About the book
“ABSOLUTELY IRRESISTIBLE.” —People (Best Books of Summer)
One of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction for 2022
In 1951, former debutante Jacqueline Bouvier is hard at work as the Inquiring Camera Girl for a Washington newspaper. Her mission in life is “not to be a housewife,” but when she meets the charismatic congressman Jack Kennedy at a Georgetown party, her resolution begins to falter. Soon the two are flirting over secret phone calls, cocktails, and dinner dates, and Jackie is drawn deeper into the Kennedy orbit. As Jack himself grows increasingly elusive and absent, she begins to question what life at his side would mean. For answers, she turns to his best friend and confidant, Lem Billings, a closeted gay man who has made the Kennedy family his own, and who has been instructed by them to seal the deal with Jack’s new girl. But as he gets to know her, a deep and touching friendship emerges, leaving him with a true dilemma: Is this the marriage she deserves?
Narrated by an older Lem as he looks back at his own role in a complicated alliance, this is a courtship story full of longing and suspense, of what-ifs and possible wrong turns. It is a surprising look at Jackie before she was that Jackie. And in bestselling author Louis Bayard’s witty and deeply empathetic telling, Jackie & Me is a page turning story of friendship, love, sacrifice, and betrayal—and a fresh take on two iconic American figures.
Editions of Jackie & Me
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781643753898
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781649041012
Read an Excerpt
“ABSOLUTELY IRRESISTIBLE.” —People (Best Books of Summer)
One of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction for 2022
In 1951, former debutante Jacqueline Bouvier is hard at work as the Inquiring Camera Girl for a Washington newspaper. Her mission in life is “not to be a housewife,” but when she meets the charismatic congressman Jack Kennedy at a Georgetown party, her resolution begins to falter. Soon the two are flirting over secret phone calls, cocktails, and dinner dates, and Jackie is drawn deeper into the Kennedy orbit. As Jack himself grows increasingly elusive and absent, she begins to question what life at his side would mean. For answers, she turns to his best friend and confidant, Lem Billings, a closeted gay man who has made the Kennedy family his own, and who has been instructed by them to seal the deal with Jack’s new girl. But as he gets to know her, a deep and touching friendship emerges, leaving him with a true dilemma: Is this the marriage she deserves?
Narrated by an older Lem as he looks back at his own role in a complicated alliance, this is a courtship story full of longing and suspense, of what-ifs and possible wrong turns. It is a surprising look at Jackie before she was that Jackie. And in bestselling author Louis Bayard’s witty and deeply empathetic telling, Jackie & Me is a page turning story of friendship, love, sacrifice, and betrayal—and a fresh take on two iconic American figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jackie & Me about?
“ABSOLUTELY IRRESISTIBLE.” —People (Best Books of Summer)
One of The Washington Post’s 50 Notable Works of Fiction for 2022
In 1951, former debutante Jacqueline Bouvier is hard at work as the Inquiring Camera Girl for a Washington newspaper. Her mission in life is “not to be a housewife,” but when she meets the charismatic congressman Jack Kennedy at a Georgetown party, her resolution begins to falter. Soon the two are flirting over secret phone calls, cocktails, and dinner dates, and Jackie is drawn deeper into the Kennedy orbit. As Jack himself grows increasingly elusive and absent, she begins to question what life at his side would mean. For answers, she turns to his best friend and confidant, Lem Billings, a closeted gay man who has made the Kennedy family his own, and who has been instructed by them to seal the deal with Jack’s new girl. But as he gets to know her, a deep and touching friendship emerges, leaving him with a true dilemma: Is this the marriage she deserves?
Narrated by an older Lem as he looks back at his own role in a complicated alliance, this is a courtship story full of longing and suspense, of what-ifs and possible wrong turns. It is a surprising look at Jackie before she was that Jackie. And in bestselling author Louis Bayard’s witty and deeply empathetic telling, Jackie & Me is a page turning story of friendship, love, sacrifice, and betrayal—and a fresh take on two iconic American figures.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Jackie & Me?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of Jackie & Me?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781643753898
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Jackie & Me?
Louis Bayard
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Jackie & Me is available as paperback(ISBN 9781643753898) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781649041012)
Where can I buy Jackie & Me online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Jackie & Me from below
Where can I buy Jackie & Me?