Title: JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died & Why It Matters
Author: James W. Douglass
First published May 20, 2008
510 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781570757556 (ISBN10: 1570757550)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
James Douglass presents a gripping and thought-provoking account of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in his book JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died & Why It Matters.
Drawing on a wealth of investigative material, Douglass uncovers a sequence of events that led to JFK’s transformation from a traditional “Cold Warrior” to someone determined to prevent nuclear apocalypse. Despite opposition from his own military-intelligence establishment, JFK pursued a series of actions that ultimately contributed to his tragic death.
Douglass’s book reads like a political thriller, but with the stakes much higher. Only by understanding the truth behind JFK’s assassination can we appreciate his vision and continue the fight for peace today.
As the 50th anniversary of JFK’s death approaches, this book is a timely reminder of the importance of seeking truth and justice.
Editoral Review
James W. Douglass’ JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died & Why It Matters is a thought-provoking masterpiece that effectively blends historical facts with compelling story-telling to give insight into the life and death of John F.
Kennedy. First published on May 20, 2008, it has since proved to be a classic work of non-fiction, providing a unique perspective on the assassination of JFK and its conspiratorial nature.
Douglass is an American author, theologian, and peace activist who has written extensively on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and the nonviolent movement.
In JFK and the Unspeakable, the author employs his rigorous investigative skills, drawing on a range of sources, including declassified government documents, memoirs, and interviews with key players, to shed light on one of the most debated events in American history. The book explores the complex web of power, politics, and interests that led to the assassination of JFK, digging deep into the possible role of the CIA, the military-industrial complex, and various other shadowy groups.
It also highlights Kennedy’s role as a peacemaker, his efforts to end the Cold War, and his willingness to challenge the establishment, making him a target for those threatened by his vision for America. Douglass’ ability to weave together history, political intrigue, and human drama is admirable, and his style of writing is engaging and immersive.
The book is divided into sections that flow seamlessly, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the events leading up to and following the assassination. The author also uses vivid imagery, dialogues and actually lists out documents to create a gripping narrative that compels the reader to seek more knowledge about the events surrounding JFK’s death.
The book offers a lot of historical and cultural significance, especially because it was published many years after the war and thus offers readers a fresh perspective on the matter. JFK and the Unspeakable offers a comprehensive commentary on America’s political landscape, providing insight into the challenges that remain relevant today, particularly around power and how it is wielded.
Douglass’ writing is not without flaws, however. The book is lengthy and sometimes too detailed, making some sections feel repetitive and unwieldy.
Certain passages come across as overly emotive and could have been more balanced in presenting opposing viewpoints. Nevertheless, JFK and the Unspeakable is a critically important book for anyone interested in JFK’s assassination, American political history, and the dynamics of power.
Douglass brilliantly brings together information from diverse sources, challenging readers to explore the possibility of why JFK’s death mattered and continues to matter. Overall, the book provides an interesting, well-researched, and captivating portrayal of the JFK assassination.
Therefore, I urge anyone wanting to gain insights on JFK’s assassination to read JFK and the Unspeakable. The book will inform, challenge, and inspire, leaving the reader with a deeper appreciation for JFK’s life and legacy, and the fragility of democratic institutions.
I rate the book a 4.5 out of 5.
