The Men We Became: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr.

by Robert T. Littell

Book Overview

For over twenty years Robert Littell was John F. Kennedy Jr.'s closest confidant. Now, in a beautiful and moving memoir, Littell introduces us to the private John. A story of laughter and sorrow, joy and heartbreak, "The Men We Became" is an unforgettable memoir. Rob Littell was a freshman at Brown when he met the young JFK, Jr. during orientation week. Although Littell came from a privileged background, it was worlds apart from the glamorous life...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312324766
• ISBN13: 9780312324766
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

John-John we needed you...

It's funny how Rob had no hope upon hearing the news about John's plane missing. I can remember the sinking feeling myself and the word NO! bouncing around in my head. This story is nicely written and the author gave just enough and not too much. Although I was born in the late 60's I grew up knowing the Kennedy name immediately. In fact my father has not recovered since November of '63. We needed John whether or not he was to be President. This man, while living under the same moon as the rest of us made us feel better somehow...maybe that Camelot was not completely lost. The author speaks of John and Carolyn being "buried at sea" even though John was not a seaman...he was our first son and I think we owed that much to the Kennedy family and it seemed appropriate although like Rob said there is no visiting place to go and reflect on John. So, swim Rob. Thank you author for this good look inside. Get it enjoy it.

A Good Read

This story made me laugh, brought back really exact memories of college life I'd forgotten and allowed me to travel to places the author and John went for fun. I think it is important the human side of John is written about and his friend did him a great honor by doing so in this book.

A Splendid Knockabout Story You Can't Put Down

Rob Littell's book is a splendid, knockabout story about an extraordinary friendship cut short by tragedy. It's a matter-of-fact telling of two college freshmen who formed a brotherly bond that transcended celebrity and breathtaking privilege. For those of us who never had the opportunity to meet John F. Kennedy, Jr., it gives a rare glimpse of the man - or, rather, the gentleman - behind the headlines. After getting to know these two young men and the nature of their relationship, one comes away with the feeling that JFK, Jr., almost helped write the chapters - almost a dictation from heaven. "Hey, Littell, you missed one!" (You have to read the book to fully appreciate this line.) We get to meet Mrs. Onassis, too, away from the flashing light bulbs and glamorous "sets"; and - surprise! - she's just like any other proud, protective parent. One gains an appreciation for how well she balanced her different roles and how close to the earth she truly was. What harm there is in any of these pages, only a green-eyed skeptic knows. For the rest of us, The Men We Became is what a best friend writes to vanquish the sorrow of what never will be. This is a charmer - from the first page to the last.

hilarious!

I read The Men We Became in two nights. What fun! And I must thank Rob Littell for defending his freind. It must have been hard to watch his reputation get dragged thorugh the mud for so long. Most of America loved John Jr., and I now feel that he loved us back. I laughed out loud and cried and felt like I knew the man I had always admired. I figured this book to be another tell all, but to my happy surprise it's not. It's a great story about a favorite American Son. One that I'm sure Carolyn Bessette's mother must be grateful for the effort.

He has done his friend a favor

People are going to write about and reveal the private details about John's life anyway; it might as well be done by someone who loved him and really knew him. I came away from reading this book liking and understanding John, Carolyn, and Jackie more than I ever did before, and therefore I think Robert Littell has succeeded with what he wanted to do. The insight on the Kennedys lifestyle was fascinating, lots of description and detail - I loved it. The book is interesting, personal, and emotional.