In 1964 Kathy McKeon went to a job interview at a luxury apartment on 5th Avenue, New York. Instead of a difficult interview she spent some time time a young boy, John, and his dog. His mother was charmed by how well Kathy and John got on, and immediately hired Kathy to work to her. The mother was Jacqueline Kennedy. In Jackie’s Girl, Kathy writes about the years (1964 – 1976) that she spent with Jacqueline Kennedy/Onassis and her children. They developed a close relationship and Kathy was there for the milestones that happened during these years.

Jacqueline Kennedy comes across as a caring mother and someone who was very good to work for. If you were let into her inner circle, her kindness and generosity ensured that you felt part of the “family”. This isn’t a tell-all book that exposes scandals and secrets but it is the story of a young Irish girl who is hired to clean, mend and look after Jackie’s clothes and to fill in for the governess yet finds herself establishing a friendship that would last a lifetime. You can still get a sense of how protective Ms. McKeon is toward the Kennedys but overall this is a pleasant memoir filled with interesting anecdotes. ( )

(30) Hmm. How did I get sucked into this? This was the type of book I used to avoid like the plague. I guess my new non-fiction kick has almost given me permission to read what I think would be interesting memoirs. Coupled with an enticing display at Barnes and Nobles with editor's picks, and here we are. Very simply written memoir of a governess/personal assistant to Jackie O. from shortly after JFK's assassination until after her marriage to Onassis. Kath cared for John and Caroline and took care of Jackie's wardrobe and personal errands. Jackie and the children went to Kath's wedding. The author was a dirt poor Irish girl who moved here to try to make a go of it with other emigre relatives and became 'the help' to the Kennedys based on a fortuitous connection.

Interesting that the author says she was hardly literate and ultimately became a housewife so it seems unbelievable to me that she wrote this - despite the straightforward, uninspiring story-telling. I have to believe there are better Kennedy memoirs out there than this - but, it was easy reading. Of course, I loved the middle with the lovely photographs and grieved again for John Kennedy, Jr as his was the only Kennedy death that I bore witness to in my lifetime.

The author did succeed in capturing the air of the elegant ideal woman of the time though. I caught glimpses of my paternal grandmother who I think must have meant to emulate Jackie O. I am left with a wistfulness and nostalgia for a time long gone. So a perfectly fine memoir, but certainly forgettable. ( )

Jackie's Girl: My Life with the Kennedy Family is a touching read. I admit I am a sucker for books about Jackie Kennedy but this book is from a different perspective than any of the others I have read and I have read many. The author, Kathy McKeon, was Jackie's personal assistant for many years and sometimes the governess for the children. Jackie's comes off very well. She is generous, caring and considerate of her staff, especially the personal intimate staff. Kathy was nineteen just in the U.S. from Ireland when Jackie hired her. Jackie became very close to her and generous with her. She gave her a round trip ticket to Ireland every year and gave her many things over the years. She furnished her apartment when Kathy and Seamus married. Jackie never stopped giving her and treated her like a friend which she was. If you are into Jackiemania then I urge you to read this book. ( )

In 1964, Kathy McKeon was just twenty years old and newly arrived from Ireland when she was hired as former first lady Jackie Kennedy s personal assistant. The next thirteen years of her life were spent in her service. Known as "Jackie's girl", to the Kennedy family, she played a crucial role in raising young Caroline and John, Jr. although she was not their Nanny. Jackie Kennedy depended on and trusted Kathy with personal tasks, her children and her privacy. Being very loyal to the family this account is heartwarming and endearing but honest about the frustrations and problems of being the girl at Jackie's beck and call. McKeon always referred to Jackie as, Madam, but became a mentor to Kathy almost like her big sister even attending her wedding. McKeon's admiration for Jackie, her love for the children and enjoyment of the entire Kennedy family is a rare refreshing look inside the lives of this famous family without the gossip and scandal. Kathy McKeon waited 50 years to write her memoir and this is a book worth reading. ( )

Jackie's Girl is a highly enjoyable memoir by the endearing and irreverent Kathy McKeon. Although the title might make it seem that it solely revolves around her life with Kennedy, it is actually an encompassing tale of the incredible life of an immigrant who achieved the American dream. Kathy's story is enthralling. and her journey is one that you would want to join through her words.

I received an advanced reading copy of Jackie's Girl in exchange of an honest review through Goodreads. ( )