Rose Kennedy's Family Album: From the Fitzgerald Kennedy Private Collection 1878-1946

This well-assembled album, edited by the John F. Kennedy Library with an introduction by Caroline Kennedy, provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of America's most public families. The Kennedys are shown on their best behavior, during the happy days of the early 1940s, before one daughter was sent away forever, and the eldest son, Joe Jr. died in the war. The editors have attempted to make the family appear relatable, and many readers will connect with mother Rose when, for instance, she writes an endearing note to her son, urging him to make a dentist's appointment or else she will withhold his allowance. But even as the most ordinary childhood milestones are displayed, the significant differences in their status begin to emerge; a photo caption describes Teddy's first communion at the Vatican, and other family photos include celebrities. The "album" ends in 1947, just as John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts, leaving readers yearning to see the children continue to grow into their inevitable roles. B&w photos. (Oct.)