The Other Man: John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and Me

by Michael Bergin

Book Overview

I found myself wondering what would have happened if I had said yes. . . . Would she be alive today? Would we be together? Would we be happy? This is the story of a small-town kid who moved to the big city, fell in love with a beautiful, mysterious woman, and found himself in competition with the most eligible bachelor in the world, John F. Kennedy Jr. Now, for the first time, Michael Bergin reveals the truth behind a life lived in the limelight and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060723890
• ISBN13: 9780060723897
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Painfully honest

I always was fascinated with JFK, Jr. and his wife, Carolyn. There was something that was so intriguing about them and I always wanted to learn more. If either of their pictures were on the cover of a magazine, then I would buy it so I could learn more about them. When I saw the interview of Michael Bergin with Paula Zahn on CNN, it was clearly obvious to me that it was going to be an honest book, whether or not any of the Kennedy/Bessette families liked it. It really bothered me that Paula Zahn was so ready to attack Michael Bergin for writing this book, as if he's the first person to ever expose a high-profile person's "other side". Bottom line...I liked it. There is no doubt in my mind that it is all factual, especially because you can feel his emotions through his writing. He's not some up-and-coming author...this was cathartic for Mr. Bergin and for those of us who like to see that the super-stars are people too, it was a treat to read. Being that I'm the same age as Michael, I was also able to relate to a lot of what was going on in his life. Some people may think he sold out Carolyn, but my opinion was that he got to share with us another side of Carolyn that was fascinating to read. I wish him the best.

A heartfelt and sincere love story

After watching a few interviews with Michael Bergin over the past few weeks and reading different articles in the press, I felt he was being treated unfarily by a lot of people - mainly the likes of Star Jones on ABC's "The View." I decided to buy the book and I'm glad I did!With as many books out there already about the personal lives of Carolyn Bessette and John Kennedy, Jr (as well as the entire Kennedy family) I found it strange that the press would be so inclined to come down on him so hard over his decision to write this book. If other people write about Carolyn's life (which obviously also involves Michael) it's only fair that this man be given an opportunity to share his personal story - which I felt he did in a very classy way. I've read a lot of autobiographies over the years and I have to say this one is among my all-time Top Ten. This heartfelt and sincere love story really touched me and I was moved to tears on several occassions. It was obvious that he loved and cared for Carolyn very much.With all the pressure from the press over the years, I'm sure a heavy burden was lifted off Michael's shoulders by coming forth and sharing his story. Aside from the relationship angle with Carolyn, the stories about his rise to fame as the "first" male supermodel is very inspiring. With all that this incredible young man has accomplished, I'm sure there's more to Michael Bergin that will in time be revealed.Thanks for writing such a classy book - it's a true reflection of the man your family and friends should be proud of.

Give This A Chance

This book is a quick read and full of interesting gossip, and frankly, I believe it more than other books or magazines because it came from the horse's mouth. Bergin has the guts to come forward with his story; frankly, I don't care if he makes money off of it because he kept his mouth shut for many years before coming forward. Why should others write about him and benefit? This book shows, once again, that Camelot was a myth. Carolyn was just as flawed as the rest of them, despite her angelic bleach blonde hair and perfect fashion sense.

5 Stars for Bravery

I must admit I am a bit stunned at all the lashing out at Michael Bergin for telling his story. This memoir is actually thoughtful, honest, and very brave. Surely Mr. Bergin knew that he would receive a great deal of negative criticism for revealing the details of his relationship with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, but he has every right to tell his story as he lived it. Some may find certain details hard to accept because of the "Cinderella and Prince Charming" scenario of the Kennedys they have in their minds, but let's not dispute a person's right to tell the truth as they believe it to be. The Michael Bergin that emerges in this book is a warm, likable, and passionate. He also emerges as genuinely hurt by the loss of someone he loved, and devastated by her swift, tragic departure from this world. This seems extraordinarily authentic and heartfelt. I commend Mr. Bergin for his bravery and humility.

It was a sentimental testament to a failed relationship

I enjoyed this book. It was a love story, no more no less between two young people. Michael was her boyfriend, she meets JFK Jr. and is swept off her feet by the idea of being married to a rich gorgeous guy who is American royalty and the most eligible bachelor in the world! BUT, she retains feelings of lust or love for Michael. Ah, the classic triangle. Whether he said "yes" or "no", I don't believe in the end Carolyn had the strength to leave JFK Jr. She probably belonged with Michael because he made her feel needed and special.