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As a protection manager, I have the greatest respect for the men and women of the US Secret Service. Because of my occupation and my interests in history, I tend to gobble up anything I can about the security of the Washington elite and, of course, the events of Nov 22, 1963. So much has been written about this period of our nation's history...the missile crisis, Bay of Pigs, the assassination, it is always exciting to talk to or read work from the people who were actually there. Hollywood has turned the events of this era into fodder for their fiction, and taken out or fabricated the personal side ot these stories to sell tickets. Over time, we forget that there were real, everyday people present at every key event in history -- and each of them had their own lives. The relationship between S/A Hill and the First Lady was something that did not come easy -- these types of relationships are built upon trust (not seniority) and take a long time to develop. It was great to hear his account of things in the JFK presidency, after so many years of silence. I also enjoyed Gerald Blaine's "The Kennedy Detail" which also taken from the accounts of the people "who were there". And, between these to books, I feel like I better understand this time and these historical events. Both books were co-authored/edited by Lisa McCubbin, whose work I also respect. However...my only criticism is that there were some passages in S/A Hill's book that sounded more like Ms. McCubbins speaking rather than a seasoned secret service agent (ie, describing a city as "magical"). However, if Mr. Hill really described something that way, then I offer my sincere apologies. Needless to say, I think it was a great book and recommend it to others who are interested in history.Read full review
PLOT: Clint Hill was bodyguard to Mrs. Kennedy for several years and we get a first hand look inside the Kennedy Whitehouse. this starts as Clint Hill is a reluctant secret service agent to be assigned to Mrs. Kennedy. After all guarding a first lady is can be boring? but he suddenly becomes attached to her and her family. This moves along from the NEWLY elected Kennedys and their move to the White House. Clint Hill has an excellent memory and the details are vivid and interesting. What detracts from the great story is the authors bizarre *bond* with Mrs. Kennedy. Comments like "We were so close she could starts a sentence and I could finish it" and that Clint was *emotionally* involved in a one side love of Mrs. Kennedy odd~ very~ even narcissistic~ what also is odd is his own UN -EMOTIONAL attachement his own wife and son~ compared to his glowing adoration of Mrs. Kennedy. This story moves along very well and well written~ but the overly "familiar" bond with Mrs. Kennedy makes you at times feel uncomfortable with Clint Hills version of events I give it 5 STARS FOR STORY, 4 FOR WRITING AND A VERY ENTERTAINING LOOK INSIDE THE KENNEDY WHITEHOUSE~Read full review
This book was terrific. It was well written and it flowed perfectly. Clint Hill clearly was dedicated to Mrs. Kennedy and from this dedication a mutual respect then enduring friendship developed. The book is a must read. Clint Hill is an American Hero and thankfully while he is still with us Lisa McCubbin brought the stories out of him and helped him put them to paper. She deserves great thanks for this. Clint Hill now knows that he IS an American Hero and I'm glad he can now see this...He suffered greatly through no fault of his own. Now the chains of that terrible day have been lifted off him. Finally ! Excellent Book
I recommend this book to all, it gives one a first hand view of what it's like to be in Clint Hill's position and how close in became as a close friend of Mrs. Kennedy. I will always treasure this book in my collection. Clint Hill should be one proud man for all he did when he was assigned to protect Mrs. Kennedy and going beyound his duties of his job.
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