Doris Kearns Goodwin’s "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s" is a deeply moving and profoundly insightful memoir that masterfully weaves together the personal and political. At its heart is her marriage to Richard “Dick” Goodwin, whose pivotal role in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations provides the foundation for this compelling narrative. Dick’s remarkable career as a speechwriter and advisor placed him at the epicenter of many of the decade’s defining moments, from crafting President Johnson’s "Great Society" speeches to his work on civil rights and his investigations into corporate corruption. The book is the result of an extraordinary collaboration between Doris and Dick, as they pored through hundreds of boxes of primary documents, speeches, and memorabilia that Dick meticulously collected throughout his far-reaching career. These materials serve as the backbone of the story, offering readers unparalleled insight into both the public and private dynamics of the 1960s. Doris complements Dick’s firsthand accounts with her characteristic brilliance as a historian, creating a richly textured portrait of a transformative era. The narrative effortlessly shifts between the grand stage of history and the intimate details of their relationship. Doris writes with a tender honesty about her love for Dick, his towering intellect, and his relentless drive to fight for justice. Their marriage becomes a lens through which we experience the decade’s triumphs and tragedies, from the hope and idealism of the Kennedy years to the heartbreak of Vietnam and the unraveling of Johnson’s presidency. Goodwin’s gift for storytelling is on full display here, and the book is as much a testament to a partnership built on mutual respect and shared purpose as it is a chronicle of an extraordinary time. The labor of sifting through decades of memories and documents adds a palpable authenticity to the narrative, making it feel as though you are uncovering the past alongside them. While I reserve 5-star ratings for books that are life-changing, "An Unfinished Love Story" comes very close, earning a well-deserved 4.5 stars in spirit. At times, the sheer density of the historical material slows the narrative’s momentum, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise remarkable achievement. This memoir is a fitting tribute to Dick’s legacy and to the love that fueled their shared passion for history and public service. It’s a book that offers not only a vivid window into the 1960s but also a moving reflection on the enduring power of love, partnership, and the stories we leave behind.

My husband and I enjoyed Utica very much. We are 80, and it was fascinating to read about our history

This is a wonderful book! I am of an age that was galvanized by the speeches at the time and it was wonderful to hear them again.

This is an outstanding reminiscence of the 1960s. I could not have enjoyed it more.

Great Read! Powerful insight on the 1960's. Doris Kearns Goodwin is an excellent author and I did like hearing her as the narrator.

Fascinating chronicle of the sixties told in a coherent, personal way.

Authors are sometimes poor narrators.This is a clear exception.