Ask Not Audiobook By Maureen Callahan cover art

Ask Not

The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed

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Ask Not

By: Maureen Callahan
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
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From New York Timesbestseller Maureen Callahan, a fierce, character-driven exposé of the real Kennedy Curse—the family’s generations-long legacy of misogyny, murder, and mayhem.

The Kennedy name has long been synonymous with wealth, power, glamor, and—above all else—integrity. But this carefully constructed veneer hides a dark truth: the pattern of Kennedy men physically and psychologically abusing women and girls, leaving a trail of ruin and death in each generation’s wake. Through decades of scandal after scandal—from sexual assaults to reputational slander, suicides to manslaughter—the family and their defenders have kept the Kennedy brand intact. Now, in Ask Not, bestselling author and journalist Maureen Callahan reveals the Kennedys’ hidden history of violence and exploitation, laying bare their unrepentant sexism and rampant depravity while also restoring these women and girls to their rightful place at the center of the dynasty’s story: from Jacqueline Onassis and Marilyn Monroe to Carolyn Bessette, Martha Moxley, Mary Jo Kopechne, Rosemary Kennedy, and many others whose names aren’t nearly as well known but should be.

Drawing on years of explosive reportage and written in electric prose, Ask Not is a long-overdue reckoning with this fabled family and a consequential part of American history that is still very much with us. At long last, Callahan redirects the spotlight to the women in the Kennedys’ orbit, paying homage to those who freed themselves and giving voice to those who, through no fault of their own, could not.

Accolades & Awards

Best of 2024
Americas Best of 2024 Sexual Crimes & Assault United States Politics & Activism Women True Crime Biographies & Memoirs Politicians Inspiring

Critic reviews

"Bold, brave and original, Ask Not takes a sledgehammer to the myth of Camelot. This is an unforgettable book—a necessary reckoning that will forever change the way I view modern American history."—Susannah Cahalan, author of The Great Pretender and the #1 New York Times bestseller Brain on Fire
“A harrowing, incendiary swirl of tragedy, true crime, and reconsidered history, Ask Not sets a match to the glamour and mystique of America’s most famous family. With incisive wit and wisdom, Callahan exposes the individuals and the celebrity culture that aided and abetted so many Kennedy men.”—Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park and Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy
Well-researched History • Compelling Revelations • Excellent Narration • Thorough Documentation • Eye-opening Perspective

Highly rated for:

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Most relevant
Also like history not sure how accurate this is but it was interesting to find out what men got away with back in the day.

Shocking and Sad

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detest all kennedy men, like father joe, john, both bobby's michael jfk ted, smith, skakel and countless cousins

truth of corrupt , womanizing and hatred of women

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I loved all the historic details like she was there. I also love how she dedicated her life to learning more about the Kennedy women. They were never talked about, they were treated so bad. This book is incredible I highly recommend this book.

historic

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Detailed researched. Professionally written and unique perspective of this historic family over the years. Kept interest throughout entire book.

Interesting

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Highly recommended can’t recommend this book enough amazing great information great narrative and writing that I loved

Writing

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