It has been said that this is the only memoir written by one of the Kennedys.  This should be obvious since the other men all died young and tragically before they could do so.

All of the well-known facets of Kennedy's life have been included in this memoir:  his life as one of nine children; his conduct at the University of Virginia Law School; the Chappaquiddick affair; his almost fatal plane accident; his failed marriage; his early reputation for drinking and women; the tragedies of his brothers' assassinations; his acceptance of the responsibility for his brothers' children; the medical problems of his own  children; the influence of his second wife; and his monumental service in the Senate.  He gives a previously untold view of his father, Joseph Kennedy, as a man whose approval and love he strove to win.  He is honest about his failures and modest about his successes.  He gives a wonderful tribute to his second wife for her understanding and support in their marriage.  He writes that she has changed his life.

These all show a man, rather than a member of a famous and powerful family.  He portrays himself with his flaws and his shortcomings, but he also shows remorse and a desire for redemption.  Despite his flaws, he did his best and leaves a legacy of some very influential legislation.

This is a deeply moving and inspiring story of a life whose message is "that through perseverance and fortitude one can overcome any shortcoming and atone for any failure and succeed in a chosen course."

There are many never-before-seen family pictures.

It is poignant that the first copy of his memoir reached the Kennedy home on the day of his death.