life after his assassination. The novel presents an intimate portrayal of Jackie as she navigates life as a public figure, a wife, a mother, and a friend. Tripp skillfully captures Jackie’s enduring legacy of inner strength.”
‘The Kennedy Girl’ by Julia Bryan Thomas
Style, intrigue and high-stakes secrets abound in this captivating historical fiction tale set in 1960s Paris. Mia dreams of emulating her fashion icon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but her modest bakery job barely pays the bills—let alone for a wardrobe like Jackie’s. Everything changes when an unexpected modeling opportunity lands her at a prestigious Paris fashion house. As Mia rises in the glittering world of couture, she soon discovers the atelier is tangled in Cold War intrigue. The result is a sweeping story of fashion, ambition and espionage!
What readers are saying: “Author Julia Bryan Thomas does a great job of creating a compelling story with a likeable protagonist who is forced to open her eyes to the wider political and economic influences in the world. I greatly enjoyed the novel, and the audiobook, which I also listened to while reading. Ri Paige’s voice is wonderfully textured, soothing when it needed to be and clipped during action scenes. The characters come to life and I loved how well she conveyed Mia’s growth!”
Nonfiction books about the Kennedy family
‘The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation—A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph’ by J. Randy Taraborrelli
If you’re more in the mood for nonfiction books about the Kennedys, look no further than bestselling author J. Randy Taraborrelli’s tome. The book centers on the children and grandchildren of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy as they navigate privilege, public scrutiny and personal tragedy.
Taraborrelli deeply explores the life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and his romance with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy alongside the complicated family dynamics surrounding Caroline Kennedy. He also examines the family’s struggles with addiction, illness and grief, while looking at the rise of newer political figures like Joe Kennedy III. Drawing on decades of research and exclusive interviews, the book offers a sweeping portrait of ambition, resilience and the enduring legacy of the Kennedy name.
What readers are saying: “I really love this author. He writes about America’s first family with respect, honesty and a bit of awe. His research is so thorough and detailed you feel as though you know his subjects personally. Reading of the third and fourth generation’s triumphs, missteps and tragedies in one book is a bit overwhelming. The privilege, entitlement and a responsibility these family members were born with is a heavy burden most of us can be glad we have never had to bear. Some of them have accomplished it with grace and dignity; others had a much tougher time. All of them contributed to the tapestry we know as Kennedy.”
‘The Good Son: JFK Jr. and the Mother He Loved’ by Christopher Andersen
If your favorite Kennedy is John-John, this is the book for you. Bestselling biographer Christopher Andersen dives deep into JFK Jr’s life and his complex relationship with his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. From the difficult years after Dallas to JFK Jr’s adulthood in the public eye, Andersen also chronicles the women who shaped Kennedy’s life in the nineties—including romances with Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Daryl Hannah—and his eventual marriage to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Brimming with new details and emotional insight, it’s a poignant portrait of one of the most captivating figures of the Kennedy legacy.
What readers are saying: “I couldn’t stop listening to this story about JFK Jr.—from the beginnings of his parents’ relationship and road to the White House to the assassination of JFK to Jackie rebuilding her life after ‘Camelot.’ There’s so much history in this book that I lived through yet so much insider information that I would’ve never known. The details made the story behind the famous beloved family in our country even more compelling. They were very human and normal, but at the same time larger than life.”
‘Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’ by Elizabeth Beller
Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 biography is the book that inspired Ryan Murphy’s buzzy series, Love Story, airing now on Hulu and FX. The book follows Carolyn Bessette’s life before and after meeting JFK Jr. Beller explores Bessette’s life as a fiercely independent woman working at Calvin Klein during the height of New York City’s fashion-fueled 1990s. But when Carolyn meets John, her world is turned on its axis in more ways than one. Based on extensive research and revealing interviews, including never-before-seen photos, the book is a must-read for fans of the mesmerizing Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
What readers are saying: “Until pretty recently, I didn’t know much about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s life, aside from her relationship and her status as an It Girl/Style Icon. Once Upon a Time offered a really nice look at the woman before and after she met JFK Jr. and I think the author did a great job of showing readers that there was so much more to her than what the tabloids reported.’
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