This is a wonderful and diverse collection of poems that were favorites of Jackie Kennedy, selected by her daughter Carolyn. Many were poems recited at a White House event in April 1963 for President Kennedy, organized by Jacqueline. A few of the poems were even written by her.
In addition to the poems Carolyn talks a bit about how much her mother loved poetry, and all good literature. Near the end of the book is this wonderful quote from the writings of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis encouraging us to read the masters:
Read for escape, read for adventure, read for romance, but read the great writers. You will find to your delight that they are easier and more joy to read than the second-rate ones. They touch your imagination and your deepest yearnings, and when your imagination is stirred it can lead you down paths you never dreamed you would travel. If you read great language you will develop, without realizing it, an appreciation of excellence that can shape your life. ---from Books I Read When I was Young: The Favorite Books of Famous People, by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, 1980.This is a worthy quote to remember and one that can serve as a guide to our literary lives.
30 books this Summer Reading Challenge
5 / 30 books. 16% done!
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