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To everyone else, John F. Kennedy Jr. may have been American royalty, but to RoseMarie Terenzio he was an entitled nuisance—and she wasn’t afraid to let him know it. RoseMarie was his personal assistant, his publicist, and one of his closest confidantes during the last five years of his life. In this, her first memoir, she bravely recounts her own Fairy Tale Interrupted, describing the unlikely friendship between a blue-collar girl from the Bronx and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Funny, moving, and fresh, her memoir is a unique account by the woman who was with him through dating, politics, the paparazzi, and his marriage to Carolyn Bessette. Her street smarts, paired with her loyalty, candor, and relentless work ethic, made her the trusted insider to America’s most famous man.
After John and Carolyn’s tragic, untimely deaths on July 16, 1999, RoseMarie’s whole world came crashing down around her, along with her hopes for the future. Only now does she feel she can tell her story in a book that is at once a moving tribute and a very real picture of her friend and employer.
Many books have sought to capture John F. Kennedy Jr.’s life. None has been as intimate or as honest as Fairy Tale Interrupted, a true portrait of the man behind the icon—patient, protective, surprisingly goofy, occasionally thoughtless and self-involved, yet capable of extraordinary generosity and kindness. She reveals what John really had in mind for his political future, how he handled media attention, and the reality of life behind the scenes at George magazine. She also shares how she dealt with the ultra-secretive planning of John and Carolyn’s wedding on Cumberland Island—and the heartbreak of their deaths.
Fairy Tale Interrupted is a deeply loving story and a fascinating adventure, filled with warmth, humor, insight, and five years’ worth of unforgettable memories.
Anonymous
Posted January 26, 2012
This book was nothing at all about John Jr! This book is about Rosie and her job as a secretary and painting her boss in a not so great light, with undertones of resentment of not being an equal. Using JFK Jr as the subject is a misnomer if not an absolute lie. It is self absorbed and immature, and I think John and Caroline would have been greatly put off by the notion of Rose making a few bucks off their name! Embarrassing!
23 out of 36 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 2, 2012
bought this book on my nook color cause I am a BIG kennedy nut...but i was very disaapointed in the book...I felt the author tried to hard in the book and used her aasociation with JFK jr as a way to make money..I felt like she made herself out to be THE most important person in JFK jr's life and she was the only one who was effected by his death...she was his secratary and that was it nothing more but I felt she mad her self out to be something more to JFK jr than what she was...hate i spent so much for the book should of waited till it went on clearance or jus borrowed it from someone....
16 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 3, 2012
I really wanted to like this book because I loved JFK, Jr. However, the title of the book should have been: "Rosie Climbs Her Way to the Top."
This book was ALL about Rosemarie: she was John and Caroline's best friend! She was indespensible to John! And all the perks of running with the big dogs! And please! May I drop some more names and show you some more notes so that you will see how wonderful I am! And that magazine, "George" would never have survived at all without me! I was the equal to all the editors and came up with all the ideas! Never mind that I was only an assistant/secretary! I was really John's chief of Staff! And now that he has gone I have lost all my perks! And woe is me! Since I literally ran John and Caroline's life, I am now too good for any other job!
Enough said.
14 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 7, 2012
The synopsis led me to believe this would be about John Kennedy Jr. It is not. It's only focus is on Rosie, his secretary, and how amazing she perceives herself for having been a part of his life. And her perception is that she was a very large part. Well, "Rosey" (as John Jr. misspells on a handwritten letter to you), may I ask if your adored boss would have approved of this book of yours?
9 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 25, 2012
The honesty was very inspiring. Certainly a book that I would recommend reading.
8 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 26, 2012
if anyone is expecting a tell-all about John Jr., he or she should turn his or her attention elsewhere because this is about RoseMarie's fairytale which came to a screeching halt following her boss' death. This book is the modern girl's version of the American dream. How many young career women, particularly those from humble beginnings, find themselves working for John Kennedy Jr. as a result of being ousted from their own 'I finally made it in Manhattan' office?
RoseMarie is quick-witted and bright and her banter with John is hilarious and sweet. Her story provides just enough of a window into the kind of man John was and we see him as someone who is real and compassionate and sometimes guilty of real guy insensitivity.
But truly...this is the author's story...and I loved it and hope to see Mila Kunis play RoseMarie in the movie because that would be great casting!
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 3, 2012
What a refreshing read about RoseMarie and her experiences. It makes you miss and appreciate JFK Jr and wonder where our world be with him today. Put it on your book club list, call your friends and buy a copy today.
6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 28, 2012
The book mad me laugh, cry and enjoy this woman's amazing journey. It made me fall in awe of John F. Kennedy all over again. Her story confirmed all my love of his pure regalness. Kudos to her for thee best memoir I have read in years. She's truly a genious. Ciao.
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 24, 2012
I couldnt put this book down! One of my favorites. I loved JFK Jr. and now I love Rosie just as much! Love her NY personality and her story of her Fairy Tale Interrupted. I could read it over and over again. I read it in less than 24 hours and I have 3 kids 3, 6 & 8. I wish Rosie nothing but love and luck with her future. I would love to read more about her life. What a great read!!!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 25, 2012
I Also Recommend:
one of my favourites. Loved this book! would recommend
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 28, 2012
I don't understand what other reviewers are complaining about- this book has fabulous detail about JFK Jr and Rosemarie. She paints Kennedy in an honest way, making him human instead of this super figure that has no faults. I enjoyed the contrast between the life of the author and that of JFK Jr, as they come from such different backgrounds, yet were able to work closely together for years. I also loved that it showed how Rosemarie was able to rise up and associate with the elite. It's a fabulous story about JFK Jr, his assistant and rising the ranks in America.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much. It gives you a little more insight into JFK Jr's life. It also describes the pain Ms. Terenzio felt after the death of JFK Jr. and his wife. While some people might not understand the attachment, she was their friend and a part of their lives. Very sad at the end.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 3, 2012
Rosie writes about her five years working for JFK Jr. It's her story, not only about her connectioin with John and Carolyn, but others who have touched her life. Found the memoir enjoyable and easy to read.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 13, 2012
Nice to see you was empowered and was able to strike out on her own.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 6, 2012
I picked up this book because it sounded interesting. Boy, was glad I did.
I was so moved and captivated by the nuances and details of Ms. Terenzio's life and the beautiful friendship she shared with John and Carolyn. At times, I couldn't put it down and was so affected by it, that I found myself alternatively laughing then crying.
A must read. Thank you, Ms. Terenzio.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 3, 2012
Wonderful book.....could not put it down. Beautiful story highlighting JFK, Jr. and is wife, Carolyn. This book showed their personalities from an insider's point of view. Just fascinating. don't miss this one.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 27, 2012
Can't wait for the movie! Great book
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anyone who has been an "office wife" knows what Rose meant to her boss only most of us don't have the pleasure and the intruige of working for a JFK Jr. I felt for Rose every step of the way although at first I was jealous but by the book's end I was weeping. I have read other books about the Kennedys but this was the best portrait of JFK Jr and Rose is pretty interesting as well. A terrific read!!!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 18, 2012
This is a book that at first I believe would be about John Junior and his wife. It turned out to let the reader know another side of him through his aide. I was a bit let down to know it was her story, but it has been an easy read and one I did enjoy. It made me feel that writing this book has helped Ms. Terenzio get through some of the steps when a person loses someone close. After working for John, it would seem like a fairy tale, I guess. The lost of these young people has been a deep and wide expereince for many. Still glad I read the book.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 5, 2012
I read this book in just two days and enjoyed it very much. Rosie sounds like a great lady and it was interesting reading her perspective on JFK Jr & Carolyn's life. Only thing I wish it included was if JFK Jr had any political aspirations towards the end of his life. Nothing was even mentioned - and I believe it was advertised as revealing this in the about this book. Still, a worthwhile read.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
To everyone else, John F. Kennedy Jr. may have been American royalty, but to RoseMarie Terenzio he was an entitled nuisance—and she wasn’t afraid to let him know it. RoseMarie was his personal assistant, his publicist, and one of his closest confidantes during the last five years of his life. In this, her first memoir, she bravely recounts her own Fairy Tale Interrupted, describing the unlikely friendship between a blue-collar girl from the Bronx and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Funny, ...