Once Upon A Secret: My Affair with JFK

[Bookworm_Letty]

Once Upon A Secret: My Affair with JFK

At first, I was a little taken aback that after all these years a woman decided to write about a President’s infidelities especially of such a loved and worshiped President (JFK). But, I thought I would give the book a chance. It wasn’t until I was about halfway into the book that I realized why Mimi Alford felt she had to write this book. Throughout life we often make mistakes and chastise ourselves for years. Or, if you are like me, at night when you are unable to sleep, you relive your mistakes and go through scenarios of what you should have done or what you feel you should do to atone for it.

Ms. Alford’s affair with JFK had come into the public light; I think she had to share her side of the story for her well-being and for her family’s sake. The need for her to keep this affair a secret had done her a lot of harm and she needed to release this burden to promote her healing.

It tells of a young naïve, 19-year old, White House intern that fell in love and had a sexual relationship with JFK. I found myself transported back in time and how women were perceived back then and there place in society. I found it very interesting in how certain key figures that surrounded JFK were instrumental in the ultimate de-flowering of a young girl and then carrying it on for several months. She fell in love with a very charismatic and powerful man. A young inexperienced woman like her didn’t have a chance. She was too young to know what was happening and what had happened. She was honest and candid about the relationship, but she did it very tastefully.

It was well-written and captivating. I cannot say it is a good book to read for pleasure, but I can say that I learned something from it. I would recommend it to women and their daughters to read as a life lesson.

[valerie-renee]

This book was very informative. I Really had no idea of the transgressions this beloved president was involved in. It did not however affect his brilliance in office. Mimi Alford was an innocent intern who was seduced by JFK. What really astounded me were the other key players in this affair. Those were the one's who regardless of their personal beliefs or morals aided JFK in this affair simply because of who he was. I felt pity for Mimi because she fell in love with a man who was unattainable. Overall a good book. I would recommend it to women of all positions.