”[The Summer I Met Jack] offers an alternate Kennedy family history that will leave readers wondering whether America knew the real JFK at all.” –Kirkus Reviews New York Times bestselling author imagines the affair between John F. Kennedy and Alicia Corning Clark – and the child they may have had. Based on a real story – in 1950, a young, beautiful Polish refugee arrives in Hyannisport, … beautiful Polish refugee arrives in Hyannisport, Massachusetts to work as a maid for one of the wealthiest families in America. Alicia is at once dazzled by the large and charismatic family, in particular the oldest son, a rising politician named Jack.
Alicia and Jack are soon engaged, but his domineering father forbids the marriage. And so, Alicia trades Hyannisport for Hollywood, and eventually Rome. She dates famous actors and athletes and royalty, including Gary Cooper, Kirk Douglas, and Katharine Hepburn, all the while staying close with Jack. A decade after they meet, on the eve of Jack’s inauguration as the thirty-fifth President of the United States, the two must confront what they mean to each other.
The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable is based on the fascinating real life of Alicia Corning Clark, a woman who J. Edgar Hoover insisted was paid by the Kennedys to keep quiet, not only about her romance with Jack Kennedy, but also a baby they may have had together.
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Anything on the Kennedys is interesting but this was very interesting!
This book has been in my TBR pile for awhile. Wow. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it. Very eye opening.
Where do I start with my review for this story! A fabulously written novel by Michelle Gable. Based on the true to life story of our main character, Alicia Corning Clark, a slew of well-known characters, and how they all become connected by love, friendship, status and power. You will eat, sleep and breathe this story and thank our author for what’s revealed. Ms. Gable’s research is intense and brilliantly executed. You will learn so much about things you thought you already knew, and ask yourself, did you really know at all, or as to its intensity. The writing style flows beautifully and the characters are so well described, you’ll feel as if you’re right there amongst the pages. An impressive, multi-generational story that will have you experiencing all emotions. An astonishing, PERFECT summer read!
Thank you #MichelleGable and #StMartinsPress for this exceptional story.
Novels N Latte (Book Blog)
Novels & Latte Book Club
I thought the story line was good. It made me want to learn more about the possibility of the story being true. However, I think the ending was on the weak side. But a good story, well told.
The Summer I Met Jack is a story based on an amazing amount of facts meticulously researched by author Michelle Gable. This book is the tantalizing tale of Alicia Dahr and JFK and their roller-coaster of a relationship over the years. The attention to detail is meticulous- the attitudes of the starlets, the way of life of the rich and famous, down to the way of speech spoken by both the Kennedys and even Kate Hepburn. Gable made it so you could be there, in Hyannisport, California, Rome, NY- the world. You travel with Alicia as lives her tumultuous life, her love for JFK never waivering. I had no idea of the fiancé of Jack before his presidency, and without out a doubt, this will take me down some research rabbit holes of my own. Great summer read.
I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the first half and getting to know the characters. The heroine wasn’t really likeable.
An interesting book about JFK’s rumored lover and possible love child. I had never heard this story before, and can only imagine the amount of research time the author put into it. I did have a hard time wrapping my head around the truth/fiction part, especially since JFK was larger than life. With that being said, I did find the book seemed to drag in parts to me, almost like it would never get to the ending. None of the characters were particularly likeable. The Kennedys came off as entitled and crass. Alicia as thinking the world owed her, and she should be given everything. I did enjoy the love story between Jack and Alicia, tragic though it was. The relationship, between Alicia, Novella and Serena, was touching.
It was an enjoyable read, very well written. Would be a great beach read! I received an ARC of this book. (less)
This is one of t most entertaining books I have listened to so far! The Summer I Met Jack was Awesome! Michelle Gable is a very talented writer who knows how to draw you in right from the beginning of the book. The book is about Jack Kennedy and the fabulous and very entertaining Alicia Corning Clark. A most extraordinary love affair between these two people. The Kennedy family has always had my interest but Alicia is a fascinating character in her own right. I’m still amazed at her bravery and moxie she showed when dealing with some tough times in her life. I don’t want to give away spoilers but I think anyone reading this book will be surprised as I was by some of the facts that come to life. It was not just entertaining, in my opinion, this book could easily become a film. It was in this readers opinion, a book written with a lot of time spent exploring the facts and then bringing it to life. Bravo Michelle Gable!! I have so many questions for you! I am so happy that I bought this audible book. I must also applaud the narration by Ilyana Kadushin. She was amazing! Michelle you are a gifted and talented writer. Thank you for a beautiful novel!!
This book was good but drug on too long. I enjoyed the content and the writing just was tired of it by the end
A tragic time in history and a tragic family. Very informative