For 25 years William Noonan and John F. Kennedy, Jr. were best friends. Sharing an adolescence in Hyannisport, Massachusetts, the two frequented beach bonfires and the Monday-night yacht-club dances, took road trips, shared albums, sneaked cigarettes on the widow’s walk of John’s house, and scored beer together. And as they grew older, John and Billy never lost the connection they forged in the Kennedy compound as two young boys who had both tragically lost their fathers.

A humble and touching memoir, Forever Young uncovers the private John F. Kennedy, Jr from the matchless vantage point of a longtime childhood friend. Forever Young ispacked with never revealed details of John and Carolyn Bessette’s courtship and wedding, the launch of George, John’s unusually close relationship with his mother Jackie, and the heartbreaking aftermath of the plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard that killed John, Carolyn, and Carolyn’s sister. Noonan also shares the more ribald episodes, including John’s many famous conquests, skirmishes with paparazzi, and his stint as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” The definitive story of the son of Camelot, Forever Young is a touching and revelatory tribute to a friendship between two men—and a life cut devastatingly short.

Listening Length

8 hours and 23 minutes
Author

William Noonan
Narrator

Adam Grupper
Audible release date

August 6, 2010
Language

English
Publisher

Recorded Books
ASIN

B003YV1FSI
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	8 hours and 23 minutes
Author	William Noonan
Narrator	Adam Grupper
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	August 06, 2010
Publisher	Recorded Books
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B003YV1FSI
Best Sellers Rank	#139,746 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #755 in Historical Biographies (Audible Books & Originals) #951 in Biographies of Politicians #2,641 in Biographies of Celebrities & Entertainment Professionals

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5

199 global ratings

5 star		57%
4 star		21%
3 star		8%
2 star		8%
1 star		7%

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kramax

Subtle telling of a friendship

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 20, 2007

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I loved this book. I have purchased books written by Richard Blow and Michael Bergin, friends of JFK Jnr and his wife Caroline, after their deaths. This one was superior to both, in that Noonan subtly and proudly tells of his long friendship with JFK Jnr. The way they came to be friends is told realistically and numerous photos are supplied as proof. As a big Jackie O fan, I was surprised to read of the author's telling of encounters with her, and there were many. It makes Jackie more real and writes of her in her role solely as a mother to John and puts a first hand perspective on her fame in NY after the death of the President. The books by Blow and Bergin lack this as they never met Jackie. The test for me was how Noonan would tell of the drug use by Carolyn and the marital troubles at the time of their deaths. I was pleased to see Noonan dealt with the matter with as much sensitivity as he could, while being truthful about the fact that Carolyn Bessette could not deal with the overwhelming celebrity and all that came with it, of being married to John. As we all know their wedding was a huge secret and the only time I have read about the whole affair from the engagement to the honeymoon was in this book. Only a handful of people were invited to the wedding or even knew about it and the author was one. It leaves potential purchasers of this book in no doubt that they will have a first hand insight into John's life. The author lost his father young, as did John, so there was a bond there for life. The author is also realistic about JFK's foibles, ie being late etc. Caroline Kennedy is barely touched on in this book, the author did not have a lot of dealings with John's sister from the content of the book. Buy this book if you are a Jackie O fan or just admired JFK Jnr. The only negative about this book was the constant references to the shared Irishness of the families, but it is only an irritation. I thank Noonan for writing the book, I could not put it down. The negative reviews on this site show that those reviewers didnt "get it".

15 people found this helpful

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dale davis

Can’t recommend

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 18, 2023

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The author seems a bit misogynistic, lamenting his mother’s passing because it meant no more lobster salad sandwiches at her club, having to be talked into marrying his wife, and quoting JFK Jr as having just banged some girl. Could make one question JFK Jr’s taste in “friends”.

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An Exceptional Man

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 10, 2006

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I've never been a JFK detractor or big fan but have always admired the way JFK, Jr. carried himself. This book confirms that what the public saw in the brief moments was really exactly what he appeared to be, a well grounded, bright, loyal, compassionate man who valued his privacy but could live with the attention maybe better than anyone thus far.

Written by one of John's longest friend, Billy Noonan describes how they met on the Cape and how they lived their lives. Billy spent a great deal of time with Jackie also and gives a great perspective of her life and his respect for her. In addition, Billy lost a father at 13 and had this in common with Jr.

This book is nothing more than a tale of two Baby Boomers living in a glorious period in America. But when one of the "normal" individuals is JFK, Jr., it takes on an entirely different perspective. The incidents that happened due to this fame are interesting to read as he relays his fascination and JFK, Jr.'s frustration dealing with the problem. Unfortunately, Carolyn Bessette was not equipped to deal with this intrusion into a normal life. I remember the incident where JFK poured water on a paparazzi on the Cape intruding on Carolyn and how he later came out and talked with the photographer attempting to apologize or at least ask for space. This is what is conveyed in this book. A compassionate individual who understood much more than the world will ever know. Always willing to help others in the world and as relayed by Noonan, a deeper understanding of the world problems brought out in their debates where Noonan took on a more conservative approach.

I haven't voted Democratic and encourage you to not let your politics influence your decision to read this book. JFK Jr. is as close as this country will ever have to royalty and this book confirms what I've always felt, he wears the crown well.

23 people found this helpful

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R. Jones

We get what we want out of our reading...

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 12, 2012

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I have followed the Kennedy's like many our age group. I kind of enjoyed Billy talking a bit about him and his family. At first, I only really wanted to hear about John but he showed what kind of person John was, with the kind of friends he picked.
I have read now 4 books and even though Caroline would rather not have personal things out there (totally understand), I have been able to take away a little more of what kind of person John was. For the most, he handled his life pretty well.
I am so sad that he is not here today and we had to read about him... I think, he would have been good for this Country in the future... He sure could not have messed it up anymore then it is now!!!
I know, it would never happen but would love to read a book from Carolyn Kennedy's family. Be interesting to read those thoughts.

One person found this helpful

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Christine

Good Times with John Kennedy

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 8, 2016

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Noonan's book talks of the activities and hijinks he and JFK Jr. got into together. It's mostly centered on their lives on Cape Cod, as that was where their friendship began and was mostly sustained. Noonan doesn't describe anything of depth about John; it's pretty superficial, which is what one would expect of a man describing his friendship with another man. I appreciated Billy's insight into Carolyn's mental health, though I'm not sure John or Carolyn would have appreciated it. What is clear is that Billy and John had almost a lifelong friendship that was full of fun and laughter. All in all, I enjoyed reading it.

One person found this helpful

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Miss Nostagia

Great Overview of JFK, Jr.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 2, 2013

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A very personal look at what being best friends with our "hero" growing up was like and how he dealt with being the MOST sought after American his entire life. He is real, honest and insightful about who John was as a person, friend, policitian and patriot. Life was often overwhelming on many levels from the moment he was born - he was thrust into the limelight and had to grow up under the constant scrutiny of cameras, press, hungry authors and sound bites. One can only imagine and also read what it took to be around John as he matured. Finally, to hear how personal the loss was when his plane went down....

3 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Donella McNulty

Good read if you love JFK Jnr.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 1, 2023

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Good condition and delivered on time. If you love anything about JFK Jnr you’ll love this book.

great to read the truth

Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 2, 2013

Verified Purchase

Billy Noonan certainly isn't a professional writer but it was so refreshing to read the truth about John and Carolyn's relationship and the behind the scenes in John Kennedy's life and get the best truthful glimpse of the person that he was.

2 people found this helpful

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