Set Your Compass True

Words of Wisdom on Private and Public Life by John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy

Those who makes peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.—John F Kennedy

The Kennedy legacy is enormous and vital, and the American fascination with the family on a personal and political level has long endured. This book offers a carefully honed selection of  includes first-person quotations, excerpts from letters, interviews, and speeches by John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy. Divided into two parts, “Public Lives and Everyday Values” and “Private Lives and Family,” the book includes anecdotes and observations on the three brothers by other family members, such as Joseph Sr. and Rose. Three eight-page inserts reveal images of the brothers--alone and together--from their youth to their final days.

Set Your Compass True is a celebration of the Kennedy contribution to the quality of American life legacy. “Public Lives and Everyday Values: is a sharing of  inspiring and uplifting thoughts on the American spirit, public service, duty, finding commons ground, the presidency, and leadership as well as everyday values that bring significance to our individual lives and our communities such as going after your dreams, risk taking, courage, truth, making a difference, setting goals, teamwork, helping others, and change. “Private Lives and Family” provides perspective on life experiences, as it explores finding a purpose in life and strength in difficult times, overcoming obstacles, personal fulfillment, owning up to mistakes, love, friendship, grief, and forgiveness.  The family section ponders family life, from growing up Irish and musing on family pets to thoughts on marriage, raising children, and family values.

This charming, pocket-sized book captures the wit, wisdom, and distinct personality of each of these dynamic leaders. It is at once an homage to the Kennedys and a book of timeless inspirational guidance.

With the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, a significant chapter in American history will come to a close. The Kennedy legacy is enormous and vital, and the American fascination with the family on a personal and political level has long endured. Images of Camelot, the Kennedy family on the beach in Hyannisport, Bobby Kennedy campaigning for the presidency with his ever-present dog Freckles and the sad passing of his funeral train that drew thousands, Teddy Kennedy's place on Capitol Hill as a champion of health care and family patriarch with its joys (giving Caroline away on her wedding day) and sorrows (bearing the metal coffin with the remains of John F. Kennedy, Jr. back to Woods Hole after his fatal 1999 plane crash)--these pictures are embedded in the American psyche. Americans can identify with the Kennedy family on a personal level: while their losses and sorrows have been enormous, their achievements have been enormous, their verve, intense and heartfelt.

This book celebrates that legacy. Inspiring and uplifting, and organized thematically by subjects such as truth, determination, discipline, listening to your inner voice, and other relevant topics. It captures the wit, wisdom, and distinct personality of each of these dynamic leaders. It is at once an homage to the Kennedys and a book of inspirational guidance.

The content includes first-person quotations, excerpts from letters, interviews, and speeches by each man. It also includes anecdotes and observations on the three brothers by other family members, such as Joseph Sr. and Rose. Three eight-page inserts reveal images of the brothers--alone and together--from their youth to their final days.

The book is structured as a must-have memento: beautifully designed, it makes a great gift, particularly with its selection of carefully chosen pictures. With its diverse editorial content, it will appeal to those with an interest in history and politics as well as to those with a more pop-culture interest in the Kennedy aura. With its compelling stories, passionate views on life and overcoming difficulty, it captures the essence of each man's personality, and provides solace and inspiration for the reader, which will appeal to the self-help audience.