Killing Kennedy. By Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. New York: Henry Holt and Comp., 2012.

If you love history, particularly American history, you will devour these two volumes. Very well-written in narrative-history style that keeps the reader’s attention, both accounts of two of the darkest days in our history provide a fascinating, educational read from page 1.

Little known details surrounding the killers, the days leading up to the assassinations, and the Presidents really bring these historic events to life.

Comparing the two, I was very inspired by Lincoln’s private life and thoughts and very disappointed and disturbed by Kennedy’s. It was also intriguing to discover all the similarities and points of contact between these presidents, their killers, and the tragic events surrounding their deaths.

In terms of informative and interesting, you won’t be disappointed with either biography, but in terms of the relation between the two, I would recommend you read Lincoln first.

A few takeaways.

Life is frail and can end surprisingly in an instant.

Legacies can live for ages.

Spend this life well, no matter how brief it may be, and it will inspire others toward good.