The Summer I Met Jack - by Michelle Gable (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"[The Summer I Met Jack] offers an alternate Kennedy family history that will leave readers wondering whether America knew the real JFK at all." --Kirkus Reviews

A New York Times bestselling author imagines the affair between John F. Kennedy and Alicia Corning Clark--and the child they may have had.

Based on a real story--in 1950, a young, beautiful Polish refugee arrives in Hyannisport, Massachusetts to work as a maid for one of the wealthiest families in America. Alicia is at once dazzled by the large and charismatic family, in particular the oldest son, a rising politician named Jack.

Alicia and Jack are soon engaged, but his domineering father forbids the marriage. And so, Alicia trades Hyannisport for Hollywood, and eventually Rome. She dates famous actors and athletes and royalty, including Gary Cooper, Kirk Douglas, and Katharine Hepburn, all the while staying close with Jack. A decade after they meet, on the eve of Jack's inauguration as the thirty-fifth President of the United States, the two must confront what they mean to each other.

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable is based on the fascinating real life of Alicia Corning Clark, a woman who J. Edgar Hoover insisted was paid by the Kennedys to keep quiet, not only about her romance with Jack Kennedy, but also a baby they may have had together.

Review Quotes

"A splendid portrait of a spirited survivor thriving in a man's world...this sparkling novel will enthrall readers." - Publishers Weekly

"Compassionate and intelligent...[THE SUMMER I MET JACK] offers massive cross-genre appeal." - Library Journal, Starred Review

"A riveting tale about America's most romanticized family." - Kirkus

"Gable brings her flair for multigenerational stories rooted in New England summers to this inspired-by-a-true-story tale that will appeal to Kennedy watchers, seasonal romantics, and fans of old Hollywood." - Booklist

"Clark proves as fascinating a figure as JFK and both are explored here with much imagination. A must read." - Toronto Star