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Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed Hardcover – July 2, 2024

by Maureen Callahan (Author)
#1 Best Seller in Women in History
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INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER  |  #1 SUNDAY TIMES (UK) BESTSELLER
 
"The must-read book of the summer" (Megyn Kelly) from New York Times bestseller Maureen Callahan: a "harrowing, incendiary" exposé of the real Kennedy Curse—the family’s generations-long legacy of misogyny, murder, and mayhem (Karen Abbott).

The Kennedy name has long been synonymous with wealth, power, glamor, and—above all else—integrity. But this carefully constructed veneer hides a dark truth: the pattern of Kennedy men physically and psychologically abusing women and girls, leaving a trail of ruin and death in each generation’s wake. Through decades of scandal after scandal—from sexual assaults to reputational slander, suicides to manslaughter—the family and their defenders have kept the Kennedy brand intact. Now, in Ask Not, bestselling author and journalist Maureen Callahan reveals the Kennedys’ hidden history of violence and exploitation, laying bare their unrepentant sexism and rampant depravity while also restoring these women and girls to their rightful place at the center of the dynasty’s story: from Jacqueline Onassis and Marilyn Monroe to Carolyn Bessette, Martha Moxley, Mary Jo Kopechne, Rosemary Kennedy, and many others whose names aren’t nearly as well known but should be.

Drawing on years of explosive reportage and written in electric prose, Ask Not is a long-overdue reckoning with this fabled family and a consequential part of American history that is still very much with us. At long last, Callahan redirects the spotlight to the women in the Kennedys’ orbit, paying homage to those who freed themselves and giving voice to those who, through no fault of their own, could not.

One of Town & Country’s Must-Read Books of Summer 2024
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  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown and Company
  4. Publication date
    July 2, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0316276170
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316276177
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Ask Not A+
Ask Not 2
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Callahan takes a fresh angle by focusing in on the women born or married or merely sucked up into the world of the Kennedys and the price they paid…. Anyone looking for happy stories of Camelot should keep looking.”―Parade

“A stinging portrait of the depredations of not just John F. Kennedy but of three generations of Kennedy men . . . Callahan delivers.”―The Washington Post

"A timely reminder of the dangers posed by men who crave power."―The Observer

“Callahan profiles 13 women, some famous, some infamous, some conveniently unknown, who had the misfortune of falling into the Kennedy orbit…. The Kennedys, Callahan asserts, are the epitome of men behaving badly. Taken as a whole, their decades-long misogynistic and malevolent exploits must be recognized as being as legacy-defining as their political successes.”―Booklist

"It is practically the birthright of every American to have a fascination with the Kennedys—and the infamous Kennedy curse. Maureen Callahan does us one better, stripping away the veneer of Camelot to present a searing, no holds barred account of scandal by zeroing in on the numerous destructions wrought by generations of Kennedy men against the women in their orbit. There are revelations about Jackie Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, and Carolyn Bessette, of course, but also about the various crimes committed against women outside the family too, including famous figures, like Marilyn Monroe, and lesser known individuals, like Martha Moxley."―Town & Country

"A grim but very compelling read."―The Sunday Independent

“A lacerating exposé.”―The Guardian

"If you're after non-fiction that reads like a propulsive political thriller, this is the book for you."―Glamour UK

“A sharp-edged exposé of Kennedy men… An informative and gossip-filled history of a notorious clan.”―Kirkus

"Bold, brave and original, Ask Not takes a sledgehammer to the myth of Camelot. This is an unforgettable book—a necessary reckoning that will forever change the way I view modern American history."―Susannah Cahalan, author of The Great Pretender and the #1 New York Times bestseller Brain on Fire

“A harrowing, incendiary swirl of tragedy, true crime, and reconsidered history, Ask Not sets a match to the glamour and mystique of America’s most famous family. With incisive wit and wisdom, Callahan exposes the individuals and the celebrity culture that aided and abetted so many Kennedy men.”―Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park and Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy

About the Author

Maureen Callahan is an award-winning investigative journalist and the author of the New York Times bestseller American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century. Her writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, The New York Times Magazine, Spin, New YorkMagazine, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail, where she currently has a column. She lives in New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company (July 2, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316276170
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316276177
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Maureen Callahan

Maureen Callahan

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Maureen Callahan is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning investigative journalist, columnist, and commentator. She has covered everything from pop culture to politics. Her writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, New York, Spin, and the New York Post, where she is Critic-at-Large. She lives in New York. Visit her at maureencallahan.net.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,013 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book spectacular, riveting, and gossipy. They also describe the plot as interesting, haunting, unbiased, and gossipy. Opinions are mixed on the horror, with some finding it shocking and interesting, while others say it's very horrific and disgusting.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityPlotHorrorGender issues
39 customers mention "Readability"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book spectacular, interesting, and page-turning. They also say it's superb, well-researched, and fast-paced.

"She does an amazing job of compiling information. It's a page turning read...." Read more

"...It is well researched, well written, and as I said in my headline, profoundly disturbing...." Read more

"I think this book is very good and it certainly is interesting and compelling. As one who grew up in the Kennedy era I found it quite intriguing...." Read more

"...I found this book interesting and very well written." Read more

32 customers mention "Plot"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot fascinating, uncensored, and well-researched. They also say the book is poignant, interesting, and haunting. Readers also say that the author is unbiased in her reporting.

"She does an amazing job of compiling information. It's a page turning read...." Read more

"...It is well researched, well written, and as I said in my headline, profoundly disturbing...." Read more

"I think this book is very good and it certainly is interesting and compelling. As one who grew up in the Kennedy era I found it quite intriguing...." Read more

"I have read many books about the Kennedy’s, this book contains new information and insight about the women who fell into the orbit of the Kennedy men..." Read more

12 customers mention "Horror"4 positive8 negative

Customers are mixed about the horror in the book. Some find it shocking and interesting, while others say it's a true eye-opener to the disgusting treatment of Rosemary. They also mention that the torture of the doctor is sickening and the doctor deserved capital punishment.

"...The torture of Rosemary was sickening, the “doctor” deserved capital punishment, and how karmic that Joe himself spent so many years incapacitated..." Read more

"...well researched, well written, and as I said in my headline, profoundly disturbing...." Read more

"What a depressing and grim book to read...." Read more

"The more I read, the more I am horrified and disgusted. If these stories are even half true, the Kennedy’s are an awful family...." Read more

4 customers mention "Gender issues"0 positive4 negative

Customers find the book's gender issues to be unsatisfying. They mention that the author has no respect for women, and is cruel.

"...The theme that is glaringly evident is that the Kennedys don't care for women and treat them with utter contempt, using them as play things and..." Read more

"...not all……..It is a true eye-opener to this very horrific, disgusting treatment of women." Read more

"...through that generation and their children - no self awareness, no respect for women, privileged, and down right cruel...." Read more

"...The Kennedy men were really monsters and had no respect for women. Even the Kennedy men of today treated their wifes with disrespect and disregard...." Read more

Book arrived damaged
1 out of 5 stars
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This book arrived damaged and covered in some wet, sticky residue. The dust jacket as well as the book’s cover were warped and damaged. Very disappointed.
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Top reviews from the United States

theresa
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting and depressing
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
She does an amazing job of compiling information. It's a page turning read. It sheds a much needed light on what some horribly abusive men get away with, present day included.
We must all ASK!
4 people found this helpful
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Wendy Kaplan
5.0 out of 5 stars Profoundly Disturbing
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
JFK was my very first bona fide hero, and Bobby was a near second. I bought into the entire Kennedy myth, as did my dear late mother, who died at age 47 and I'm so glad she knew none of this. I could not put this book down, but quite literally went into a strong depression during and after reading it. It is well researched, well written, and as I said in my headline, profoundly disturbing. It is beyond comprehension what the women involved with almost every Kennedy male went through, how they were not believed, how their reputations were deliberately destroyed, and so much more. If you read this book, prepare to be upset. There is no other way I can describe it. And for those who want to connect this with a certain political party, I wish it was that easy. It goes far beyond simple politics!
99 people found this helpful
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Susan
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, good writer, completely negative historical account
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024
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Tragic cover ups of unspeakable acts of cruel and often criminal actions by the Kennedy dynasty. Good writing but sometimes, just as the male Kennedy's were shielded from there actions, not enough responsibility was assigned to the role of the female Kennedys. Blaming the expected role of women does not excuse the lack of moral decency. Left with a total disrespect for media and doubtful of the integrity of our leaders.
12 people found this helpful
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Marion
5.0 out of 5 stars Very compelling - quite the read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2024
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I think this book is very good and it certainly is interesting and compelling. As one who grew up in the Kennedy era I found it quite intriguing. I knew things about them but there is so much that needs to come out. I believe the author has done quite the due diligence and I don't doubt the facts. The only quibble I have is that she portrays how the women felt in situations - and she may know and may have found that out in her research but I wasn't sure so some of that may be poetic license. Nevertheless, it needs to be known and it's time for the family to be seen as they really were and not some romantic characterization.
23 people found this helpful
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Donna Kimbler
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth Reading
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
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I have read many books about the Kennedy’s, this book contains new information and insight about the women who fell into the orbit of the Kennedy men. I found this book interesting and very well written.
One person found this helpful
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Diana
3.0 out of 5 stars The Kennedy's are a political dynasty, but Ms Callahan should have kept politics out of the book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
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Maureen Callahan has long been one of my favorite journalists. I consistently follow her articles in The New York Post and The Daily Mail of London and have never disagreed with the stances she has taken. Ms Callahan is straight forward, honest and (was) unbiased in her reporting. However, I have to question two issues concerning Ask Not. Firstly, I hate to sound like a “conspiracy theorist,” albeit, the timing with respect to the release of this book is interesting. The race for the White House is on, and the sitting president clearly has neurological issues. Though the former president looks like the favored choice, independent candidate, Robert Kennedy Jr., is a formidable challenger for Biden and Trump. Just as Kennedy’s numbers are climbing, coincidentally Ask Not makes its debut. Additionally, in the Prologue, using 349 words, Callahan overtly makes a political statement to not vote for Kennedy. An example, "As of this writing, Robert Kennedy Jr., a prominent conspiracy theorist and anti-vaxxer, who has made racist and antisemitic comments is running for President of the United States."
67 people found this helpful
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Amandalee D. Wayman
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written and Heart-rending.
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book is so well written and researched and something everyone should read. You will be shaken by the truths finally revealed in this brave book. I felt like I couldn’t put it down, but had to stop periodically because of the pain that oozed out of this book. I have lived my entire life seeing the Kennedy stories and tragedies but never fully understood how much self inflicted pain permeated throughout every generation of this family. And now I realize too how much outward pain they inflicted callously on everyone around them. It is a must read. Poignant and hard, but a must read.
36 people found this helpful
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SARreviews
5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC. Author shares a few horrific stories of an entitled privileged family of lady killers
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
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This family knows how far the rot goes. They are responsible for the death and destruction of almost every woman that has been in touch with them, have denigrated the highest office in this land and feel entitled to do, say and take anything they want without consequence because they are Kennedys.

Everyone knows the Kennedy record with women, drugs and debauchery. Calloway has captured just some of the terrible situations involving Kennedy men and women including their sisters, wives, underage girls, mistresses, babysitters, WH interns, family members and strangers. The theme that is glaringly evident is that the Kennedys don't care for women and treat them with utter contempt, using them as play things and props to be utilized, disposed of and silenced.

From JFKs venereal diseases passed on to Jackie and who knows who else, his romps in the White House, sleeping with underage and very young girls, taking their virginity in the Lincoln bedroom and FLOTUS marital bed to JFK jrs near untouchability and adulation, although he was as "dumb as a box of rocks" and acutely aware of his privilege and entitlement using them constantly and casually to do and get what he wanted the author has taken well known threads, stories and histories of the Kennedy's with women and collated them in one place. There are many thing younger generations don't understand such as Carolyn Bessette was leaving JFK (she herself, deeply troubled, temperamental with serious drug, sex and emotional problems) when she and her innocent sister sadly lost their lives because of this mediocre, dangerous narcissistic first son who insisted on flying without training while injured because well...he was a Kennedy and no one was going to deny him.

She chronicles RFK jr and his late wife and their turmoil. A recent VF piece on RFK jr captures him proclaiming (something that many Kennedy men have done) he could get away with murder as a Kennedy. And does (this is a guy that did cocaine and heroin, drove his wife to despair and ultimately suicide, cheats incessantly etc. and still believes he's a great presidential pick b/c of his name). She talks of the Shriver family (remember Maria Shriver who claimed we should all vote for Arnold when cheating allegations surfaced "because those were rumors and she knows the man") and the endless coverups of rape (Skakels, Michael Smith Kennedy, Ted, RFK, JFK, Joe Sr) to murders of women.

This is a family that claims to be for the poor, of course always from their Hyannis compound and whose kids and grandkids-check out Jack Schlossberg's unhinged rants-benefit from this privilege still today. Jackie O purposely created the fabrication of Camelot. It never existed. America is ridiculous for holding this trashy family in esteem.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Anita O'Connell
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!loved this book
Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2024
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It was difficult to put this book down. I lived through most of this history and the truth behind the scenes are mind-blowing. It was worth buying!
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isadora calil
5.0 out of 5 stars O fim de Camelot
Reviewed in Brazil on July 14, 2024
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Muito bem escrito e com uma implacável pesquisa, "Ask not" focaliza a dor de tantas mulheres que, finalmente, tiveram suas vidas valorizadas, não predadas ou descartadas. Esta obra é a plataforma perfeita para a necessária implosão de Camelot.
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AussieLinda
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW
Reviewed in Australia on July 9, 2024
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Every intelligent person should read this book.
Highly recommend.
Very well written and researched.
Camelot is cracked beyond repair and it is about time.
One person found this helpful
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Debra Shumay
5.0 out of 5 stars Kennedys
Reviewed in Canada on July 28, 2024
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Loved this book very informative
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L T.
1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t bother!
Reviewed in Australia on July 7, 2024
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I kept thinking I was reading the introduction and waiting for the narrative. Very poor work, it jumped all over the place. I was wondering whether my kindle had downloaded properly.
One person found this helpful
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